Moving to Clifton NJ: 10 Reasons Clifton Is One of the Best Towns in Passaic County

If you're considering a move to Clifton, you need to know exactly what life is like in this busy New Jersey suburb. From housing costs to local hotspots, you'll get straightforward facts about life in Clifton.

Let’s explore what living in Clifton—one of the best places to live in New Jersey—will look like, and help you decide if this is the right city for you!

10 Reasons Clifton NJ Is a Great Place to live

• 20-minute commute to Manhattan - Multiple train and bus options get you to NYC without the brutal commute times you'll find in other suburbs. Work in the city, live where you can afford space.
• Schools for all - Clifton Public Schools serve 10,000+ students and there are numerous local private schools, too.
• Public transportation that works - NJ Transit trains and multiple bus lines run frequently. You can ditch the car for daily commuting and save on parking costs in the city.
• Houses you can actually afford - Median home prices stay well below NYC metro averages. You get more space for less money compared to nearby towns.
• Decent walkability - Main Avenue and Broadway have shops, restaurants, and services within walking distance. Less driving, more community feel.
• Botanic Falls Park is your backyard - 119 acres of hiking trails, waterfalls, and green space. Free outdoor recreation right in town.
• Food scene that's actually good - From authentic Italian on Van Houten Avenue to Middle Eastern markets, you'll eat better here than most suburbs.
• Three major highways nearby - Routes 3, 46, and 21 plus easy Garden State Parkway access. Getting anywhere in North Jersey is simple.
• Shopping without the hassle - Willowbrook Mall, outlets, and local shops give you options without fighting Manhattan crowds or prices.
• Neighborhoods with character - Tree-lined streets rates in most areas, plus homes with personality. Not cookie-cutter suburban development.

Where is Clifton, NJ?

Clifton is in Passaic County, New Jersey, less than 15 miles west of Manhattan—you can even see the NYC skyline from some parts of town!

The city borders Montclair, Nutley, Passaic, and Paterson. This prime location gives you all the perks of suburban living with quick access to big-city amenities.

NYC is easily accessible from Clifton—you can get there in about 30 minutes by car or 45 minutes by public transit. Newark Airport is even closer—just a 20-minute drive away.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Clifton?

Everyday Cost of Living

Clifton won’t break the bank like NYC, though the cost of living in New Jersey is still higher than the national average.

Your dollar stretches further here than in Manhattan or even nearby Montclair. Groceries run about 5%–10% higher than the national average, but you'll find plenty of affordable options at places like Aldi, ShopRite, and the local farmer's markets.

New Jersey’s property tax rates are among the highest in the U.S. Expect to pay around 2.33% of your home's assessed value annually, which is higher than the national average of about 1%.

Cost of Housing

Homes in Clifton are more affordable than many neighboring towns, making it a relatively affordable option in the NYC metro area.

As of 2025, here's what you can expect to pay:

• Median home price: $600,000
• Average 2-bedroom apartment rent: $2,552/month
• Average 3-bedroom apartment rent: $3,000/month

Prices in Clifton usually range from $200,000 to $1.2 million, though the majority of homes list for under $850,000. Most housing consists of:

• Older detached homes (constructed in the 1940s–1970s)
• Garden apartment complexes
• Newer townhouse developments
• Some luxury apartment buildings near downtown

The most affordable neighborhoods include Botany Village and Downtown Clifton. For higher-end homes, look around Montclair Heights and Allwood.

More information about cost of living in Clifton:

• Cost of Living in Clifton - PayScale.com
• Cost of Living Calculator Clifton - Salary.com
• Clifton Cost of Living - AreaVibes.com

What's the Clifton Job Market Like?

Main Industries

The local job market stays stable compared to other parts of the country. Many of New Jersey’s major industries are present here, including:

• Healthcare
• Retail
• Education
• Manufacturing
• Transportation and logistics
• Professional services

Don't limit your job search to just Clifton. Most residents commute to larger job markets in:

• New York City
• Newark
• Paramus
• Hackensack
• Wayne

Biggest Employers

These companies employ the most people in and around Clifton:

• Hackensack Meridian Health (numerous hospitals as far north as Westwood and as far south as Red Bank)
• Passaic County government offices, which are clustered in nearby Paterson
• Clifton Public Schools
• Valley National Bank
• Rutt's Hut (an iconic local restaurant that employs many locals)

Clifton offers a steady employment base with opportunities in both public and private sectors, making it a practical location for job seekers in various industries.

Fun Things to Do in Clifton

Outdoor Activities

Clifton has plenty of green spaces for a suburban area:

Main Memorial Park offers baseball fields, basketball courts, and a large playground. The summer concerts here draw big crowds every weekend.

Weasel Brook Park features walking paths, tennis courts, and picnic areas—ideal for group gatherings or a quick morning run.

