Bogota
An up-and-coming borough with growing appeal
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 Bogota, NJ?
Bogota is a small, up-and-coming Bergen County borough of approximately 9,500 residents that has become increasingly popular with young professionals and first-time buyers. With median home prices of $620K–$690K, it offers an affordable entry point into Bergen County living with convenient highway access and a revitalizing downtown.
Bogota sits in central Bergen County, bordered by Hackensack, Teaneck, Little Ferry, and Ridgefield Park. The borough's strategic location near Routes 4 and 46 makes it highly accessible for commuters, while its proximity to Hackensack provides easy access to county services, shopping, and the Hackensack University Medical Center complex.
The housing stock includes a practical mix of capes, ranches, colonials, and multi-family homes on modest lots. Unlike some of Bergen County's more established communities, Bogota is in the process of reinventing itself — new restaurants and cafés are opening along River Road, and the downtown area is seeing increased investment and foot traffic.
Bogota's diversity is one of its strengths, with a welcoming community that reflects a range of cultural backgrounds. The borough's parks and recreation programs serve families throughout the year, and the growing dining scene gives residents reasons to stay local rather than driving to neighboring towns. Browse Scott's current listings to see available homes in Bogota.
Schools Serving Bogota, NJ?
5/10 average average. Bogota Public Schools serve pre-K through 12th grade. Bergen County Academies accessible via countywide admissions.
What Do Homes Cost in Bogota, NJ in 2026?
Median list prices around $620K–$690K. Mix of capes, ranches, colonials, and multi-family homes. An affordable Bergen County option.
How Long Is the Commute from Bogota to NYC?
NJ Transit bus to Port Authority or rail from nearby Hackensack. 40–55 min to Manhattan. Close to Routes 4 and 46.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Bogota, NJ?
Bogota's dining scene is growing, with Italian, Mexican, and Chinese restaurants along River Road and Fort Lee Road. The borough's revitalizing downtown is attracting new dining options as its popularity increases.
Luka's Italian Cuisine
A well-reviewed Italian restaurant on River Road serving classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, and seafood. Consistently strong ratings make it one of Bogota's dining standouts.
Riviera Maya
A Mexican restaurant on Fort Lee Road serving authentic tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Popular with locals for its flavorful food and friendly service.
Bogota Chinese Kitchen
A neighborhood Chinese restaurant on River Road offering takeout and delivery of classic American-Chinese dishes. A convenient option for quick weeknight dinners.
River Road Dining Options
Bogota's River Road corridor features a growing selection of restaurants and cafés, reflecting the borough's revitalizing downtown and increasing popularity with young professionals.
Bogota's growing restaurant scene pairs well with Hackensack's diverse dining options, just minutes away.
What Parks and Recreation Does Bogota Offer?
Bogota offers community parks with playgrounds and sports fields, riverside green spaces, and access to the Saddle River County Park trail system. The borough's recreation department runs programs for all ages.
Bogota Park
The borough's main community park with playgrounds, sports fields, open green space, and recreation facilities. Hosts community events and summer programs throughout the year.
Bogota Public Library Park Area
The area around the Bogota Public Library offers green space and a community gathering point, with library programs and events for all ages.
Riverside Park
A green space along the Hackensack River offering walking paths and a connection to the borough's riverside areas. A developing recreation resource for the community.
Saddle River County Park Access
Bogota residents can access the Saddle River County Park trail system in nearby neighborhoods, offering paved multi-use paths for walking and cycling.
What Community Events Happen in Bogota, NJ?
Bogota hosts seasonal community events including summer movie nights, holiday celebrations, street fairs, and library programs. The borough's recreation department provides year-round programming for families.
Bogota Community Events
The borough hosts seasonal community events including summer movie nights, holiday celebrations, and family-oriented activities in the borough parks.
Bogota Street Fairs
Occasional street fair events along the borough's commercial corridors featuring local vendors, food, and community entertainment.
Library Programs
The Bogota Public Library hosts year-round programming including children's story times, book clubs, computer classes, and cultural events for the community.
Recreation Programs
The borough's recreation department offers summer camps, sports leagues, and after-school programs for children and families throughout the year.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Bogota, NJ?
Bogota's central Bergen County location provides multiple commute options, including NJ Transit bus service, driving via Routes 4 and 46 to the GW Bridge, and rail from the nearby Anderson Street station in Hackensack.
Bogota's commute options reflect its central Bergen County location. NJ Transit bus routes serve the borough, connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in approximately 45–65 minutes. The specific route and time of day affect commute duration.
Driving: Routes 4 and 46 are immediately accessible from Bogota, providing quick connections to the George Washington Bridge (approximately 15–20 minutes to the bridge approach) or the New Jersey Turnpike. The bridge crossing adds 10–20 minutes off-peak.
Rail: Bogota does not have its own train station, but the Anderson Street station in Hackensack (Pascack Valley Line) is a short drive away. Trains run to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 25 minutes, with PATH connections to Manhattan.
Property taxes in Bogota are moderate by Bergen County standards. Homeowners should budget for taxes in the $9,000–$13,000 range depending on assessed value, making it one of the more tax-friendly options in the county.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Bogota, NJ
Is Bogota a good place to live?
How far is Bogota from NYC?
What is the average home price in Bogota?
Are the schools in Bogota good?
Is Bogota safe?
Nearby Towns
Hackensack
Bergen County's seat of government with affordable housing and top-ranked magnet schools.
Teaneck
History, space, and community with Cedar Lane dining and multiple schools.
Little Ferry
An affordable borough with diverse dining and highway access.
Ridgefield Park
A village with strong community identity and diverse housing near Route 46.
