The Guide to Living in Leonia NJ 🏡 Moving to Leonia NJ
Thinking about moving to Leonia, NJ? This suburban town offers a warm, family-friendly community just minutes from New York City. With quiet, walkable neighborhoods, a strong artistic community, and several parks, Leonia combines suburban charm with big-city convenience.
Leonia’s history stretches back centuries. The Hackensack tribe originally inhabited the area, and in 1668, it was settled by European farmers. Over time, the economy grew, and the town gradually became more urban.
In the late 19th century, Leonia New Jersey became home to a vibrant artist colony. Painters, musicians, and actors settled here, shaping a cultural identity that lasted for generations. In the early 20th century, the nearby film industry flourished in Fort Lee, further augmenting Leonia’s cultural scene.
Let's explore what living in Leonia, NJ is about!
Where Is Leonia NJ?
The Borough of Leonia, NJ, is a suburb in Bergen County. The distance from Leonia NJ to NYC is 10 miles, about a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Leonia’s eastern edge borders Overpeck Creek, which flows into the Hackensack River. Along the creek lies Overpeck County Park, a large green space offering a wide range of outdoor activities. The New Jersey Turnpike curves around the borough, forming its northern boundary and providing convenient access to the rest of New Jersey. Leonia borders Palisades Park to the south and Fort Lee to the west. By car, New York City is only minutes away via the George Washington Bridge, while northern New Jersey is easily reached on the I-80 Expressway.
Leonia is generally divided into two neighborhoods, separated by Broad Avenue. To the east lies the Borough Center, a pleasant area with a moderately dense suburban character. Some of its homes were built on the grounds of a former golf course. To the west is Meadow View, a residential neighborhood that borders Overpeck County Park.
Leonia is well-connected through an extensive public transportation network offering plenty of transit options to other Bergen communities and to NYC.
Leonia NJ Population and Demographics
The population living in Leonia NJ is 9,304 people, growing by about 4% since 2010, but overall has remained fairly stable over the last 50 years. The population density is typical of a dense suburb, 6,100 persons per square mile.
Demographic data for the population living in Leonia NJ:
- Gender: 52% female, 48% male
- Age distribution: 21% of residents are under 18, about the same as the national average of 21.7%. About 19% areover 65, compared to 17.7% nationally.
- Median age: 46.4 years
- Income: The household median income is $116,429 per capita. About 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
- Race and ethnicity: 38% Asian, 32% White, 23% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% Black.
- Foreign-born residents: About 42% of the people living in Leonia NJ are foreign-born, versus 24% in the state of New Jersey.
- Education: 92.1% of adults are high school graduates, and 60.5% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Household size: The average household has 2.8 people, slightly higher than the national average of 2.54.
Crime in Leonia NJ
Living in Leonia NJ is considered safe. According to FBI statistics, the borough has a total reported crime rate of 6.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, with property crime being the most common at 6 per 1,000. This crime rate is comparable to that of neighboring towns. By contrast, Newark, a much larger nearby city, has a crime rate of about 43 per 1,000 residents.
Public safety in Leonia is overseen by the Leonia NJ police department, which has a staff of 23 dedicated to serving and protecting the community.
Cost of Living in Leonia NJ
The cost of living in Leonia, NJ, is higher than the national average. Housing costs are about 40% above the national average, while most other expenses are only slightly higher. For a family of four in Bergen County, the recommended monthly budget is about $10,935—well above the national average.
Typical Expenses Living in Leonia NJ*
- 1 meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.25
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $4.00
- 1 pound of apples: $3.36
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.70
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.36
- Average utilities per month: $259.92
Source: Numbeo
*Prices are for Newark, as statistics for Leonia are not available.
Leonia NJ Real Estate
Is housing affordable when moving to Leonia NJ? According to RedFin, the median home price in Leonia is $825,000—significantly higher than the national median of $438,357 and above New Jersey’s median of $587,995. Living in Leonia NJ is therefore on the more expensive side, particularly in neighborhoods like Meadow View. The local real estate market is competitive, with Leonia NJ homes for sale in desirable areas selling quickly.
There are also houses for rent in Leonia NJ. About 30% of the housing market consists of rentals, with an average monthly rent of approximately $2,530, according to RentCafe.
Climate and Weather Leonia NJ
The climate is humid subtropical with long and hot summers and cool winters. The warmest month is July, with an average high of 86°F. The coldest month, January, has an average low temperature of 24°F, which means that you will most likely experience snow when living in Leonia NJ!
The best time to visit is in late spring (May and June) or late summer/early fall (September and October).
