Living in Edgewater NJ 🏡 | What to Know Before Moving to Edgewater
Living in Edgewater NJ can change your entire life! According to Wikipedia, the Algonquin people lived in the Edgewater area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived in 1640. They built a small fishing community that slowly expanded. People began moving to Edgewater once the community became a center for ferries in the 1700s. Many ferries went across the Hudson River to Manhattan and New York City.
Edgewater was incorporated as a borough in 1894. It was called "Undercliff," but it was renamed to "Edgewater" in 1899. The borough gets its name from being along the water's edge at the Hudson River. Edgewater industrialized in the 20th century and became a factory and textile community. It's now a predominantly residential borough that is fast becoming a prominent suburb of New York City.
Is Edgewater NJ a good place to live? Yes, it's a great place to live if you're looking for a safe place with convenient access to New York and transportation by car or train.
Edgewater is best known for its scenic view of the New York City skyline, top restaurants, and upscale homes for sale. There's a lot to love about living in Edgewater NJ, and you may be tempted to start moving to Edgewater today now. But before you call a moving company, you should learn valuable insights about living in this quaint New Jersey borough.
Where Is Edgewater?
What county is Edgewater NJ in? Edgewater NJ is in Bergen County, inside the New York City metropolitan area. It is 11.4 miles from Edgewater to New York City, specifically Lower Manhattan. It is also 9.5 miles from Edgewater to Jersey City. Edgewater is directly across the Hudson River from Harlem and Upper Manhattan. It borders several of the closest New Jersey cities to New York, including Cliffside Park, Fort Lee, and Guttenberg.
Edgewater is on the Hudson River and contains a few small parks, including the Palisades Park Recreation Area. It's a well-developed community that is predominantly residential.
New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) provides public transportation for Edgewater residents. Several bus routes serve Edgewater, including Bus Route 156, which provides access to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. You can use the NJ Transit system map to find where routes and stops are. You can also use the West Midtown Ferry Terminal and take ferries to Manhattan and other parts of New York City.
Edgewater is not near major roads, but it contains streets like River Road, so many people living in Edgewater NJ drive or walk to locations. The George Washington Bridge is just north of Edgewater, providing access to West New York City.
Edgewater Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Edgewater population in 2023 was 14,678, up by 27.5% since 2010. Edgewater is a moderately sized borough, and its population growth is higher than the Bergen County population growth in recent decades. The Edgewater population density is 14,764.8 people living in Edgewater NJ per square mile, 3.5 times higher than the countywide density.
Notable people living in Edgewater NJ include Cardi B, JoJo, and Barbara Corcoran. Edgewater NJ demographics include:
- 50.1% female, 49.9% male
- Median age of people living in Edgewater NJ: 39.9
- Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Edgewater NJ: 42.1% Asian, 40.9% White (37.9% non-Hispanic), 12.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% two or more races, 4.5% Black or African American
- Median household income of people living in Edgewater NJ: $137,847 (roughly 1.4 times higher than the state median)
- Educational attainment of residents living in Edgewater NJ: 97.5% of residents older than 25 have graduated high school, 74.0% have a bachelor's degree
- Foreign-born population of people living in Edgewater NJ: 53.1%
Edgewater is a minority-majority borough and has one of the highest rates of foreign-born people among communities in New Jersey. Over 1,500 residents living in Edgewater NJ were born in Korea, and nearly 500 were born in Japan. It's also one of the wealthiest communities in New Jersey. Over 65% of households living in Edgewater NJ make over $100,000 a year, with 38.2% making over $200,000 a year. Only 6.3% of residents living in Edgewater NJ live below the poverty line.
Edgewater is a very safe town to live in. Here are the latest crime rates for Edgewater, according to the FBI in 2022:
- Overall crime rate: 1,284 crimes per 100,000 people living in Edgewater NJ (20.0% lower than the Jersey City crime rate, 20.7% lower than the New Jersey rate, 44.8% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 54 violent crimes per 100,000 residents living in Edgewater NJ (73.4% lower than the New Jersey rate, 85.4% lower than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 1,230 offenses per 100,000 people living in Edgewater NJ (13.2% lower than the New Jersey average, 37.1% lower than the national rate)
Edgewater is a safe place to live in New Jersey or near New York City. The Edgewater Police Department employs 33 police officers living in Edgewater NJ.