Considering a move to Florida? Read our NJ to Florida Moving Guide for cost comparisons, moving process, and school districts.
Bogota — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Bogota area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Bogota Public School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Lillian M. Steen Elementary School — K–4 | Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
Middle Schools
- Bogota Junior High School — 5–8 | Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
High Schools
- Bogota Junior/Senior High School — 7–12 | Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
For enrollment information and district details, visit Bogota Public School District.
Private Schools
- St. Joseph School — PK–8 | Catholic-affiliated education in nearby Bergenfield.
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 Bogota students through the countywide admissions process. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Bogota Early Learning Center — Infant–Pre-K | Community-based early childhood programs offered through the borough.
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 Bogota?
Bogota is served by NJ Transit bus routes and is close to the Anderson Street train station in Hackensack for Pascack Valley Line rail service. Routes 4 and 46 provide immediate highway access for drivers.
NJ Transit Bus Routes
NJ Transit bus routes serve Bogota, connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Commute times range from 45–65 minutes depending on traffic and specific route.
Driving via Routes 4 and 46
Bogota's proximity to Routes 4 and 46 provides quick access to the George Washington Bridge (15–20 minutes to bridge approach) or the New Jersey Turnpike. GW Bridge toll: $14.79 off-peak, $16.79 peak (E-ZPass).
NJ Transit Rail (Anderson St. Station, Hackensack)
The Anderson Street station in Hackensack (Pascack Valley Line) is a short drive from Bogota. Trains run to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 25 minutes, with PATH connections to Manhattan.
Average Commute
Bogota residents average approximately 45–60 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via bus or rail, or 35–50 minutes by car off-peak.
What Are the Schools Like in Bogota?
Bogota public schools carry an average rating of approximately 5/10. The district serves students from pre-K through 12th grade, with Bergen County Academies accessible through countywide admissions.
Bogota Junior/Senior High School
The borough's combined junior and senior high school serves grades 7–12, offering academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs for the community.
Lillian M. Steen Elementary School
Bogota's elementary school serving grades K–4 with solid academics and community engagement.
Bergen County Academies Magnet School
One of the highest-rated public high schools in the nation, accessible to Bogota students through the countywide admissions process for specialized STEM, arts, and business programs.
Nearby Private Schools
Saint Joseph School (Catholic, PK–8) in Bergenfield and several private options in neighboring Teaneck and Hackensack provide additional educational choices.
Bogota Public Library
A community library offering programs for all ages, from children's literacy story times to adult education and computer classes.
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 Bogota?
Bogota's growing café scene includes local coffee shops along River Road, with additional options in neighboring Hackensack and Teaneck.
River Road Cafés
Bogota's River Road corridor features emerging coffee shops and cafés, reflecting the borough's revitalizing downtown and growing popularity.
Bogota Press Café
A specialty café on West Fort Lee Road serving excellent coffee and light fare in a relaxed setting. A neighborhood favorite.
Teaneck Cedar Lane Cafés (nearby)
Residents frequently visit Teaneck's Cedar Lane for specialty coffee options, including Kudo Society Cafe and COFFEECOL, within a 10-minute drive.
Is Bogota Good for Pet Owners?
Bogota is pet-friendly with community parks, residential streets for daily walks, and veterinary services in neighboring towns.
Veterinary Services in Hackensack & Teaneck
Multiple veterinary clinics in neighboring Hackensack and Teaneck provide comprehensive pet care, including wellness exams, surgery, and emergency services.
Bogota Park
The borough's main community park with open green space and walking areas, popular with dog owners for daily leashed walks.
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 Bogota?
Hackensack University Medical Center, one of New Jersey's largest hospitals, is approximately 3 miles west. Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck is also nearby.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive hospitals, approximately 3 miles west of Bogota. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs.
Holy Name Medical Center (Teaneck)
A major 361-bed nonprofit hospital in Teaneck, approximately 4 miles from Bogota. Part of Hackensack Meridian Health.
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
Located about 7 miles south, this 287-bed community hospital provides emergency care, surgical services, and specialty programs.
Urgent Care & Primary Care
Primary care practices and urgent care centers are available along River Road and in neighboring Hackensack and Teaneck.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens locations are accessible in Bogota and neighboring towns for convenient pharmacy services.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Bogota?
Bogota's grocery options include local markets along River Road, with larger supermarkets accessible in nearby Hackensack and Teaneck.
Local Markets & Delis
Bogota'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 minutes away, offering one of the most comprehensive grocery selections in the area.
ACME Markets (Bergenfield, nearby)
Supermarket on New Bridge Road in Bergenfield, convenient for Bogota residents. Full-service grocery selection.
Everyday Errands
Bogota's River Road and Fort Lee Road corridors include dry cleaners, banks, pharmacies, and specialty shops for daily needs.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Bogota Offer?
Bogota offers community parks with playgrounds and sports fields, riverside green spaces, and access to the Saddle River County Park trail system.
Bogota Park
The borough's main community park with playgrounds, sports fields, open green space, and recreation facilities. Hosts community events and summer programs.
Riverside Park
A green space along the Hackensack River offering walking paths and a connection to the borough's riverside areas.
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
Bogota's compact layout and residential streets make it suitable for walking and cycling. The borough maintains sidewalks throughout its neighborhoods.
Own a local business in Bogota? Get featured in our weekly Local Business Spotlight — submit here.
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."
Exploring Bogota?
An up-and-coming borough with real potential — let's find the right opportunity for you in Bogota.
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Sources & Learn More — Bogota
- Borough of Bogota — Official Website
- Bogota Public Schools — NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- Hackensack University Medical Center
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors — Market Data
- GreatSchools.org — School Ratings & Reviews
- Niche.com — School & Community Ratings