Demarest
A quiet, upscale borough with nature trails and top-rated 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 Demarest, NJ?
Demarest is a quiet, upscale borough of approximately 4,900 residents with median home values of $1.1M–$1.8M. Known for its 55-acre nature center, tree-lined residential streets, and A+ rated Northern Valley Regional High School, Demarest offers one of Bergen County's most peaceful suburban settings.
Demarest sits in the Pascack Valley region of northern Bergen County, bordered by Closter to the south, Cresskill to the southeast, and Norwood to the north. The borough's small size — roughly 2 square miles — gives it an intimate, close-knit feel, with tree-lined streets and a strong residential character throughout.
The housing stock is predominantly single-family homes — colonials, split-levels, and newer construction — set on well-maintained lots with mature landscaping. The borough's quiet streets, low traffic, and proximity to the Palisades make it particularly attractive to families seeking nature-oriented suburban living.
The Demarest Nature Center, a 55-acre volunteer-run preserve with walking trails, woodlands, and the picturesque Duck Pond on Tenakill Brook, is the community's crown jewel. Students attend the highly rated Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest (A+ Niche, Blue Ribbon), one of the top public high schools in New Jersey. Browse Scott's current listings in Demarest and surrounding Bergen County towns.
Top Schools in Demarest, NJ?
Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest (A+ Niche, Blue Ribbon). Closter Public Schools serve K–8.
What Do Homes Cost in Demarest, NJ in 2026?
Median list prices from $1.1M to $1.8M. Colonials, split-levels, and newer construction on tree-lined streets.
How Long Is the Commute from Demarest to NYC?
NJ Transit bus or drive to nearby rail stations. 50–65 min to Manhattan. Close to Route 9W and GW Bridge.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Demarest, NJ?
Demarest's quiet residential character means its dining options center on nearby Closter and Cresskill, where a varied restaurant scene is just minutes away.
Stern & Bow Restaurant
A popular American restaurant and bar on Schraalenburgh Road (accessible from Demarest) serving craft cocktails, burgers, and seasonal dishes in a stylish setting.
Piermont Road Local Eateries
Demarest's stretch of Piermont Road features casual dining options, delis, and local eateries that serve as everyday gathering spots for the community.
Nearby Closter Dining
Demarest residents enjoy easy access to Closter's Piermont Road restaurant row, including Italian, American, and seafood options just minutes away.
Demarest's proximity to Closter and Cresskill provides easy access to a wider variety of restaurants, cafés, and cuisines along Piermont Road.
What Parks and Recreation Does Demarest Offer?
Demarest offers the beloved 55-acre Demarest Nature Center, the scenic Duck Pond, and convenient access to the Palisades Interstate Park. The borough's natural spaces are a defining feature of community life.
Demarest Nature Center
A 55-acre volunteer-run nature preserve featuring woodlands, meadows, and walking trails. Free and open to the public daily, it is one of Bergen County's hidden gems for hiking and birdwatching.
Duck Pond
A picturesque, widened section of the Tenakill Brook near Piermont Road and Hardenburgh Avenue. A beloved community gathering spot for fishing, walking, and seasonal activities.
Tenakill Brook Greenway
The Tenakill Brook runs through the borough, creating a natural corridor for walking, nature observation, and quiet outdoor enjoyment.
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.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Demarest, NJ?
Demarest's community life centers on the Nature Center's year-round programs, seasonal borough events, and recreation department programming for all ages.
Demarest Nature Center Programs
Year-round educational programs, nature walks, wildlife observation events, and seasonal celebrations hosted by the volunteer-run nature center.
Community Seasonal Events
The borough hosts holiday celebrations, summer gatherings, and family-oriented community events throughout the year.
Recreation Programs
The borough offers youth sports leagues, summer camps, and community programming for residents of all ages through its recreation department.
Farmers Market & Local Fairs
Seasonal markets and community fairs in neighboring Closter and Norwood provide additional options for local produce, food, and entertainment.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Demarest, NJ?
Demarest 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.
Demarest's commute to Manhattan centers on bus service, driving, and nearby rail access. NJ Transit bus routes serve the area, connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in approximately 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.
By car: Route 9W provides convenient regional access, with the George Washington Bridge approximately 20 minutes away. The bridge crossing adds 10–20 minutes off-peak, with total door-to-door commute times of 40–60 minutes. Route 4 is also accessible for drivers heading south toward Paramus.
By rail: Demarest does not have its own train station, but residents drive to nearby stations — the Closter or Norwood stations on the NJ Transit Main Line provide rail service to Hoboken Terminal, or the Anderson Street station in Hackensack (Pascack Valley Line) offers another option.
