Experience Living in Closter NJ 😍 With Our Complete Moving to Closter NJ
If you’re considering living in Closter NJ, you should know that it’s a charming suburb boasting proximity to NYC. It’s historic and affluent and hosts an assortment of nature-centric activities.
Settled by Dutch immigrants in the early 1700s, Closter has been making a name for itself for more than 200 years. The NY Times says Closter has strong schools, a quaint downtown, and countless beautiful homes. It’s considered a ‘hot town’ right now, and it's a place people want to live and raise their families.
Learn more about this lovely borough by reading our complete moving to Closter NJ guide. You can discover more about the weather, cost of living, income averages, the best things to do, and much more!
What County Is Closter NJ in?
Closter NJ is located in the northern valley region of Bergen County, with the Hudson River a few miles to the west and the Oradelle Reservoir to the east. Alpine, Demarest, and Norwood border Closter. Closter is part of the New York City metropolitan area, but is also near Newark (31 miles).
Transportation - Commuter Access and Public Transit
Whether you’re driving yourself or utilizing Closter’s public transportation, you will have options when living in Closter NJ.
Palisade Interstate Parkway (PIP) and US Route 9W run through the borough and provide access to nearby communities. Are you going into NYC for work or school? PIP connects to the George Washington Bridge, and New Jersey Route 4 leads you to I-90. NJ Transit's Route 167 serves Closter residents; both routes provide direct access to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Midtown Manhattan.
Closter Population
According to the Census Bureau, the population of Closter, NJ, is 8,544. The median age is 40.5, and the median household income is $187,500. It’s a wealthy area, home to mostly growing families and those aged 40-69 (41%). Notably, many people living in Closter NJ are of Asian descent (31%). The average household size is well above the US average, at 3.2%, which could be due to the influx of multigeneration Asian households within the borough limits.
With a mean travel time to work of 33.4 minutes, you can expect most residents to work in or near The Big Apple. The borough is also highly educated, with 66.2% of residents holding bachelor’s degrees (30% of whom have postgraduate degrees).
If you’re considering living in Closter NJ, you should note that 33.4% of people are foreign-born and that 11.2% of its population has relocated here within the past year.
What Is the Crime Rate in Closter NJ?
According to data provided by the FBI, Closter experiences 55.6% less crime than its state and 69% less than the country.
- Closter NJ crime rate per 100,000 people: 720
- New Jersey crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,620
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
- Closter violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 0
- New Jersey crime rate per 100,000 people: 203
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
- Closter property crime rate per 100,000 people: 720
- New Jersey property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,417
- US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
The violent crime rate in Closter is 100% lower than the national average, and the property crime rate is 49.2% lower than the state average. Closter is considered one of the best cities to raise a family due to its exceptional crime rate. New Jersey is among the safest states in the US, further showcasing how little crime Closter has.
Closter Police Department and its 22 sworn officers work hard to deter crime and manage the areas that are more frequently called. The department works in tandem with Bergen County through the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) Community Engagement Task Force to protect the people living in Closter NJ.
Cost of Living in Closter NJ
Closter is an expensive place to live, as the Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 164, or 64% higher than the US average. The main contributor to its high living costs is housing (221% higher). According to the Economic Policy Institute, it costs a family of four $131,215 per household to live comfortably.
Typical Living Expenses in Closter (Bergen County)
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $20.00
- Liter of milk: $1.28
- Loaf of white bread: $4.00
- Pound of white rice: $4.00
- Dozen eggs: $5.59
- Basic Closter utilities per month : $135.40
- Monthly fitness club membership: $100
Source: Numbeo
On average, people living in Closter NJ spend $3,407 on bills per month, equivalent to about 22% of each household's income. It’s ranked the 39th most-expensive city in New Jersey, according to Doxo.
Closter NJ Real Estate
Closter NJ has a somewhat competitive real estate market, with homes sitting on the market for around 88 days, according to Redfin. The median sale price is down by 50% since last year, and the median price per square foot has increased by 26.1% since last year. According to Zillow, the average rent in Closter is 221% higher than the national average. There are also few rental options, as 82% of residents own their homes.
- Closter median home price: $885,000 ($440,000 above the US median)
- Closter median price per square foot: $548
- Closter average rent: $4,800 per month
Homes here are large, historic, and typically boast around 0.25-0.50-acre lots, further contributing to their high prices. Neighborhoods like East Hill have homes priced around $800,000 to $2,000,000.
