5 Reasons You Should Move to Clifton, NJ
Nestled in the Gateway Region, a pocket of urban areas in northeastern New Jersey that include Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Union and Middlesex counties, Clifton, New Jersey is often associated with its convenient location near New York City. But what if there’s more to this picturesque location than its proximity to a major metro? Clifton boasts plenty of perks that make it an appealing place to live, including charming neighborhoods, excellent schools and outdoor recreation. Top it off with great restaurants and an impressive social calendar of festivals and activities, and it’s a no-brainer that Clifton, New Jersey is a great place to live.
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Let’s talk about proximity.
We might as well dive into the number one reason Clifton, New Jersey usually lands on someone’s radar — its proximity to New York City. The Big Apple is known for world-class art, entertainment and food, as well as its influence on economics and accessibility to international travel. Despite being across state lines, Clifton is considered a suburb of the big city. As the crow flies, it’s only about 19 miles from Clifton to NYC, and you can easily make the trek by train, bus, taxi or car. Professionals working in New York City can easily make the commute without much hassle, all while returning home to the welcoming, and significantly more affordable, community of Clifton at the end of the work week.
Choose from several charming neighborhoods.
Whether you’re a growing family, a young professional, or a retiree hoping to stay near the city, Clifton offers an abundance of charming neighborhoods that are guaranteed to entice you to put down roots. Allwood is a popular, albeit quiet, suburban neighborhood that attracts many families and is close to several parks and green spaces. Botany Village has a reputation for historic charm, thanks to its wealth of classic architecture, and walkability, making it a good choice for young adults or couples who enjoy strolling to dinner. Delawanna is another quiet residential area with a range of old and new homes and proximity to Delawanna Train Station, which comes in handy for anyone planning to make a regular commute to New York City.
There are several good schools in the area.
Clifton is home to a variety of educational options, whether families are looking for choices in the public, private or nontraditional sphere. Clifton Public Schools are part of the larger Clifton School District and include (but are not limited to) Clifton High School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Christopher Columbus Elementary. As far as private schools go, many parents in the community enjoy sending their children to Rainbow Montessori School or Saint Philip Preparatory School. There are also charter schools like Clifton Academy or Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology in nearby Paterson.
Good food and entertainment are easy to find here.
Locals and visitors alike appreciate the variety of food and fun in Clifton. Bohemian Bistro is a family-friendly hotspot that dishes up flavorful Mediterranean and Caribbean meals like black garlic steak and oxtail risotto. For date nights, you can’t go wrong with The Barrow House, known for its great craft cocktails and New American menu. And if you would rather eat at home and splurge on dessert, Chocolate House Clifton and Bella Vida Pastry Cafe are guaranteed to please.
But what about entertainment? Families enjoy taking their children to the Clifton Public Library for story times, community events or reading clubs. If shopping is more your speed, Botany Village is a charming, historic spot to peruse quaint shops, cafes and restaurants on a leisurely afternoon. Another favorite among local art lovers is Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park, a free outdoor space containing more than 30 contemporary sculptures to see. Another popular haunt is Clifton Commons, a shopping and entertainment center that includes a movie theater and bowling alley.
Clifton hosts a variety of events and festivals to fill your social calendar.
Clifton is known for being a diverse and welcoming place to settle down, and that reputation is reflected in its long list of annual festivals and community events. Among the list of local favorites is The Clifton Street Fair with a variety of artisans, vendors and performers; The Clifton Summer Series with its offering of free outdoor concerts in the summertime; and the Clifton Harvest Fest which draws in many local families with the promise of pumpkin decorating, hayrides and autumn treats. Clifton Food & Music Festival is another big draw to the community, showcasing music, food trucks and a kids fun zone, as well as the Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Holiday Festival in December. You can also easily hop one town over in the warm months to explore regional farmers markets, such as Paterson Farmers Market or 17 Farmers Market in East Rutherford.