If you have been browsing Bergen County real estate listings, you have probably noticed the prices. The county-wide median home price hit approximately $755,000 in early 2026, and in premium towns like Ridgewood, Tenafly, and Glen Rock, you can easily spend $1 million or more for a single-family home.
But here is the truth: Bergen County is not uniformly expensive. There are several towns where home prices remain well below the county median, and where buyers can find good value, solid transit connections, and real community character. I have helped buyers purchase homes in every one of these communities over my years in the business. Here is where to look if you want to buy in Bergen County without overstretching your budget.
Hackensack: The Best Value in Bergen County
Median price: $375,000 to $420,000
Hackensack is the most affordable entry point into Bergen County real estate, and it offers the most for your money. As the county seat, Hackensack has excellent public transit, a vibrant and diverse dining scene, and the Hackensack University Medical Center as a major employment anchor. The housing stock is a mix of single-family colonials, two-family investment properties, and newer condos.
The trade-offs: the public school district is rated B overall by Niche, which lags behind suburban powerhouses like Ridgewood or Glen Rock. And while downtown Hackensack is improving, it is still a work in progress. But for first-time buyers, investors, and anyone who values transit access over elite schools, Hackensack is the best bargain in the county. Read our full Hackensack town guide for a deeper dive.
Garfield: Affordable and Transit-Connected
Median price: $400,000 to $450,000
Garfield sits along the Passaic River, just south of Hackensack and minutes from Route 80 and the Meadowlands. The city offers one of the lowest price points in Bergen County, with a mix of older single-family homes and multi-family properties. NJ Transit bus routes connect Garfield to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in about 45 minutes.
Garfield is increasingly popular with first-time buyers priced out of neighboring towns. The downtown along Outwater Lane is small but functional, and the city's proximity to the Meadowlands sports complex and American Dream Mall adds entertainment options nearby.
Lodi: Small-Town Feel Near the Action
Median price: $425,000 to $450,000
Lodi is a compact borough of just 2.3 square miles, bordered by Hackensack, Paramus, and Saddle Brook. It offers a genuine small-town feel with easy access to the shopping and dining of Route 17 and the Garden State Plaza. The Lodi school district is small but well-regarded, and NJ Transit bus service provides a roughly 50-minute commute to Manhattan.
For buyers who want a quiet, walkable community within minutes of major retail and highway access, Lodi is one of the most underrated values in Bergen County.
Maywood: Quiet and Convenient
Median price: $500,000 to $550,000
Maywood is a quiet residential borough adjacent to Hackensack on its northwestern side. It is one of Bergen County's smallest towns by area (just 1.3 square miles), but it packs in a lot of appeal: tree-lined streets, a small downtown with local businesses, and a strong sense of community.
Maywood students attend the Hackensack school district through a sending-receiving relationship for high school. The commute is convenient via Route 17 or NJ Transit bus. For buyers who want suburban peace and quiet just minutes from the amenities and transit of Hackensack, Maywood is a smart choice in the $500K range.
Fair Lawn: The Best Value for Buyers
Median price: $550,000 to $650,000
Fair Lawn is widely considered the most affordable well-regarded town in Bergen County with strong schools. The district is consistently rated highly, the downtown along River Road and Fair Lawn Avenue has a genuine small-town feel, and NJ Transit rail service (Fair Lawn Avenue station on the Bergen County Line) provides direct service to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken.
Yes, $550K to $650K is a stretch for a lot of buyers. But in the context of Bergen County, where the median is over $755K, Fair Lawn represents the best combination of school quality, transit access, and community character at a below-median price point.
Other Towns Worth Considering
A few more towns to put on your radar if you are shopping in the $400K to $600K range:
- Bergenfield ($450K to $600K): Good schools, solid transit options, and a lively downtown with diverse dining. Popular with residents.
- Englewood ($450K to $500K for entry-level): A revitalizing downtown anchored by Bergen PAC and Dwight-Englewood Schools. The entry-level market offers more affordable condos and smaller homes. See our Englewood guide.
- Palisades Park ($350K to $500K for condos and smaller homes): Dense, walkable, and packed with Korean dining. Great for buyers who want urban energy without the Hoboken price tag. Read our Palisades Park guide.
- Saddle Brook ($450K to $550K): Quiet suburban community with strong schools and excellent highway access.
A Quick Price Comparison: Affordable vs. Premium Towns
To put the price differences in perspective, here is how the most affordable Bergen County towns compare to the premium addresses:
- Hackensack (most affordable): $375K to $420K for a single-family home
- Garfield: $400K to $450K
- Lodi: $425K to $450K
- Bergenfield: $450K to $600K
- Fair Lawn (best value for space + schools): $550K to $650K
- County-wide median: ~$755K
- Ridgewood: $950K to $1.5M+
- Tenafly: $1M to $1.8M+
- Alpine: $2M+
The difference between Hackensack and Ridgewood is roughly $575,000 at the low end and for many buyers, the trade-offs are well worth it.
Property Taxes: Still a Factor, but Manageable
Even in Bergen County's most affordable towns, property taxes are a significant part of your monthly budget. In Hackensack, expect roughly $7,000 to $10,000 annually. In Garfield and Lodi, the range is similar. That is still real money, but it is notably lower than the $15,000 to $25,000 you might pay on a million-dollar home in Tenafly or Ridgewood.
For a full breakdown of property tax rates across the county, see our property taxes guide.
The Bottom Line: Affordable Options Exist
It is easy to look at Bergen County's headlines and conclude that you cannot afford to live here. But the reality is more nuanced. Yes, the premium towns command premium prices. But there is a whole tier of communities Hackensack, Garfield, Lodi, Maywood, Bergenfield, Fair Lawn where you can still find a home for well under the county median.
The key is knowing what you are willing to trade. Every affordable town comes with trade-offs: schools, commute time, lot size, or downtown vibrancy. But for buyers who are strategic about their priorities, Bergen County is not as out of reach as it seems. For a full comparison of towns, explore our town directory.
If you are ready to start looking, I would love to help you find the right town for your budget. With experience since 1993 helping buyers and sellers across Bergen County, I know exactly where the value is hidden. And if you are considering an even bigger move, our NJ to Florida relocation guide may also be useful.