Bergenfield
A diverse, welcoming borough with Bergen County access
By Scott Selleck — Licensed NJ/FL Real Estate Agent | 32+ Years in Bergen & Hudson Counties | The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Last updated: June 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Bergenfield, NJ?
Bergenfield is one of Bergen County's larger and more diverse boroughs, with approximately 28,000 residents. With median home prices of $625K–$675K, it offers one of the most accessible entry points into Bergen County living while still providing good schools, NJ Transit bus service, and a community-oriented atmosphere.
Bergenfield sits in the center of Bergen County, bordered by Teaneck, Tenafly, New Milford, and Hackensack. The borough's central location gives residents convenient access to a wide range of amenities, from Teaneck's Cedar Lane dining district to Hackensack's county government and retail services.
The housing stock is a practical mix of capes, ranches, and colonials, with some newer construction and multi-family options. Unlike some of Bergen County's more affluent neighbors, Bergenfield offers a range of price points that make it attractive to first-time buyers, young families, and those looking for a more affordable Bergen County address.
The downtown area along Washington Avenue features local shops, restaurants, and everyday services. Cooper's Pond park anchors the community's outdoor life, and the borough operates a popular community pool during summer months. Bergenfield's diversity is one of its defining characteristics — the borough's schools, restaurants, and community events reflect a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. Browse Scott's current listings to see available homes in Bergenfield.
Schools Serving Bergenfield, NJ?
Bergenfield High School rated 8/10. District holds an A- Niche grade with elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What Do Homes Cost in Bergenfield, NJ in 2026?
Median list prices around $625K–$675K. Mix of capes, ranches, and colonials. An accessible entry point for Bergen County.
How Long Is the Commute from Bergenfield to NYC?
NJ Transit bus routes 166, 167, 177, 186 to Port Authority. 45–65 min depending on traffic.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Bergenfield, NJ?
Bergenfield's dining scene reflects its multicultural character, with casual restaurants along Washington Avenue and New Bridge Road. Residents also benefit from proximity to Teaneck's Cedar Lane restaurant district, just minutes away.
Tommy Fox's Public House
A well-regarded Irish pub and restaurant on South Washington Avenue serving classic pub fare, burgers, and a solid beer selection. A neighborhood gathering spot with consistent reviews and a welcoming atmosphere.
Dining Along Washington Avenue
Bergenfield's main commercial corridor features a variety of casual dining options, including Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and American restaurants serving the borough's diverse community.
Nearby Teaneck Dining
Bergenfield borders Teaneck, giving residents easy access to Cedar Lane's eclectic restaurant scene, which includes upscale Italian, Indian, Korean, and Colombian options.
New Bridge Road Eateries
Restaurants along New Bridge Road offer a mix of cuisines reflecting the borough's multicultural character, from family-run diners to ethnic specialties.
Bergenfield's proximity to Teaneck's Cedar Lane expands the dining options considerably with Korean, Italian, Indian, and Colombian restaurants.
What Parks and Recreation Does Bergenfield Offer?
Bergenfield offers Cooper's Pond park, community sports facilities, a borough-run community pool, and access to the Saddle River County Park trail system. The parks serve as community gathering spaces throughout the year.
Cooper's Pond
Bergenfield's signature park featuring a scenic pond, walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. A peaceful retreat in the heart of the borough and a popular spot for family outings and community gatherings.
Veterans Memorial Park
A community park with sports fields, basketball courts, and memorial areas. Home to local sports leagues and summer recreation programs for all ages.
Saddle River County Park (nearby)
A linear county park with paved multi-use trails along the Saddle River, popular for walking, jogging, and cycling. Accessible from nearby boroughs.
Bergen Community Pool
The borough's community pool facility offers summer swimming programs and recreation for residents, serving as a social hub during the warmer months.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Bergenfield, NJ?
Bergenfield hosts summer concerts, a seasonal farmers market, holiday celebrations, and community pool events throughout the year. The borough's events bring together its diverse community.
Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts hosted in the borough's parks during summer months, featuring local musicians and community entertainment on warm evenings.
Bergenfield Farmers Market
A seasonal farmers market with local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from Bergen County vendors.
Holiday Tree Lighting & Parade
An annual community celebration each December featuring the ceremonial tree lighting, holiday parade, and family activities throughout the downtown area.
Community Pool Events
The borough's community pool hosts themed swim nights, family swim events, and end-of-summer celebrations for residents throughout the season.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Bergenfield, NJ?
Bergenfield is served by multiple NJ Transit bus routes providing direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The borough's central Bergen County location also provides easy access to the George Washington Bridge for drivers.
Bergenfield's commute to Manhattan centers on NJ Transit bus service. Routes 166, 167, 177, and 186 all serve the borough, connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times range from 45–65 minutes depending on traffic and the specific route.
Driving: The George Washington Bridge is approximately 20–30 minutes from Bergenfield via Route 4. The bridge crossing adds 10–20 minutes off-peak, with total door-to-door commute times of 30–50 minutes. Rush hour traffic can push this significantly higher.
Rail access: Bergenfield does not have its own train station, but the Anderson Street station in Hackensack (Pascack Valley Line) is a short drive away, providing rail service to Hoboken Terminal with PATH connections to Manhattan.
Property taxes in Bergenfield are moderate by Bergen County standards, reflecting the borough's relatively affordable home values. Homeowners should budget for taxes in the $10,000–$14,000 range depending on assessed value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Bergenfield, NJ
Is Bergenfield a good place to live?
How far is Bergenfield from NYC?
What is the average home price in Bergenfield?
Are the schools in Bergenfield good?
Is Bergenfield safe?
Nearby Towns
Teaneck
History, space, and community with Cedar Lane dining and multiple schools.
New Milford
Residential living along the Hackensack River with affordable homes.
Tenafly
Affluent living with a nature center, GW Bridge access, and excellent schools.
Hackensack
Bergen County's seat of government with affordable housing and top-ranked magnet schools.
Considering a move to Florida? Read our NJ to Florida Moving Guide for cost comparisons, moving process, and school districts.
Bergenfield — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Bergenfield area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Bergenfield Borough School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- H.F. McLaughlin School — PK–3 | Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
- Lincoln School — PK–3 | Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
- Franklin School — 4–6 | Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
Middle Schools
- Bergenfield High School (Lower Grades Campus) — 7–8 | Rating: 7/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
High Schools
- Bergenfield High School — 9–12 | Rating: 8/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
For enrollment information and district details, visit Bergenfield Borough School District.
Private Schools
- St. Joseph School — PK–8 | Catholic-affiliated education in the borough.
Parochial / Religious Schools
- St. Joseph School — Catholic | PK–8
Cooperative Programs
- Bergen County Academies Magnet School — One of the highest-rated public high schools in the nation, accessible to Bergenfield students through the countywide admissions process. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Bergenfield Early Learning Center — Infant–Pre-K | Community-based early childhood programs offered through the borough's recreation department.
- KinderCare Learning Center — Infant–Pre-K | National early learning chain with programs for infants through pre-K.
School ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org as of 2026 and may change. Verify current data directly with the school district or GreatSchools.org.
How Do You Get to NYC from Bergenfield?
Bergenfield is served by multiple NJ Transit bus routes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, with the GW Bridge accessible by car. The Anderson Street train station in Hackensack is a short drive away for rail commuters.
NJ Transit Bus Routes 166, 167, 177, 186
Frequent bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Commute times range from 45–65 minutes depending on traffic. Routes 166 and 167 are the most popular for daily commuters.
NJ Transit Bus Routes 753, 772
Additional local bus routes connecting Bergenfield to nearby towns and transit hubs, including Hackensack and Paramus.
Driving via GW Bridge
The George Washington Bridge is approximately 20–30 minutes from Bergenfield via Route 4. GW Bridge toll: $14.79 off-peak, $16.79 peak (E-ZPass). Rush hour traffic can push commute times higher.
