Is Atlantic Highlands Safe, Pros and cons of living in Atlantic Highlands

Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, offers a unique coastal charm combined with suburban convenience, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled along the Jersey Shore, this borough provides residents with scenic beauty and a strong sense of community. It’s a place where the natural allure of the ocean meets the practicality of town living, creating a desirable environment for many.

The community is known for its picturesque harbor, vibrant downtown area, and proximity to New York City, offering a blend of relaxation and accessibility. Residents often appreciate the town’s aesthetic appeal and the opportunities for outdoor recreation. Atlantic Highlands aims to provide a high quality of life, balancing natural beauty with essential amenities for its inhabitants.

Is it Safe to Live in Atlantic Highlands?

Atlantic Highlands generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates falling below national averages. The borough holds a safety grade of A (Very Safe), indicating a low risk of crime compared to other U.S. cities (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 563 per year, which is 53% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Property crime rates also tend to be lower, with a rate of 1 in 119 per year, which is 54% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). These statistics suggest that Atlantic Highlands is a secure place to live, with both violent and property crimes being less prevalent than in many other communities across the country (as reported by DoorProfit, NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Overview

Violent crime in Atlantic Highlands is notably low. The town’s violent crime rate is 130.6 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Specifically, the rate of assault is 114.3, murder is 0, rape is 0, and robbery is 22.9 per 100,000 residents, all of which are below national averages (as reported by Niche).

This low incidence of violent crime contributes to the overall sense of security in the borough. The safety grade of A- also reflects this trend, indicating that the rate of crime is lower than that of the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade). Residents can generally feel secure in their daily lives due to these favorable crime statistics.

Property Crime Overview

Property crime rates in Atlantic Highlands are also well below national averages, further enhancing the town’s reputation for safety. The property crime rate is 457.4 per 100,000 residents (as reported by DoorProfit). More specifically, burglary rates are 22.9 per 100,000 residents, and larceny/theft rates are 668.6 per 100,000 residents, with vehicle theft at 103.5 per 100,000 residents, all of which are lower than national benchmarks (as reported by Niche).

These figures demonstrate that Atlantic Highlands is a place where property is generally secure. The town’s overall crime rate is 49% below the national average, underscoring its status as a low-crime area (as reported by DoorProfit). This makes it an attractive option for individuals and families prioritizing safety.

Cost of Living in Atlantic Highlands

Atlantic Highlands presents a cost of living that is higher than the national average, primarily driven by elevated housing expenses. The overall cost of living is approximately 18% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by PayScale). This figure suggests that daily expenses, including housing, utilities, and transportation, can be more substantial for residents.

To maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Atlantic Highlands, an annual salary of around $40,555 is estimated to be necessary for a single person to cover essential costs like housing, food, and transportation (as reported by Home & Money). This highlights the need for a higher income to accommodate the local cost of living compared to the national median.

Housing Costs

Housing is a significant factor contributing to the higher cost of living in Atlantic Highlands. The median listing price for homes in the area is approximately $799.5K (as reported by realtor.com®). This indicates a robust real estate market with substantial property values.

Rental prices also reflect this trend, with the median rental price for all bedroom counts and property types being around $2,900 per month (as reported by Zumper). For houses specifically, the average monthly rent can be as high as $3,987 (as reported by Zumper). These figures underscore that securing housing in Atlantic Highlands, whether through purchase or rental, requires a significant financial commitment.

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, other everyday expenses in Atlantic Highlands are also somewhat higher than the national average. Utility prices are approximately 3% higher than the national average, while transportation costs, such as gas prices, are about 5% higher (as reported by PayScale). Grocery prices are also slightly elevated, being 2% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale).

Healthcare costs in Atlantic Highlands are notably higher, running about 17% above the national average (as reported by PayScale). These combined costs contribute to the overall higher cost of living, necessitating careful budgeting for residents.

Job Market and Economy

Atlantic Highlands offers a diverse employment landscape, with key sectors contributing to its economic vitality. The most common employment sectors for residents include Educational Services, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). These industries provide a range of job opportunities for the local workforce.

The average annual salary for employees in Atlantic Highlands is approximately $105,554, translating to an hourly wage of about $51 (as reported by Indeed). While this figure reflects a competitive earning potential, it’s important to note that the cost of living is also higher, influencing the real value of these salaries.

Major Employers

While specific major employers within Atlantic Highlands are not detailed in the provided data, the broader region supports various industries. Educational services are a significant employer, along with retail trade and professional services (as reported by Data USA). The Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce also actively supports small businesses in the community, fostering local economic growth through networking and events (as reported by Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce).

The presence of these sectors suggests a stable job market, though the specific impact of larger, regional employers on Atlantic Highlands itself would require more localized data. The Chamber of Commerce’s focus on business support indicates an environment conducive to employment opportunities and economic development.

Unemployment and Salaries

Detailed unemployment figures specifically for Atlantic Highlands are not readily available in the provided data. However, broader New Jersey unemployment rates can offer context. As of July, the state’s unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by NJ Patch). Specific county rates vary, with some higher and some lower than the state average.

The median household income in Atlantic Highlands is reported as $126,080 (as reported by Data USA), which is substantially higher than the national average. This suggests a financially stable population, even if specific unemployment rates are not pinpointed for the borough itself. The average salary for a Production Worker, for instance, is around $15.00 per hour in Atlantic Highlands (as reported by Indeed).

Climate and Weather

Atlantic Highlands experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, with conditions remaining partly cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically range from 28°F to 84°F over the course of the year, rarely dropping below 15°F or exceeding 92°F (as reported by Time and Date). This creates distinct seasonal variations for residents.

