Moving to Carlstadt? 🏘 Learn About Living in Carlstadt NJ With Our Complete Guide
Living in Carlstadt NJ is a nice choice for young families and professionals who prefer to live outside of the hustle and bustle of New York City, but still commute there for work. It is known for being a tight-knit, family-friendly community where children can play outside unbothered and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Officially a borough in Bergen County, Carlstadt was originally formed as a village in 1860 and was officially incorporated as a borough on June 27, 1894, a result of the “Boroughitis” phenomenon that swept through all of Bergen County.
Where Is Carlstadt NJ?
Carlstadt is in Bergen County, New Jersey. It’s also located in the Meadowlands region, an area known for its mix of residential communities, commercial areas, and wetlands near the Hackensack River.
Carlstadt is part of the New York City metropolitan area and is a small suburb just outside of Manhattan, making it popular for commuters who want be near NYC without living in the city. It is located near several well-known North Jersey towns, including East Rutherford, Moonachie, Wood-Ridge, South Hackensack, and Lyndhurst.
The borough is close to the Hackensack River and the Meadowlands wetlands, which shape the area’s flat terrain and industrial-suburban layout.
Carlstadt is 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan, about 6.5 miles from Secaucus, and 15 miles from Newark. Living in Carlstadt NJ offers quick access to major employment centers throughout North Jersey and New York City.
Carlstadt has limited but accessible public transportation options, with residents relying mainly on NJ Transit bus service. Nearby rail access is available in neighboring towns such as Wood-Ridge and Secaucus, where major NJ Transit rail lines connect to New York Penn Station and other regional destinations.
Carlstadt NJ Demographics & Population
The population of Carlstadt NJ is 6,372 per the 2020 U.S. Census. It is part of the wider NYC metro area, which has a population of 23.6 million. The population density is 1,614.4 people per square mile, and from 2010 to 2020, Carlstadt saw 4% population growth.
Notable People & Carlstadt Residents
While small, Carlstadt NJ does have a group of notable individuals associated with it, including former MLB player Mark DeRosa, American screenwriter Darren Lemke, and musician Mark Rizzo.
Carlstadt NJ Demographics
- 56% men vs 44% women
- Median age: 44 years
- The racial and ethnic composition: White alone (non-Hispanic) 68%, 20% Hispanic, Asian 9%, two or more races 2%
- Foreign-born population: 19.9%
- Median household income: $94,854 – the NJ state median household income is $101,150
- Educational attainment: High school grads: 95.7% and Bachelor's degree or higher: 32.4%
Carlstadt NJ Crime Rate
The overall crime rate in Carlstadt NJ is 2,074 per 100,000 people, according to the FBI–this is about 28% higher than the state and 10.8% lower than the national average. For violent crime, the rate is 47 per 100,000 people, which is 76.8% lower than the state of New Jersey crime rate and 87.3% lower than the national rate. And finally, when it comes to property crime, Carlstadt faces some issues. The property crime rate is 2,027 per 100,000 people, making it 43% higher than the state and 3.7% higher than the country.
Is Carlstadt NJ safe? While the property crime rate may raise some eyebrows, in the larger picture, Carlstadt is generally a safe place to live. Avoid becoming a victim of property crime by locking your doors, securing your belongings, and not leaving valuable items in your car.
Find out more about safety when living in Carlstadt NJ by visiting the Carlstadt Police Department website. There, you can learn about the 24 dedicated police officers serving the community and its many residents.
Carlstadt NJ Cost of Living
Is Carlstadt NJ expensive? Yes, the average cost of living in Carlstadt NJ is fairly expensive. Per the Cost of Living Index, the cost of living in the New York-Jersey City-White Plains NY-NJ metro area is about 19% higher than the national average. And according to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four in Bergen County would have to earn $131,215 per year to afford living in Carlstadt NJ.
Typical Carlstadt NJ Living Expenses
On average, you will pay these prices for everyday items while living in Carlstadt NJ. This also includes the cost of average utilities in Carlstadt NJ.