Cost of Living in Edgewater NJ
Edgewater cost of living statistics can be hard to find, so you can use New York City cost of living statistics and make a rough estimate. Manhattan is the closest borough to Edgewater, so Manhattan cost of living statistics are more accurate than ones from Queens or the Bronx. The Manhattan cost of living index is 225.2, meaning items in the area cost 125.2% more than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $131,215 a year to cover their expenses in Bergen County. The Edgewater cost of living is higher than the Jersey City cost of living and Newark cost of living.
Living in Edgewater NJ can be pricey, especially if you're taking care of children. Child care is the biggest expense, costing $2,181 per month. Singles living in Edgewater NJ without children can enjoy a more affordable life than couples with children. Even if you're taking care of children, you can apply for high-paying jobs in Edgewater NJ before moving to Edgewater.
Despite the high cost of living index, you can find affordable Edgewater real estate. According to Redfin, Edgewater homes for sale have a median cost of $547,500, with an average cost per square foot of $538. The cost of rent in Edgewater NJ is significant. According to RentCafe, Edgewater apartments have an average cost of $3,655 a month. The average rent in Edgewater is over twice the national average.
Typical Edgewater* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of white rice: $3.55
- 1 pound of apples: $3.42
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.64
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.73
- Average Edgewater* utilities per month: $186.58
- 1 pair of jeans: $65.67
Source: Numbeo
*Typical expenses actually for New York City
Edgewater Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Edgewater
Edgewater does not have formal neighborhoods due to its small size and high population density. The real estate market is also small; only 206 Edgewater homes for sale were sold in 2024. Nearly all of these properties were condos and co-ops, with only a small number of single-family homes for sale and townhouses sold that year.
Many people start moving to Edgewater to buy a condo. Most condos in Edgewater are small, containing two or three bedrooms and 2,000 square feet at the most. Amenities in the condos can vary significantly. Some condos are new and luxurious and have classy features like gourmet kitchens, nine-foot glass doors and windows, and open-concept layouts. Other condos are older and have rustic and classic features like outdoor balconies and hardwood floors.
The cost of rent in Edgewater is high in comparison to other New Jersey cities, and there are no options for affordable places to rent in Edgewater. However, Edgewater apartments tend to offer a lot of amenities and special features, like 24/7 security, private ferry services, and communal saunas. Riello Edgewater is one of the more affordable apartment complexes, with one-bedroom apartments starting at $3,050 a month. Riello Edgewater apartments have granite countertops, breakfast bars, and walk-in closets.
Edgewater Weather and Climate
Edgewater has a humid subtropical climate, with warm and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the hottest month of Edgewater weather, with an average temperature of 77 degrees and an average high of 84. Temperatures peak in mid-July, but they're consistently warm throughout the entire summer. They then decline rapidly through the fall. January is the coldest month of Edgewater weather, with an average temperature of 32 degrees and an average low of 28.
Edgewater receives 39.4 inches of rain and 21.2 inches of snow. Precipitation falls consistently throughout the year, with each month having at least 3.5 inches of precipitation. Each month has at least seven days of precipitation, so you should have an umbrella on hand throughout the year. The high amount of rain in the summer creates humidity, with half of July's days feeling muggy or oppressive. Edgewater does not experience extreme weather on a regular basis.
September is the best month to visit and start moving to Edgewater. The average temperature is 68 degrees, so you can wear a short-sleeved shirt outside and remain comfortable.
Things to Do in Edgewater NJ
You can enjoy a wide range of things to do in Edgewater NJ, including great outdoor attractions and shopping centers! Ask someone living in Edgewater NJ what to do in Edgewater NJ, and they'll encourage you to go shopping. Edgewater Commons is the top shopping center in Edgewater, containing a T.J. Maxx, a Target, and a HomeGoods. Mitsuwa Marketplace is the top grocery store in Edgewater, and it's a unique Japanese grocery store in the New York City area.
SoJo Spa Club
SoJo Spa Club is a Korean-inspired spa, and it's one of the top spas in New Jersey. SoJo Spa has a Korean bathhouse, thermal pools, and saunas, including a hydrotherapy pool and a carbon-rich bath. You can order massages, nail and skin treatments, and other unique health services at SoJo Spa.
