Is North Caldwell Safe, Pros and cons of living in North Caldwell
North Caldwell, a charming borough nestled in Essex County, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to metropolitan amenities. This community is characterized by its well-maintained neighborhoods, strong sense of community, and a generally high quality of life. It presents an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a peaceful residential environment without sacrificing access to urban opportunities.
The borough boasts a population of approximately 6,656 residents, with a median age around 43.6 years (as reported by World Population Review and Niche). North Caldwell is a community where most residents are homeowners, reflecting a stable and invested populace. The area provides a somewhat rural feel while still being a convenient suburb of New York City, making it a desirable location for those who value both peace and accessibility.
Is it Safe to Live in North Caldwell?
North Caldwell is widely recognized for its exceptional safety, boasting significantly lower crime rates than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 69% lower than the national average, with a total of approximately 0.12 daily crimes (as reported by AreaVibes). This low crime rate, particularly the low incidence of violent crimes, contributes significantly to the borough’s reputation as a secure place to live.
Violent crime is particularly rare, with only about 15 violent crimes per 100,000 people, which is 95.8% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes and CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also substantially below the national average, with 643 incidents per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 1760 (as reported by AreaVibes). The east part of the city is generally considered the safest, offering residents peace of mind.
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in North Caldwell is characterized by high property values and a strong owner-occupancy rate. The median property value in North Caldwell was approximately $904,500 in a recent report, which is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a premium real estate market, with most residents choosing to own their homes, as evidenced by a homeownership rate of 97.9% (as reported by Data USA and Kurby AI).
Currently, the median listing price for homes in North Caldwell is around $1.33 million, reflecting a competitive market with strong buyer demand (as reported by realtor.com®). While the market shows a year-over-year increase in median sale price, homes typically sell quickly, with a median of 22 days on the market (as reported by realtor.com®). This suggests a robust housing market where properties are highly sought after.
Rental Market Overview
For those considering renting, North Caldwell offers a limited but distinct rental market. The average rent in North Caldwell is approximately $3,950 per month (as reported by Trulia and Zillow). This figure reflects a higher-than-average rental cost, consistent with the overall high cost of living in the area.
There are typically a small number of rental properties available at any given time, which can lead to competition among renters. The rental market, while smaller than the sales market, still indicates a demand for housing within the borough.
Cost of Living and Affordability
North Caldwell presents a cost of living that is notably higher than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living is approximately 26% higher than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This elevated cost is largely driven by housing expenses, which are significantly above the national average.
While housing is a major contributor to the higher cost of living, other expenses such as food, transportation, and healthcare also tend to be more expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and WeatherWorld.com). This makes North Caldwell a more affluent community, with a median household income of $208,245 (as reported by Data USA and Niche).
Income and Employment Landscape
The economic profile of North Caldwell is marked by high household incomes and a robust employment sector, primarily concentrated in professional and technical services. The median household income has recently been reported at $208,245, and the average per capita income stands at $101,584 (as reported by World Population Review and Data USA). These figures reflect a community with considerable financial stability and prosperity.
Employment in North Caldwell is largely driven by sectors such as Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Educational Services, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in North Caldwell is approximately $63,933 per year, or $30.74 per hour, as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in North Caldwell is generally low, often reported around 4.2% (as reported by Niche), indicating a healthy job market for its residents.
Climate and Weather Patterns
North Caldwell experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from a low of about 23°F in winter to a high of around 85°F in summer, rarely falling below 9°F or exceeding 92°F throughout the year (as reported by North Carolina Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (New Jersey, United States)).
The borough receives an average annual rainfall of about 49 inches, with the wettest month typically being September (as reported by North Carolina Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (New Jersey, United States) and myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is common in the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of around 28 inches, and February often seeing the most snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The climate offers a full four-season experience, with comfortable weather generally extending from May through October.
Education and Demographics
North Caldwell is served by highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal for families. The schools in North Caldwell, NJ, average a SchoolGrade of B, with actual proficiency rates meeting expectations (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This strong educational foundation is a key factor in the borough’s desirability.
The demographic makeup of North Caldwell is predominantly White, with approximately 79.7% of residents identifying as White and not Hispanic or Latino (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). Other significant demographic groups include Asian residents, making up about 9.4% of the population, and Hispanic or Latino individuals, constituting around 4.7% (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). The population is relatively diverse, with about 11.7% of residents born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
While North Caldwell itself is a primarily residential community, its economy is supported by its proximity to major employment hubs and a strong local service sector. The primary employment sectors for residents include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Educational Services, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA). These industries reflect the skilled and professional nature of the borough’s workforce.
Although specific major employers within North Caldwell are not extensively detailed, the broader region, including nearby New York City and areas within New Jersey, offers a vast array of job opportunities. Major employers in the wider New Jersey and New York metropolitan areas span various sectors, including finance, healthcare, technology, and education, providing ample career prospects for North Caldwell residents who commute or engage in remote work.