For a second consecutive year, the borough is ranked as the country’s most desirable mid-sized community to live.
Beating out hundreds of competitors nationwide with populations ranging from 25,000 to 99,999, Cliffside Park had the highest “Livability Index” for its overall services, amenities, and performance for residents, a research project conducted by AARP found.
Cliffside Park and Fort Lee – which finished second - were the only New Jersey municipalities named in the top 10 of the four different ranges of population in the US.
The research – geared towards including residents of all ages - spanned seven “livability” categories - housing, neighborhood, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity. Those seven areas were then jointly compiled into a single rating.
“People overwhelming want to stay in their homes and communities as they age, which requires walkable neighborhoods, affordable and adaptable housing, public transportation options, and opportunities for community engagement,” said Rodney Harrell, AARP’s Vice-President of Family, Home, and Community in announcing the list.
Cliffside Park also scored higher than both Bergen County when taken as its own entity and New York City in the intricately conducted study.
The borough performed exceedingly high by affording residents close proximity to stores, parks, and public buildings; for being both safer and healthier than competitors; for having top level and varied modes of transportation; for having a high level of civic and social involvement for citizens; and also for its low unemployment rate and higher income rate.
“We are ecstatic about being named the top community for a second year in a row, but nonetheless will work even harder to make Cliffside Park even better for our residents and taxpayers,” said Mayor Tom Calabrese.
The borough, which has a diverse population, is also credited for its prowess in providing opportunities for people of all ages, incomes, and abilities.
Cliffside Park’s two-year run as top mid-sized community by AARP’s research mirrors a separate earlier study by the residential real estate firm Opendoor, which named the borough the country’s 3rd most family friendly town in the country.
The borough and Cambridge, Massachusetts were the only communities in Northeast section of the country that made Opendoor’s Top 15 list.
While taxes paid by Cliffside Park’s property owners was not considered in either the AARP or Opendoor research, the borough’s standing would also have been outstanding in that area.
With an annual tax bill of about $10,000 for the average residence, Cliffside Park is ranked ninth lowest among Bergen County’s 70 municipalities by the state.