NJ Transit Rail (from Hackensack)
The Anderson Street station in Hackensack (Pascack Valley Line) is a short drive from Bergenfield, providing rail service to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 25 minutes.
Average Commute
Bergenfield residents average approximately 50–65 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via bus, or 40–55 minutes by car off-peak.
What Are the Schools Like in Bergenfield?
Bergenfield public schools carry an 8/10 rating at the high school level, with the district holding an A- Niche grade. The district serves students across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Bergenfield High School
The borough's public high school rated 8/10 on GreatSchools.org, offering academics, AP courses, athletics, and arts programs. Serves approximately 1,100 students.
Bergenfield Public Schools (K–8)
Multiple elementary and middle schools serve the borough's approximately 28,000 residents, including H.F. McLaughlin, Lincoln, and Franklin schools.
Bergen County Academies Magnet School
One of the highest-rated public high schools in the nation, accessible to Bergenfield students through the countywide admissions process for specialized programs.
Nearby Private Schools
Saint Joseph School (Catholic, PK–8) and several private options in neighboring Teaneck and Tenafly provide additional educational choices.
Bergenfield Public Library
A community library offering programs for all ages, from children's literacy story times to adult education and cultural events.
School ratings, when cited, are sourced from GreatSchools.org or Niche.com and are provided for informational purposes only. Verify current ratings directly with the relevant school district or rating source.
Where Are the Best Coffee Shops in Bergenfield?
Bergenfield's downtown features local coffee shops and bakeries, with additional options in nearby Teaneck and Hackensack.
Washington Avenue Cafés
Bergenfield's main commercial strip includes local coffee shops and bakeries serving the daily needs of the community, with a mix of traditional and international options.
Teaneck Cedar Lane Cafés (nearby)
Residents frequently visit Teaneck's Cedar Lane for specialty coffee shops, including Kudo Society Cafe, COFFEECOL, and other cafés within a 5–10 minute drive.
Bogota Press Café (nearby)
Located in neighboring Bogota, this specialty café on West Fort Lee Road serves excellent coffee in a relaxed setting.
Is Bergenfield Good for Pet Owners?
Bergenfield is pet-friendly with Cooper's Pond park, community streets for daily walks, and veterinary services in neighboring towns.
Veterinary Services in Teaneck
Multiple veterinary clinics in neighboring Teaneck provide comprehensive pet care, including Bergen Veterinary Hospital and Twin Oaks Veterinary Hospital.
Cooper's Pond
Bergenfield's signature park with walking paths around a scenic pond, popular with dog owners for daily leashed walks in a pleasant setting.
Neighborhood Streets
Bergenfield's residential neighborhoods are generally walkable and pet-friendly, with sidewalks and green spaces throughout the borough.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are available in nearby Hackensack (PetSmart, Petco) and along commercial corridors in neighboring towns.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Bergenfield?
Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck is Bergenfield's closest major hospital, approximately 3 miles away. Englewood Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center are also within easy reach.
Holy Name Medical Center
A major 361-bed nonprofit hospital in Teaneck, approximately 3 miles from Bergenfield. Part of Hackensack Meridian Health, offering comprehensive emergency services and specialty care.
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
Located about 5 miles south, this 287-bed community hospital provides emergency care, surgical services, and cardiac care.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, approximately 5 miles west. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs.
Urgent Care & Primary Care
Primary care practices and urgent care centers are available along Washington Avenue and in neighboring Teaneck and Hackensack.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens locations are accessible in Bergenfield and neighboring towns for convenient pharmacy services.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Bergenfield?
Bergenfield's grocery options include local markets and the nearby ACME on New Bridge Road, with larger supermarkets in Hackensack and Teaneck.
ACME Markets (New Bridge Road)
Full-service supermarket on New Bridge Road in Bergenfield, offering a complete selection of groceries, deli, bakery, and produce.
Local Markets & Delis
Bergenfield's commercial corridors include local markets, delis, and bodegas serving the borough's diverse community with everyday grocery needs.
