Is Hillsdale NJ a Good Place to Live? ❤️️ Explore Living in Hillsdale NJ With Our Guide

If you’re looking for a peaceful Bergen County borough with easy access to the New York metropolitan area, “Dale Among the Hills” should be on your radar. This charming community offers a small-town feel, thanks to its nice downtown area, locally owned coffee shops, and strong sense of community. Whether you're planning to raise a family or seeking a slower pace, living in Hillsdale offers a balanced lifestyle that blends excellent schools with proximity to major employers.

Is Hillsdale NJ a Good Place to Live?

Yes, Hillsdale NJ is a great place to live—especially for families and professionals. Located in a safe, scenic Bergen County borough, Hillsdale offers top-rated public schools, a charming small-town feel, and easy access to New York City via train or bus. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, abundant green space, and a variety of local amenities like parks, coffee shops, and restaurants.

While the cost of living is higher than average, the area’s low crime rates, excellent education system, and convenient location make Hillsdale a highly desirable place to call home.

Where Is Hillsdale? - Bergen County Cities & Towns

You will find the borough of Hillsdale in the northern region of Bergen County, New Jersey, which is known for being an affluent place to live. The borough provides proximity to many notable communities, including Yonkers, Newark, and New York City!

If you’re looking for a New Jersey community that’s away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough to reap the benefits, living in Hillsdale NJ is for you!

Public Transportation

The government entities serving Hillsdale make getting around easy and affordable! For example, residents have access to train services (Pascack Valley Line), which travels to Hoboken and NYC. The NJ Transit Bus (165) goes to the Port Authority in Manhattan, alongside the various stops within New Jersey and New York.

You can explore the Hillsdale NJ train schedule for more information on how to get around NJ and NYC.

Hillsdale Population & Demographics

Hillsdale has a population of 10,253 and has seen a 0.84% decrease since the 2020 census. Its family-friendly atmosphere is depicted in the borough's age demographics; the median age here is 42.5, and 46% of residents are 39 years old or younger.

Additional demographics:

• Sex ratio: 54 females to 46 males
• Median household income: $169,862
• Poverty rate: 3.9%
• Marital status: 59% married versus 41% single
• Owner occupation: 90% own versus 10% rent
• Educational attainment:
  • High school graduate: 96%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 62.1%
• Foreign-born population: 13.1% 

According to Data USA, Hillsdale does not have a very diverse racial and ethnic makeup:

• White: 80.9% (Non-Hispanic)
• Asian: 7.9%
• Hispanic or Latino: 7.77% 
• Two or more races: 5.99% 
• Other: 2.06%
• Black or African American: 1.01%
• Other: 1.0%
• Native American: 0.12%
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.05%

If you’re interested in residing somewhere where residents earn well above the US average and people of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed, you should move to Hillsdale NJ!

Is Hillsdale NJ Safe?

Yes, according to statistics provided by the FBI, Hillsdale NJ is a very safe place to live! You will find a crime rate that’s 79% lower than the state and 85.4% lower than the US average. There is only a 1 in 294 chance of becoming a victim of crime when living in Hillsdale NJ. Only 10 violent crimes took place in the borough limits between 2022 and 2023, resulting in a 1 in 10,011 chance of residents experiencing violent crime.

Hillsdale’s crime rates:

• Hillsdale crime rate per 100,000 people: 340
• New Jersey crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,620
• US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
• Hillsdale violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 10
• New Jersey crime rate per 100,000 people: 203
• US crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
• Hillsdale property crime rate per 100,000 people: 330
• 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 is 95.1% lower than the state and 97.3% lower than the country; its property crime rate follows the same trend, being 76.7% lower than the state and 83.1% lower than the country.

New Jersey is one of the safest states in the US, and Bergen County (where Hillsdale is located) is among the safest in NJ, so it’s no wonder these crime rate statistics are so attractive. You can attribute these low crime rates to the Hillsdale Police Department and the 24 award-winning officers.

Cost of Living in Hillsdale

Hillsdale has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 144, which is 44% higher than the average US city. The main factors affecting its high living costs are housing costs, which are 154% more expensive than in other cities in the US.

Understanding daily expenditures and how they differ from those in your current home is key to knowing if you can afford living in Hillsdale.

Typical Bergen County living expenses:

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: $19.00
• Gallon of milk: $4.83
• Loaf of white bread: $4.00
• Pound of white rice: $4.00
• Dozen eggs: $5.33
• Pound of local cheese: $7.75
• Pound of chicken fillets: $5.37

Source: Numbeo

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four can afford to live in Bergen County with a household income of $131,215. Food will likely cost around $13,000 while housing will be about $24,550 annually.

Hillsdale NJ Real Estate

Regardless of where you’re moving to in New Jersey, housing will likely be expensive. With a state median home price of $581,000, which is $171,100 more than the US median, expect any city to be pricey. At least when you live in Hillsdale, you’re near one of the county’s most unique cities (The Concrete Jungle), and you know your family will be safe from crime.

With that being said, be prepared to pay top dollar for your Hillsdale home, as the median sale price is $998,000, and the average price per square foot is $425. Prices here have increased by 10.8% since last year. Hillsdale NJ homes for sale typically sell within 76 days, with 77.8% selling above their listing price, resulting in a somewhat competitive housing market.

