Cresskill
A quiet borough with walkable charm and strong schools
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 Cresskill, NJ?
Cresskill is a small Bergen County borough of approximately 9,400 residents with median home values of $950K–$1.3M. Known for its quiet residential character, strong schools, and walkable downtown along Piermont Road, Cresskill offers an appealing suburban lifestyle just 25 miles from Manhattan.
Cresskill sits in the northern reaches of Bergen County, bordered by Alpine to the east, Tenafly to the south, and Demarest to the north. The borough's compact 2-square-mile footprint gives it an intimate, walkable feel, with tree-lined residential streets and a small commercial core along Piermont Road and Madison Avenue.
The housing stock is predominantly single-family homes — colonials, ranches, and split-levels — set on well-maintained lots. Cresskill strikes a balance between the ultra-affluent estates of neighboring Alpine and the more densely developed boroughs to its south, offering a genuine small-town atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
The Cresskill Public School District is rated A on Niche.com, with schools serving students from PreK through 12th grade. Proximity to Northern Valley Regional schools and the Bergen County Academies magnet program provides additional educational options. With its combination of schools, character, and location, Cresskill is a popular choice for families seeking quality suburban living. Browse Scott's current listings in Cresskill and surrounding Bergen County towns.
Schools Serving Cresskill, NJ
Cresskill Public Schools (A on Niche). Students also have access to Northern Valley Regional and Bergen County Academies.
What Do Homes Cost in Cresskill, NJ in 2026?
Median list prices from $950K to $1.3M. Colonials, ranches, and split-levels on well-maintained lots.
How Long Is the Commute from Cresskill to NYC?
NJ Transit bus to Port Authority. 45–60 min. Close to Route 9W and the GW Bridge by car.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Cresskill, NJ?
Cresskill's dining scene centers along Piermont Road and Madison Avenue, with a mix of Mediterranean, Japanese, and Italian restaurants that serve as community gathering spots.
Samdan Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar
A well-regarded Mediterranean restaurant on Piermont Road serving Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, kebabs, and seafood in an elegant setting. A popular gathering spot for the community.
JUGEMU
A Japanese restaurant on Piermont Road offering sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese cuisine in an intimate, minimalist setting. Known for fresh fish and quality preparation.
Dante's Pizza & Restaurant
A local Italian restaurant and pizzeria on Madison Avenue serving classic pizza, pasta dishes, and Italian-American favorites in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Chef Mediterranean
A Mediterranean restaurant on Union Avenue offering fresh, flavorful dishes with a casual atmosphere. A solid option for everyday dining in the borough.
Cresskill's local restaurants pair well with dining options in neighboring Tenafly, Demarest, and Alpine for a wider variety of cuisines.
What Parks and Recreation Does Cresskill Offer?
Cresskill offers community parks, sports fields, and convenient access to the Palisades Interstate Park via Route 9W. The borough's parks and green spaces provide outdoor recreation throughout the year.
Ackerman Field
Located behind Borough Hall, this municipal field offers open green space, sports facilities, and a central spot for community recreation and organized youth sports programs.
Merrifield Memorial Grove
A community green space maintained by the borough, suitable for casual walks, picnics, and quiet outdoor enjoyment in a residential setting.
Palisades Interstate Park (nearby)
Just minutes away via Route 9W, the Palisades Interstate Park offers dramatic Hudson River views, cliff-top hiking trails, and scenic overlooks along the Palisades.
Tenakill Brook Greenway
The Tenakill Brook runs through the borough, providing a natural corridor for walking and enjoying Bergen County's suburban landscape.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Cresskill, NJ?
Cresskill hosts seasonal community gatherings, recreation programs, and holiday celebrations throughout the year. The borough's Parks and Recreation Department organizes youth sports, summer camps, and community programming.
Cresskill Community Events
The borough hosts seasonal community gatherings, holiday celebrations, and family-oriented events throughout the year, organized by the borough and local organizations.
Cresskill Recreation Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department offers youth sports leagues, summer camps, fitness classes, and community programming for residents of all ages.
Holiday Tree Lighting
An annual community celebration each December featuring the ceremonial tree lighting, holiday entertainment, and family activities in the downtown area.
Farmers Market & Local Fairs
Seasonal markets and community fairs bring local vendors, food, and entertainment to the borough during warmer months.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Cresskill, NJ?
Cresskill is served by NJ Transit bus routes and provides easy access to Route 9W for regional driving. Residents also drive to nearby stations for rail service to Hoboken and Manhattan.
Cresskill's commute to Manhattan centers on a combination of bus service and driving. NJ Transit bus routes serve the borough, connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in approximately 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and route.
