Moving to Washington Township? 🌳 | What It's Like Living in Washington Township NJ
Looking for a peaceful suburb with a small town atmosphere, great schools, and easy access to urban amenities? Perhaps you’d like living in Washington Township NJ. Washington Township is a peaceful community in Bergen County that offers good schools, tree-lined streets, and friendly residents.
It was formed through an act of the New Jersey legislature in April 1840 out of territories between the Hackensack and Saddle River that had once been part of Harrington Township. It's named after George Washington, the first president of the United States.
It’s also one of five municipalities in New Jersey with the name Washington Township. So it’s not to be confused with Washington Township in Morris County or Gloucester County in South Jersey.
These days, Washington Township is a great place to live for those looking to raise a family or settle down in a quiet area with an easy commute to NYC. Think that moving to Washington Township might be the perfect decision? Here is everything you need to know before making this friendly place your home.
Where Is Washington Township?
Washington Township is in Bergen County, in the northeastern corner of New Jersey. It rests within the Hackensack River watershed, which also comprises other smaller lakes, brooks, and reservoirs. It's also located within the Pascack Valley, and the township features three major hills.
The Garden State Parkway passes directly through Washington Township, offering easy access to NYC for commuters living in Washington Township NJ. It also borders other towns in Bergen County, including Emerson, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Paramus, Ridgewood, Saddle River, and Westwood.
It's 27 miles or a 52-minute drive from Washington Township NJ to NYC. Philadelphia is 100 miles away, or a 107-minute drive.
Washington Township Population & Demographics
The Washington Township NJ, population is 9,285 as of the 2020 census. The population has remained relatively consistent over the years, and the number of people living in Washington Township NJ only increased by 2% between 2010 and 2020. It has a sparse, suburban atmosphere that attracts those seeking tranquility and a calm pace of life with a population density of 3,140 residents per square mile.
It's a very affluent community popular among families and older people. The median age of those living in Washington Township NJ is 46 (20% higher than the rest of New Jersey), and 23% of the population is 65 and older, while 22% are under 18. Married couples make up 77% of households, and the median household income is $168,922, which is 50% higher than the rest of the US.
While primarily white, there are growing Asian and Hispanic communities living in Washington Township NJ. The racial and ethnic makeup of Washington Township is 81% white, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 6% Asian, 2% Black, and 2% two or more races.
A few notable people who have enjoyed the benefits of living in Washington Township NJ include best-selling author Mary Higgins Clarke and US Air Force Commander Raymond E. John Jr.
Other Washington Township demographics:
- 51% of people living in Washington Township NJ are female, and 49% are male
- 97.3% of people living in Washington Township NJ have a high school diploma, 58.7% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 14%
Living in Washington Township NJ, is safe. The Washington Township NJ crime rate is considerably lower than the rest of the country, which is what makes it such a popular choice for wealthy families. Here is how crime in the community compares to the rest of New Jersey and the US.
- Total Washington Township crime rate: 529 crimes per 100,000 people, 77% lower than the rest of the US and 70% lower than the New Jersey crime rate
- Violent crime: 93% lower than the national average and 88% lower than the rest of New Jersey
- Property crime: 74% lower than the national average and 67% lower than the rest of New Jersey
The Township of Washington Police Department is responsible for maintaining law and order in the community.
Cost of Living in Washington Township NJ
The cost of living in Washington Township NJ is higher than the national average, but it offers a great quality of life for those with a budget. One simple way to assess the cost of living in an area is to reference the cost of living index. It compares the prices of typical consumer goods in the area to the rest of the country.
The COLI for the Bergen County area is 119, indicating that the cost of living in Washington Township NJ is 19% higher than the national average. The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator is also a great resource. It shows that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn about $131,215 to afford the cost of living in Washington Township NJ.
Typical expenses of living in Washington Township NJ
- Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: $85.00
- Cappuccino: $5.20
- 12 oz bottle of water: $2.33
- Loaf of Fresh White Bread: $4.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $17.00
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.29
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $5.33
- Average Washington Township monthly utility bill: $135.40
Source: Bergen County
*Numbers reflect Bergen County overall but will be similar for those living in Washington Township NJ
Redfin states that the median price of houses for sale in Washington Township, Bergen County, NJ is $788,000. That makes Washington Township real estate 46% more expensive than the rest of the country and 38% more expensive than the rest of New Jersey.
The majority of people living in Washington Township NJ own a home, and census data shows that 94% of properties are owner-occupied, while only 6% are rented out. However, renters moving to Washington Township can find options close by. Rentcafe indicates that the average rent in Bergen County is $2,595. Rent prices in the area start around $500 for a studio apartment and go up to $16,000 for three or more bedrooms.
Washington Township Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Washington Township
Washington Township is a primarily residential community with a small commercial district and does not have many well-defined neighborhoods with a unique identity and characteristics. However, it does feature several notable landmarks and desirable areas.
Seven Chimneys is an 18th-century stone home and the oldest residence in Washington Township that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spiegel Lake is also a popular area with desirable Washington, NJ real estate along its shore, which is highly sought after by affluent residents living in Washington Township NJ. Generally, the most desirable areas are located in the southwest part of the city, while the most affordable areas are found in the south.
