Hudson County, NJ

Living in Kearny, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Scottish-American Heritage. Soccer Town USA. Passaic River Waterfront.

Last updated: September 2026

$460,000
Median Home Price
25 min
To Penn Station
42,778
Population
1867
Founded
6.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Kearny, NJ?

Kearny is Soccer Town USA — the Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled here in the 1800s brought the sport with them, and Kearny has produced more professional soccer players than any town its size in America. Today the population is increasingly Hispanic, adding cultural diversity to the strong community identity. The Passaic River waterfront is being developed. At $460K, Kearny offers affordable Hudson County living near Harrison PATH and Newark Penn Station.

Kearny Real Estate Market in 2026

Kearny homes sell in 22 days at a $460K median, appreciating at 6.8%. Mix of single-family, two-family, and multi-family properties. Spillover from Harrison's development is driving growth.

$460,000
Median Price
$320/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
22 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Kearny

3 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Kearny Center

$425,000 to $575,000

Near the municipal center and schools. Established homes.

Best for: Families

South Kearny

$400,000 to $525,000

Near Harrison PATH. Industrial-to-residential transition.

Best for: Commuters, value seekers

North Arlington Border

$450,000 to $600,000

Residential section near the North Arlington border. Quieter.

Best for: Families seeking quiet

Commuting from Kearny to NYC

25
Minutes to Penn Station
Bus to Newark/NYC
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Kearny

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Kearny?

58
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
25 min
NYC Commute
2.34%
Property Tax Rate
$8,234/year avg
42.8%
Hispanic/Latino
38.4% foreign-born

Kearny Schools and Ratings

Kearny Public Schools serves approximately 6,000 students. Kearny High School (the Kardinals) has a legendary soccer program.

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Roosevelt Elementary School

KEARNY, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-6
F
11.5:1 ratio 424 students Score: 57/100

Schuyler Elementary School

KEARNY, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-6
F
11.3:1 ratio 441 students Score: 52/100

Lincoln Middle School

KEARNY, NJ · Middle · Grades 7-8
F
10.9:1 ratio 722 students Score: 51/100

Hudson Arts and Science Charter School

Kearny, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-8
F
14.7:1 ratio 852 students Score: 46/100

Franklin Elementary School

KEARNY, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-6
F
10.7:1 ratio 965 students Score: 45/100

Garfield Elementary School

KEARNY, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-6
F
10.5:1 ratio 442 students Score: 43/100

Kearny High School

KEARNY, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
F
13.1:1 ratio 1813 students Score: 42/100

Washington Elementary School

KEARNY, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-6
F
10.5:1 ratio 533 students Score: 39/100
View all Kearny schools with full ratings →

Kearny vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Kearny $460,000 2.34% $8,234 25 min
Harrison $480,000 2.01% $7,567 18 min
North Bergen $450,000 1.89% $8,567 18 min

Where to Eat in Kearny

Kearny Avenue

Portuguese, Brazilian, and Latin American restaurants along Kearny Avenue. Scottish heritage visible in pubs and bakeries.

Parks and Recreation in Kearny

Riverbank Park

Passaic River waterfront park with walking paths and views.

Gunnell Oval

Historic soccer and sports facility.

New Development and Growth in Kearny

South Kearny Redevelopment

Industrial-to-residential conversion near the Harrison PATH station.

History of Kearny, NJ

Incorporated in 1867. Named after General Philip Kearny, a Civil War hero.

Scottish immigrants brought soccer to Kearny in the 1870s, making it the cradle of American soccer.

Kearny has produced more US national team soccer players per capita than any municipality in America.

The Clark Thread Company, a Scottish firm, operated one of the largest thread mills in the world in Kearny.

Safety in Kearny

Kearny is a generally safe community with active police presence.

Notable Residents

Tab Ramos, US Soccer Hall of Famer Tony Meola, World Cup goalkeeper

Annual Events and Festivals

Kearny Scottish Heritage Festival Kearny Day

Frequently Asked Questions About Kearny, NJ

What is the median home price in Kearny, NJ?

The median home price is $460,000 as of 2026, with 6.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $320/sqft, selling in 22 days.

How long is the commute from Kearny to NYC?

25 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Bus to Newark/NYC. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Kearny, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.34%. Average homeowner pays $8,234/year. At the median price of $460,000, expect about $10,764/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Kearny?

Kearny Center ($425,000 to $575,000). South Kearny ($400,000 to $525,000). North Arlington Border ($450,000 to $600,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Kearny safe?

Kearny is a generally safe community with active police presence.

How walkable is Kearny, NJ?

Walk Score of 58, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $72,000, median age 37.2. 42% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Kearny?

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Explore Nearby Communities

Harrison $480,000 18 min North Bergen $450,000 18 min