ShopRite of Hackensack (nearby)
A large ShopRite supermarket in Hackensack, about 5–10 minutes away, offering one of the most comprehensive grocery selections in the area.
Trader Joe's (Paramus, nearby)
The popular specialty grocery chain at Paramus Park offers affordable specialty items and organic products, about 15 minutes from Bergenfield.
Everyday Errands
Bergenfield's Washington Avenue corridor includes dry cleaners, banks, pharmacies, and specialty shops for daily needs.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Bergenfield Offer?
Bergenfield features Cooper's Pond park, community sports facilities, a borough-run pool, and access to the Saddle River County Park trail system.
Cooper's Pond
Bergenfield's signature park featuring a scenic pond, walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. A peaceful retreat in the heart of the borough.
Veterans Memorial Park
A community park with sports fields, basketball courts, and memorial areas. Home to local sports leagues and summer recreation programs.
Bergen Community Pool
The borough's community pool facility offers summer swimming programs and recreation for residents, serving as a social hub during warmer months.
Saddle River County Park (nearby)
A linear county park with paved multi-use trails along the Saddle River, popular for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Walking & Biking
Bergenfield's residential streets and neighborhood layout make it suitable for walking and cycling. The borough maintains sidewalks throughout its residential areas.
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The Mid-Summer Home Resilience Checklist
July and August bring our heaviest heatwaves and sudden, intense summer thunderstorms. Taking 30 minutes this weekend to run through this checklist can save you thousands in emergency repairs and keep your utility bills in check.
The HVAC & Airflow Triage
- Clear the Condenser: Go outside and check your main A/C unit. Trim back any bushes, tall grass, or branches so there is at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides.
- Wash the Fins: Turn off the power to the unit, take a garden hose (on a gentle setting), and wash the dust and pollen off the outside fins. It drastically improves efficiency.
- Swap the Filters: If you use standard 1-inch filters, change them every 30 days during July and August. A clogged filter forces the blower motor to work overtime, spiking your energy bill.
Summer Storm & Flood Prep
- The Post-Spring Gutter Check: Spring drops a lot of seeds, twigs, and pollen pods into your gutters. Clear them out now so summer storm water doesn’t overflow and rot your fascia boards.
- Check the Downspouts: Ensure your downspouts are actively pushing water at least 5 to 6 feet away from your foundation.
- Test the Sump Pump: If you have a basement, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the float switch triggers the pump before a storm hits.
Humidity & Moisture Control
- Run the Dehumidifier: If you have a basement or crawlspace, your dehumidifier should be running constantly. Aim to keep indoor humidity below 50%.
- Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counter-clockwise. This pushes cold air straight down, creating a wind-chill effect that lets you set the thermostat a few degrees higher.
Yard & Pest Defense
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in as little as a bottle cap of water. Walk your property and empty out unused planters, wheelbarrows, and birdbaths.
- Adjust Your Watering Schedule: Water your lawn between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Watering at night leaves the grass wet for too long, leading to summer fungus and lawn disease.
Don't want to climb a ladder to check those gutters, or need an HVAC pro to do a tune-up? Head over to the Vetted Local Contacts section of this hub for a list of contractors we trust to answer their phones and do the job right.
The Summer "School's Out" Survival Guide
School's out and the kids are home — now what? Here's your practical, community-focused guide to keeping kids entertained all July without breaking the bank.
Splash Pads & Water Play
Nothing beats a splash pad on a 90° day. The good news — there are free spray parks scattered across Bergen County. Most run daily from late morning through early evening.
William T. Birch Park Splash Park
Fort Lee
A free spray park in the heart of Fort Lee — perfect for younger kids on hot days. Bring a towel and sunscreen.
Votee Park Splash Pad
Teaneck
Teaneck's popular splash pad at Votee Park is a go-to for families. Free, open all summer, and right next to the playground.
Polifly Park Splash Pad
Englewood
A cool water play area at Englewood's Polifly Park. Great for combining splash time with a trip to the nearby playground and sports fields.
