Jeff Harrington

September 5, 2024

Living in Lodi NJ | 🦇Everything to Know Before Moving to Lodi

Last Updated On: 5th September 2024, 04:43 pm

Lodi is a safe, family-friendly community known for its ethnic and economic diversity, making it one of the most ethnically diverse in New Jersey. Lodi got its name from the Italian city of Lodi in Lombardy. It was incorporated as a borough in 1894. Lodi offers an active nightlife, many outdoor activities, and easy commutes to Newark and New York City.

The public schools in Lodi are rated above average with unique educational opportunities such as charter and technical high schools. The borough has a number of parks and recreational centers, offering activities for the whole family. Lodi is recognized for the nearby Wildlife Conservation and Education Center which handles native wildlife and has a flourishing bat conservation initiative.

Lodi is also home to the towers and transmitter for WABC, a major New York radio station. The Lodi Farmers Market provides the community with fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and baked goods. Portions of the HBO crime drama The Sopranos was filmed in Lodi, including Lodi High School and the Satin Dolls nightclub, known as the Bada Bing! strip club on the show. The Broadway musical Kimberly Akimbo is set in Bergen County, and the family protagonist lived in Lodi. Though it's not the largest city, it sure packs in a lot of excitement!

You’ll love the diversity and small-town feel while living in Lodi.

Where Is Lodi, New Jersey?

Lodi is a borough in Bergen County, located about 16 miles northeast of Newark, and is part of the New York metropolitan area. Lodi was incorporated from portions of the now-defunct municipalities of Lodi Township and Saddle River Township. Lodi is approximately 17 miles west of Manhattan, making it a great option for those who want to live in a city close to New York.

Map of Lodi, NJ

Lodi NJ Population, Demographics, and Ethnic Diversity

The Lodi population is 26,206. Lodi has seen a tremendous demographic shift over the last 30 years as the Hispanic population throughout New Jersey continues to grow. In 2000, the racial makeup of Lodi was 78.16% White and 17.98% Hispanic or Latino. Today, the borough is 57% White and 40% Hispanic or Latino. Hispanic culture can be seen in local businesses, the many Latino restaurants in the area, and in local government. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in October showcase Lodi’s diversity through the Hispanic community’s rich culture, art, music, and more.

Here's an overview of Lodi's demographics:

Population density: 11,534.3 per square mile
Racial and ethnic demographics:
- 57% White (40% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino)
- 11.4% Black or African American alone
- 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native alone
- 6.9% Asian alone
- 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
- 15.3% two or more races
- 39.6% Hispanic or Latino
Median age: 38.7
Sex ratio: 45.9% males, 54.1% females
Median household income: $80,044
Educational attainment: 84.7% high school degree or higher, 28.1% bachelor's degree or higher
Foreign-born population: 41.1%
Veteran population: 879

The safety of the community of Lodi is of utmost importance to the Lodi Police Department, and they are committed to protecting and serving the residents of Lodi. Lodi is a safe place to live. The crime rate in Lodi is 1,427 per 100,000 people, which is 39% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in Lodi is 64% lower at 132 crimes per 100,000 people.

Lodi NJ Cost of Living and Real Estate Market

The cost of living in Lodi is 32% higher than the US average but only 11% higher than the New Jersey average. As with most cities, the real estate market in Lodi is the most expensive factor to keep in mind when moving to Lodi. Housing costs in Lodi are 33% higher than the state average, and most of this is due to its desirable location close to Manhattan and NYC. The median home price in Lodi is $590,000, which is a significant consideration for potential residents evaluating the affordability of the neighborhood. The cost per square foot for a home in Lodi is $476. However, the town is beautiful, so if you can afford it, check out the many houses for sale in Lodi NJ.

If you think renting in Lodi may provide some relief, it's just as expensive. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Lodi is $1,935 for a 647-square-foot apartment. That being said, it's much more affordable than the cost of living in New York City. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Lodi NJ on RentCafe.

If you’re relocating and need to change your address, the DMV in Lodi NJ is smooth sailing for residents.

Typical Lodi Living Expenses:

Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
Domestic beer: $6.00
1 gallon of milk: $5.02
Dozen eggs: $3.94
1 pound of chicken: $6.56
Average Lodi monthly utility bill: $174.55

Proximity to grocery stores is also an important factor to consider, as it can significantly impact daily living expenses. Thankfully, there is a nearby CVS, Shoprite, Walgreens, and Dollar Tree.

Source: Numbeo, Newark, NJ

The Best Neighborhoods in Lodi

Lodi offers an array of housing options, from affordable homes built in the early 1900s to luxury estates priced at well over a million dollars. Around the borough, you can find a range of home styles to choose from, including colonial revivals, Cape Cods, and ranch-style homes.

Most homes on Lodi sit on modest lots. You can also find many options for condominiums and townhomes living in Lodi. Due to its size, Lodi itself is like a neighborhood. However, there are a few smaller communities within. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Lodi:

Centerville

Right in the heart of Lodi, Centerville is close to a variety of businesses, stores, restaurants, and shops.

East Lodi

East Lodi is a quiet neighborhood near good schools, including the highly-rated Hilltop Elementary School. It offers commuters convenient access to the highway.

West Lodi

This family-friendly neighborhood has many nearby parks and playgrounds. A great location for families with kids.

Lodi NJ Weather & Climate

Lodi has a temperate climate that offers warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures average between 51°F in the winter to 87°F in the summer months. Summer highs reach around 85 degrees in July. The January lows can drop to an average of 23 degrees. Lodi gets a good bit of rain throughout the year, averaging 49 inches, which is well above the national average of 38 inches.