By car: Route 9W provides convenient regional access, with the George Washington Bridge approximately 15–20 minutes away. The bridge crossing adds 10–20 minutes off-peak, with total door-to-door commute times of 35–50 minutes. Route 4 is also accessible for drivers heading south toward Paramus and the New Jersey Turnpike.
By rail: Cresskill does not have its own train station, but residents drive to nearby stations — the Englewood or Leonia stations on the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line provide rail service to Hoboken Terminal with PATH transfers to Manhattan.
Property taxes in Cresskill are significant, reflecting the quality of its school system and borough services. Homeowners should budget for Bergen County-level taxes typical of the Northern Valley area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Cresskill, NJ
Is Cresskill a good place to live?
How far is Cresskill from NYC?
What is the average home price in Cresskill?
Are the schools in Cresskill good?
Nearby Towns
Demarest
A quiet, upscale borough with the Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest and nature trails.
Tenafly
Affluent living with the 424-acre Tenafly Nature Center and easy GW Bridge access.
Alpine
Ultra-affluent estate living on the Palisades with exceptional privacy and top schools.
Closter
Charming small-town downtown with excellent Northern Valley Regional schools.
Considering a move to Florida? Read our NJ to Florida Moving Guide for cost comparisons, moving process, and school districts.
Cresskill — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Cresskill area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Cresskill Public School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Edward H. Bryan Elementary School — PreK–5
- Merritt Memorial Elementary School — 1–5
Middle Schools
- Cresskill Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Cresskill High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Cresskill Public School District.
Private Schools
- The Alpine School — PK–8 | Private, nonsectarian school in Cresskill with a rigorous academic program. | Website: thealpineschool.org
Cooperative Programs
- Bergen County Academies Magnet School — Accessible through countywide admissions for specialized STEM, arts, and business programs. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Cresskill Early Learning — Infant–PreK | Early childhood programs through local providers and the borough's recreation department.
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 Cresskill?
Cresskill is served by NJ Transit bus routes and provides easy access to Route 9W for regional driving. Residents also drive to nearby stations for Pascack Valley Line rail service to Hoboken and Manhattan.
NJ Transit Bus Routes
NJ Transit bus routes serve Cresskill, connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times range from 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and specific route.
Driving via Route 9W and GW Bridge
Route 9W provides convenient access to the George Washington Bridge, approximately 15–20 minutes from Cresskill. GW Bridge toll: $14.79 off-peak, $16.79 peak (E-ZPass). Total door-to-door to Midtown: 35–50 minutes off-peak.
NJ Transit Rail (from nearby stations)
Drive to the Englewood or Leonia train station (Pascack Valley Line) for rail service to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 20 minutes, with PATH transfers to Manhattan.
Average Commute
Cresskill 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 Cresskill?
Cresskill Public Schools are rated A on Niche.com, serving students from PreK through 12th grade. Students also have access to Northern Valley Regional programs and the Bergen County Academies magnet school.
Cresskill Public Schools (PreK–12)
Edward H. Bryan Elementary (PreK–5), Merritt Memorial Elementary (1–5), Cresskill Middle School (6–8), and Cresskill High School (9–12) serve the borough. Rated A on Niche.com.
Bergen County Academies Magnet School
One of the highest-rated public high schools in the nation, accessible to Cresskill students through the countywide admissions process for specialized STEM, arts, and business programs.
The Alpine School
A private, nonsectarian school located in Cresskill offering a rigorous academic program for PK–8 students.
Nearby Northern Valley Regional Schools
Students may also apply to Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest (A+ Niche, Blue Ribbon) in the neighboring borough, which serves students from Closter, Demarest, and Haworth.
Cresskill Public Library
A community library offering programs for all ages, from children's literacy 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 Cresskill?
Cresskill's Piermont Road and Madison Avenue feature local cafés, bakeries, and casual dining spots that serve the community's daily needs.
Piermont Road Cafés
Cresskill's Piermont Road corridor includes local cafés and bakeries within walking distance, making it easy to find a morning coffee spot or afternoon treat.
Samdan Mediterranean
While primarily a restaurant, Samdan on Piermont Road also serves excellent Turkish coffee and tea in an elegant Mediterranean setting.
Nearby Coffee Options
Residents also visit cafés in neighboring Tenafly, Demarest, and Closter for additional specialty coffee and bakery options.
Is Cresskill Good for Pet Owners?
Cresskill is pet-friendly with community parks, the Tenakill Brook corridor, and easy access to the Palisades Interstate Park trails. Veterinary services are available in neighboring towns.
Veterinary Services in Tenafly & Closter
Full-service veterinary hospitals in neighboring Tenafly and Closter provide wellness exams, surgery, dental care, and emergency services.
Palisades Interstate Park
Just minutes from Cresskill via Route 9W, the park offers hiking trails along the Hudson River cliffs where leashed dogs are welcome.
