Is Harrington Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in Harrington Park

Harrington Park, a charming borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, offers a serene suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the metropolitan amenities of New York City. This community is known for its picturesque setting and family-friendly atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a peaceful residential environment. Its location provides a balance between the tranquility of suburban living and the vibrancy of a nearby major urban center.

The borough is characterized by its well-maintained homes and abundant green spaces, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents. Harrington Park’s appeal lies in its close-knit community feel, making it a desirable place for individuals and families looking for a stable and welcoming environment. The town’s commitment to preserving its aesthetic and fostering a strong sense of community is evident in its carefully planned development and active resident participation.

Is it Safe to Live in Harrington Park?

Harrington Park is considered a very safe place to live, boasting crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 88% below the national average (according to DoorProfit), with a safety grade of A+ (according to PlainCrime). This exceptional safety record contributes greatly to the peace of mind for its residents.

Specifically, violent crime in Harrington Park is virtually non-existent, with reports indicating zero incidents of assault, murder, rape, or robbery per 1,000 residents (according to Niche). Property crime, while also very low, is reported at 212 per 100,000 residents (according to PlainCrime), which is substantially lower than national figures. Residents generally perceive the northwest part of the borough as the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime in that area compared to others within Harrington Park (according to Crime Rate). This low crime environment makes it an attractive option for families and individuals prioritizing security.

Housing Costs and Real Estate Market

The real estate market in Harrington Park is characterized by high property values and a strong demand for homes. The median home value in Harrington Park is approximately $967,522 as of March 2026, reflecting a 6.5% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Other reports indicate a median listing price around $1 million, with some sources citing median home values as high as $776,900 (according to Niche) or $709,200 (according to NJ.gov).

Homeownership is highly prevalent in Harrington Park, with a homeownership rate of 92.3% (according to Data USA) and even higher figures reaching 96.1% in some reports (according to NJ.gov). This strong preference for ownership underscores the community’s stability and the long-term investment residents make in their homes. The market is described as very competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly and often receiving multiple offers (according to Redfin).

Rental costs in Harrington Park are also considerably higher than the national average. The median rent for an apartment is reported around $2,495 per month (according to Zumper), with a median gross rent of $1,414 (according to Niche). Houses for rent can command an average monthly cost of $5,400 (according to Zumper), and overall average rents can reach as high as $4,950 (according to Zillow) or even $5,047 (according to Zumper), which is 159% higher than the national average.

Cost of Living and Economic Landscape

Harrington Park’s cost of living is significantly higher than both the national and state averages. Overall living expenses are approximately 59% higher than the national average (according to Payscale) and 27% higher than the national average according to another source (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing expenses are a major contributor, being 217% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).

Other essential costs also exceed national averages. Utility prices are 4% higher, while transportation expenses, including gas and bus fares, are also 4% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Food costs are 7% higher, and healthcare expenses are 11% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). These elevated costs reflect the desirability and affluence of the area.

The median household income in Harrington Park is notably high, standing at $180,500 annually (according to NJ.gov and World Population Review). This figure is substantially higher than both the state and national medians, indicating a financially stable and affluent population. The poverty rate is low, reported at 5.8% (according to NJ.gov), which is lower than the state and national averages.

Job Market and Major Employers

Harrington Park’s economy is driven by a highly educated and skilled workforce, with a significant portion employed in white-collar professions. Approximately 96.34% of the workforce is employed in white-collar jobs, with a strong concentration in management, sales, and business/financial occupations (according to NeighborhoodScout). The borough also has a notable presence of individuals working in creative fields such as arts, design, and media.

The average salary in Harrington Park is reported to be around $80,218 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert), though other sources indicate a much higher median wage. Some reports suggest a median wage of $51.4K and a top percentile earning up to $70.5K (according to ZipRecruiter), while another source lists the average annual pay for a “Salary” at $247,640 per year (according to ZipRecruiter). This wide range in reported salaries may reflect different methodologies or the inclusion of various job titles.

Major employers in the broader Bergen County area and New Jersey include large corporations like Amazon, Wakefern Food Corp., Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson (according to NJ.gov). While specific major employers within Harrington Park are not detailed, the town’s proximity to New York City and established businesses in surrounding areas provide ample employment opportunities for its residents.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Harrington Park experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 24°F in the winter to 86°F in the summer (according to myPerfectWeather). The humidity level remains comfortable during the summer months, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

The borough receives an average annual precipitation of 48 inches, with rain distributed throughout the year. August typically sees the most rainfall, while February receives the least (according to myPerfectWeather). The chance of a wet day varies seasonally, with a higher probability from late March to late August.

Snowfall is a significant feature of Harrington Park’s winters, with an average annual snowfall of 32 inches. Measurable snowfall usually begins in December and can extend into March, with February typically being the snowiest month. The remaining eight months of the year, from April to November, generally experience no snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Harrington Park is served by the Harrington Park School District, which is highly regarded for its educational quality. Harrington Park School, catering to grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8, is consistently ranked among the top public schools in New Jersey (according to Niche and Public School Review). It is recognized for its strong performance in math and reading proficiency, exceeding state averages.

The student-teacher ratio at Harrington Park School is 11:1, which is equal to the New Jersey state average, allowing for personalized attention (according to Public School Review). The school boasts high test scores, with 73% of students proficient in math and 75% proficient in reading/language arts (according to Public School Review). These impressive academic results have earned the school high ratings from various educational review sites.

The diversity score for Harrington Park School is slightly lower than the New Jersey state average (according to Public School Review). However, the school district as a whole receives high marks for its teachers and overall K-8 program (according to Niche). The strong academic foundation provided by Harrington Park School prepares students well for future educational endeavors.

Demographics and Population

Harrington Park is home to a population of approximately 4,954 residents, with a median age of 47 years (according to Niche). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, with slightly more females at 51.1% (according to Point2Homes). The borough has seen some population growth, with an increase of 11.49% since the 2020 census (according to World Population Review).

The racial composition of Harrington Park is diverse, with White residents making up the largest group at approximately 69.78%, followed by Asian residents at 21.8% (according to World Population Review). A significant portion of the population, 17.8%, was born outside the United States (according to Data USA). Citizenship is high, with 97.1% of residents being U.S. citizens (according to Data USA).

The age distribution shows a substantial segment of the population in the 45-64 age bracket, making up 30.6% of residents. Those aged 65 and older represent about 21.7% of the population, indicating a mature demographic, while children under 15 constitute about 20.8% (according to Point2Homes). The majority of households are owner-occupied, with an average of three members per household (according to Point2Homes).