Snow is a given in the winter months, with an average of 21 inches per season. On average, Lodi has 210 sunny days per year, slightly higher than the US average of 205 sunny days. The best time of year to visit Lodi is from mid-June to late September to take advantage of the warm weather.

Things to Do in Lodi NJ

Lodi and the surrounding area offer a wealth of fun activities and things to see that will delight the whole family. There is also convenient shopping at Hackensack Commons, Westfield Garden State Plaza, and Saddle Brook Mall. Grab your daily needs at CVS, Shoprite, Dollar Tree, and Walgreens. Here are some of the best things to do near Lodi:

Saddle River County Park

Saddle River is a 596-acre park located along the Saddle River. The park has paved paths for walkers and bikers, as well as a small waterfall and a 20-foot-high rotary mill. Saddle River County Park offers a variety of water activities for all ages.

760 Saddle River Rd, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663, (201) 336-7275

The Wildlife Conservation and Education Center

Only a few miles from Lodi, the conservation and education center is a privately owned zoo that features a variety of animals, such as bats, snakes, birds, and more. The center offers educational programs, exhibits, lectures, and birthday celebrations.

303 Midland Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026, (201) 257-2231

The Escape Game New Jersey at American Dream

This very popular escape room in nearby East Rutherford, NJ offers six challenging rooms to test your problem-solving skills under pressure. Try Prison Break for a daring escape or The Heist where you have only 1 hour to recover a priceless Monet.

1 American Dream Wy Suite G313, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, (201) 514-5699

Additional Attractions near Lodi, NJ:

The Borough of Lodi Township operates a number of parks that offer a wide range of activities and amenities. Parks include green spaces, playgrounds, walking and biking paths, baseball fields, track & field, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, amphitheaters, dog parks, and much more.

Lodi NJ Restaurants

Lodi offers a wide selection of cuisines, from hotdogs to Italian to burgers and beer. You’ll find something for every taste in Lodi. Enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining establishments such as:

Hank’s Franks

Hot Dogs are a staple in New Jersey, and one of the most popular hot dog stands is Hank’s, right in Lodi. It features old-school, New York-style hotdogs using only Sabrett, a “Kosher-style” all-beef natural casing hot dog cooked to perfection in a hot water bath.

210 US-46, Lodi, NJ 07644, (973) 473-8589

Sergio's Missoni

Sergio's is an Italian restaurant serving delicious Italian cuisine with excellent service and expertly prepared dishes. The specials are always changing and never disappoint.

2 Mercer St, Main St # 12, Lodi, NJ 07644, (973) 778-4545

ReBAR & kitchen

ReBar is a signature sports bar offering great burgers, wings, sliders, sandwiches, and pizza. The full bar is loaded with over 50 beers on draft or in bottles and cans, as well as an extensive selection of wines by the glass or bottle.

132 Essex St, Lodi, NJ 07644, (201) 368-8181

Jobs in Lodi NJ

Lodi provides job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Lodi’s proximity to downtown Newark and New York City offers additional employment opportunities. A number of Fortune 500 Companies have offices in Bergen County, including Express Scripts, United Parcel Services, Oracle, and Quest Diagnostics.

One of the major employers in Bergen County, NJ is Hackensack University Medical Center, the #1-ranked adult and children’s hospital in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report, featuring the state-of-the-art John Theurer Cancer Center and national rankings in Orthopedics, Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery, Geriatrics, and Pulmonary & Lung Surgery. The medical center has 8,000 employees.

Other major employers in Bergen County include Valley Health System, Bio-Reference Laboratories, and Express Scripts. If you’re looking for a job in Lodi, check out Indeed and the Lodi Employment Opportunities page.

Schools and School District in Lodi NJ

Lodi Public Schools comprises seven schools, enrolls 3,213 students, and is one of the best school districts you’ll find in New Jersey. The seven schools are Columbus Elementary, Hilltop Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Washington Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle, and Lodi High School NJ. Columbus Elementary School, Hilltop Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, and Wilson Elementary School are highly-rated public elementary schools in the district, with ratings ranging from 4 to 10 on GreatSchools.

Students from Lodi also have the option to attend Bergen Arts and Science Charter, which has a high school in Hackensack, and an elementary and middle school in Garfield.

High school students also have the option to attend any of the Bergen County Technical Schools, including the Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, and Bergen Tech, which has a campus in Teterboro and Paramus. The district offers a Title I program for children needing extra educational assistance and a Gifted and Talented Program for students who demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more content areas.

Private school options near Lodi include St. Mary’s High School, Collegiate School, and Bergen County Christian Academy.

For further education near Lodi, options include Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus, Montclair State University, Bloomfield College, and Norwalk Community College.

If you're looking for fun things to do with kids in Lodi, check out the Lodi Memorial Library where you can check out books, magazines, digital media, music, and more.

Lodi NJ Statistics & Information

County: Bergen County
Area: 2.29 square miles
Lodi NJ zip code: 07644
Area code: 201, 973
Elevation: 30 feet
Time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and 5)
Closest airport: Newark Liberty International Airport

There's so much to love about living in Lodi NJ, and this is just the start of it! If you've already decided on moving to Lodi, you'll want the best help available. Our Lodi movers at Harrington Moving & Storage are here for you every step of the way. Call us at 973-313-2246 or fill out our form for a free quote!