- Milk (1/2 gallon): $4.75
- Eggs (1 dozen): $3.65
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $22.00
- Imported beer (12-ounce bottle): $8.00
- Average Carlstadt NJ utilities per month: $698 (Doxo)
(Numbeo)
Carlstadt NJ Real Estate
The Carlstadt NJ median home price is $800,000, with an average cost of $361 per square foot. The national median home price is $428,275, which means the Carlstadt median home price is 86.8% higher. If you’re thinking about living in Carlstadt NJ, be sure to research available Carlstadt NJ homes for sale.
Rent in Carlstadt NJ
Based on the surrounding area, the average rent in Carlstadt NJ is around $2,500 per month (RentCafe), well past the national averge of $1,737. Moving to Carlstadt and considering renting an apartment? Review this helpful list of Carlstadt NJ apartments for rent. If you prefer a house, search for these houses for rent in Carlstadt NJ.
Where to Live in Carlstadt
Since Carlstadt is small both in area and population, there are no “best Carlstadt NJ neighborhoods” – the entire area is generally a great place to live. The neighborhoods around St. Joseph’s Park and Carlstadt Village Green are quite nice and family-friendly.
Carlstadt NJ Weather
The Köppen classification indicates that the Carlstadt NJ climate is humid subtropical. If you’re living in Carlstadt NJ, you can expect warm to hot, humid summers and damp, chilly winters. The average temperature in Carlstadt NJ ranges from 20℉ in the winter to around 90℉ in the summer, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 100℉ (although this type of high is rare)
Wondering “does it snow in Carlstadt NJ?” — the answer is yes, it snows regularly. Carlstadt NJ annual snowfall is approximately 26 inches per year. And when it comes to rain, Carlstadt NJ annual rainfall is around 48 inches per year. The best times to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is mild.
Things to Do in Carlstadt NJ
When it comes to fun things to do in Carlstadt NJ, there is no shortage of both indoor and outdoor activities for people of all ages. But starting with shopping, local favorites include the Food Bazaar for groceries and Walgreens Carlstadt NJ. Beyond Carlstadt, there are shopping options like The Plaza at Harmon Meadow.
River Barge Park and Marina
A large and dog-friendly 5.5-acre riverfront park with a marina leading to the Hackensack River. Visitors enjoy boating, picnicking, and birdwatching; they say it is clean and well-maintained, with nice public restrooms available. This is one of the best things to do in Carlstadt NJ if you want to relax and enjoy some fresh air.
260 Outwater Ln, Carlstadt, NJ 07072, 201-460-1700
American Dream Mall
One of the fun things to do in Carlstadt NJ is to visit the American Dream mall in East Rutherford. It is the second-largest mall in the U.S. and features plenty of shopping, dining, and family-friendly activities. Some attractions include the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, Big Snow American Dream ski slope, and the DreamWorks Water Park.
1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, 833-263-7326
Metlife Stadium
Located just minutes from Carlstadt, NJ, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford is part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex and is home to the New York Giants and the New York Jets. The stadium also hosts major concerts and large-scale events throughout the year, making it one of the most popular and fun things to do while living in Carlstadt NJ.
1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, 201-559-1500
Additional Attractions in Carlstadt New Jersey
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
- Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
- DreamWorks Water Park
- Sofive Soccer Centers Meadowlands
For more on what to do in Carlstadt NJ, visit the Carlstadt Parks & Rec Department website. You should also view the borough’s events calendar.
Restaurants in Carlstadt NJ
You'll find some of the best restaurants in Carlstadt NJ. Cuisine options range from Italian to Mexican, and there is even a Spanish restaurant. No matter what you're craving, you'll find something delicious when you're living in Carlstadt NJ.
Gianna’s
For Carlstadt NJ restaurants serving Italian, look no further than Gianna’s. There you’ll find classic Italian food and friendly service. Portions are family-sized, so come hungry and order some of the local favorites like the chicken parmesan and penne vodka.
843 Washington Ave, Carlstadt, NJ 07072, 201-460-7997
Segovia Meson
One of the best restaurants in Carlstadt NJ for Spanish cuisine. Segovia Meson features small plates like stuffed scallops and mains like filet mignon, shrimp, and lobster. The happy hour is quite popular, along with the pitchers of red sangria.
