Cliffside Park
Hilltop living with skyline views
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 Cliffside Park, NJ?
Cliffside Park is perched atop the Palisades, offering some of the most dramatic Manhattan skyline views in Bergen County. With approximately 11,000 residents and median home values of \$420K to \$520K, it is more affordable than neighboring Fort Lee while offering similar NYC access.
Cliffside Park gets its name honestly. Perched atop the Palisades, this residential borough offers some of the most dramatic Manhattan skyline views in Bergen County. The town has evolved from a residential enclave into a more dynamic community with a growing restaurant scene and increasing development.
The borough is predominantly residential, with a mix of apartment buildings (especially along the cliff edges), townhomes, and single-family homes on the interior streets. The restaurant scene along Anderson Avenue has been quietly building a reputation for eclectic, high-quality dining.
Cliffside Park's compact size means everything is close by, and the walkable downtown area along Anderson Avenue provides everyday shopping and services. It's a borough in transition, attracting first-time buyers and relocating households drawn by the views, the relative affordability compared to neighboring Fort Lee, and the improving quality of life.
Schools Serving Cliffside Park, NJ?
Cliffside Park High School serves the borough. Students also have access to Bergen County Academies, a magnet school (ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2024).
What Do Homes Cost in Cliffside Park, NJ in 2026?
Median home values of $420K$520K. Condos with skyline views command premium prices. More affordable than Fort Lee while offering similar access.
How Long Is the Commute from Cliffside Park to NYC?
NJ Transit bus service to Port Authority. Quick access to GW Bridge via Fort Lee. Several private bus operators also serve the area.
What Parks and Recreation Does Cliffside Park Offer?
Cliffside Park offers Sunrise Park at the edge of the Palisades with sweeping Hudson River and Manhattan skyline views, plus several access points to the Palisades Interstate Park with hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Sunrise Park
Perched at the edge of the Palisades with sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. A popular spot for sunrise watching and photography.
Bergen County's Palisades Access
Cliffside Park provides several access points to the Palisades Interstate Park, with hiking trails along the Hudson River cliffs and scenic overlooks.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Cliffside Park, NJ?
Cliffside Park's commute mirrors nearby Fort Lee, with NJ Transit buses providing direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the GW Bridge just minutes away by car. NY Waterway ferry service from Edgewater is also easily accessible.
Cliffside Park's commute mirrors nearby Fort Lee and Leonia. NJ Transit buses provide direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and the GW Bridge is just minutes away by car. The borough's position on the Palisades means drivers can access the bridge via Palisades Avenue or Anderson Avenue.
For a more scenic commute, NY Waterway ferry service from Edgewater is easily accessible, offering a stress-free crossing of the Hudson with stunning views of the George Washington Bridge.
Cliffside Park — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Cliffside Park area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Cliffside Park School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- School No. 3 — PK4
- School No. 4 — PK4
- School No. 5 — PK4
- School No. 6 — PK4
Middle Schools
- Cliffside Park Middle School — 58
High Schools
- Cliffside Park High School — 912
For enrollment information and district details, visit Cliffside Park School District.
Parochial / Religious Schools
- Saint Adalbert School — Catholic | Pre-K8
Cooperative Programs
- Bergen County Academies Magnet School — Accessible through countywide admissions. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Cliffside Park Early Learning — InfantPre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
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 Cliffside Park?
Cliffside Park's commute mirrors nearby Fort Lee, with NJ Transit buses providing direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the GW Bridge just minutes away by car.
NJ Transit Bus Routes 154, 156, 159
Bus service connecting Cliffside Park to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times range from 4060 minutes. Routes run along Anderson Avenue and Palisade Avenue.
Driving via GW Bridge
The GW Bridge is approximately 1015 minutes by car via Palisade Avenue or Anderson Avenue. GW Bridge toll: $14.79 off-peak, $16.79 peak (E-ZPass).
Express Buses from Fort Lee
Many residents drive or take local buses to Fort Lee to access express bus services and private jitney operators offering faster routes to Midtown.
NY Waterway Ferry (from Edgewater)
Ferry service from nearby Edgewater reaches Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. The terminal is a short drive north, offering a scenic commute alternative.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (from North Bergen)
The Tonnelle Avenue station in nearby North Bergen provides Light Rail connections to Jersey City and Hoboken, with PATH train transfers to Manhattan.
What Are the Schools Like in Cliffside Park?
Cliffside Park High School serves the borough, and students also have access to Bergen County Academies, one of the nation's top-rated magnet schools.
Cliffside Park High School
The borough's public high school serving grades 912 with a range of academic programs, AP courses, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Serves approximately 800 students.
Cliffside Park Public Schools (K8)
Elementary and middle schools serve the borough's approximately 11,000 residents with solid academics and a student body. School No. 3 and School No. 4 serve the community.
Bergen County Academies Magnet School
The magnet high school (ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2024) in Hackensack is accessible to Cliffside Park students through countywide admissions for specialized STEM, arts, and business programs.
