Is Living in Wallington NJ Right for You? ☁️ | What You Should Know Before Moving to Wallington
Looking for a laid-back, suburban community with easy access to big city amenities? Moving to Wallington, NJ, might be the perfect solution.
Wallington is known for its proud Polish heritage and for being a peaceful, heart-shaped borough of Bergen County.
Living in Wallington, NJ offers a quiet suburban lifestyle with easy access to New York City. The town features a strong sense of community, well-rated schools, and scenic spots along the Passaic and Saddle Rivers. It’s a great choice for families and commuters alike.
The community was established during the "Boroughitis" phenomenon of the late 1800s, during which over 26 boroughs were formed in Bergen County alone.
A local government referendum created Wallington from portions of Bergen Township and Saddle River Township. It's thought to be named after an early settler of the area, Walling Jocobse Van Winkle, who had a home in Wallington. Over the years, Wallington continued to develop and became an enclave for the Polish community.
Today, Wallington, NJ, is a good place to live for those seeking a small-town feel with low crime, good schools, and a short commute to New York City. Interested in pursuing a relocation to this pleasant community? Here is everything you need to know about living in Wallington NJ to help you review your options.
Where Is Wallington NJ?
Wallington is in Bergen County in Northern New Jersey. It's situated at the confluence of the Passaic and Saddle Rivers. For those with a car, New Jersey Route 21 passes along the northwestern edge of Wallington, providing access to other major highways for anyone living in Wallington NJ with a car.
Wallington borders Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Garfield, South Hackensack, and Wood-Ridge in Bergen County. Across the nearby Passaic River is the city of Passaic.
It's about 16 miles or a 40-minute drive from Wallington NJ to NYC (depending on traffic).
Wallington Population and Demographics
Wallington, NJ, population is 11,868 as of the 2020 census. The small but vibrant community has steadily grown over the years, and the number of people living in Wallington NJ increased by 4.5% between 2010 and 2020. Like many NYC adjacent towns, it has an urban/suburban atmosphere with a population density of 11,895 residents per square mile.
Wallington is a family-oriented and culturally diverse community. 20% of residents living in Wallington NJ are under the age of 18, and 34% are between the ages of 30 and 50, highlighting its popularity among young families and working professionals.
It's known for having one of the largest concentrations of Polish people in the US, and close to 50% of residents living in Wallington NJ are Polish, which is evident through its many cultural festivals and Polish bakeries.
The full racial and ethnic breakdown or those living in Wallington NJ is 73.6% white (69.6% white, non-Hispanic), 19.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian and 10% two or more races.
Other living in Wallington NJ Demographics
- The median age is 39 years old
- 52% of people living in Wallington NJ are men and 48% are women
- The median household income is $82,422, which is about 20% lower than the rest of New Jersey
- 93.3% of residents living in Wallington NJ have a high school diploma, and 36.9% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 42.7%
Known for its peaceful environment and low crime rate, living in Wallington NJ is very safe. The total crime rate is 1,336 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 17.5% lower than the New Jersey average and 42.5% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime is 75% lower than the New Jersey average and an impressive 86.2% lower than the U.S. average
- Property crime is 9.3% lower than the state average and 34.3% lower than the national average
- The murder rate is zero, and there is very little violent crime, safe for a few aggravated assaults
The Wallington Police Department handles crime in the community with the support of 21 officers who are readily available to help.
Cost of Living in Wallington NJ
The cost of living in Wallington NJ is higher than the national average but fairly typical for New Jersey as a whole. The cost of living index is a good way to assess the affordability of an area. It compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the Bergen-Passaic area is 120, which means the cost of living in Wallington NJ is approximately 20% higher than the national average.
The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator is also a helpful resource for determining how much money you need to live in a particular location. It shows that the typical family of four, consisting of two adults and two children, needs to earn $131,215 to afford the cost of living in Wallington NJ.
Common expenses of living in Wallington NJ:
- Loaf of bread: $4.17
- Hamburger: $5.82
- Gallon of milk: $4.92
- Carton of eggs: $3.65
- Gallon of gas: $3.70
- Wallington monthly electricity bill: 215.28
Source: Payscale
Thinking about buying a house? Wallington real estate is a bit pricier than the rest of the US. The median listing price of houses for sale in Wallington NJ is $697,500, which is 47% higher than the rest of the US. The median price per square foot of Wallington, NJ, real estate is $318.
Many residents are tenants and renters moving to Wallington will also find a range of options available. In fact, according to census data, only 39% of homes are owner-occupied, and 61% are rented out.
Luckily, living in Wallington NJ is affordable for renters. According to RentCafe, the average monthly rent for Wallington apartments for rent is $1,591, which is 8.7% lower than the US average. Almost all rentals are in low-rise, garden-style buildings, and 81% of units are 1 bedroom.
A few popular buildings offering apartments for rent in Wallington NJ:
Wallington Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Wallington
Wallington is a relatively small residential area and, therefore, doesn't contain many well-defined neighborhoods. Some even consider it to be a neighborhood of East Rutherford, NJ, although it is its own separate borough.
Regardless of what areas you explore, living in Wallington NJ offers well-maintained homes, safe streets, natural beauty, and a range of home styles, including Cape Cods, colonials, and multi-family buildings. In general, the most sought-after land tends to be in the west near Mt Pleasant Avenue, while the most affordable is in northern regions.