Community Parks & Green Spaces
Ackerman Field and Merrifield Memorial Grove provide open space for casual walks with pets in a residential setting.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are available in nearby Tenafly, Closter, and Paramus, including chain retailers and local pet boutiques.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Cresskill?
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center is Cresskill's closest major hospital, about 3 miles south. Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck and Hackensack University Medical Center are also accessible.
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
Located about 3 miles south, this 287-bed community hospital provides emergency care, surgical services, cardiac care, and specialty programs.
Holy Name Medical Center (Teaneck)
A major 361-bed hospital about 5 miles north, part of Hackensack Meridian Health with comprehensive services.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 8 miles west. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs.
Primary Care & Urgent Care
Primary care physicians are available in Cresskill and neighboring Tenafly, Closter, and Englewood. Urgent care centers operate in the broader area.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in neighboring Tenafly and Closter for convenient pharmacy needs.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Cresskill?
Cresskill's compact downtown includes local markets, with larger supermarkets available in neighboring Tenafly, Closter, and Englewood.
Local Markets & Delis
Cresskill's downtown includes local markets, delis, and specialty food shops serving the community's everyday grocery needs.
ACME Markets (nearby Closter)
Full-service supermarket in nearby Closter offering a complete grocery selection, about 5–7 minutes from Cresskill.
ShopRite of Englewood (nearby)
Full-service supermarket on Nathaniel Place in Englewood, about 10 minutes south. Complete grocery selection.
Whole Foods Market (Englewood Cliffs)
Whole Foods in Englewood Cliffs offers organic and specialty items, about 10 minutes from Cresskill.
Everyday Errands
Cresskill's compact downtown has local shops, dry cleaners, and banks. Larger shopping is available in nearby Tenafly, Closter, and Paramus.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Cresskill Offer?
Cresskill offers community parks, sports fields, and convenient access to the Palisades Interstate Park via Route 9W, plus the natural corridor of Tenakill Brook.
Ackerman Field
Located behind Borough Hall, this municipal field offers open green space, sports facilities, and a central spot for community recreation.
Merrifield Memorial Grove
A community green space maintained by the borough, suitable for casual walks, picnics, and quiet outdoor enjoyment.
Palisades Interstate Park
Accessible via Route 9W, the Palisades Interstate Park offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and the historic Alpine Approach Road along the Hudson River cliffs.
Tenakill Brook Greenway
The Tenakill Brook runs through the borough, providing a natural corridor for walking and enjoying the suburban landscape.
Walking & Biking
Cresskill's tree-lined residential streets and compact layout make it pleasant for walking and cycling. The borough's 2 square miles provide easy navigation.
Own a local business in Cresskill? Get featured in our weekly Local Business Spotlight — submit here.
Thinking About Cresskill?
Quiet streets, strong schools, and close to Alpine and Tenafly — let's find the right home for your family in Cresskill.
Your Personal Real Estate
Command Center
Built by Scott Selleck. Powered by 32+ Years of Local Expertise. Curated For You.
Take a quick 7-question quiz and Scott Selleck's AI-powered system will instantly build you a personalized Resource Hub — packed with everything you need to make a confident move in Cresskill. This isn't a generic website. It's your own private dashboard, curated from over three decades of hyperlocal knowledge.
Scott's AI Clone
Talk to Scott's AI 24/7 — trained on 32+ years of local expertise across Bergen & Hudson Counties.
NotebookLM Neighborhood Guides
AI-generated deep-dive guides for your target towns, packed with hyperlocal insights.
NJ-to-Florida Relocation Roadmap
Complete step-by-step transition guide for moving from New Jersey to South Florida.
Virtual Neighborhood Walking Tours
Experience your future neighborhood before you even visit — immersive video tours curated for you.
Curated Blog Articles
Scott's handpicked insights on market trends, local tips, and community happenings.
Curated Video Content
Personalized video recommendations matched to your answers, goals, and timeline.
Company Services Overview
A full breakdown of what The Selleck Group offers — from pricing to staging to closing.
Southbound Advisory Council
Exclusive resources and guidance for NJ-to-Florida transitions, curated by a dual-licensed advisor.
Trusted by hundreds of NJ and FL homebuyers. Built with the same expertise that has guided 32+ years of successful moves across the Garden State.
Takes less than 2 minutes. Results are instant.
This isn't a cookie-cutter packet. Based on YOUR answers — your budget, your timeline, your priorities, your target neighborhoods — Scott's system builds a Resource Hub that's actually useful to YOU. Not a 50-page PDF you'll never read. A living, breathing tool designed for your specific move.
Sources & Learn More — Cresskill
- Borough of Cresskill — Official Website
- Cresskill Public Schools — NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- Palisades Interstate Park Commission
- Englewood Hospital — Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors — Market Data
- Niche.com — School & Community Ratings