Nearby Private Schools
Saint Adalbert School (Catholic, Palisades Park) and private options in Fort Lee and Englewood provide additional educational choices for residents.
Cliffside Park Public Library
The borough library on Palisade Avenue offers programs for all ages, including children's story times, homework help, and community 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 Cliffside Park?
Cliffside Park's Anderson Avenue and Palisade Avenue corridors feature Italian caf�s and local coffee shops.
Caff� da Nino
An Italian caf� on Anderson Avenue serving espresso, cappuccino, pastries, and light Italian fare. A cozy neighborhood spot with authentic Italian coffee culture.
Corner Cafe & Restaurant
A popular caf� and restaurant on Anderson Avenue serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and neighborhood feel.
Anderson Avenue Bakeries
Several bakeries and caf�s along Anderson Avenue offer fresh coffee and baked goods with a variety of international flavors.
Fort Lee Caf� Options (nearby)
Cliffside Park residents frequently visit Fort Lee's Main Street for additional caf� options, including Korean-style coffee shops and international bakeries just minutes away.
Is Cliffside Park Good for Pet Owners?
Cliffside Park is moderately pet-friendly with walkable streets and proximity to the Palisades Interstate Park. Veterinary services are available in neighboring North Bergen and Fort Lee.
Animal Paradise Hospital
Full-service veterinary hospital on Anderson Avenue in Cliffside Park. Offers wellness exams, surgery, dental care, and emergency services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Bergenline Animal Hospital (North Bergen, nearby)
Veterinary hospital on Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen, approximately 5 minutes away. Comprehensive pet care including emergency services.
Palisades Interstate Park
Access points near Cliffside Park offer hiking trails along the Hudson River cliffs. While leashed dogs are permitted on trails, the dramatic views make for memorable walks.
Sunrise Park & Neighborhood Streets
Cliffside Park's compact, walkable streets are suitable for daily dog walks. Sunrise Park at the edge of the Palisades provides a scenic walking destination.
Pet Supply Shopping
Local pet supplies are available along Anderson Avenue, with larger pet retailers in nearby Fort Lee, Hackensack, and North Bergen.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Cliffside Park?
Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen is Cliffside Park's closest hospital, approximately 2 miles away. Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck is also within easy reach.
Palisades Medical Center (North Bergen)
Part of Hackensack Meridian Health, located on River Road in North Bergen, about 2 miles away. Offers emergency services, surgical care, and medical specialties.
Holy Name Medical Center (Teaneck)
A major 361-bed nonprofit hospital on Teaneck Road, approximately 4 miles away. Part of Hackensack Meridian Health with comprehensive services.
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
Located about 5 miles south in Englewood, this 287-bed hospital provides emergency care, surgical services, and specialty programs.
Primary Care & Urgent Care
Primary care physicians are available along Anderson Avenue and Palisade Avenue. CityMD and other urgent care centers operate in nearby Fort Lee.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in nearby Fort Lee and North Bergen. Local pharmacies along Anderson Avenue serve daily prescription needs.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Cliffside Park?
Cliffside Park's Anderson Avenue has local markets and delis for daily shopping, with larger supermarkets easily accessible in neighboring Fort Lee and North Bergen.
Anderson Avenue Markets
Local supermarkets and delis along Anderson Avenue serve daily grocery needs with a mix of conventional and specialty items reflecting the community's range of offerings.
ACME Markets (Fort Lee, nearby)
Full-service supermarket on Lemoine Avenue in Fort Lee, just minutes away. Complete grocery selection with deli, bakery, and produce sections.
Food Bazaar (North Bergen, nearby)
Supermarket on JFK Boulevard in North Bergen offering a wide selection of groceries, international foods, and fresh produce.
Walmart Supercenter (North Bergen, nearby)
Supercenter on 88th Street in North Bergen for general merchandise and groceries. About 10 minutes north.
Everyday Errands
Anderson Avenue provides dry cleaners, pharmacies, banks, and local shops for daily needs. The borough's compact size makes most errands walkable.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Cliffside Park Offer?
Cliffside Park offers Sunrise Park with sweeping Manhattan skyline views and several access points to the Palisades Interstate Park with hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Sunrise Park
Perched at the edge of the Palisades with sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. A popular spot for sunrise watching, photography, and quiet reflection.
Palisades Interstate Park Access
Several access points near Cliffside Park provide hiking trails along the Hudson River cliffs with panoramic views. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
Knickerbocker Field
A community park with sports fields, playgrounds, and open green space. Popular for recreational sports leagues, community gatherings, and casual recreation.
Battin Park
A neighborhood park with playground equipment and open space for residents. A convenient green space in the borough's residential interior.
Walking & Biking
Cliffside Park's compact, walkable layout and hilltop location make it pleasant for daily walks. The borough's residential streets offer varied terrain with rewarding views.