The summer months, particularly July, are warm with average highs around 84°F and lows of 69°F (as reported by Time and Date). Winters are cold, with January seeing average highs of 41°F and lows of 25°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity remains comfortable during the summer, contributing to a pleasant environment.

Temperature and Precipitation

The annual average precipitation in Atlantic Highlands is approximately 50 inches, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). August is typically the wettest month, with around 5 inches of precipitation. Winter months can bring significant snowfall, with an average of 27 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The warmest periods occur in early June and mid-July, while the coldest periods are in mid- to late December and late January (as reported by Almanac.com). The long-range forecast suggests that winters will be warmer than normal, with below-normal precipitation and snowfall (as reported by Almanac.com).

Seasonal Considerations

The weather in Atlantic Highlands offers distinct seasonal experiences. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (as reported by IDcide). Winters are cold, with temperatures frequently in the 30s Fahrenheit (as reported by IDcide). Spring and fall provide milder conditions, generally considered the most comfortable times to visit or enjoy outdoor activities.

The town experiences about 173 days per year with comfortable weather, typically between May and October (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This extended period of favorable conditions allows for ample opportunities to enjoy the coastal environment and outdoor amenities.

Education and Schools

Atlantic Highlands is served by a well-regarded public school system, with its schools consistently ranking among the top in New Jersey. The public schools in Atlantic Highlands have an average math proficiency score of 65% and a reading proficiency score of 78%, both exceeding the statewide averages (as reported by Niche). This strong academic performance is a key draw for families considering a move to the area.

The borough is home to two public schools: Navesink Elementary School and Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, both of which are highly rated (as reported by Niche). These schools contribute to the borough’s reputation as a desirable place for families prioritizing educational quality for their children.

Public School Performance

Atlantic Highlands public schools demonstrate strong academic achievement, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics surpassing state averages (as reported by Niche, SchoolDigger). For instance, proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics for 3rd graders are well above the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger). The district as a whole is ranked highly within New Jersey’s school systems (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, in particular, receives an A- rating from Niche and a 4 out of 5-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by Niche, SchoolDigger). This consistent high performance across the board indicates a commitment to educational excellence within the community.

Student Demographics and Ratios

The student body in Atlantic Highlands’ public schools reflects a diverse demographic, with minority enrollment being 19% of the student body, which is less than the New Jersey public school average (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Atlantic Highlands Elementary School is 8:1, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of 11:1 (as reported by Public School Review).

This favorable student-teacher ratio suggests that students receive more individualized attention, potentially contributing to the strong academic outcomes observed. The overall student population in Atlantic Highlands’ public schools is approximately 450 students (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community

Atlantic Highlands is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 4,410 residents (as reported by Data USA). The community is characterized by a median age of 51 years, indicating a mature population (as reported by Point2Homes). The borough offers a dense suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche).

The community is diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, though White residents form the majority. In Atlantic Highlands, 89.64% of the population is White, with smaller percentages for other races and ethnicities (as reported by Data USA). This demographic makeup contributes to the unique character of the town.

Population and Age Distribution

The population of Atlantic Highlands is around 4,410, with a slight majority of females at 52.2% compared to males at 47.8% (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age of 47.9 years suggests a community with a significant proportion of middle-aged and older adults (as reported by Data USA).

Specifically, about 11.8% of residents are children under 15, and 10.2% are between 15 and 24. Adults aged 25-44 make up 18.3% of the population, while 35.4% are between 45 and 64, and 24.3% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). This age distribution points to a stable, established community.

Household and Family Structure

Atlantic Highlands has approximately 1,078 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion, 60.1%, of these are families, while the remaining 39.9% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). This indicates a community where family structures are prevalent.

The borough also has a notable percentage of citizens who are U.S.-born, with 92.5% of residents being citizens, while 5.1% have gained naturalized citizenship and 2.4% are non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). This high rate of citizenship contributes to the strong sense of established community in Atlantic Highlands.

Pros and Cons of Living in Atlantic Highlands

Atlantic Highlands offers a compelling blend of coastal living and suburban convenience, making it an attractive place to live. Its scenic beauty, low crime rates, and highly-rated schools are significant advantages for residents. The community’s proximity to New York City also provides access to urban amenities and employment opportunities.

However, the borough’s higher cost of living, particularly in housing, is a notable drawback. Residents must be prepared for expenses that exceed the national average. Despite this, the overall quality of life and community atmosphere often outweigh these financial considerations for many.

Advantages of Atlantic Highlands

One of the primary advantages of living in Atlantic Highlands is its strong sense of safety, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The borough also boasts highly-rated public schools, offering excellent educational opportunities for children (as reported by Niche). The coastal location provides beautiful scenery and recreational activities, enhancing the quality of life.

Furthermore, Atlantic Highlands offers a dense suburban feel with most residents owning their homes, contributing to community stability (as reported by Niche). The town’s charming atmosphere, combined with its accessibility to New York City, provides a unique balance of tranquility and opportunity.

Disadvantages of Atlantic Highlands

The most significant disadvantage of Atlantic Highlands is its higher cost of living, with housing expenses being particularly elevated. The median home price and rental costs are considerably above the national average, requiring a substantial income to afford (as reported by realtor.com®, Zumper). This can be a barrier for individuals or families on a tighter budget.

Additionally, while the climate is generally pleasant, summers can be hot and humid, and winters are cold and snowy (as reported by Time and Date). These weather patterns, while typical for the region, may not appeal to everyone seeking a consistently mild climate.