Niche.com collects data on various cities all over the country. They compile this data in different “best of” lists. In 2020, they put Westfield in the top 10 of their Best Suburbs to Live in New Jersey list. (It is a little too early in the year to be releasing their 2021 list.) That actually moved us up a spot from our 2019 rankings. But that really does not surprise anyone who lives here.
Westfield Ranked in Top 10 Best Suburbs to Live in NJ
How Niche.com Determines Rankings
The folks at Niche.com base each city’s ranking on 15 separate categories. These include the cost of living, education, housing, public schools, and diversity among other things. They pull data from a variety of sources, including the US Census Bureau, FBI, US Department of Education, and local surveys. Each category equals a percentage of the overall score.
Why Westfield Made the Grade
While our cost of living may be higher than some other cities in New Jersey, we excel in just about every other category Niche.com judged us in. Our excellent public school system, community health and access to healthcare, and our family-friendly community set us in the “A+” category. Meanwhile, our abundance of outdoor activities, our economic growth, high employment rate, and an array of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options achieved “A” status as well. Our low crime rate, diverse population, and short commute times were all given a “B” grade.
With a population of just under 30,000, Westfield residents enjoy the close-knit community that a small town provides. Fortunately, its location allows an easy commute to NYC and everything that the city has to offer (both for work and play). Niche.com also ranked it #9 out of 637 other cities on its 2020 Best Places to Live in New Jersey list. And it made the #14 spot on its 2020 Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in New Jersey list.