Is Tenafly Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tenafly

Tenafly, New Jersey, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive prospect for those considering a move. This affluent community is renowned for its excellent school system and high quality of life. However, potential residents should be aware of the significant cost of living, which is considerably higher than the national average. This article delves into the various facets of living in Tenafly, providing insights into its safety, economic landscape, climate, and educational opportunities.

The town’s character is shaped by its proximity to New York City, offering residents the best of both worlds: a peaceful residential environment with convenient access to the cultural and professional opportunities of a major metropolis. Tenafly’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of living is evident in its well-kept neighborhoods, strong community engagement, and dedication to providing top-tier public services.

Is it Safe to Live in Tenafly?

Crime Rates

Tenafly boasts a low crime rate, contributing to its reputation as a safe place to live. The town is safer than a significant majority of U.S. cities, with a lower crime rate than most communities of similar size nationwide (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Tenafly is notably low, at 1 in 10,000 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Property crime also occurs less frequently in Tenafly compared to national averages. The property crime rate in Tenafly is below the national average, meaning residents are less likely to experience incidents such as larceny, burglary, or motor vehicle theft (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Overall, Tenafly ranks in the 87th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 87% of cities in the U.S. (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living

Housing Expenses

The cost of living in Tenafly is substantially higher than the national average, driven significantly by housing expenses. Housing costs in Tenafly are approximately 278% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). The median home value in Tenafly is around $1,262,422 (as of March 2026) (as reported by Zillow). This figure reflects a 6.1% increase over the past year.

Rental prices in Tenafly are also considerably elevated. The average rent for an apartment in Tenafly is approximately $2,845 per month as of May 2026, which is 73% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). For a two-bedroom apartment, rents typically fall within the $2,700–$3,500 range (as reported by Rentometer).

Overall Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Tenafly also contribute to its high cost of living. Grocery prices are about 7% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). Utility prices are slightly higher, by about 4% compared to the national average (as reported by PayScale).

The overall cost of living index in Tenafly is reported to be 70% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale). This makes Tenafly one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, with daily life costing roughly double what the average American experiences (as reported by Livability.com).

Economic Landscape

Job Market and Salaries

The average annual salary in Tenafly is approximately $73,000 per year, or $35.10 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources indicate a higher median salary. As of May 2026, the average annual salary for a “Salary” in Tenafly is reported as $256,469, with a median wage of $260,800 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This wide range suggests significant variation based on industry and experience.

The most common employment sectors for Tenafly residents include Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, followed by Health Care and Social Assistance, and Finance and Insurance (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations, Business & Financial Operations Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations are the most common job groups held by residents (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers and Unemployment

While specific major employers within Tenafly are not extensively detailed, the broader region benefits from proximity to New York City’s vast job market. Companies like Penske Automotive Group, 7-Eleven, and Stop & Shop are noted as significant employers in the greater Tenafly area (as reported by Lensa). The unemployment rate in New Jersey, as of recent data, has been subject to fluctuations, with county rates varying significantly (as reported by NJ.gov). The state’s unemployment rate is generally higher than the national average (as reported by NJ.gov).

Employment in Tenafly itself saw a slight decline of -1.63% from 2023 to 2024, with approximately 6,919 employees (as reported by Data USA). The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development provides monthly estimates for labor force, employment, and unemployment rates for the state and its counties (as reported by NJ.gov).

Climate and Weather

Temperature and Seasons

Tenafly experiences distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 25°F to 85°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 11°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season generally spans from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 76°F.

July is the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 85°F and lows of 69°F. Conversely, the cold season lasts from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 26°F and highs of 38°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Precipitation

Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Tenafly. The wettest month is typically April, with an average rainfall of approximately 3.7 inches, while February sees the least amount of rain, averaging about 2.1 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The chance of a wet day is higher during the period from late March to late August, with July having the most days with precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark).

The average annual rainfall in Tenafly is around 46 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Snowfall is also a feature of the winter months, contributing to the cold and snowy conditions characteristic of the season.

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Tenafly Public School District is highly regarded, consistently receiving top ratings. It holds an overall Niche grade of A+ and is recognized as one of the best school districts in New Jersey, ranking third out of 243 districts (as reported by Niche). The district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.

Tenafly High School also receives an A+ overall Niche grade, indicating strong academic performance and student satisfaction. According to state test scores, a high percentage of students are proficient in math and reading, with 72% proficient in math and 88% in reading at the high school level (as reported by Niche).

Population and Demographics

Tenafly has a population of approximately 15,391 residents (as reported by Livability.com). The median age of residents is around 42.2 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The community is known for its high income levels, with a median household income reported at $231,157 (as reported by Livability.com) and a median renter income of $151,786 (as reported by Point2Homes).

The demographic makeup of Tenafly is diverse, with significant White (Non-Hispanic) and Asian populations. Approximately 79.8% of residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). A notable percentage of residents, around 41%, were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).