10 Real Reasons People Are Moving to Clifton, New Jersey – 2025 Commuter Guide
Looking for a connected, diverse, and family-friendly city? Discover what makes Clifton, New Jersey one of the top relocation spots in North Jersey.
📍 Where Is Clifton, New Jersey?
Clifton is a vibrant city in Passaic County, located in Northern New Jersey, just 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan. With unbeatable location, strong schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a lively community, it’s no surprise Clifton is one of NJ’s most sought-after places to live.
Fast Facts:
- Population: ~90,000
- County: Passaic
- Nearby Towns: Montclair, Passaic, Nutley, Bloomfield
- Known For: Diverse community, top transit access, and suburban-urban mix
Think: city access, hometown feel, and everything you need within 10 minutes.
🌤️ Climate & Geography – Four Seasons with Style
Clifton experiences a true four-season climate, perfect for those who enjoy snowy holidays, vibrant autumns, and breezy summer barbecues.
☀️ Weather Snapshot:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Local Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Green, fresh, ideal 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Warm & active ☀️ |
| Fall | 50–70 | Colorful and cozy 🍁 |
| Winter | 25–40 | Cold but charming ❄️ |
🗺️ Geography Features:
- Hilly residential neighborhoods
- Well-planned roadways and walkable parks
- Near Garret Mountain, Weasel Brook Park, and NJ Highlands
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods in Clifton
Clifton is made up of multiple unique sections, offering something for families, young professionals, retirees, and commuters alike.
🏡 Neighborhood Overview:
| Area | Vibe | Avg Home Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allwood | Suburban, quiet | $580,000 | Close to Route 3, top schools |
| Montclair Heights | Upscale, elevated | $630,000 | Great views, near Montclair |
| Richfield | Classic, middle-income | $550,000 | Parks, schools, commuters |
| Athenia | Diverse, active, walkable | $520,000 | Local shops + eateries |
| Delawanna | Transit hub, rising demand | $540,000 | NJ Transit access to NYC |
Allwood is family-focused. Delawanna is for NYC commuters. Montclair Heights is serene and upscale.
💼 Jobs & Local Economy – Central & Convenient
Clifton’s location makes it a major employment and commuter hub, with local businesses, warehouses, healthcare, and proximity to NYC job markets.
Major Employers:
- Hartz Mountain Industries
- St. Mary’s General Hospital (nearby in Passaic)
- Public Service Electric & Gas (PSEG)
- Retail centers, logistics companies, local government
- 20-minute access to NYC, Hackensack, Newark, and Meadowlands
💰 Economic Overview:
- Median Household Income: ~$84,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.9%
- Growth in tech, logistics, education, and small business
🏠 Real Estate – Strong Value & Long-Term Growth
Clifton offers diverse housing options, from single-family homes to multi-units and condos, making it appealing to both homeowners and investors.
🏠 Real Estate Snapshot:
| Area | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allwood | $580,000 | $2,500 | ~2.2% |
| Montclair Heights | $630,000 | $2,800 | ~2.1% |
| Delawanna | $540,000 | $2,400 | ~2.3% |
| Richfield | $550,000 | $2,450 | ~2.2% |
| Athenia | $520,000 | $2,300 | ~2.1% |
Housing Types:
- Capes, colonials, and split-levels
- Townhouses + luxury rentals
- New developments in Delawanna
- Fixer-uppers with great upside potential
Clifton real estate is strong, reliable, and still accessible compared to nearby towns.
🚆 Transportation – A True Commuter’s Paradise
Clifton’s location and transit access are its superpower — especially for NYC workers and regional travelers.
🚉 Transit Highlights:
- 2 NJ Transit Stations: Delawanna + Clifton
- Trains to NYC Penn Station (~35–40 min)
- Bus service to Port Authority, Newark, and Paterson
- Easy access to Route 3, Garden State Parkway, Route 46, I-80
- 20 min to Newark Airport
You can be at your Midtown desk before your NYC friends finish their coffee.
