Explore Living in Emerson NJ 👨👩👧👧 With Our Complete Moving to Emerson NJ Guide
Nicknamed ‘The Family Town’, Emerson appeals to growing families seeking easy access to large employment hubs. People living in Emerson NJ enjoy a peaceful suburban lifestyle, earn well above the US median, and spend their free time perusing the walkable main street and its shops and cafes. If you’re considering moving to Emerson, you’ll need a rundown of the cost of living, commuter options, crime rate, and location. Although it’s a borough, Emerson provides all of its own municipal services.
If you want to live in a historic place with a small-town atmosphere, Emerson Borough may be a good fit. It was incorporated as Etna in 1903 and later renamed Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1909, after the author. It has transitioned from farmland to a developed NYC suburb. With a growth rate of 1.35% annually, your potential new home is sought after by many!
If you’re considering other Bergen County towns, that only makes sense. The first step to choosing the best home for you and your family is to do thorough research.
- Hackensack - Largest city in the county and a major healthcare employment hub
- Fort Lee - Affordable housing market and various recreational activities
- Garfield - Commuter-friendly community in Bergen County
Now, to familiarize yourself with Living in Emerson NJ, and all of its excellent offerings—starting with its prime location!
Where Is Emerson NJ?
Emerson, NJ, is located in north-central Bergen County, within the Pascack Valley; Pascack Brook flows along the western edge of the borough. It’s 25.4 miles from Emerson to NYC and 23.3 miles to Hoboken.
Nearby Towns
You will always be within a few miles of other great Garden State communities:
- Westwood (northwest)
- Hillsdale (northeast)
- Oradell (south)
- Washington Township (west)
Major highways serving Emerson residents are Route 17 and County Route 502.
Emerson NJ Commuter Information
People living in Emerson NJ have access to NJ Transit, one of the largest public transportation systems in the country, which operates 12 commuter rail lines, 250 bus routes, and 3 light rail lines.
Train Service
The Pascack Valley Line provides direct service from the Emerson station to Hoboken, Secaucus, and New York Penn Station.
- Commute time: The average rail commute from Emerson to New York Penn Station is approximately 70 minutes, including transfer time.
If you plan to utilize the Pascack Valley Line often, it’s important to obtain permit parking. There are free options at Lots 1 and 2, but Lot 3 requires a permit for evening parking.
Bus Service
NJ Transit Bus Route 165 runs along Kinderkamack Road, stopping at various points, including Jefferson Ave, Seneca Ave, and Emerson Station.
- Commute time: The NJ Transit 165 bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes, with the number of stops and passenger volume significantly affecting travel time.
Emerson NJ Population & Demographics
The population in Emerson NJ is 7,263, and the median age is 47.9. 25% of residents are 65 and older; roughly 1,815.75 retirees are living in Emerson NJ. That’s not to take away from Emerson’s family-friendly appeal. About 22% of residents are under 19. Additionally, 1.5% of women aged 15-50 gave birth in the past year, resulting in roughly 109 births in the community.
Additional demographics:
- Notable people: Aron Abrams, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Nicki Gross
- Sex ratio: 54 females to 46 males
- Median household income in Emerson: $153,963
- Poverty rate: 2.6%
- Average household size: 2.7
- Marital status: 67%
- Median value of owned homes: $626,000
- Educational attainment: 97.9% have high school diplomas, and 55.2% have bachelor's degrees
According to New Jersey voter registration data, there are 2,526,872 registered Democrats in the state, compared with 1,673,468 Republicans.
Racial and ethnic makeup:
- White alone, percent: 79.7%
- Black alone, percent: 0.7%
- American Indian & Alaska Native alone, percent: 0.2%
- Asian alone, percent: 11.4%
- Two or more races, percent: 6.4%
- Hispanic or Latino, percent: 7.6%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent: 78.3%
Overall, the population of Emerson is mostly White, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and two or more races. Residents are highly educated and earn well above the US median household income. There is a mix of growing families, young professionals, and retirees, appealing to a broad range of age groups.
Is Emerson NJ Safe?
Emerson NJ is a very safe place to live. According to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, Emerson, NJ, recorded 7 property crimes in 2024, resulting in a property crime rate of 94.57 incidents per 100,000 residents. All reported property crimes were classified as larceny-theft, with no burglaries or motor vehicle thefts reported. The FBI UCR data also shows that Emerson reported zero violent crimes in 2024, producing a violent crime rate of 0.00 per 100,000 residents.
The dedicated Police Department in Emerson, NJ, boasts strong community involvement through the community outreach program and witness advocacy efforts.
Cost of Living in Emerson NJ
The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Emerson, NJ, is 146, which is46% higher than the average US city. Its COLI is 6% above the New Jersey average, ranking it the 89th-most expensive city in the state.
The Economic Policy Institute estimates that a family of four needs $131,215 in household income to live comfortably in Bergen County.
