Moving to Oakland New Jersey? 🌳 | What It's Like Living in Oakland NJ
Thinking about moving to Oakland New Jersey? Nestled in the scenic Ramapo Mountains and named for the abundant white oak trees that once blanketed the area, Oakland offers a peaceful, small-town vibe with easy access to New York City. Known as one of the best suburbs in Bergen County, Oakland combines natural beauty, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community that makes it especially appealing to families and anyone craving a quieter lifestyle without straying too far from the city.
Living in Oakland NJ means enjoying the charm of wooded neighborhoods, friendly neighbors, and a range of outdoor activities, all while benefiting from the convenience of nearby highways and public transit options. Whether you're drawn by the town's excellent school system or its close-knit atmosphere, the town of Oakland could be the fresh start you're looking for.
Here's what life is really like in this hidden gem of North Jersey.
Featured image photo by Jerrye & Roy Klotz M.D., CC BY-SA 4.0
Is Oakland NJ a Good Place to Live?
Oakland NJ is a great place to live, especially if you're looking for a peaceful suburb with a supportive community. Located in Bergen County, this charming town offers a safe, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of neighborly connection. Residents often describe Oakland as a tight-knit suburb where people look out for one another and community involvement is high.
With top-rated schools, low crime rates, and beautiful natural surroundings, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call Oakland home. Whether you're raising a family, looking to downsize, or just want to escape the hustle of city life, living in Oakland NJ offers the perfect balance of small-town warmth and suburban convenience.
Where Is Oakland NJ?
Oakland is a picturesque borough located in Bergen County, New Jersey, along the banks of the Ramapo River. Tucked into the scenic Ramapo Mountains, this suburban community in North Jersey offers a peaceful, nature-filled environment while still being within commuting distance of New York City. Living in Oakland NJ means you’re ideally positioned for both quiet residential life and easy access to big-city amenities.
The heart of the borough features a small but charming downtown area with local shops, cafes, and essential services. Transportation options make commuting manageable. Residents can quickly access major highways like Route 208 and I-287. The average commute for workers living in Oakland NJ is 30.2 minutes.
Public transportation options include:
- Short Line: Commuter bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC
- NJ Transit bus service: The 752 route connects Oakland with Hackensack and Ridgewood
Neighboring communities include Franklin Lakes and Mahwah in Bergen County, and Pompton Lakes, Ringwood, Wanaque, and Wayne in Passaic County.
Moving to Oakland New Jersey? Harrington Moving & Storage serves the Oakland community from our nearby office in Mapleton. Call the best Oakland NJ movers today at (973) 313-2246 for a free moving quote and top-notch customer service.
What Is the Population of Oakland New Jersey?
According to the 2020 census, the population of Oakland is 12,748 with 1,499 people per square mile. That's down just six people from 2010. There are 4,395 households in the borough.
Oakland has been named one of the "Great Places to Raise Kids - For Less" by Business Week based on school quality, culture and recreation, crime, and cost of living. It was also named #1 for Young Families by New Jersey Monthly in 2013.
Demographics of people living in Oakland NJ:
- Median age: 41.9 years
- Sex ratio: 50% male to 50% female
- Median household income: $162,862 (NYC metro: $97,334)
- Per capita income: $64,120
- Homeownership rate: 92%
- Educational attainment: 97% high school graduate or higher; 54% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 14.4% (metro: 29.8%)
- Veteran population: 3.6% (metro: 2.8%)
Is Oakland NJ Safe?
Oakland is a very safe place to live. The crime rate is 85% below the national average with very little violent crime. In 2023, only 44 index crimes were reported, more than half of which involved theft.
While living in Oakland NJ, you will be served by the Oakland Police Department. The department is located at 295 Ramapo Valley Road.
What’s the Cost of Living in Oakland NJ?
North Jersey is known for its affluence and high cost of living, and Oakland is no exception. The cost of living in Oakland NJ is about 39% higher than the national average.
The Oakland NJ real estate market is responsible for driving the high cost of living in Oakland NJ. The median sales price of a house in Oakland is $863,000 and $380 per square foot. That's up 26.5% year-over-year. You can see homes for sale in Oakland to begin exploring your options.
There are no apartment complexes and rentals are hard to come by in the borough. The nearest apartments for rent are in Franklin Lakes.
Best Oakland NJ Neighborhoods
Given its small size, there aren't many designated neighborhoods in Oakland. However, you'll find several distinct areas to explore as you prepare for living in Oakland NJ.
The Manito subdivision, which includes homes on Manito Avenue and Chuckanutt Drive, is one of the most desirable places to live. This family-friendly neighborhood features spacious homes built in the 1950s, large lots, and plenty of nature.
The Long Hill area is another charming area with a peaceful environment and a wide variety of home styles. You'll find Colonial, ranch, and craftsman homes in the neighborhood.
Oakland Weather & Climate
Oakland has a humid continental climate, which means you’ll experience all four seasons in full. Summers are warm and pleasant, with average high temperatures around 84°F, perfect for enjoying the area's parks and outdoor trails. Winters bring a chill, with average lows dipping to about 22°F and 23" of annual snowfall, which makes for beautiful winter scenery.
The borough receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually, so keep an umbrella handy year-round. If you're planning a visit or considering living in Oakland NJ, expect vibrant fall foliage, sunny spring days, and just enough snow to keep things picturesque without overwhelming your daily routine.
