Is Hightstown, NJ Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 44/100
Score 44/100 · Risk: moderate-high · Home Safety Grade D · Updated
Hightstown has moderate-to-high risk. Several risk factors require careful evaluation.
Score data: EPA SDWIS, EPA PFAS monitoring, EPA Radon Zones, EPA Air Quality Index Last verified:
At current estimates, the safety upgrade budget in Hightstown represents a lower-tier share of typical home equity.
What is a home safety score?
Home Safety Score model 4.0.0 combines EPA SDWIS identity plus accepted ECHO SDWA lifecycle-based water compliance, UCMR5 PFAS, EPA radon zone, and annual AQI with complete coverage. Hightstown scores 44/100 with a "moderate-high" risk level.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Hightstown:
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages. Actual costs vary by property. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Hightstown is covered by a single ZIP code, so one safety score applies citywide.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08520 | 44 | D | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Hightstown, New Jersey has moderate-to-high risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 44/100 across 1 ZIP code. Several risk factors require careful evaluation during due diligence.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Hightstown's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Compliance | 19 EPA violations across 1 direct ZIP records | Recorded violations |
| Lead Risk | 0.0017 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 0% of claim-record ZIPs have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones | Historical claims evidence |
| Radon | Zone 1 (High) | Elevated risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 55 (Moderate) | Moderate risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Hightstown:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Pfas | $600 |
| Total (low estimate) | $550 |
| Total (mid estimate) | $900 |
| Total (high estimate) | $1K |
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages and local data. Actual costs vary by property condition, contractor, and scope of work. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Hightstown vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How Hightstown's overall risk compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Home Safety Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hightstown | D | 0 | 48 | 29,321 |
| Englewood | C | 0 | 408 | 29,342 |
| Nutley | N/A | 0 | 314 | 29,746 |
| Rahway | C | 0 | 1,035 | 29,748 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Hightstown
Before purchasing a home in Hightstown, New Jersey, complete these checks:
Water Quality
- Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from the water utility
- Test tap water for lead, bacteria, and nitrates ($20-$50 for DIY kit)
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
- Hightstown is in Radon Zone 1 (High risk) - testing is strongly recommended
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
- Review the claims-only zone evidence: 0% of ZIPs with NFIP claim records have A/V-family dominant recorded rated zones. This does not replace an address-level FEMA map check.
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 74% of Hightstown homes built before 1986 - pipe inspection recommended
General
- Check for carbon monoxide detectors on every level
- Inspect for visible mold, water stains, or musty odors
- Verify the home's connection to a regulated public water system
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA SDWIS
- Lead: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Flood: FEMA NFIP
- Radon: EPA Radon Zones
- Air quality: EPA AirNow
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25077
- Remediation costs: National cost model (EPA, Census, FEMA data)
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
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