Moving to Mahwah Tips | 🏆 BEST Living in Mahwah NJ Guide
Have you always dreamed of settling down in a pleasant suburb with ample opportunity for outdoor recreation? Then you'll love living in Mahwah, NJ.
Mahwah is a township in northern New Jersey. Originally formed as Hohokus Township, the area underwent a series of changes in name and territory until 1944, when it was officially incorporated as the township of Mahwah through the results of a referendum by the New Jersey legislature. Its name derives from the Lenape Native American word for "meeting place."
Mahwah offers a mix of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. This town features excellent schools, abundant parks, and a strong sense of community. Mahwah boasts a variety of recreational activities, from hiking in the Ramapo Mountains to enjoying the local sports facilities. Mahwah, NJ is a good place for those seeking a low crime rate and easy access to major highways, making it ideal for families and commuters.
Considering a relocation to this peaceful community? Here is everything you should know before moving to Mahwah.
Where Is Mahwah?
Mahwah is in Bergen County in Northern New Jersey. At 26.19 square miles, it's the largest town in Bergen County by a significant margin and covers over 10% of the county area.
It's also in close proximity to the Ramapo Mountains and the Ramapo River, which runs through the western part of the township. It's surrounded by wilderness with several county parks nearby, including Campgaw Mountain Reservation, Darlington County Park, and Ramapo Valley County Reservation.
I-287 bisects the township, and US Route 202 and NY State 17 also pass through the community offering access to different parts of New York and New Jersey. Public transportation, including buses and train lines through New Jersey transit, is also available.
The township lies on the New York-New Jersey border. It's bordered by the neighboring towns of Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Ramsey, Upper Saddle River, and Ringwood in New Jersey, as well as Airmont, Hillburn, Ramapo, and Suffern in Rockland County, New York.
It's about 35 miles or a 1-hour drive from Mahwah, NJ, to NYC.
Mahwah Population & Demographics
The Mahwah population is 25,487 as of the 2020 census. The number of residents living in Mahwah, NJ has also decreased slightly, dropping by 1.5% between 2010 and 2020. It has a very spacious, quasi-rural atmosphere with a population density of 1,003.1 residents per square mile.
Mahwah is an affluent community full of families and retirees. The median household income is $120,618 per year, which is about 25% higher than the rest of New Jersey. In Mahwah, 18% of residents are under 18, while 21% are over 65. About 71% of households are married couples.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 78.3% white (71.5% white, non-Hispanic), 11.4% Hispanic or Latino, 11% Asian, 2.7% Black or African American and 5.5% two or more residents.
If you're thinking about moving to Mahwah, you'll be in good company. Many famous residents have lived in the township, including First Lady Jill Biden and musician and inventor Les Paul.
Mahwah Demographics
- The median age is 44.7 years old
- The Mahwah NJ population is 51% female and 49% male
- 95.7% of residents living in Mahwah, NJ have a high school diploma, 59.1% have a bachelor's degree
- The foreign-born population is 16.1%
Mahwah, NJ, is very safe. The total Mahwah crime rate is only 370 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 72.7% lower than the rest of New Jersey and 84.2% lower than the rest of the US. The violent crime rate is 95.1% lower than the national average, and property crime is 82.1% lower.
The Mahwah Police Department handles crime in the township with the support of 51 sworn officers and 9 civilian staff members.
Cost of Living in Mahwah
The cost of living in Mahwah, NJ is very reasonable, considering all the value the community offers. The cost of living index is a great way to compare a community's affordability against the rest of the US. It compares the typical price of consumer goods to the national average, represented by 100.
The COLI for Bergen/Passaic County is 119.3, which means it's about 19.3% more expensive than the rest of the county. Based on data from the Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator, the average family of four consisting of two parents and two kids needs to earn about $125,733 per year to afford to live in Mahwah.
Typical Mahwah Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20
- Regular cappuccino: $4.99
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.72
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.45
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $18.50
- Average Mahwah monthly utility bill: $117.67
Source: Numbeo
*data reflects all of Bergen County
Mahwah, NJ, real estate prices are typical for housing costs in New Jersey. Redfin indicates that the median listing price of Mahwah, NJ, homes for sale is $522,000, which is 10% lower than the rest of New Jersey. The median price per square foot of homes for sale in Mahwah, NJ, is $373.
Most homes in Mahwah, NJ, are owner-occupied, and only about 21% are rented out. However, renters will find affordable housing options. Rentcafe indicates that the average rent is $2,038 per month. Most rentals are small apartment complexes, while only 5% are large buildings with 50 or more units. Single-family houses in Mahwah, NJ, make up 15% of the rental inventory. Rent prices start at $1415 and go up to $4,000 for a three-bedroom.
Mahwah Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Mahwah
Mahwah is famous for its suburban tranquility, and the township offers low crime and tree-lined streets no matter where you choose to settle down. However, naturally, some Mahwah real estate is more desirable than others. Here are a few top neighborhoods to check out if you're considering moving to Mahwah.
Darlington | A Picturesque Neighborhood with a Range of Housing Options
Darlington is a prime Mahwah neighborhood centered around Darlington County Park near Ramapo College of New Jersey. It is full of beautiful single-family homes and Darlington Village, a luxury condominium complex.