Typical living expenses:
- 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
- Pound of local cheese: $6.69
- Average Emerson NJ utilities per month: $135.40
- Commuting costs:
- One-way local transit: $4.20
- Monthly public transport: $170.00
Source: Numbeo
Emerson New Jersey Real Estate
The Emerson market is a competitive sellers' market, with demand exceeding supply. The median home price in Emerson NJ is $690,000 for a single-family home, per Redfin’s most recent market trend analysis. The median sale price per square foot is $380, with homes sitting on the market for a median of 62 days. The market offers a mix of charming historic buildings and new-construction communities. There aren’t many condos or townhomes in the borough limits.
Although the homeownership population in Emerson is 90%, if buying a house isn’t in your immediate relocation plan, take a look at the rental market. The average rent in Emerson NJ is $4,500, according to Zillow’s recent data. This figure is well above the US housing average of $1,740.
Average Property Taxes in Emerson NJ
Once you own your home in Emerson, you will have to pay property taxes.The property tax rate in Emerson NJis 3.3%. According to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, the average property tax bill in Emerson is $14,319, roughly $1,193 a month.
The borough’s municipal tax rate is $0.999 per $100 of assessed value, meaning for every $100 of assessed property value, a little less than $1.00 is charged for municipal taxes alone. For example, if a home’s assessed value is $100,000, the total tax bill would be about $3,303 (before exemptions).
Bergen County tax rates are among the highest in the country, a crucial factor to consider before moving to Emerson NJ.
Emerson Neighborhoods - Where to Live In Emerson
Whether you plan to rent or buy, knowing the best areas to live in is key. Here are the most welcoming neighborhoods in Emerson.
Downtown - Live Near Emerson Station In Commuter-Friendly Downtown Emerson
Home to walkable streets and proximity to local shops, cafes, and the downtown area, Kinderkamack Road and Main Street (informally Downtown Emerson) is one of the most desirable areas of the borough. Emerson is a highly competitive place to buy and it can be challenging to find a home to buy.
Main Street's home has proximity to the Oredell River and its wildlife, and many homes are close to the Soldier Hill Golf Course. Emerson Woods is practically in your backyard if you opt for downtown living, and J'S BAGELS & CAFE is a short walk up Kinderkamack Road.
Centennial Park Area - Close to Local Schools & Recreational Activities
The homes nearCentennial Park in Emerson provide easy access to Emerson Junior-Senior High School, public tennis courts, and boating opportunities at Oradell Reservoir. It’s rare to find homes for sale near Centennial Park, so just know that if you see one, you should certainly take a look.
Emerson NJ Weather & Climate
Emerson offers a Humid Continental climate (Köppen: Dfa or Cfa), boasting all four seasons. When living in Emerson NJ, the summers are hot and humid, and the winters are freezing and snowy.
The average daily high in the summer is 76 degrees, and the average daily low in the winter is 25 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the hottest month, reaching temperatures as high as 85 degrees. In January, temperatures can go below 25 degrees.
September is the cloudiest month, with an average daily cloud cover of 64%. August has the highest rainfall, with a 36% chance per day. The average annual rainfall is 47 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 27 inches. There are 203 sunny days in Emerson NJ per year.
Things to Do in Emerson NJ
There aren’t many attractions within the borough limits, but it offers well-maintained parks, numerous walking trails, and ample open spaces, and it is near several regionally recognized areas.
Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum
Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum is the top cultural outing in the area. It showcases historic paintings and unique exhibits, including Dwayne Harty's Bison Legacy.
705 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell, NJ 07649, (201) 261-0012
Hackensack Golf Club
One of the best outdoor recreational activities in Emerson is the Hackensack Golf Course. Charles Banks crafted the 18-hole championship course in the Golden Age of golf architecture. It boasts a classic design with modern updates for optimal playability.
1 Golf Club Rd, Emerson, NJ 07630, (20) 1261-5500
Monster Mini Golf Paramus
Let the kiddos get out some energy while honing in on their putt at Monster Mini Golf in Paramus.
49 E Midland Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652, (201) 261-0032
Parks, Recreation, and Community Events
Residents of Emerson enjoy a variety of local events throughout the year, such as Emerson Day and holiday celebrations.
Emerson Parks and Recreation Department hosts everything from youth sports to summer camps and even the notable Memorial Day Ceremony.
Emerson NJ Restaurants
Emerson, New Jersey, isn’t known for serving a single type of food; rather, it's known for its wide variety of dining options.
Francos Pizzería and Restaurant
Enjoy authentic Italian food at Francos. The most popular menu item here is the penne with red sauce, but the friendly staff keeps customers coming back.
207 Kinderkamack Rd, Emerson, NJ 07630, (201) 265-8111
Pimaan Thai Restaurant
Pimann Thai Restaurant offers dishes such as drunken noodles, mock duck, and fried ice cream.