Van Saun Park Splash Pad
Paramus
The sea-animal themed ADA-accessible splash pad at Van Saun County Park. Paramus's flagship family destination — right next to the Bergen County Zoo.
Palisades Park Spray Ground
Palisades Park
A compact but well-loved water play area for Palisades Park families. Free and open during summer hours.
Free Outdoor Movie Nights
Almost every town in Bergen County runs free movie nights in the park during July. Pack a blanket, grab popcorn, and let the kids run around until the film starts at dusk.
Movies & Music in the Park
Bergen County Parks
Bergen County runs a free summer series at Van Saun County Park (Paramus), Pascack Brook County Park (Westwood), and Riverside County Park (North Arlington). Films screen at dusk — bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Ridgewood Family Film Night
Ridgewood
Ridgewood's parks and recreation department typically organizes family movie nights in one of the village's tree-lined parks. Check the village calendar for confirmed dates.
Fort Lee Community Screenings
Fort Lee
Fort Lee's parks and recreation department runs occasional outdoor movie events during summer. Check the borough website or social media for the latest schedule.
Library Summer Reading Programs
BCCLS — Bergen County Cooperative Library System
Every BCCLS branch — Fort Lee, Leonia, Englewood, Palisades Park, Teaneck, Cliffside Park, Paramus, and dozens more — runs its own summer reading challenge. Kids sign up, log books, and earn prizes. It's free, educational, and gives kids a reason to keep reading all summer.
Rainy-Day Indoor Saves
When summer thunderstorms roll through Bergen County — and they will — these indoor spots keep the kids busy. Most are concentrated in the Paramus corridor, a blessing for anyone who wants to knock out rainy-day entertainment and errands in one trip.
Catch Air Indoor Playground
Paramus
A large indoor trampoline and play center. Great for burning energy on rainy days — toddler area separate from the big-kid zones.
BounceU
Paramus
Bounce houses, obstacle courses, and open-jump sessions. They run special family sessions during the summer.
Monster Mini Golf
Paramus
Indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf — a hit with kids of all ages. Add arcade games for a full rainy-day outing.
Bowlero Fair Lawn
Fair Lawn
Modern bowling with lanes for all ages, plus arcade games and food. One of the best bowling options in Bergen County.
Bergen County Zoo
Paramus
A small, free zoo inside Van Saun Park — manageable for younger kids and perfect for a half-day outing when outdoor plans get rained out.
Free & Low-Cost Family Events
Summer doesn't have to mean expensive camps and day trips. These community programs are free or nearly free, and they're the kind of experiences that make kids actually love living in Bergen County.
BCCLS Summer Reading Challenge
The Bergen County Cooperative Library System runs summer reading programs at every branch — Fort Lee, Leonia, Englewood, Palisades Park, Teaneck, Cliffside Park, and beyond. Kids earn prizes for hitting reading milestones.
Bergen County Zoo Free Admission
The Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun Park is free to enter (small parking fee). Open daily in summer with animal encounters, a carousel, and a train ride.
Fort Lee Recreation Programs
Fort Lee's recreation department runs summer camps, sports clinics, and drop-in programs at borough parks. Many are free or low-cost for residents.
Leonia Public Library Events
Leonia's library branch offers free story times, craft sessions, and special author visits throughout the summer — all part of the BCCLS network.
Palisades Park Community Events
Palisades Park hosts community gatherings and family activities during the summer months through its recreation department.
Englewood Family Fun Days
Englewood often runs family-focused programming at its parks during summer — outdoor movies, craft days, and seasonal festivals.
"Families who live in these communities know — the quality of life here isn't just about the schools and the commute. It's about the free movie nights, the neighborhood splash pads, and the libraries that actually feel like community hubs."
Thinking About Bergenfield?
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Sources & Learn More — Bergenfield
- Borough of Bergenfield — Official Website
- Bergenfield Public Schools — NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- Holy Name Medical Center — Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors — Market Data
- GreatSchools.org — School Ratings & Reviews
- Niche.com — School & Community Ratings