When talking about Closter, NJ, my Korean mom friends always say, "I hear it's a nice place to live, but the housing prices are too high."

I can't say that housing prices here are cheap. However, there are a lot of Koreans living in Closter. The population is about 8,500, with around 35% being of Asian descent.

A significant portion of that is Korean. So, as you walk down the street, you often hear Korean being spoken, and you frequently encounter Koreans in stores and restaurants.

Above all, many people move here for the school district. Closter's public schools operate from pre-K through 8th grade and have a pretty good reputation.

The student-to-teacher ratio is not high, and academic achievement is above the New Jersey average. Starting from 9th grade, students attend Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, which has a strong college admission record and has been well-known among Korean parents for a long time. If you prioritize your child's education, this neighborhood is worth considering.

Just a short drive from Closter, you can easily reach Palisades Park, Fort Lee, and Leonia. It takes about 15-20 minutes, making trips to Korean markets and dining at Korean restaurants a regular part of life. There are so many Korean businesses, including hospitals, tutoring centers, and hair salons, that even if your English is a bit lacking, you won't face significant difficulties in daily life.

Closter also has quite a few great restaurants. There are long-established cold noodle shops, tofu specialty stores, and snack bars, so you don't have to go all the way to Palisades Park when you're craving Korean food.

The safety is also quite good. If you visit the neighborhood, you'll see quiet single-family homes lined up, and the parks are well-maintained. Many families are out walking, and you often see kids riding their bikes. The relatively quiet atmosphere at night explains why parents feel safe raising their children here.

Closter Plaza features large stores like Whole Foods, Target, and HomeGoods, along with a movie theater, so you can take care of most errands without going far on the weekends. You can shop, grab a coffee, and catch a movie, making the day fly by.

It's also quite popular among those commuting to New York. Crossing the George Washington Bridge or taking the bus can get you to Manhattan in about 30-45 minutes. This makes it a preferred area for those who work in New York but want to live in a quieter neighborhood with their families.

Another aspect I appreciate is the education level of the residents. The percentage of adults with a college degree or higher exceeds 60%. With many families interested in education nearby, I've heard that it naturally creates a conducive study environment for children.

Of course, there are downsides. The biggest issue is the housing prices. The median home price is around $1.45 million, which is not easily accessible. The high property tax burden unique to New Jersey is also hard to ignore.

Still, if you're looking for a place with good schools, safety, a comfortable Korean lifestyle, and convenient commuting to New York, Closter remains a hopeful area for many Korean families. While the prices are daunting, the reasons for living here are clear. If you value your child's education and a family-centered lifestyle, it's definitely a city worth checking out.