Thinking of Moving to New Milford? 🏠 | ULTIMATE Living in Milford NJ Guide
Always dreamed of settling down in a peaceful suburb with convenient access to amenities and great public schools? Then you should consider moving to New Milford. New Milford is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, within the New York City metro area.
The history of New Milford dates back to 1677, when Philip Carteret, the Colonial Governor of East New Jersey, granted settler David Demarest ownership of 3,000 acres of land north of Hackensack. It was not officially incorporated as a borough until 1922 through a local referendum. Many believe it's named after the borough of Milford in Pennsylvania.
Known for its small-town feel, convenient location, and ethnic and economic diversity, New Milford, NJ, is a good place to live for those who want a peaceful environment with plenty to do nearby. For those who are on the fence about whether this is the right place for them, here is a guide to living in New Milford NJ.
Where Is New Milford, NJ?
New Milford, New Jersey is in Bergen County, in Northern New Jersey. The Hackensack River runs along the western border of the community, and the Oradell Reservoir is just north.
It's home to several smaller, unincorporated communities, including New Bridge, Old Bridge, and Peetzburg. Although not an official part of New England, it has a similar atmosphere. It borders other towns like Bergenfield, Dumont, Oradell, River Edge, and Teaneck. There are many commuters living in New Milford NJ.
It's 20 miles or a 45-minute drive from New Milford NJ to NYC.
New Milford Demographics & Population
As of the 2020 census, the New Milford population is 16,924. More and more people are moving to New Milford every year. The number of people living in New Milford NJ has remained relatively consistent over the years, increasing by 3.6% between 2010 and 2020. It has a relatively dense atmosphere and a population density of 7,395 residents per square mile.
It's a fairly wealthy, diverse community full of families. 23% of residents living in New Milford NJ are under 18, and 73% of households are married couples. The median household income is $113,513, which is 12% higher than the rest of New Jersey. Countless notable residents have experienced the benefits of living in New Milford NJ, including musician Jack Antonoff and NFL coach Jim Dray.
It’s a very diverse community with many different groups living in New Milford NJ. The majority of residents are Caucasian; 53.6% are white (47.6% white, non-Hispanic). However, there are also many other groups living in New Milford NJ and the population is 22.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 5.3% Black or African American, and 11.9% two or more races.
Other New Milford NJ Demographics
- The median age is 39.5 years old
- Most residents living in New Milford NJ are women, and 51% of the New Milford, NJ population is female and 49% is male
- 94.7% of residents living in New Milford NJ have a high school diploma, and 48% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 30.5%
Living in New Milford, NJ, is safe. The total crime rate is 355 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 78% lower than the rest of New Jersey and 85% lower than the country. Violent crime is 97% lower than the New Jersey crime rate and 99% lower than the national average. Even property crime is 75% lower than in the state and 82% lower than in the country. So, if crime is an issue, moving to New Milford is a fantastic option.
The New Milford Police Department curbs crime in the community with the assistance of 37 sworn officers and five civilians.
Cost of Living in New Milford NJ
The cost of living in New Milford NJ is higher than the national average, although it has a lot to offer for those with the budget. The cost of living index is a good resource for analyzing how much an area costs. With 100 representing the national average, the COLI for Bergen County is 119, which means the cost of living in New Milford NJ is about 19% higher than the national average.
Another fantastic resource is the Family Budget Calculator, created by the Economic Policy Institute. It reveals that the typical family of four, consisting of two adults and two kids, needs to earn $136,771 per month to afford the cost of living in New Milford NJ
Typical expenses of living in New Milford NJ
- Loaf of bread: $4.17
- Hamburger: $5.82
- Carton of eggs: $3.65
- Gallon of gas: $3.70
- Visit to the doctor: $146.50
- Average New Milford monthly energy bill: $215.28
*source: Payscale
New Milford NJ real estate is slightly more expensive than the rest of New Jersey. The median price of New Milford NJ homes for sale is $570,000, which is 7% higher than the rest of the state. The median price per square foot is $273.
Tenants living in New Milford NJ will also find a range of options. 37% of New Milford real estate is rented out, and 63% is owner-occupied. Rentcafe indicates that the average rent is $1963 per month. The average rental building is 66 years old, and 1-bedrooms make up 65% of housing stock. Rents for tenants living in New Milford NJ start around $1,000 for a studio and go up to $3,500 for two or more bedrooms.
New Milford Neighborhoods | Where to Live in New Milford
New Milford is a small residential community that only covers about 2.3 square miles of land and therefore doesn't have many distinct neighborhoods. It does have several unincorporated communities, including New Bridge, Old Bridge, and Peetzburg, which were the three settlements of Palisades Township that were consolidated into the current borough of New Milford.
Regardless of where you choose to hang your hat, living in New Milford NJ offers residents tree-lined streets and prime property for sale in New Milford, NJ. In general, the most desirable areas are in the northern part of the community, and the most affordable are in the northwest. So you should check those areas if you plan on moving to New Milford.
New Milford NJ Weather & Climate
New Milford, NJ, weather is fairly typical for what you would normally expect in the Northeast. It has a humid continental climate, which means you can expect hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters while living in New Milford NJ.
