Many families often find themselves debating whether to send their children to private schools or move to a good neighborhood with a public school district. If you are moving from New York to New Jersey, you will likely hear the name Tenafly at least once. Some may have only heard the name through siblings or acquaintances and may not know what to check before making a decision. Instead of jumping to conclusions, let's go through the key factors to consider when evaluating this area.

The first thing to look at is academic achievement indicators. Tenafly High School was designated a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2005, being the only high school in New Jersey to receive this honor at that time. According to the 2012 rankings published by New Jersey Monthly magazine, it ranked 3rd out of 328 public high schools in the state, and in 2010, it also ranked 3rd out of 322 schools. Based on PublicSchoolReview.com, all six schools in the Tenafly school district received a perfect score of 10 out of 10, placing them in the top 5 percent of public schools in New Jersey, with district-wide math achievement at 78 percent and reading at 79 percent, significantly above the state average. It's not just one school that stands out; the consistently high scores across all grades from kindergarten to high school are a hallmark of the Tenafly school district.

The second factor to check is the school assignment boundaries. While all six schools receive excellent ratings, Tenafly has relatively less variation within the neighborhood compared to other districts. However, school boundaries can change over time, so it's advisable to verify the assigned school based on the property address with the school district before finalizing any contracts.

The third consideration is the living infrastructure. According to the 2010 census, the Korean population in Tenafly was recorded at 15.4 percent, and considering the nearby areas of Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, and Palisades Park, it can be seen as a region with easy access to Korean churches, markets, and tutoring centers. Whether families are newly immigrated from Korea or relocating from other states for their children's education, this infrastructure can significantly reduce the initial burden of settling in. Instead of deciding solely based on school performance, envisioning how children will spend their after-school time can help make a choice that aligns better with actual living conditions.

The fourth factor is the budget. According to data from DataUSA, the median home value in Tenafly for 2024 is projected to be $1 million, reflecting a 2.9 percent increase from $974,300 in 2023. Generally, areas with good school ratings tend to have home prices that are 10 to 30 percent higher than those without, and Tenafly's price level can be seen as a result of this trend and the district's reputation. However, this pattern does not uniformly apply to all neighborhoods, so it's wise to take it as a reference point.

Lastly, consider the taxes. New Jersey is known for its high property tax burden, and there are differences in tax rates by county and school district. For families moving from out of state, it's helpful to calculate not just the purchase price but also the annual property taxes and homeowners insurance to gauge the actual financial burden. Tax rates and insurance premiums can vary by municipality and insurance company, so it's important to verify the exact figures individually. Rather than exceeding your budget based solely on the school district's reputation, recalculating based on total living costs that include property taxes can lead to a more stable long-term choice.

By examining these four factors in order, Tenafly can be seen as a balanced area in terms of academic achievement and living infrastructure, but it is also a place that requires a sufficient budget to support it. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals such as real estate agents and accountants before making any actual contracts.