Washington Township Weather & Climate
The weather in Washington Township is fairly typical for what you might expect in the rest of the Northeast. According to the Koppen Classification System, it has a humid continental climate.
Be prepared for warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters if you plan on moving to Washington Township. The temperature usually fluctuates between 27°F and 85°F, although winter can get as cold as 13°F and summer can get as hot as 93°F. A good time to visit a friend living in Washington Township NJ is August through September.
Make sure to invest in a parka and rain boots if you plan on moving to Washington Township, as it averages 50 inches of rain and 28 inches of snow per year.
Things to Do In Washington Township
Although it's a small community, you'll still find a wide variety of fun things to do in Washington Township NJ. Most of the shops and local businesses are clustered around Pascack Road, such as The Fresh Grocer of Pascack Road or Express Mart. Other nearby shopping centers include the Plaza at Hillsdale and Paramus Town Square. Beyond shopping, here are some of the main attractions people living in Washington Township NJ are known to frequent.
Bethany Community Center
The Bethany Community Center is a primary social hub for residents living in Washington Township NJ, offering a state-of-the-art fitness center, a swimming pool, and multiple sports courts.
605 Pascack Rd, Township of Washington, NJ 07676 (201) 898-2000
Township Theater
The Township Theater is a local cinema that screens the latest new releases and summer blockbusters, offering comfortable seating and a fully stocked concession stand.
249 Pascack Rd, Township of Washington, NJ 07676 (201) 497-3500
Bury The Hatchet
Bury The Hatchet is an ax-throwing venue with a location in Paramus that allows visitors to participate in tournament-style games and makes a great activity for those living in Washington Township NJ who are planning a birthday party and corporate event.
49 E Midland Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652 (201) 688-3358
Additional Attractions In Washington Township
Searching for more fun things to do while living in Washington Township NJ? The Township of Washington's Recreation & Parks Department maintains a list of local parks, walking trails, community programs, and other activities on its website.
Washington Township Restaurants
Looking to grab a bite to eat while living in Washington Township NJ? You'll find a great selection of restaurants in Washington Township and the surrounding areas. Here are a few of the top restaurants in Washington Township, NJ.
Dog House Saloon & Grill
Dog House Saloon is a local watering hole and one of the best restaurants in Washington Township NJ if you're in the mood for a burger and a cold beer with large portion sizes and TVs for live sports.
270 Pascack Rd, Township of Washington, NJ 07676 (201) 722-1820
Granita Grille
For those who enjoy Italian cuisine, Granita Grille is one of the top restaurants in Washington Township, NJ, offering authentic dishes such as pork chop marsala and scallops monte carlo, along with live music on weekends.
467 Broadway, Westwood, NJ 07675 (201) 664-9846
Atlantis Mediterranean Grill House
Atlantis Grill House is a must-visit for anyone living in Washington Township NJ, who appreciates fresh seafood and Mediterranean fare, featuring a diverse menu that includes grilled octopus, red snapper, kebabs, tapenade, and more.
321 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 (201) 383-0132
Jobs in Washington Township
As a small, suburban community, you won't find very many Washington Township jobs in the community itself. However, the Washington Town Center, located on Pascack Road, features several small businesses and retail establishments.
Due to its close proximity to New York City, many people living in Washington Township NJ, commute to Manhattan for work, which offers a plethora of employment opportunities.
Some of the largest industries in the New York metro area include financial services, education, professional and business services, healthcare, and hospitality.
Largest employers in Bergen County offering Washington Township NJ jobs:
Washington Township is an affluent area with a very high median household income compared to the rest of the country. According to Payscale, the average annual salary in New Jersey is $83,000. You can expect most jobs in Washington Township, NJ, to pay around that much. From front desk agent to stocker, you'll find plenty of fantastic Washington Township jobs available.
Washington Township Schools
Kids living in Washington Township NJ will get a great education. Westwood Regional is the primary Washington Township school district, which is Bergen County's only regional district serving students from K-12. There are two elementary schools in Washington Township: Jesse F. George Elementary and Washington Elementary School. Students in grades 6-8 attend Westwood Regional Middle School, and those in grades 9-12 attend Westwood Regional High School.
It's a well-respected school that ranks 130th in New Jersey and features a 95% graduation rate. Immaculate Heart, an all-girls, Catholic prep school operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, is a notable private school in the community. All students living in Washington Township NJ are eligible to attend secondary education programs offered by Bergen County Technical Schools. Check out the Township of Washington Public Library for books and other media.
Washington Township Statistics & Information
- Washington Township County: Bergen County
- Washington Township area: 3 square miles
- Washington Township zip code: 07676
- Washington Township area code: 201
- Washington Township elevation: 89 ft
- Washington Township time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Washington Township: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is 30 miles away.
Washington Township NJ Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Washington Township NJ, with this map.
Now that you know all about living in Washington Township NJ, you’re ready to decide if it’s the right place for you. When it comes time to make the transition, you can trust the dependable Washington Township NJ movers at Harrington Moving and Storage to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (973) 313-2246 today for a free quote.
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