Garret Mountain Reservation sits just outside Clifton in Woodland Park, providing amazing hiking trails and views of the NYC skyline.

The Passaic River runs along the city's edge, with fishing spots and a developing riverfront walking path.

Arts & Culture

Clifton’s cultural options help to make it one of the best cities in Passaic County.

The Clifton Arts Center hosts rotating exhibits by local artists and offers classes for all ages. Allwood Branch Library runs book clubs, children's story times, and community events.

Clifton Recreation Department sponsors seasonal festivals, including:

• Summer Concert Series
• Halloween Parade
• Holiday Tree Lighting
• Spring Food Truck Festival

The Garden State Plaza Mall in nearby Paramus (just 10 minutes away) provides shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Restaurants, Bars, & Nightlife

Clifton offers a rich variety of international cuisine thanks to its global culinary influences:

Must-try local spots:

• Rutt's Hut: Home of the "ripper" hot dog (deep-fried until it rips open), known as one of the best hot dogs in New Jersey. It’s been featured on multiple food shows.
• Barrow House: Upscale farm-to-table restaurant with craft cocktails
• Clifton Lebanese Grill: Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine
• Hot Grill: Texas wieners and classic diner fare
• Toros Restaurant: Turkish and Mediterranean dishes

For nightlife, check out:

• Shannon Rose Irish Pub: Live music on weekends
• Bliss Lounge: Cocktails and occasional DJ nights
• The Barrow House: Great for date nights
• Silk City Distillers: One of NJ’s best distilleries

For more exciting nightlife, most residents head to Montclair, Hoboken, or NYC—all within easy reach.

Getting Around in Clifton

Driving & Traffic

Most Clifton residents own cars. The city connects to major highways, including:

• Route 3
• Route 46
• Garden State Parkway
• Route 21

Rush hour traffic can get heavy, especially near highway entrances. This is far from unique to Clifton—it’s typical of driving in New Jersey.

The heaviest traffic is often onRoute 3 and the Garden State Parkway during weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.) and evenings (4–6:30 p.m.).

Finding parking downtown can be challenging during business hours, but most homes have driveways or designated parking spots.

Public Transportation

All of the ways to commute from NJ to NYC are available to Clifton residents, and public transit options are among the least stressful. Clifton offers several options for getting around without a car:

• NJ Transit trains at the Clifton station connect to New York Penn Station in about 45 minutes.
• NJ Transit buses run throughout the city and connect to surrounding towns, Newark, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
• DeCamp Bus Lines offers express service to NYC.

Many commuters use the train or bus to avoid NYC parking costs and traffic.

Weather in Clifton

Clifton experiences all four seasons, with:

• Spring (March–May): Mild and rainy, temperatures between 45–70°F
• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, often reaching 85–95°F
• Fall (September–November): Crisp and colorful, 45–75°F
• Winter (December–February): Cold with occasional snow, 20–40°F

The area averages about 25 inches of snow annually, with January and February seeing the most snowfall.

Most homes have central air conditioning for the humid summers and reliable heating for the cold winters.

More information about the climate in Clifton:

• Clifton 10-day Weather Forecast - Weather.com
• Average Weather in Clifton - WeatherSpark.com
• List of Major Weather Events near Clifton - Weather.gov

Schools in Clifton

The Clifton Public School District serves about 11,000 students across:

• 14 elementary schools
• 2 middle schools
• 1 high school (Clifton High School)

Clifton High School offers Advanced Placement courses, career and technical education programs, competitive sports teams, and various clubs and activities.

Private school options include:

• Classical Academy Charter School (public charter)
• St. Andrew the Apostle School (Catholic, K–8)
• St. Philip Preparatory School (Catholic, K–8)

For higher education, nearby options include:

• Montclair State University (just minutes away)
• Passaic County Community College
• William Paterson University in Wayne
• Rutgers University-Newark

Is Clifton Right For You?

Clifton may suit you if you:

• Want affordable housing near NYC
• Enjoy variety and international cuisine
• Need good transportation options
• Like suburban living with city access

You might not like Clifton if you:

• Prefer a highly walkable downtown with boutique shopping (Montclair may be a better fit)
• Need cutting-edge nightlife (head to Hoboken or NYC)
• Hate traffic and winter weather
• Want ultra-luxury housing options
• Prefer rural living with lots of space

Clifton May Be Your Next Home

Clifton offers a practical, convenient lifestyle just minutes from New York City. With more affordable housing, solid job prospects, and reliable transit options, Clifton is a perfect place for anyone looking to balance urban access with suburban comfort.

From local parks to great food spots and unique events like the Northern NJ Empanada Festival, one of NJ’s best food festivals, there’s plenty to enjoy day-to-day. If you're considering a move to northern New Jersey, consider making Clifton, NJ, the place you call home.