Cliffside Park is now considered one of the country’ s most desirable communities to live.
In the second major national honor for Cliffside Park’s high quality of life offered its residents, an AARP research project this month determined that the borough was the most “magnificent” community for livability in the United States having a population of between 25,000 to 99,000:
“Key destinations such as libraries and parks close to where people live and work helped Cliffside Park, a borough of New Jersey, lead the rankings for midsize communities.”
While the list comprised the most desirable places for older adults to reside, AARP’s research sought to determine and incorporate the highest quality of life for populations across all age groups. It scored all cities and towns based on various factors including neighborhood environment, housing, transportation, health, engagement, and opportunity.
The scoring index was compiled so that people of all ages are considered, said Rodney Harrell, AARP’s vice-president of family, home, and community. Cliffside Park ranked first among at least a few thousand other municipalities within the 25,000 to 99,000 population nationwide.
“This is a great honor for Cliffside Park and our residents,” said Cliffside Park Mayor Tom Calabrese. “And the entire governing body is continuing to strive every day to constantly enhance our parks and infrastructure while also enticing the best shops, markets, and restaurants to come here to serve out citizens.”
The accolade comes on the heels of Cliffside Park being named the 3rd most family friendly town in the country by the national residential real estate firm Opendoor. The borough has allocated millions of dollars to upgrade and improve its various parks while providing top-notch recreation and sports programs for resident of all ages from children to seniors.
On average, hundreds of children play daily year-round at parks such as Zalewski on Adolphus Ave., Columbus on Anderson Ave., and the massive West Grantwood Playground on Oakdene Ave. Their parents and grandparents enjoy outdoor concerts at the Towne Centre, and town-sponsored exercise and dance classes at the Senior Center.
Meanwhile, the borough’s average tax bill for residents has remained among the lowest of Bergen County’s 70 municipalities in the state. And the town’s almost $4 billion valuation, which ranks 15th in affluent Bergen County, is expected to increase with about $30 million in additional tax ratables this year.
Cliffside Park is also considered one of the safest communities in New Jersey ranking 30th lowest among the state’s 564 municipalities.