Been meaning to ask this. We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -North Haledon sits at 35.8 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $2,435 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Liam Morris
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Aurora P.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
30 upvotes
Julian Mendoza
underrated comment
29 upvotes
Austin P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Kinsley Morgan
I work in finance here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is challenging. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Miles Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
James Lopez
bump
22 upvotes
Nolan H.
I'm a electrician and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Austin Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 27, moved here 1 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
15 upvotes
David Roberts
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Riverside area are solid. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Connor Hernandez
Saving this thread
14 upvotes
Jack
Bought a house here in 2015 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
9 upvotes
Grace C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Piper Allen
Moved here from Baltimore about 2 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to cultural scene but No regrets on my end..
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