Closter Weather & Climate
Closter experiences all four seasons, with summers warm and humid and winters cold and snowy. Its Koppen classification is Cfa, or Humid Subtropical. In the Spring, temperatures range from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit, with occasional rain. It’s mostly 80s in the summer, but there are some very hot (90-degree-plus) days sprinkled throughout these months. It rains the most in the Summer. Winters experience temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s, with some days being in the 20s.
Closter sees about 25–35 inches of snow each winter and about 51–52 inches of rainfall per year.
Things to Do in Closter
Living in Closter NJ provides plenty to do! From hiking to dining, and even shopping at quaint shops, you’ll always have something to do here.
Shopping in Closter
You will find a wide range of unique shops within the borough limits.
- The Morning Glory - Asian snacks and beauty products
- Closter Plaza - Central shopping hub hosting Whole Foods and Ruby & Jenna
Closter Nature Center
Closter Nature Center sits on 136 acres in the middle of town. It’s full of wildlife, a running brook, and a pond, and is known for its various community outreach programs. There are pre- and after-school programs, forest stewardships, and summer camp opportunities.
154 Ruckman Rd, Closter, NJ 07624, (201) 800-2008
Landmark Closter
Often referred to as Closter Cinemas, Landmark is a quaint movie theatre showcasing the latest films in a historic building with a vintage ambience.
130 Vervalen St, Closter, NJ 07624, (201) 735-1802
Closter Golf Center
Open year-round, Closter Golf Center is a premier driving range, mini golf course, and pro shop for residents.
153 Homans Ave, Closter, NJ 07624, (201) 768-0990
Closter Parks & Recreation + Additional Activities
Closter Parks and Recreation maintains six public parks and the notable borough-operated farm—MacBain Farm. It’s a 5.5-acre community garden/farm, showcasing the tight-knit community you will find when living in Closter NJ.
The borough also hosts plenty of events throughout the year to keep residents busy. For example, Closter Town Celebration, fireworks in the park on the 4th of July, and seasonal youth recreation sports.
If you ever run out of things to do here, check out these nearby options:
Restaurants in Closter
Living in Closter NJ means you gain access to numerous good restaurants from various ethnic backgrounds.
Ma Mì Eatery
Ma Mi is a Vietnamese restaurant in Closter offering a delicious menu, including spicy pad thai and jerk chicken.
546 Durie Ave, Closter, NJ 07624, (201) 660-7826
Hanamo Sushi
Explore the freshest sushi in town at Hanamo Sushi. They offer hibachi, hand rolls, fried rice, and much more.
137 Oakland Ave, Closter, NJ 07624, (201) 784-3345
Carmine & Ray's Pizza
Carmine & Ray’s arguably offers the best pizza in Closter, alongside other Italian dishes such as chicken parmigiano and stromboli.
284 Closter Dock Rd, Closter, NJ 07624, (201) 768-5390
Jobs in Closter NJ
When living in Closter NJ, the economy is fueled by small businesses, professional offices, and retail stores, with its key industries being healthcare, real estate, retail, professional services, and local dining and entertainment. It’s small, but relatively affluent, service‑ and professional‑oriented. Its economy employs roughly 4,320 of its residents, resulting in many residents commuting to nearby Bergen County cities and towns or even North New Jersey and New York City business hubs for work.
Major employers in Bergen County are Hackensack University Medical Center, Bio‑Reference Laboratories, Inc., Becton Dickinson and Co, and the County of Bergen. Some of the most common occupations for residents are management, office & administrative support, and business/financial operations.
If you work in healthcare, business services, finance, or other professional fields, this area will showcase solid career advancement opportunities. Residents appreciate the easy commute to other larger economies.
The average per capita income is about $74,100, or roughly $35.00 an hour. Closter is an expensive place to live, so consider that when moving here. Many homes are dual-income households or have higher-paying jobs.
Closter NJ Schools
People living in Closter NJ are served by two school districts—Closter Public Schools, which serve pre-K through 8th-grade students. The Northern Valley Regional High School District serves high school students. Closter residents in high school typically attend Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest.
Northern Valley Regional High is ranked among the top 10% statewide for performance and boasts a 99% graduation rate. It offers a variety of AP/college‑prep courses and is, overall, a wonderful school to send your high schooler.