Things to Do in Leonia NJ
Leonia has a special vibe with great recreational opportunities. Its artistic community enriches life in town with an abundance of culture and art, while nearby New York City provides endless options for events, concerts, and dining. Living in Leonia means enjoying a quiet, suburban lifestyle with an artistic touch—just minutes from big-city excitement.
Sculpture for Leonia
Sculptures for Leonia is a volunteer organization dedicated to bringing public art to the borough, showcasing inspiring sculptures in several places around town.
305 Beechwood Pl, Leonia, NJ 07605, (201) 496-6252
Field Station Dinosaurs
Over 30 life-sized, moving, realistic dinosaurs, brought to life through advanced robotics and creative artistry. They also offer summer campouts for a unique nighttime experience with the dinosaurs.
3 Overpeck Pk Driveway, Leonia, NJ 07605, (855) 999-9010
Overpeck County Park
Overpeck County Park is a large county park offering a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic views over the river, perfect for hiking, sports, and family outings.
40 Fort Lee Rd, Leonia, NJ 07605, (201) 336-7275
The Players Guild
The Players Guild of Leonia, founded in 1919, is New Jersey’s longest-running community theater. This small, cozy venue hosts several high-quality productions each year and is a much-loved cultural staple in Leonia.
130 Grand Ave, Leonia, NJ 07605, (201) 947-9606
Leonia Restaurants
Broad Avenue in Leonia offers a diverse selection of restaurants, ranging from Asian to European and Latin American cuisine. The town also has a nice variety of comfy cafés. For a more vibrant nightlife, residents often head to nearby larger cities.
Dante´s
A top Italian restaurant in town, Dante’s is the go-to spot for breakfast and lunch. It is a BYOB establishment. Fun fact: Leonia was a dry town until recently, only issuing liquor licenses in 2017.
373 Broad Ave, Leonia, NJ 07605, (201) 592-9071
Choo Choo Train Sushi
A family-friendly conveyor belt sushi restaurant, Choo Choo Train Sushi is especially popular with kids. The restaurant offers a fun atmosphere and a wide range of tasty sushi options.
374 Broad Ave, Leonia, NJ 07605, (201) 482-8888
Wolf It
Among the many fast-food options in Leonia, Wolf It stands out for its delicious sandwiches, soups, and lunch specials. Don’t forget to finish your meal with one of their milkshakes!
341 Broad Ave, Leonia, NJ 07605, (973) 329-9600
Leonia NJ Public Schools
Moving to Leonia NJ with your family? The Leonia School District provides quality public eduction to prepare children for lifelong success. Serving around 2,000 students, the district boasts an excellent teacher-to-student ratio of 1:11, offering strong educational support that is highly valued by parents. Leonia also has several kindergarten and preschool options, including private institutions. The Anna C. Scott Elementary School, Leonia Middle School, and Leonia High School all have high graduation rates and consistently outperform the state average in reading and math proficiency.
New Jersey has a great mix of colleges and universities, from big research schools to smaller specialized ones, offering lots of options for undergrad, grad, and professional programs. Some of the nation's best universities are within a one-hour drive from Leonia - Columbia University, NYU, Fordham University, and Princeton University, to name a few.
Jobs in Leonia NJ
Most employment in Leonia is concentrated in the education sector, followed by other service industries. The borough’s convenient location provides easy access to a wide range of career opportunities outside the town. Many residents commute to New York City or larger cities in New Jersey, all within close reach. The average commute time for residents living in Leonia NJ is 31 minutes, slightly below the NJ average of 32 minutes.
Locally, there are interesting employers both in public entities and private businesses. According to PayScale, the average salary in Leonia NJ is around $70,000 per year. If you’re job hunting in Leonia, be sure to check out the current openings on Indeed.
Leonia NJ Statistics & Information
- County: Bergen County
- Leonia area: 1.6 square miles
- Leonia NJ zip code: 07657
- Leonia area codes: 201
- Leonia time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Leonia: LaGuardia Airport is 12 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What County Is Leonia NJ In?
Leonia is located in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Q: What Is Leonia NJ Known for?
Leonia is known for its vibrant art community. Many residents are active in creative fields, and the town offers a supportive environment for artists and cultural activities.
Q: What Is the Cost of Living in Leonia, NJ?
The cost of living in Leonia is relatively high compared to the national average and is similar to neighboring towns in Bergen County.
Q: How Far Is Leonia NJ From New York City?
Leonia is an ideal town for commuters, located just 10 miles from Manhattan. It offers easy access by public transportation and convenient car access via the NJ Turnpike.
Leonia NJ Map
Explore more things to do before moving to Leonia, NJ, with this map.
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