Ackermans Mills | An Upscale Mahwah Neighborhood in a Prime Location
Ackermans Mills is a quiet residential neighborhood in south Mahwah, located off Wyckoff Ave in South Mahwah near the Hohokus Brook, full of impressive estates on spacious lots
West Mahwah | A Historic Neighborhood with Attractions and Amenities
West Mahwah is a historic section of the township full of local businesses, churches, community centers, schools, and well-priced colonial homes.
Mahwah Weather & Climate
Mahwah weather is typical of the northeast with four distinct seasons. According to the Koppen classification system, Mahwah has a humid continental climate, indicating cold, snowy winters and warm, wet summers. The Mahwah NJ temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 84°F, although it can get as cold as 7°F in the winter and as hot as 91°F in the summer.
The best time to pay a visit to someone living in Mahwah, NJ is usually June through September.
You may want to pack an umbrella and snow gear because Mahwah gets a fair amount of precipitation. It averages about 50 inches of rain and 26 inches of snow per year.
Things to Do in Mahwah
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of fun things to do in Mahwah, NJ. You'll encounter opportunities for shopping at Ramsey Square, the Interstate Shopping Center, or Boulder Run Mall. Other than shopping, here are a few interesting Mahwah, NJ, attractions.
Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Ramapo Valley County Reservation is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and a popular spot for hiking trails, camping, and fishing, making it one of the best things to do in Mahwah, NJ, with the whole family.
608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430 (201) 327-3500
Mahwah Museum
The Mahwah Museum features interesting exhibits on everything from local history to trains to the famous guitarist and inventor Les Paul, who lived in Mahwah for many years.
201 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430 (201) 512-0099
Darlington Golf Course
Darlington Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course offering tree-lined fairways, challenging greens, and breathtaking views of the Ramapo Mountains.
277 Campgaw Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430 (201) 634-3160
Additional Attractions in Mahwah
Anyone looking for more Mahwah NJ parks and public events should consult the local Recreation Department. Their website has an events calendar.
Mahwah Restaurants
You'll find an interesting selection of delicious restaurants in Mahwah, NJ, offering everything from comfort food to Indian cuisine. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Mahwah, NJ.
Mahwah Bar and Grill
Mahwah Bar and Grill is a local watering hole that serves elevated pub food in a familiar setting with an outdoor patio and a brunch menu.2 Island Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430 (201) 529-8056
Sangria
Sangria is one of the best restaurants in Mahwah, NJ, if you're in the mood for tapas and other Spanish delicacies, such as paella de mariscos, and puntos calientes.
1033 MacArthur Blvd, Mahwah, NJ 07430 (201) 962-3310
Tandoori Bites
Tandoori Bites is a fantastic Mahwah, NJ, restaurant for those who like Indian food. It offers a wide selection of curries, masala, and vindaloo, including vegan and vegetarian options.
164 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430 (201) 252-2789
Jobs in Mahwah
Mahwah is home to many notable businesses and offers easy access to the city for more options. Its accessibility, affordability, and large workforce have made it a top destination for industrial facilities priced out of other parts of New Jersey. The North American corporate headquarters of several luxury car brands, including Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo, are located in Mahwah.
The New York Stock Exchange Data Center (one of the largest data centers in the world) is located in Mahwah. The UPS world technology headquarters is also in the township, providing many excellent jobs in Mahwah, NJ.
The largest private employers in Bergen County are:
- Hackensack University Medical Center: 8,000 employees
- Valley Health Systems: 4,700 employees
- Bio-Reference Laboratories: 2,900 employees
- Express Scripts: 2,800 employees
According to Payscale, the average salary earned by a New Jersey resident is $79,000. If you're looking for Mahwah jobs, you will find a range of options from HR representative to medical receptionist. You can also find many great Township of Mahwah jobs with the local government.
Mahwah Schools
For those moving to Mahwah with children, you can feel confident they will have a great education and access to some of the best schools in New Jersey. Mahwah Township Public Schools is responsible for providing education in the township. There are six Mahwah Public Schools in NJ, which enroll close to 3,000 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1.
There are four elementary schools in Mahwah: Betsy Ross, George Washington, Joyce Kilmer, and Lenape Meadows. Betsy Ross is generally considered the best and ranks #243 of all elementary schools in the state.
Ramapo Ridge Middle School serves students in grades 6 through 8, while Mahwah High School serves students in grades 9 through 12. Mahwah High School is very well respected and features an AP participation rate of 62% and a graduation rate of 94%. It ranks 50th in New Jersey, 133rd in the New York metro area, and 1,009th in the US, according to US News and World Report.
The Young World Day School, a private pre-K through 5 school using the Montessori teaching method, is also in Mahwah. For higher education, Ramapo College, a public liberal arts college enrolling about 6,000 students, is also in the township. The Mahwah Public Library is available for those who want to take out books or attend community events.
Mahwah Statistics & Information
- County: Bergen County
- Township: Mahwah
- Mahwah area: 25.88 miles
- Mahwah zip codes: 07430 and 07495
- Mahwah area code: 201
- Mahwah elevation: 246 ft
- Mahwah time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Mahwah: The Teterboro Airport (TEB) is 17 miles away.
Mahwah, NJ Map
Explore more fun things to do, Mahwah restaurants and activities with this map.
Need professional movers to help you relocate to this picturesque township? Count on Harrington Moving and Storage for affordable moving services and award-winning Mahwah movers. Call (973) 313-2246 today for a free moving quote.
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