Longtime lurker here, It's a a smaller city city with about 28,269 people. With a population of 28,269, Bergenfield is a smaller city. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
29 upvotes
15 Replies
Cooper R.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Midtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Isabelle M.
+1
33 upvotes
Bruce H.
facts
33 upvotes
Mateo B.
I work in engineering here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is tough. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Mateo C.
Came here for family and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The school system is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
David Green
glad someone said it
28 upvotes
Jayden Brooks
nah I disagree
27 upvotes
Olivia Sanders
underrated comment
23 upvotes
Quinn R.
this is the way
18 upvotes
Ruth J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Raleigh it's solid.
17 upvotes
Camila C.
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Logan Wilson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
15 upvotes
Lillian D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 51, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Greenfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Nashville, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
Samuel Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 6 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Jack Reed
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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