Living in Clifton, NJ
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Clifton, NJ? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Clifton, NJ

As a suburb of New York City, Clifton attracts residents who commute to the Big Apple. However, the city of nearly 90,000 has noteworthy amenities, and people love living in Clifton. Those amenities include 39 parks with all kinds of courts, fields and playgrounds – even bocce ball and shuffleboard courts.

The city has also secured a spot among the best places to live for its educational offerings. Several top-notch public and private schools make it an excellent place for families to put down roots. Furthermore, the city hosts various annual events and festivals that parents and kids love. Clifton is diverse, too, so everyone feels welcome.

The arts and culture scene is alive here, with the Clifton Arts Center offering art exhibits and outreach programs and the historic Hamilton House Museum providing a glimpse of the past. Then, there’s the legendary Brighton Asylum, a haunted asylum complex that has gained national notoriety – so beware! 

In addition, the local economy is healthy. Fans of “The Sopranos” know that Clifton was used as a filming location. Still, its crime rates are well below the national average, making it an attractive spot for those who want to be nestled in a safe community while still being in proximity to a large metropolitan area for weekend trips or commuting for a hybrid job. In other words, it is a safe place to live, work and play.

5 Reasons You Should Move to Clifton, NJ

Top Reasons to Move to Clifton

• Just 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, Clifton is a prime spot for commuters and offers plenty of transit options.  
• Clifton has a diverse dining scene and is a melting pot of global flavors.
• With plenty of outdoor spaces, above-average schools and youth programming, Clifton is a great place for families.
• Housing in Clifton is relatively affordable for the NYC metro area. 

Clifton, located just west of New York City in Passaic County, offers suburban ease with world-class city vibes. New Jersey Route 3 links it to the Big Apple. Newark Liberty International Airport, about 15 miles away, is a major hub for flights to destinations worldwide. When you’re set to venture out, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• New York City is just 15 miles east, where you can hit Times Square, roam Central Park or catch a Broadway show.
• Paterson sits 5 miles north and offers the Great Falls, the Paterson Museum and historic Lambert Castle.
• Jersey City is about 10 miles southeast, boasting waterfront views, Liberty State Park and the Liberty Science Center.

The area experiences hot, wet summers and cold, snowy winters thanks to its humid subtropical climate. Moderate breezes year-round help reduce humidity.

The city’s proximity to New York City and its position as a regional commercial hub in New Jersey create an environment conducive to economic prosperity. Three of the largest sectors in the area are health care, manufacturing and retail trade. Some of the largest employers are the City of Clifton, Clifton Public Schools and Passaic County. ClassLink, an education technology company, is headquartered in the area. 

The cost of living in Clifton is above the national average. The median home value in Clifton is $463,020, and the average household income is $105,422.

New Jersey has a state income tax. In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Clifton is 6.625%.

Display these facts on your site.

Its location to the Big Apple gives residents access to plenty of amazing amenities; however, there are tons of awesome things to do right at home. Residents can explore art and sculptures at the Clifton Arts Center and Sculpture Park or delve into local history at the Hamilton House Museum or Lambert Castle in nearby Paterson. Clifton residents are also community-minded, coming together for events throughout the year, like the Clifton Farmers Market and celebrations at Clifton Stadium. And, for kids, the Sea Life Aquarium is nearby and provides an opportunity to enjoy marine life. Shop ’til you drop at Clifton Commons and nearby spots like American Dream Mall. 

Clifton packs a punch when it comes to outdoor recreation. With 39 parks spread throughout town, green space is aplenty. The community’s crown jewel is Main Memorial Park, a 26-acre spot with a serene lake, paved walking paths and tennis and basketball facilities. For a cool blend of nature and art, Albion Memorial Park and the Clifton Sculpture Park offer large-scale art installations and meticulously maintained gardens.

The awe-inspiring Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is about 10 minutes outside Clifton, one of the largest waterfalls in the country. You can explore the bridge overlooking the rushing Passaic River or hike the surrounding trails to see the historic mill architecture that once powered the American Industrial Revolution. For a challenge, the Giant Stairs Hike is a demanding trail that pays off with stunning views. If you prefer a more wooded escape, Garret Mountain Reservation, on the border of Clifton, offers over 500 acres of elevated recreational space.

Clifton is known as a melting pot, and that reputation spills over into the city’s delicious and diverse dining scene that reflects its multicultural community. Iconic establishments like Rutt’s Hut – popular for its “ripper” hot dogs – sit with traditional spots like Matthew’s Italian and tapas bars Spuntino. Seafood lovers can enjoy the fresh catch of the day at Sharky’s Wings and Raw Bar or American classics at The Barrow House. Craft breweries like Ghost Hawk Brewing Company and local distillery Silk City Distillers contribute to local beverage offerings. 

Families thrive here, where education is a top priority. Clifton Public Schools is the main district serving nearly 11,000 students and offering a range of programming and schools, including magnet and technical schools. The city has a few religious and independent private schools, often with a long history of high-quality education and smaller class sizes. There is also the Classical Academy Charter School, which is centered around a classical education and offers a rigorous curriculum. One thing to note is that New Jersey has a limited school choice program that allows students to attend schools outside their district of residence, but options are limited and based on availability.