🎓 Schools & Education – Strong, Supportive & Diverse
Clifton Public Schools are well-funded, diverse, and offer multiple learning tracks, including magnet programs, AP classes, and sports excellence.
🏫 Education Overview:
- Clifton High School – over 3,000 students, wide course offerings
- Christopher Columbus Middle School, Woodrow Wilson, WWMS
- Strong elementary schools in Allwood, School 5, School 17
- Private options: St. Andrew’s, Pope John Paul II Academy
- Near Montclair State University, Rutgers, and Seton Hall
🏥 Healthcare – Local Care, Big Network
Clifton offers quick access to quality care, both locally and via nearby major hospitals in Passaic, Paterson, and Hackensack.
🏥 Medical Options:
- St. Mary’s General Hospital (Passaic)
- Hackensack Meridian facilities nearby
- Primary care clinics, urgent care, pediatric and senior specialists
- Quick access to specialty services in Montclair and Newark
🌿 Parks, Recreation & Community Life
Despite being a city, Clifton has tons of green space, parks, and recreation areas that make it feel suburban.
🌳 Where to Play:
- Weasel Brook Park – trails, courts, playgrounds
- Garret Mountain Reservation – scenic views, hiking
- Main Memorial Park – pond, walking paths, sports
- Nash Park – fitness + family-friendly
- Dog parks, tennis courts, and local youth sports leagues
🍽️ Food, Shopping & Local Flavor
Clifton’s diverse community fuels a vibrant food scene, with global cuisines, classic NJ diners, and authentic local favorites.
🍴 Foodie Hotspots:
- Toros Restaurant – Turkish & Mediterranean
- Tick Tock Diner – NJ classic
- Thai Kitchen by Saowanee
- Clifton Bagels – a true morning staple
- La Riviera Trattoria – cozy Italian
🛍️ Shopping & Errands:
- Clifton Commons – Target, AMC, Staples
- Promenade Shops, Botany Plaza
- Local markets + fresh produce shops
🕊️ Diversity, Culture & Events
Clifton is one of NJ’s most culturally rich cities, offering a welcoming vibe, ethnic events, and strong civic life.
- Major communities: Polish, Turkish, Italian, Latino, Middle Eastern, Filipino
- Local events: Polish Festival, Food Truck Nights, Summer Concerts
- Strong network of houses of worship, community centers, and nonprofits
🛡️ Safety & Livability
Clifton is widely considered a safe, middle-class city, with active neighborhood watches and responsive city services.
| Neighborhood | Safety Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allwood | 1/10 | Quiet, clean, very safe |
| Montclair Heights | 1/10 | Upscale, low crime |
| Athenia | 2/10 | Busy but family-friendly |
| Delawanna | 3/10 | Urban-accessible, well-patrolled |
Clifton balances city activity with suburban safety better than most towns in North Jersey.
📊 Clifton Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~90,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$550,000 |
| Median Income | ~$84,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | ~2.1% |
| Commute to NYC | ~35–40 minutes |
| School District Rating | Above Average |
| Transit Access | Excellent |
✅ Should You Move to Clifton?
Clifton is ideal if you want:
- Quick, easy access to NYC
- A walkable, diverse, suburban-urban mix
- Top-tier food, parks, and transit
- A safe place for families, professionals, and retirees
- Real estate that’s rising in value but still attainable
Pros:
- Fast NYC commute via train or car
- Affordable compared to Hoboken/Jersey City
- Ethnic food and culture
- Green spaces + family-friendly events
- Real estate upside potential
Cons:
- Traffic on Route 3 & GSP (peak hours)
- Limited nightlife
- Schools vary slightly by neighborhood
🔗 External Resource
Explore more at the City of Clifton Official Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
Clifton, New Jersey is a rare find — a North Jersey city with real heart, real access, and real potential. Whether you’re a commuter, a young family, or a smart investor, Clifton offers a livable lifestyle with the right mix of affordability, access, and amenities.