660 River Road, Edgewater, NJ, 07020, 201-313-7200
Palisades Park
Palisades Park is a 12-mile-long park that runs through Edgewater. Palisades Park contains over 30 miles of hiking and walking trails, four riverfront picnic areas, and fishing spots along the shoreline.
676 Undercliff Avenue, Edgewater, NJ, 07020, 201-768-1320
Veterans Field Park
Veterans Field Park is an outdoor sports complex with a football field, three baseball diamonds, and a basketball court. It's the top point of interest for residents living in Edgewater NJ to participate in sports, including cricket.
1057-1165 River Road, Edgewater, NJ, 07020, 201-943-1700
Additional Things to Do in Edgewater NJ
The Borough of Edgewater Recreation Department plans special events for families, children, and young professionals living in Edgewater NJ throughout the year. You can find detailed information on these events on the Edgewater events calendar.
Edgewater Restaurants
The New York City area is well known for its cuisine, with many options for upscale dining and casual and enjoyable meals. You can try out many restaurants in Edgewater NJ, including romantic places to eat and family-friendly eateries.
Original Pancake House
Original Pancake House is the top location in Edgewater for breakfast. Original Pancake House is well known for its unique pancakes and flapjacks, including oven-baked pancakes with apples and loaded waffles.
15 The Promenade, Edgewater, NJ, 07020, 201-366-4065
Arigato
Arigato serves dozens of different sushi rolls and authentic Japanese dishes, including bento boxes and special rolls you can't find elsewhere. Arigato is one of the most affordable sushi restaurants in Edgewater, with most rolls costing less than $15. It's a classy restaurant perfect for dates.
1034 River Road, Edgewater, NJ, 07020, 201-886-1233
Brownstone Pancake Company
Brownstone Pancake Company is a modern and kid-friendly pancake house. It has an all day menu with unique pancakes, French toast, and breakfast ensembles. You can also enjoy quesadillas, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
860 River Road, Edgewater, NJ, 07020, 201-945-4800
Jobs in Edgewater NJ
Many people start moving to Edgewater after receiving a job offer. According to DataUSA, Edgewater has 8,860 jobs, up by 40.9% since 2013. Professional services, finance and insurance, and retail trade are the three largest sectors for Edgewater jobs. Each of these sectors has median earnings of at least $100,000 a year.
Most sectors in Edgewater have median earnings of over $100,000, with professional services and finance jobs in Edgewater having median earnings of over $300,000.
According to Payscale, Edgewater jobs have a median salary of $76,000 a year and an average hourly rate of $18.01. Top employers in Edgewater include Amazon, UPS, and Aldi. You can use Indeed to research jobs in Edgewater NJ, and you can apply for Borough of Edgewater jobs on the borough government.
Edgewater Schools
The Edgewater School District serves all students living in Edgewater NJ between pre-kindergarten and sixth grade. The district contains two schools: George Washington Elementary School (PreK-2) and Eleanor Van Gelder School (3-6). After graduating from Eleanor Van Gelder School, students living in Edgewater NJ then attend Leonia Middle School and Leonia High School, both of which are in Leonia Public Schools.
US News ranks Leonia High School in the top 100 high schools in New Jersey. Over 50% of Leonia High School students pass at least one AP exam, and 60% of students test at or above the proficiency level in reading. Edgewater contains a few private preschools, including Apple Montessori School, but no private K-12 schools, colleges, or universities. The Edgewater Public Library is in Edgewater and serves all residents living in Edgewater NJ.
Edgewater Statistics and Information
- County: Bergen County
- Edgewater area: 2.43 square miles
- Edgewater zip code: 07020
- Edgewater area code: 201
- Edgewater elevation: 3 feet
- Edgewater time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Edgewater: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), 17.8 miles from Edgewater
Edgewater Map
You can use this map of Edgewater to avoid traffic and find great places to meet your loved ones, including top Edgewater restaurants!
Start Living in Edgewater NJ Now
Living in Edgewater NJ puts you in close proximity to top restaurants, things to do, and upscale condos! You can enjoy access to NYC as well as safe streets and other wonderful amenities.Moving to Edgewater doesn't have to be tricky. Harrington Moving & Storage has a team of top Edgewater movers, with nearly 30 years of moving industry experience. Call 973-313-2246 for a free estimate now.
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