645 Washington Ave, Carlstadt, NJ 07072, 201-896-3260
La Fortaleza Carlstadt
If you’re craving Mexican food, then La Fortaleza is one of the best places to eat in Carlstadt NJ. This festive restaurant serves favorites like fajitas, burritos, and tacos. There is also a full bar, which is fun, but can get a bit loud at times. Overall, a meal here is a fun experience and can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
335 Paterson Plank Rd, Carlstadt, NJ 07072, 201-460-0100
Carlstadt NJ Jobs
The average salary in Carlstadt NJ is $49,700 per year, with an average hourly wage of $23.90 per hour. Two major employers in Carlstadt are Pantone and the nearby MetLife Stadium.
While there are jobs directly in Carlstadt NJ, choices are limited because it is small and considered a “bedroom community.” This means many people living in Carlstadt NJ commute to New York City for work. New York City is known for industries including real estate, technology, healthcare, and finance.
If you’re considering living in Carlstadt NJ and want a local job, then search Indeed.com for jobs in Carlstadt NJ. You can also check for job opportunities with the Borough of Carlstadt NJ on the official website.
Carlstadt NJ Schools
The public schools in Carlstadt are overseen by two separate school districts. For grades Pre-K - 8, there is Carlstadt Public Schools, and for high school, there is Carlstadt-East Rutherford Regional School District.
Colleges & Universities
For students living in Carlstadt NJ, there are no colleges or universities directly in the borough; however, there are plenty of excellent schools offering quality education nearby. Nearby colleges include Bergen Community College, Felician University, and the prestigious New York University (NYU).
For people living in Carlstadt NJ, there are plenty of free learning resources available at the local Carlstadt Public Library.
Carlstadt Statistic & Information
- County: Bergen County
- Carlstadt NJ area: 4.21 sq mi
- Carlstadt NJ zip code(s): 07072
- Carlstadt NJ area code(s): 201
- Carlstadt NJ elevation: 13 ft
- Carlstadt NJ time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4/-5)
- Closest airport to Carlstadt NJ: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is around 17 miles from Carlstadt NJ.
FAQs About Carlstadt NJ
Where Is Carlstadt NJ?
Carlstadt is a small borough located in Bergen County, New Jersey, in the northeastern part of the state. It sits in the Meadowlands region and is part of the New York City metropolitan area. Carlstadt is bordered by East Rutherford, Moonachie, Wood-Ridge, and South Hackensack. The borough is about 12 miles west of Midtown Manhattan and near major routes like Route 17 and the New Jersey Turnpike, making it well connected for commuters living in Carlstadt NJ.
What Is Carlstadt NJ Known for?
Carlstadt NJ is known for its location in the Meadowlands area of Bergen County and its ties to the New York City metro area. The borough has a long history of industry and commerce. Carlstadt is also recognized for its proximity to MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Sports Complex, as well as its easy access to major highways like Route 17 and the New Jersey Turnpike.
Is Carlstadt NJ a Good Place to Live?
Carlstadt NJ is a good place to live if you value convenience and proximity to New York City. Its location in Bergen County offers quick access to major highways like Route 17 and the New Jersey Turnpike, making commuting easier. Carlstadt has a small-town, family-friendly feel, making it nice for people of all ages. It is close to shopping, dining, and entertainment in nearby towns such as East Rutherford and Rutherford.
Carlstadt NJ Map
Learn more about things to do when living in Carlstadt NJ with this helpful borough map.
Ready to Call Carlstadt Home? We’re Here For You!
Living in Carlstadt NJ offers comfort, community, and everyday convenience. With its Bergen County location, easy access to NYC, and blend of small-town living and nearby entertainment, Carlstadt NJ is a wonderful place to live. Moving to Carlstadt? Contact the professional Carlstadt NJ movers at Harrington Moving & Storage. We offer long distance moving, local moving, packing services, and more. Call 973-313-2246 today!
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