According to CityDescribed.com Oakland is #2 among the top 14 small cities in New Jersey. Here’s what they said about Oakland. Click here to see the other 13…
Bergen County’s Oakland claimed New Jersey Monthly’s title of “Best Place to Live for Young Families” in 2013. Despite its fair share of shopping and strip malls, Oakland remains remarkably bucolic. For those for whom “remote,” is a good thing, Oakland delivers just that.
Once described as a “rustic outpost” by the New York Times, this nine-square-mile community is heralded for its scenic location along with Ramapo River with stunning views of the Ramapo Mountains. The same article feted the distinctive neighborly feel between members of the community.
With a population of 12,873, according to City Data, Oakland offers an appealing mix of housing, including everything from contemporary ranches to historic farmhouses. Generally, its considered a “sleepy” suburb, making it an idyllic spot for families. Those looking for nightlife may want to look elsewhere, however. Schools are strong in Oakland, scoring a solid 9 out of 10 across the board by Great Schools.
And when it comes to value, Oakland is just another example of paying for what you get: according to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living here is a full 60 percent higher than the national average; the median home cost is $390,000, while the unemployment rate is a positive 7.20 with a positive outlook for job growth.
The average commute is 33 minutes, however, with a whopping 81 percent of commuters driving while only five percent takes mass transit.
AreaVibes ranks Oakland as “Exceptionally Livable” thanks to a livability score of 81. Scores are high in crime and employment with housing claiming A+ honors. Low crime rates also make Oakland a winner: according to AreaVibes, the town’s crime index is 69 percent less than the rest of the state; it’s even more remarkable when you factor in violent crime — nearly 95 percent lower than the statewide average.