Wallington Weather & Climate
The weather in Wallington is generally what you would expect from a typical city in the northeast. It has a humid continental climate according to the Koppen Classification system, which means you're in for warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters if you plan on moving to Wallington.
Temperatures typically range from approximately 25°F to 86°F, although winter temperatures can drop as low as 11°F, and summer temperatures can reach up to 93°F. Summertime, from late July to mid-September, is usually the best time to visit a friend living in Wallington NJ.
Be prepared to deal with precipitation, as the area averages 49 inches of rain and 26 inches of snow annually. So don't forget to bring an umbrella.
Things to Do in Wallington
Although not the most happening place, you'll still find plenty of parks, recreation centers, and other fun things to do in Wallington. You'll find most of the shopping and local businesses clustered around Wallington Avenue, Maple Avenue, and Paterson Avenue, including Lezze Flowers, Wallington Plaza, Adam's Food Market, and the Wallington Farmers Market. The Brook Haven Mall is also close by for anyone living in Wallington who wants to shop for big name retailers. Beyond shopping, here are some of the best things to do in Wallington.
Samuel Nelkin County Park
Samuel Nelkin County Park in Wallington, NJ, is a 17-acre public green space centered around a lake that features sports courts, a Little League field, several feet of hiking trails, a playground, and a pavilion. It's perfect for families living in Wallington NJ in search of a site for a weekend outing or a pleasant walk.
Rose St, Wallington, NJ 07057 (973) 777-0318
Lucky Strike Wallington
One of the best things to do in Wallington, NJ, on a Saturday night, Lucky Strike is a local bowling alley offering casual bites, pitchers of beer, and 48 lanes.
299 Paterson Ave, Wallington, NJ 07057 (973) 773-9100
Wallington Recreation Center
Situated on Union Boulevard, The Wallington Recreation Center is the main social hub of the community and hosts regular group activities and programs for residents living in Wallington, including dance classes, badminton, ping pong, yoga, and more.
24 Union Blvd, Wallington, NJ 07057 (973) 777-0318
Additional Wallington Attractions
Searching for more fun things to do in Wallington, NJ? The local Recreation Department also has a full list of activities and events available to residents.
Wallington Restaurants
For a small area, you'll find an interesting range of delicious restaurants in Wallington, NJ, serving everything from Polish cuisine to pizza. Here are a few of the best Wallington, NJ, restaurants if you're looking to treat yourself to a night out.
Krakus Restaurant
Located on Main Avenue, Krakus is one of the best restaurants in Wallington, offering a traditional Polish menu, accompanied by beer and live music on Saturday nights.
208 Main Ave #1442, Wallington, NJ 07057 (973) 779-1922
Kathie and Glenns Steakhouse
Kathie and Glenn's is a laidback steakhouse with a welcoming atmosphere serving an assortment of cuts, including filet mignon, ribeye, and NY strip steaks, plus sides and cocktails.
250 Main Ave, Wallington, NJ 07057 (973) 779-7420
Wallington Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant
Wallington Pizzeria is the perfect place to grab a slice and a cold soda while living in Wallington NJ, with a variety of made-to-order pies available, plus sandwiches, wraps, and pasta dishes.
437 Paterson Ave, Wallington, NJ 07057 (973) 679-0086
Jobs in Wallington
As a small, mainly residential community, you may find Wallington NJ job opportunities in the immediate area somewhat limited. However, living in Wallington NJ also offers an easy commute to New York City, one of the largest job markets in the country.
The largest industries in the New York metro area are financial services, healthcare, professional and business services, and retail, with education, media, technology, and real estate also playing a major role. Most jobs in Wallington, NJ are in industries like healthcare, retail, and construction.
The largest employers in Bergen County:
- Hackensack University Medical Center: 8,000 employees
- Valley Health System: 4,700 employees
- Bio-Reference Laboratories: 2,900 employees
- Express Scripts: 2,800 employees
Wallington residents can expect great compensation. According to Payscale, the average salary in New Jersey is $82,000 per year. From digital marketing specialist to church administrator, you can find a wide variety of great Wallington jobs offering good pay and benefits.
Wallington Schools
Children living in Wallington NJ will also receive a fantastic education. The Wallington Public School District serves students in grades pre-K through 12. The district consists of two elementary schools and one junior/senior high school. Kids living in Wallington NJ in grades K-2 attend Jefferson Elementary School, while those in grades 3-6 attend Frank W. Gavlak Elementary School.
Wallington Junior-Senior High School serves students in grades 7-12. It's a well-established school and ranks within the top 200 in the state with a 97% graduation rate.
All public school students living in Wallington NJ (and any part of Bergen County) are also eligible to attend secondary education programs offered by Bergen County Technical Schools.
Residents can also check out the Wallington Veteran's Memorial Library for books and other media.
Wallington Statistics & Information
- Wallington County: Bergen County
- Wallington area: 1.05 square miles
- Wallington zip code: 07057
- Wallington area code(s): 201 and 973
- Wallington elevation: 20 ft
- Wallington time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Wallington: The Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is 18 miles away.
Wallington NJ Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Wallington NJ, with this map.
Ready to Find Out What Living In Wallington NJ Is Really Like?
Think that living in Wallington NJ might be the perfect option? When it comes time to plan your moving day, you can trust the dependable Wallington NJ movers at Harrington Moving and Storage to make your upcoming move easy and efficient. Call (973) 313-2246 today for a free quote.
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