Hillside Elementary School and Tenakill Middle School are the elementary and middle schools serving Closter residents.
If you or your student plans to advance their education upon moving to Closter, you should note the nearby colleges and universities. Bergen Community College is a community college offering cost-effective associate and bachelor's degrees. Manhattan College boasts bachelor's and graduate programs and has a beautiful campus in the heart of NYC.
Additional Community Resources
Closter library cardholders gain access to 77 other Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS). There are hundreds of thousands of books to check out, e-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines are available through the library’s app.
Cardholders also receive free or discounted admission into regional museums via the county’s museum pass program.
Closter NJ Statistics & Information
- Closter NJ county: Bergen County
- Closter NJ area: 3.3 square miles
- Closter NJ zipcode: 07624
- Closter NJ area code: 201
- Closter NJ time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closter NJ elevation: 39 feet
- Closest airport to Closter NJ: Teterboro Airport (about 13 miles away)
Living in Closter NJ FAQ
Is Closter, NJ a Good Place to Live?
Closter, NJ, is generally considered a good place to live. The borough has a median household income of $187,500 and a median home value of $820,100, according to the Census Bureau, reflecting its affluent nature. Its crime rate is well below the U.S. average, making it safer than many American cities. With a history of strong public school performance and NJ Transit commuter buses (167 routes) within 45–60 minutes of Manhattan, it offers a suburban feel with reasonable access to New York City.
Does Closter NJ Have a Downtown?
Yes, Closter, NJ, has a downtown district centered on and around Closter Plaza and nearby streets like Ver Valen Street and Vervalen Avenue. This area includes shops, restaurants, services, and a pedestrian-friendly layout. Downtown Closter serves as the town's commercial hub, located close to major local roads like Closter Dock Road, making it convenient for daily errands and commuting.
It offers a small-town atmosphere with modern amenities, providing those living in Closter NJ, a central hub for dining, shopping, moviegoing, and community activities. Although the plaza serves as the primary shopping hub, officials are working to revitalize the historic aspects of the town's center.
What Is Closter NJ Known for?
Closter, NJ is known for its historic small-town charm, highly rated public schools within the Closter School District, and abundant green space. According to the New Jersey School Performance Report, Closter students are meeting or exceeding the state expectations for academic progress.
The 136-acre Closter Nature Center offers trails, wildlife observation, and community programs, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities. The borough also features a pedestrian-friendly downtown with shops and local services, providing a blend of suburban convenience and natural beauty that defines life in this Bergen County community.
How Safe is Closter NJ?
Closter, NJ, located in Bergen County, is considered a very safe community with a low crime rate that is 55.6% lower than the state average, according to the FBI. The borough is served by the Closter Police Department, which actively patrols residential and commercial areas.
Residents report a strong sense of community; local leaders prioritize public safety and coordinated emergency services, as shown in recent borough plans emphasizing safer streets, accredited policing, and support for volunteer fire and ambulance services. Its combination of well-maintained streets, vigilant law enforcement, and community engagement contributes to Closter’s reputation as a secure and family-friendly place to live.
What Town is Next to Closter New Jersey?
Closter, NJ, is bordered by several Bergen County municipalities. To the north, it neighbors Haworth, while Norwood lies to the northwest. To the east, it borders Alpine, and to the south, it borders Demarest. These neighboring towns, such as Closter, are suburban communities with residential neighborhoods, local schools, and parks, which contribute to the overall character of northern Bergen County.
The proximity of these towns provides those living in Closter NJ with easy access to regional amenities, shopping, and transportation along major routes, including Closter Dock Road and County Route 501.
Map of Closter NJ
Explore more of this lovely borough with this handy Closter map.
Move to Closter New Jersey With Harrington Moving & Storage
No matter where you’re moving to in New Jersey, we’re confident you will love where you end up. While we’re partial to Closter, we know everyone has specific requirements for their potential new cities. While you may be looking for the best places to retire in NJ, others may be seeking proximity to high-paying jobs.
Whether you plan to rent when living in Closter NJ or are buying a house in NJ, picking up your entire life is taxing, and a job for professional Closter NJ movers. If you want to get to your new location hassle-free, call Harrington Moving & Storage at (973) 313-2246 for a free estimate!
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