Is Crestwood Village Safe, Pros and cons of living in Crestwood Village
Crestwood Village, a census-designated place within Manchester Township, New Jersey, offers a unique residential experience characterized by its specific demographic profile and cost of living. This community is particularly known for its higher proportion of older adults and a generally lower-income bracket compared to national averages. Despite these characteristics, it presents a distinct living environment for those seeking a particular lifestyle, with specific considerations for safety, housing, and community amenities.
The overall cost of living in Crestwood Village is noted to be lower than both the national average and the average for New Jersey. This affordability is largely driven by its housing market, which is significantly below national figures. The community’s demographic makeup, with a large percentage of residents aged 65 and older, influences its social fabric and the types of services and amenities available, catering to a more mature population.
Is it Safe to Live in Crestwood Village?
Crestwood Village is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 50% below the national average, and violent crime rates are also substantially lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This suggests a generally secure environment for residents.
While the overall safety is high, crime rates can vary by specific neighborhood within Crestwood Village. Some sources indicate that the west part of the city is considered the safest by residents, while others suggest the northeast is the safest for violent crime (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also well below the national average, with burglary and larceny/theft rates also being lower than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and DoorProfit).
Housing Costs and Availability
Median Home Price and Rent
The housing market in Crestwood Village is characterized by its affordability. The median home value is reported at $96,500 (as reported by Niche and Data USA), which is considerably lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). This makes Crestwood Village an attractive option for first-time homebuyers, retirees, or those looking to minimize housing expenses.
Rental prices in Crestwood Village are also relatively low compared to national figures. The median rent is approximately $1,146 per month (as reported by Point2Homes and Niche), and some listings show a median rent of $2,000 (as reported by realtor.com). This offers a more accessible entry point for renters compared to many other areas.
Homeownership and Vacancy Rates
Crestwood Village boasts a high homeownership rate, with approximately 90.7% of housing units occupied by their owners (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a stable community where residents are invested in their properties. However, the neighborhood also has a relatively high vacancy rate of 13.9%, which is above the U.S. average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
This high vacancy rate could suggest either a weak demand for real estate or that new housing has been built but not yet occupied. For potential residents, this might mean more options are available, but it’s a factor to consider when assessing the neighborhood’s dynamics.
Job Market and Economy
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Crestwood Village is notably higher than the national average. It stands at 12.3% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is significantly above the typical rates considered healthy for a local economy. This higher rate suggests potential challenges in the job market for residents seeking employment.
The average annual household income in Crestwood Village was $49,771 in 2024, marking a decrease from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes). The median income is lower, at $38,091 (as reported by Point2Homes), indicating that a significant portion of the population earns less than the average household income.
Major Employers and Industries
Employment in Crestwood Village is diverse, with a significant portion of the working population engaged in clerical, assistant, and tech support roles, as well as sales and service jobs (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Other primary employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services (as reported by Data USA).
While specific major employers are not detailed, the community’s employment landscape suggests a mix of service-oriented and administrative roles. The job market is powered by approximately 1,535 working residents (as reported by Point2Homes).
Climate and Weather
Temperature and Rainfall
Crestwood Village experiences a climate with warm, humid, and wet summers, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 23°F to 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 9°F or exceeding 94°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs of 86°F and lows of 66°F.
Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Crestwood Village. The month with the most rain is usually August, with an average of 3.7 inches, while February receives the least, averaging 2.3 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). May, a spring month, typically sees an average rainfall of 1.70 inches (as reported by Time and Date).
Seasonal Variations
The hot season in Crestwood Village lasts for about 3.5 months, from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 77°F. Conversely, the cold season spans roughly 3.3 months, from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F. The coldest month is January, with average lows around 24°F and highs near 41°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).
The best times of year for warm-weather activities in Crestwood Village are typically from mid-June to early July and from early August to late September, based on tourism scores (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). These periods offer more pleasant temperatures for outdoor enjoyment.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Public schools serving Crestwood Village are part of the Manchester Township School District, which generally receives mixed reviews. Manchester Township High School has a B rating from Niche, with a rating of 3.78 out of 5 based on 145 reviews (as reported by Niche). Manchester Township Middle School has a lower rating of 2.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews (as reported by Niche).
Other schools, such as Grunin Performing Arts Academy, have a higher rating of 3.95 out of 5, while Whiting Elementary School is rated B- (as reported by Niche). Overall, the school district is rated with a B (as reported by Niche).
Population and Demographics
Crestwood Village is home to approximately 7,830 residents, a slight decrease from the 2020 Census figure of 8,426 (as reported by Data USA and Wikipedia). The population is predominantly White, making up 92.0% of residents, with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic (3.7%), Black (1.7%), and Asian (1.7%) (as reported by Data USA and Census Dots). This demographic makeup is considerably less diverse than New Jersey overall.
A notable characteristic of Crestwood Village is its older population, with a median age of 72.3 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of residents are 65 years of age or older, with around 84.0% falling into this age group (as reported by Wikipedia). This significant elderly population influences the community’s character and available services.
Pros and Cons of Living in Crestwood Village
Affordability and Community Feel
One of the primary advantages of Crestwood Village is its affordability, particularly in terms of housing costs. The median home value is significantly lower than the national and state averages (as reported by Niche and Data USA), making it an accessible option for many. The community is described as having a sparse suburban feel, with a focus on neighborly connections and a slower pace of life (as reported by Niche).
The community is largely comprised of owner-occupied residences, with a high homeownership rate (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a stable and established residential base, contributing to a sense of community among homeowners.
Higher Cost of Living Considerations
Despite the lower housing costs, other aspects of the cost of living should be considered. While the overall cost of living is lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes), the unemployment rate is notably high at 12.3% (as reported by Point2Homes), which could impact financial stability for some residents.
Additionally, while the median household income is lower than desirable, the rent-to-income ratio for renters is around 20.3%, indicating that housing costs are generally manageable relative to income (as reported by Point2Homes). However, the lower overall income levels in the community may present challenges for those with higher financial expectations.