Local Business Spotlight
Week of July 7 13, 2026
Hakki Baba Turkish Mediterranean Restaurant
Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine � Cliffside Park, NJ
Hakki Baba is a fourth-generation family-owned Turkish restaurant on Anderson Avenue, serving authentic dishes rooted in the Turgut family's Antep, Turkey heritage dating back to the 1920s. The menu features standout kebabs, house-made hummus and babaganoush, Turkish ravioli (manti), borek, and pistachio milk pudding all in a warm, rustic dining room that feels like eating in someone's home.
"Cliffside Park's Anderson Avenue has a quietly excellent restaurant scene, and Hakki Baba is one of its best-kept secrets. When clients are exploring the borough for the first time, I tell them to make dinner here part of the tour it shows you this town has more character than people expect."
Know a great local business? Nominate them for our next spotlight.
Who Should Consider Cliffside Park?
NYC Commuters
NJ Transit buses to Port Authority in 4060 min. GW Bridge about 1015 min by car via Palisade Avenue. Express buses and jitneys accessible from Fort Lee. NY Waterway ferry from nearby Edgewater.
Families
Cliffside Park High School serves the borough. Students have access to Bergen County Academies magnet school. Saint Adalbert School provides a parochial option.
NJ-to-FL Movers
Selling a Cliffside Park home and relocating to Florida? Scott manages both sides NJ sale and FL agent connections as a dual-state licensed advisor.
First-Time Buyers
At $420K$520K median, Cliffside Park is more affordable than Fort Lee while offering similar Manhattan access and growing dining options.
Investors
The borough's growing reputation and relative affordability compared to Fort Lee attract rental demand. Condos with skyline views command premium rents.
View Seekers
Perched atop the Palisades, Cliffside Park offers some of the most dramatic Manhattan skyline views in Bergen County. Sunrise Park is a local treasure.
Key Takeaways About Cliffside Park
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Cliffside Park is perched atop the Palisades, offering some of the most dramatic Manhattan skyline views in Bergen County with approximately 11,000 residents.
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Median home values range from $420K to $520K more affordable than neighboring Fort Lee while offering similar NYC access and views.
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The GW Bridge is about 1015 minutes by car. NJ Transit buses connect to Port Authority. NY Waterway ferry from nearby Edgewater adds a scenic commute option.
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Cliffside Park High School serves the borough, and students have access to Bergen County Academies magnet school via countywide application.
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The restaurant scene along Anderson Avenue has been quietly building a reputation for eclectic, high-quality dining. The borough is in transition attracting buyers drawn by views and value.
What Life Is Really Like in Cliffside Park
Cliffside Park gets its name honestly. Perched atop the Palisades, this residential borough offers some of the most dramatic Manhattan skyline views in Bergen County. On a clear evening, the view from Sunrise Park is genuinely spectacular.
The town has evolved from a residential enclave into a more dynamic community. The restaurant scene along Anderson Avenue has been quietly building a reputation for eclectic, high-quality dining. It's not a food destination yet but it's heading there.
The housing stock is predominantly apartment buildings along the cliff edges, with townhomes and single-family homes on the interior streets. At $420K$520K median, it's more affordable than Fort Lee while offering similar access.
What makes Cliffside Park compelling is the value proposition. You get Palisades views, reasonable commute times, and a growing community all at a price point that's lower than many neighboring towns. For first-time buyers and young families, it's worth a serious look.
Expert Market Insight
What Scott Selleck Is Seeing in 2026
In 2026, most Bergen County homebuyers I talk to are weighing commute time against space and affordability. Towns like Fort Lee, Leonia, and Edgewater give you 1525 minutes to Manhattan with walkable downtowns and established neighborhoods. Push further to Mahwah, Ramsey, or Franklin Lakes and you get more acreage but a longer commute. The sweet spot depends on what your daily life actually looks like not what a listing photo promises.
Scott Selleck
32+ Years in Bergen & Hudson Counties · The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Frequently Asked Questions About Cliffside Park
Is Cliffside Park a good place to commute to NYC?
What is the real estate market like in Cliffside Park right now?
Is Cliffside Park good for first-time buyers?
What's the difference between Cliffside Park and Fort Lee?
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Scott Selleck | The Selleck Group | Keller Williams City Views Realty
This Week's Open Houses in Cliffside Park
Updated weekly with NJMLS-sourced listings
250 Gorge Rd #19D
263 Morningside Ave
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Sources & Learn More — Cliffside Park
- Town of Cliffside Park Official Website
- Cliffside Park Public Schools NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- NY Waterway Ferry Service
- Holy Name Medical Center Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors Market Data
- GreatSchools.org School Ratings & Reviews
Nearby Towns
Fort Lee
Gateway to the GW Bridge with dining and parks.
Palisades Park
Korean dining destination near NYC.
Edgewater
Waterfront living with Manhattan views.
North Bergen
Hudson County's residential neighborhoods.
Considering a move to Florida? Read our NJ to Florida Moving Guide for cost comparisons, moving process, and school districts.