79 Kinderkamack Rd, Emerson, NJ 07630, (201) 967-0440
Wayback Burgers
The fried pickles, tater tots, and shakes are popular menu items at Wayback Burgers, but its two-patty cheeseburger is highly praised in reviews.
175 Kinderkamack Rd, Emerson, NJ 07630, (201) 299-0591
Emerson NJ Jobs
If you’re moving to Emerson NJ, you may be job hunting too. The borough’s economy reflects its suburban role within Bergen County and the New York metro area. Although it’s primarily residential, the borough itself employs about 3,700 people, with the largest local sectors in educational services, health care, and professional and technical services.
Bergen County, where Emerson is located, has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $82.4 billion, and major employers include Hackensack University Medical Center and Quest Diagnostics. Jobs in Emerson NJ are easily spotted on Indeed, but there are also job opportunities within the Emerson borough, ideal for those in the public sector.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ residents earn a mean hourly wage of $40.65. The average per capita income is $74,515, and the poverty rate is roughly 2.6%
Emerson New Jersey Schools
People living in Emerson NJ are served by the Emerson Public School District. The borough boasts a strong, close-knit, family-oriented school system. It serves only 1,088 students across three schools.
- Memorial School - K-6th
- Patrick M Villano School - K-8th
- Emerson Junior Senior High School - 8-12th grade
Emerson Junior Senior High is a six-year school with a population of 446 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1. It’s ranked 2,271 nationally and has a US News score of 87.31. It offers unique courses like AP classes, including a robust STEM and humanities program. Students gain access to art, AV, and book clubs.
There are private school options, including Assumption Academy, a Catholic preschool. Other private education options are Bergen Catholic High School and Zion Lutheran School.
Bergen Community College is located in Paramus. Fairleigh Dickinson University and Montclair State University are great options for Bachelor's and postgraduate degrees.
Emerson Public Library
Emerson Public Library offers free wifi and computer access. You can download eBooks and audiobooks for free via Libby and attend programs and events for kids, teens, and adults.
Living in Emerson NJ FAQ
Is Emerson NJ Wealthy?
Emerson, New Jersey, is considered an upper-middle-class borough, with a median household income of approximately $153,963, which is higher than the state average. The community features well-maintained homes and a low poverty rate of around 2.7%. Many residents work in professional, managerial, or technical occupations, and the borough’s proximity to major highways, such as Route 17 and I-80, supports commuting to New York City and surrounding areas. These factors contribute to Emerson’s reputation as a financially stable and desirable place to live.
What Are the Demographics of Emerson New Jersey?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Emerson, New Jersey, has a population of 7,263 residents. The borough is predominantly White (79.7%), with smaller communities of Hispanic, Asian, and African American residents. The median age is around 47.9 years, reflecting a mix of families and older adults. Most households are family households, with an average of 2.7 people. Emerson has a highly educated population, with a significant percentage (55.2%) holding bachelor’s degrees or higher, and the community experiences low poverty rates compared with state and national averages.
Is Emerson NJ a Good Place to Live?
Emerson, New Jersey, is considered a desirable place to live due to its safe neighborhoods, low property and violent crime rates of 0 and 94.57 per 100,000 residents. It boasts well-regarded schools within the Emerson School District. The borough offers a suburban environment with convenient access to Route 17 and the NJ Transit train station for commuting to New York City. Residents benefit from community amenities such as 14 acres of park space, local businesses, and recreational programs, while the median household income is $153,963, and a low poverty rate supports a stable, family-friendly community.
How Does Emerson Compare to Other Towns?
Emerson, NJ, is a small Bergen County borough known for its quiet, residential character, beautiful parks, and strong sense of community. Compared to nearby towns such as Westwood or Hillsdale, it has lower population density, a higher proportion of older residents, limited commercial development, and a strong focus on single-family homes. Emerson is served by the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line and Emerson Public Schools, with high school students attending Pascack Valley High School. Housing costs are typically higher than the state average, reflecting low crime and stable schools.
Emerson NJ Statistics & Information
- Emerson NJ county: Bergen County
- Emerson NJ area: 2.42 square miles
- Emerson NJ zip code(s): 07630
- Emerson NJ area code(s): 201
- Emerson NJ elevation: 49 feet
- Emerson NJ time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC −5 and -4)
- Closest airports to Emerson NJ:
- Teterboro Airport (TEB) - 10.9 miles
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - 22.1 miles
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - 31.1 miles
Map of Emerson NJ
Explore more of the Emerson borough with this handy map.
Moving to Emerson NJ With Harrington Moving & Storage
Living in Emerson NJ offers so much, including a convenient commute to civic pride and a strong school system. If you're considering making Emerson home, let the best Emerson NJ movers at Harrington Moving & Storage help. Give our friendly team a call today at (973) 313-2246.
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