Whenever you are ready to escape the big city while still keeping it close enough to visit on a whim, Wayne, New Jersey, is your answer. 

It’s a town in Passaic County less than 20 miles from midtown New York City. You get the amenities of urban living paired with the warmth and space of suburbia. 

Wayne is a sweet spot for anyone looking to combine the energy of city life with the comforts of a serene hometown.

1. Great Schools and Educational Resources for Potential Einsteins

If quality education does not rank high on your list of reasons to relocate to Wayne, correct that because it delivers!

The town is home to some of the best schools in New Jersey, with a solid reputation for strong academics and dedicated faculty. 

Imagine what it means for the Wayne Township Public School District quality rating to be better than 96.6% of all U.S. school districts.

With over 7,700 students enrolled in the district, you can bet that you are setting your kids up for success while offering them a well-rounded childhood.

Moreover, Wayne is close to notable universities and community colleges, so the learning doesn’t just stop at high school.

2. Proximity to NYC with Room to Breathe

Everyone knows NYC to be that city where strangers can shove you out of the way in the streets. 

Well, Wayne’s location saves you from these aggressive moves as it’s easier to commute here if you work in the Big Apple. 

Just a short train ride with the Montclair-Boonton Line of the NJ Transit rail system or a car ride away, and you have set foot in New York City. 

Although traffic congestion can be maddening during rush hours, a little planning can save you from the frustration of other drivers.

What time of the year is best for moving to Wayne? Early fall (September to October) and late spring (May to June) are best. 

There is less summer moving traffic, and the school year will have settled, helping your preferred moving company avoid the peak back-to-school traffic.

3. Save Money on That NYC Living Cost

Yes, New Jersey can be pricey, but compared to New York City’s staggering rents and mortgages, Wayne offers a refreshing break for your wallet. 

You can snag that dream house with a yard without breaking the bank in this town. For instance, you can rent a studio apartment for less than $2,000 and a 3-bedroom apartment for a little less than $4,000.

• Average House Rent: $2,695
• Median Home Value: $741,000

Let’s not forget you will also save on dining, entertainment, and parking costs that tend to add up fast in the city. Wayne gives you a high quality of life without the crazy price tag.

But just how much money do you need to live comfortably in Wayne? 

A single person will need about $6,100 per month, while a family can make do with about $9,000 per month.

4. A Diverse Economy that Supports Your Dream

Perhaps a place with a diverse economy is precisely what you need, well Wayne makes a compelling statement. 

It’s the regional commercial hub of North Jersey, and as such, it has plenty of job opportunities that support diverse career aspirations and lifestyles. 

Healthcare, finance, education, and retail sectors are particularly in demand here. 

Speaking of retail, entrepreneurship is alive and well in Wayne. Plus, plenty of local initiatives aim to support small businesses here.

• Median Household Income: $147,740
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• Poverty Rate: 2.8%

Some of the top employers here include Getinge USA, Dave and Buster’s, Hankook Tire, and St Joseph’s Wayne Hospital. They create a strong job market that makes it easier for professionals to find positions matching their skills.

5. Outside is Fun on a Spiral

Imagine waking up on a Saturday and heading to a scenic lake, hiking trail, or local park within minutes. 

When you relocate to Wayne, you will be surrounded by lush greenery and access to fantastic outdoor spots like High Mountain Park Preserve and Pompton River. 

From hiking, you can go fishing, kayaking, or even picnicking — Wayne has options for everyone who loves a breath of fresh air. 

All year round, there are activities for you to never run out of ways to stay active and enjoy nature with family and friends.

6. Wayne is Safe

When you consider the pros and cons of moving to Wayne, its crime rate will pop up a few times. 

Yes, you read right. 

The overall crime rate in Wayne, NJ, is lower than the national average and low compared to most places in the United States.

Although Wayne’s property crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, its violent crime rate is significantly lower.

Earning Wayne its reputation as one of the safest towns in the area. 

 

per 1,000 residents	Wayne Median	New Jersey Median	National Median
Violent Crime	1.02	2.03	4.0
Property Crime	20.92	14.17	20.0

In Wayne, you can let your kids play outside, walk your dog at night, and enjoy peaceful surroundings without worrying about assault or getting jumped.

Final Thoughts — Making the Move to Wayne

Wayne, NJ, is not just another town existing off the claim to being a suburb of New York. 

It has enough of a magnetic pull in its own right to have anyone who has evaluated the merits to relocate to Wayne.

From top 10% of best schools, unique outdoor adventures, to a boisterous economy and diverse food scenes, Wayne has all it takes to turn even the most relaxed dreamers into ready-to-move doers. 

So, what are you waiting for? Wayne, NJ, might just be the best decision you never knew you needed to make.