Temperatures typically range from 24°F to 85°F, although winters can get as cold as 10°F and summers can get up to 93°F. Anyone moving to Milford will want to prepare for precipitation because it averages about 47 inches of rain and 26 inches of snow yearly. The best time to visit anyone living in New Milford NJ is typically June through September.
Things to Do in New Milford
As a small, residential community, you won't find many things to do in New Milford, NJ, within the borough itself. However, there are plenty of unique attractions and entertainment options very close by in the surrounding area.
Along with the neighboring communities of River Edge and Teaneck, New Milford is home to the historic New Bridge Landing, the site of a crossing of the Hackensack River by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Residents living in New Milford NJ will find a few retail outlets at the Brookchester Shopping Center or nearby outlet malls like The Shops at Riverside and Paramus Park. Other than shopping, here are a few other attractions to check out if you’re living in New Milford NJ.
Bergen County Zoo
Located just around the corner in the community of Paramus, this local community zoo is home to a wide range of unique animal exhibits, with everything from spider monkeys to alligators, making it a great attraction for families living in New Milford NJ.
Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652 (201) 634-3100
White Beeches Golf and Country Club
Just north of New Milford is the White Beeches Golf and Country Club, an exclusive social club with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and an 18-hole course that hosted the US Open.
70 Haworth Dr, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 385-3100
Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum
A rare museum dedicated to wildlife art, the Hiram Blauvelt Center was established in 1957 by its eponymous benefactor, who sought to promote the cultural value of wildlife conservation and the art it inspired. It’s a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts living in New Milford.
705 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell, NJ 07649 (201) 261-0012
Additional Attractions Near New Milford
The New Milford Recreation Department has plenty of resources available for anyone living in New Milford NJ who wants more fun things to do in New Milford.
New Milford Restaurants
Despite being a small community, there are a variety of delicious restaurants in New Milford NJ, serving everything from Italian food to sushi. Here are a few of the best spots to check out for food lovers living in New Milford.
Ciao Bella
One of the top New Milford, NJ restaurants if you're in the mood for Italian food, Ciao Bella is a charming family-owned restaurant serving delicious dishes like chicken marsala in a comfortable setting.
690 River Rd, New Milford, NJ 07646 (201) 483-7494
Sushi Story
Sushi Story is hands down the best restaurant in New Milford NJ if you want sushi. It is a casual Japanese eatery serving innovative rolls, teriyaki, soup, and more.
1033 River Rd, New Milford, NJ 07646 (201) 287-1919
Casual Habana Cafe
Casual Habana is a great place to check out for residents living in New Milford NJ, who are looking for Cuban cuisine, tapas plates, cocktails, and happy hour deals in a welcoming atmosphere.
200 Main St, New Milford, NJ 07646 (201) 576-0400
Jobs in New Milford
Due to its close proximity to New York City and other notable cities in New Jersey, living in New Milford offers a strong economy. While you won't find many jobs in New Milford, NJ, except for a few retail businesses, it's a great town for commuters.
The top three sectors in Bergen County are finance, real estate and insurance, professional and business services, and healthcare and social assistance. Between 2017 and 2022, the GDP of the country increased by 7.2%. Major employers with a presence in Bergen County offering New Milford, NJ jobs include LG Electronics, Becton Dickinson, Quest Diagnostics, and Dassault Falcon.
Employment data from Payscale shows that the average salary for workers living in New Milford NJ is $80,000 per year. From interior design consultant to assistant teacher, you'll find a wide range of great New Milford jobs offering competitive pay and benefits.
New Milford Schools
Parents living in New Milford NJ will be happy to know their kids will get a great education. The New Milford School District administers education in the community and has a reputation for being one of the best school districts in New Jersey. It consists of four public schools serving around 2,000 students. Berkley Street School and Bertram F. Gibbs Elementary serve students in grades K-5. They're both well-regarded and rank #291 and #186 in the state, respectively.
Students in grades 6 through 8 living in New Milford NJ attend David E. Owens Middle School, while New Milford High School handles grades 9-12. New Milford High is likewise very well respected and features a 98% graduation rate and 47% AP participation rate, ranking it #164 in New Jersey and #396 in the New York metro area.
New Milford is home to the Hovnanian School, a top-rated private school teaching classes in English, French, and Armenian. The Art Center for Northern New Jersey is also in the community, a fine arts school offering classes for kids and adults living in New Milford NJ. The New Milford Library is another great place to go for books, classes, and community events.
New Milford Statistics & Information
- New Milford County: Bergen County
- New Milford area: 2.32 square miles
- New Milford zip code: 07646
- New Milford area code: 201
- New Milford elevation: 30 ft
- New Milford time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- The closest airport to New Milford: The Newark Airport (EWR) is 24 miles away
New Milford, NJ Map
Need New Milford, NJ directions? Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do with this New Milford, New Jersey map.
Ready to Find Out What Living in New Milford NJ Is Really Like?
Thinking about relocating to this quiet, suburban community? When it’s time to make the move, trust the reliable team of New Milford NJ movers at Harrington Moving and Storage to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (973) 313-2246 today for a free quote on the cost of moving to New Milford.
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