Hillsdale Weather & Climate

Hillsdale, NJ experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 85°F and lows near 67°F; January is the coldest month, with an average daily high of 38°F and a low of 24°F.

Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, totaling about 48 to 50 inches annually, with July being the wettest month. If you don’t love the snow, watch out for the borough’s 27 inches of snowfall each year.

Hillsdale experiences around 206 sunny days annually, which balances the wetter months, making outdoor recreation a viable option year-round. And thanks to the various seasons, there are sports of all kinds here. Whether you're enjoying a summer stroll or bundling up for a snow day, Hillsdale’s weather has pros and cons to every season.

Things to Do in Hillsdale

Hillsdale offers a wide range of activities and attractions. And if you ever run out of things to do, you’re a short car ride or train ride from some of the nation's more lively cities.

Demarest Farms

A major pro of living in Hillsdale NJ is that you have big city amenities and small town charm. For example, Demarest Farms is a quaint 100-year-old farm, featuring a farmers market, u-pick seasonal crops, and a robust nursery.

244 Werimus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, (201) 666-0472

Beechwood Park

Beechwood Park in Hillsdale is home to walking trails, a large playground, and shaded seating. It’s dog-friendly, making it an excellent place for the whole family to enjoy.

Hillsdale, NJ 07642

Untermyer Gardens

Located just east of Hillsdale, Untermyer Gardens is a tranquil oasis where Hillsdale residents can escape. The 40-acre park is lush, mature, and beautiful, making it worth the drive over to Yonkers.

945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701, (914) 613-4502

Additional Things to Do in Hillsdale NJ

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
• Van Saun County Park
• Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center

If you’re seeking ways to get involved in your new community, look to Hillsdale Parks and Recreation; you will find an assortment of fun activities and events to attend in addition to volunteer opportunities.

Restaurants in Hillsdale NJ

There are all types of restaurants to choose from when living in Hillsdale NJ, but here are a few of the top coffee shops and dining options.

The Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar

You will find beer, wine, and American standards at this unique Hillsdale NJ restaurant. One of the most popular menu items includes their mac and cheese and wings!

84 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, (201) 666-8688

Fig & Tomato Italian European Eatery

Find authentic Italian fare at Fig & Tomato. Reviewers rave about the calamari, friendly staff, and wonderful service. Whether you need a space to host a bridal shower or a nice place for date night, consider one of the top Hillsdale restaurants, Fig & Tomato.

100 Park Ave, Hillsdale, NJ 07642, (201) 722-8880

Hillsdale Jobs - Local Economy, Major Employers, Commuter Information

While the local economy here is stable and is experiencing steady growth, many people living in Hillsdale NJ, do commute to the nearby larger cities, as pay is more competitive and the opportunities are broader. The average commute is 27.1 minutes, with 66–74% driving alone, 8–13% using mass transit, and less than 8% working from home.

The local job market comprises opportunities in the education industry, healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing. According to Hillsdale’s Chamber of Commerce, the borough's largest businesses and employers include Mold Testing LLC, Gladiator Heating and Air, Hackensack Meridian Health, and the Hillsdale School District. Residents working in public administration earn the highest salaries, with a median income of over $200,000 a year.

Don’t underestimate the borough's nearby industries, as life-changing job opportunities could await. There are more than 41 Fortune 500 companies in NYC, and its gross metropolitan product (GMP) exceeds $2.299 trillion. If you do decide commuting is the best option for you and your family, ensure you explore the section above that discusses your commuting options.

Hillsdale Public Schools NJ

Does Hillsdale, New Jersey, have good schools? There are top educational institutes serving the area, with Hillsdale School District providing top-tier services to K-8 students and Pascack Valley Regional High School District serving the area's high school-aged children.

Hillsdale School District serves around 1,100 students and has 117 full-time students; its student-to-teacher ratio is notably low, at 10:1.

There are three schools within the district:

• Meadowbrook Elementary School (Pre‑K–4)
• Ann Blanche Smith Elementary School (K–4)
• George G. White Middle School (Grades 5–8)

Pascack Valley High School offers attractive incentives like the 1:1 laptop program and its great counseling services. There are specific programs and classes for students who are gifted or who exceed the average standardized test scores.

If you’re more interested in a private education, St. John’s Academy is a great option. It’s a small (236 students), co-ed Catholic school that offers K-8 grade schooling.

Hillsdale Statistics & Information

• Hillsdale county: Bergen County
• Hillsdale area: 2.94 square miles
• Hillsdale zip code: 07642
• Hillsdale area code: 201
• Hillsdale time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5 and -4)
• Hillsdale elevation: 62 feet
• Closest airport to Hillsdale: LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is 18 miles from Hillsdale 

Hillsdale Map

Explore more of your future home with this Hillsdale NJ map.

Moving to Hillsdale With Harrington Moving & Storage

As you can see, living in Hillsdale NJ is great! It's known for its excellent schools and highly regarded academic programs like AP courses. It’s an ideal place to raise a family, as the Hillsdale community thrives thanks to its friendly people, walkable neighborhoods, and welcoming small-town feel.

If you’re ready to move here, call the best Hillsdale NJ movers, Harrington Moving & Storage at (973) 313-2246 for a free estimate.