Things to Do in Oakland NJ
Living in Oakland NJ means you're never far from fun, family-friendly activities and outdoor adventure. The borough's Recreation Department is incredibly active, organizing year-round programs and events for all ages, from youth sports to seasonal festivals and summer camps. Whether you love nature, sports, or just spending time with the community, Oakland has something for everyone.
Holiday Bowl
This locally loved bowling alley isn't just about strikes and spares: it’s a full entertainment experience. Holiday Bowl offers glow bowling, arcade games, leagues, and even live music nights. It’s a popular hangout for families and friends, especially on rainy days or during the colder months when indoor fun is a must.
29 Spruce St, Oakland, NJ 07436 (201) 337-6516
Crystal Lake Beach Club
For classic summer fun, Crystal Lake Beach Club is the place to be. This private, members-only lake and beach club offers a sandy beach, swimming area, snack bar, and plenty of space to relax under the sun. It’s a favorite weekend spot for locals during the warmer months and gives living in Oakland NJ a bit of that “lakeside getaway” vibe.
61 Lakeshore Dr, Oakland, NJ 07436 (201) 347-3700
Alexander Potash Recreation Complex
Known simply as the “Rec Field,” this is the heart of community sports and outdoor fun. With multiple athletic fields, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground, the recreation complex hosts local soccer and baseball games and seasonal events. During the summer, it hosts the annual fireworks and carnival.
Oakland Recreation Complex, 20 Lawlor Dr, Oakland, NJ 07436 (201) 337-8111
Ramapo Mountain State Forest
Ramapo Mountain State Forest offers miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, scenic overlooks, and even the ruins of an old mansion. It’s one of the most picturesque parks in North Jersey, drawing outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. If you love being surrounded by nature, this spot alone makes living in Oakland NJ worth it.
67 Skyline Dr Oakland, NJ 07436 (201) 512-9348
Other nearby attractions to enjoy while living in Oakland NJ:
- Campgaw Mountain Ski Area
- Saddle Ridge Riding Center
- Van Slyke Castle, castle ruins from the early 20th century accessible by hiking a steep path
- Hendrick Van Allen House, the historic home of a local farmer used as the headquarters for George Washington during the Revolutionary War while relocating troops to New York
Restaurants in Oakland New Jersey
Ready to explore the great food you'll enjoy while living in Oakland NJ? Here are some of the best restaurants to check out!
- Portobello. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and sushi in this spacious but warm restaurant with a full bar and wood-beamed ceilings. 175 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ 07436 (201) 337-8990
- Segovia Tavern. This upscale steakhouse features Spanish and Portuguese cuisine with steak, seafood, tapas, and happy hour specials. 110 W Oakland Ave, Oakland, NJ 07436 (201) 644-0003
- Oakland Diner. This colorful, retro diner serves classic American comfort food, including hearty breakfast options. 72 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ 07436 (201) 337-1262
Oakland NJ Jobs & Economy
While living in Oakland NJ, you'll benefit from a diverse regional economy. There are limited job opportunities in the borough itself, although major employment centers include the Copper Tree Mall and a few industrial parks like the Oakland-McBride Center.
Many people living in Oakland NJ commute to surrounding communities.
There are many corporate headquarters in neighboring towns, including:
- Valley Bank and JVC’s U.S. office in Wayne
- The North American headquarters for Jaguar Cars, Land Rover, Volvo Cars, and Mindray Medical in Mahwah
- Becton Dickinson in Franklin Lakes
For healthcare jobs, large employers in the area include Oakland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, St. Mary’s General Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital.
Ready to start your job search ahead of living in Oakland NJ? You can start with Borough of Oakland jobs and jobs in Oakland NJ on Indeed.
Oakland NJ Schools: Colleges & Public Schools
Families living in Oakland NJ are served by two school districts: Oakland Public Schools (K-8) and Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District (9-12). The Ramapo Indian Hills Regional school system serves students in Oakland, Franklin Lakes, and Wyckoff.
Students attend one of three elementary schools (Dogwood Hill Elementary School, Heights Elementary School, and Manito Elementary School) and Valley Middle School before choosing between two high schools:
- Indian Hills High School (in Oakland)
- Ramapo High School (in Franklin Lakes)
Public school students can also benefit from secondary education through Bergen County Technical Schools at Bergen County Academies (Hackensack) or Bergen Tech campus (Teterboro or Paramus).
There are a few private schools in Oakland:
- Barnstable Academy (5-12), a college preparatory school
- The New Jersey Japanese School
- Gerrard Berman Day School (Solomon Schechter of North Jersey), a Jewish PK-8 day school
Basic Information About Oakland NJ
- Oakland NJ county: Bergen County
- Total area: 8.77 square feet
- Oakland NJ zip code: 07436
- Oakland area code: 201
- Elevation: 233 feet
- Oakland time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Oakland NJ: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), 40 miles away
Oakland NJ Map
Moving to Oakland New Jersey? Get a Free Moving Quote Today
Ready for everything that living in Oakland NJ has to offer? Harrington Moving & Storage offers full-service solutions to simplify your upcoming move. Call the best movers in Oakland today at (973) 313-2246 to discuss your moving needs and get started with a personalized estimate.
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