Is North Arlington still an affordable place to live, or is it being gentrified and urbanized by Mayor Dan Pronti and his poorly planned policies?
North Arlington is still relatively middle-class, but it is getting more expensive and seeing redevelopment—not full-blown gentrification (yet), but definitely some early signs of rapid change.
The role of Mayor Daniel H. Pronti, A MAGA Republican, real estate agent and Trump loyalist is part of that story, but it’s more complicated than just one person “urbanizing” the town.
🏡 Affordability: mixed picture:
Historically, North Arlington, New Jersey has been considered fairly affordable for North Jersey, even ranking as a desirable place to live with “affordable homes” and good quality of life.
Local officials emphasize stable or controlled municipal taxes, with some claims that average tax bills have stayed flat or even decreased in certain years. But property taxes increased last year and will increase again this year on Pronti’s watch!
The notion of spending is not sky rocketing is a myth! Along with more borrowing and municipal debt.
That said:
There are recent concerns about rising property taxes and costs, especially tied to reassessments and broader inflation.
Many argue North Arlington is now facing an “affordability crisis” after years of questionable policy decisions regarding the proliferation of the construction of apartments, now well over 100!
Bottom line: It’s not the cheapest area anymore, but still generally cheaper than many nearby NYC suburbs—though the gap is shrinking. North Arlington is not cheaper than neighboring Lyndhurst, East Rutherford, Wallington, Secaucus, or even Kearny!
Development & “urbanization”
Under Mayor Pronti, there’s been a clear push for:
Redevelopment of vacant or underused properties despite the increase in density.
Adding just apartments all of the time.
MELRAY’S, the largest retail parcel on Ridge Road remains empty and dormant on Pronti’s watch!
There are also:
New housing units being approved (e.g., small multi-unit developments) at a rapid pace.
Multiple formal redevelopment zones across the borough while ignoring affordable mandates imposed by the state of New Jersey that leaves North Arlington vulnerable to a “builder’s remedy.”
👉 This is typical of “suburban densification”—not skyscrapers, but gradual upgrades and increases in size and height!
📈 Is it being gentrified?
Not in the classic sense (like Brooklyn or Jersey City), but there are early signals:
Signs of change:
More development and investment in apartments
Rising housing pressures
Not fully gentrified just yet:
Modestly working- and middle-class, with many seniors
No massive luxury high-rise boom to date
Limited transit-oriented mega-development
👉 Think of it as:
“Upgrading suburb” rather than “rapidly gentrifying city neighborhood.”
⚖️ Is Mayor Pronti “urbanizing” North Arlington?
His followers would say he’s modernizing and improving a stagnant town, boosting property values and services. But residents don’t believe the community is stagnant at all and see no evidence of increased municipal services or amenities!
Many would say his policies are driving up costs and encouraging overdevelopment and driving longtime residents away, especially seniors!
🧠 Summary:
Affordable? Moderately—but getting worse all of the time
Gentrifying? Early-stage pressures, developers building apartments at a rapid pace with little community support.
Urbanizing? Yes, but in a gradual pace that is changing the community as the gateway of Bergen County to an extension of Hudson!
Elections have consequences. North Arlington has had a one-party government for a decade. Does that benefit residents or Pronti’s propaganda machine?
Remember this November.