The most commonly searched term by families considering a move to Demarest is Northern Valley Regional. Demarest is part of the Northern Valley Regional school district, which received an A+ rating from Niche and ranked first among New Jersey school districts for the 2025 to 2026 period. The average test score ranks 9 out of 10, placing it in the top 20% of public schools in New Jersey. Demarest Campus (located in Old Tappan) high school is among the top 10% of public high schools in New Jersey, with approximately 1,038 students enrolled. If the terminology is unfamiliar, think of it this way: being in the top 10% means being one of the top ten public high schools in New Jersey. The Niche rating is a composite measure of test scores, student diversity, teacher ratings, and college readiness, and Northern Valley Regional has consistently maintained a high ranking over the years. Since these rankings are not fixed every year, it's important to check the latest rankings right before making a purchase.

When compared to neighboring Cresskill, both areas receive good evaluations, but Northern Valley Regional ranks slightly higher in school district rankings. However, school district boundaries can be adjusted every few years, so be sure to verify which school your desired address is assigned to before signing a contract.

According to resources from the Korean community, the percentage of the foreign-born population in Demarest that is of Korean descent is 44.3%, which translates to 563 individuals. While the total population of Demarest is 2,961, making it small in size, the percentage is relatively high compared to nearby areas. Korean churches and markets are easily accessible in adjacent Closter, Cresskill, and Englewood, so there are generally no significant inconveniences in daily life. The tutoring centers also often operate within the same community, making it a familiar route for families considering both the school district and Korean educational infrastructure.

The average home price, according to Zillow, is $1,566,155, which has increased by 17.2% over the past year. If you have the same budget, it's worth comparing how Demarest and Cresskill differ. Cresskill has an average price of around $1,048,775, making it more accessible than Demarest, which has higher prices along with its school district ranking.

For families moving from out of state, New Jersey property taxes may feel burdensome compared to their previous state. Whether to rent first and then decide on a purchase, or to buy right away, can depend on the length of stay and future moving possibilities. To put it simply, if your child is already of school age and you want to minimize the burden of transferring schools, buying may be more stable. However, if your child is still young or if there's a possibility of job relocation, starting with a rental to get a feel for the school district may be less stressful. Mortgage rates vary over time, so be sure to check the latest average rates from Freddie Mac before signing a contract to calculate your monthly payments in advance.

For investors looking for rental income, areas with top school district rankings like Northern Valley Regional have steady tenant demand, but the purchase prices are high, often prioritizing long-term price stability over immediate returns. For families newly immigrating from Korea and choosing a settlement area, this school district is often mentioned when prioritizing children's education, but due to the high purchase prices, it's not uncommon to first rent and assess the school district atmosphere before making a decision. Property tax rates in New Jersey vary by county and town, so it's more accurate to check the latest property tax notices for Demarest rather than basing your budget solely on the tax rate from your previous residence. When weighing the school district and prices, it's efficient to first set a budget limit and then narrow down which option, Northern Valley Regional or Cresskill, fits better within that range.

This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult real estate and tax professionals before signing a contract.