Property taxes in Demarest are significant, reflecting the quality of the Northern Valley Regional school system and borough services. Homeowners should budget for Bergen County-level taxes typical of the Pascack Valley area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Demarest, NJ
Is Demarest a good place to live?
How far is Demarest from NYC?
What is the average home price in Demarest?
Are the schools in Demarest good?
Nearby Towns
Closter
Charming small-town downtown with excellent Northern Valley Regional schools.
Cresskill
A quiet borough with walkable charm, strong schools, and proximity to Alpine.
Norwood
A quiet borough with A-rated schools and a residential character.
Haworth
A quiet borough with excellent A+ rated schools and a residential character.
Considering a move to Florida? Read our NJ to Florida Moving Guide for cost comparisons, moving process, and school districts.
Demarest — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Demarest area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Closter Public School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Hillside Elementary School — K–3
- James A. Farley Middle School — 4–5
Middle Schools
- Tenakill Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Closter Public School District.
Private Schools
- The Alpine School — PK–8 | Private, nonsectarian school in nearby 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
- Demarest Early Learning — Infant–PreK | Early childhood programs through local providers and community organizations.
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 Demarest?
Demarest 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.
NJ Transit Bus Routes
NJ Transit bus routes serve the Demarest area, connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times range from 50–70 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 20 minutes from Demarest. GW Bridge toll: $14.79 off-peak, $16.79 peak (E-ZPass). Total door-to-door to Midtown: 40–60 minutes off-peak.
NJ Transit Rail (from nearby stations)
Drive to the Closter or Norwood station (NJ Transit Main Line) or Anderson Street station in Hackensack (Pascack Valley Line) for rail service to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 30–40 minutes.
Average Commute
Demarest residents average approximately 50–65 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via bus or rail, or 40–60 minutes by car off-peak.
What Are the Schools Like in Demarest?
Demarest is served by the Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest (A+ Niche, Blue Ribbon), with Closter Public Schools providing K–8 education. The district is consistently ranked among the top in New Jersey.
Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest
Carries an A+ Niche grade and Blue Ribbon recognition. Known for rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular programs. One of the top public high schools in New Jersey.
Closter Public Schools (K–8)
Demarest students attend Closter Public Schools, including Hillside Elementary (K–3), James A. Farley Middle School (4–5), and Tenakill Middle School (6–8) with top-rated academics.
Bergen County Academies Magnet School
One of the highest-rated public high schools in the nation, accessible to Demarest students through the countywide admissions process for specialized STEM, arts, and business programs.
Nearby Private Schools
The Alpine School (PK–8) in nearby Cresskill offers a private, nonsectarian alternative. Several parochial options are also available in the broader area.
Demarest Nature Center Education
The 55-acre nature center offers educational programs for children and families, including guided nature walks, wildlife observation, and seasonal 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 Demarest?
Demarest's quiet residential character means daily coffee and café visits center on nearby Closter and Cresskill, where a variety of options are just minutes away.
Closter Piermont Road Cafés
Just south of Demarest, Closter's Piermont Road corridor features local cafés, bakeries, and casual coffee spots within a short drive.
Cresskill Piermont Road Options
Cresskill's stretch of Piermont Road also offers cafés and casual dining, extending the range of nearby options for Demarest residents.
Nature-Inspired Mornings
Many Demarest residents enjoy morning walks at the Duck Pond or Nature Center before heading to nearby cafés in Closter or Cresskill.
Is Demarest Good for Pet Owners?
Demarest is excellent for pet owners with the 55-acre Demarest Nature Center, the Duck Pond, and easy access to the Palisades Interstate Park trails.
Demarest Nature Center
The 55-acre nature preserve with walking trails, woodlands, and meadows is perfect for adventurous dog owners. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Palisades Interstate Park (nearby)
Just minutes away via Route 9W, the park offers dramatic Hudson River views and hiking trails suitable for active pet owners.
Veterinary Services in Closter & Cresskill
Full-service veterinary hospitals in neighboring Closter and Cresskill provide wellness exams, surgery, dental care, and emergency services.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are available in nearby Closter, Cresskill, and Paramus, including chain retailers and local pet boutiques.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Demarest?
Englewood Hospital is Demarest's closest major hospital, about 5 miles south. Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck and Hackensack University Medical Center are also accessible.
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
Located about 5 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 10 miles west. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in neighboring Closter, Cresskill, and Norwood.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in neighboring Closter and Cresskill for convenient pharmacy needs.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Demarest?
Demarest's residential character means grocery shopping centers around nearby Closter, with ShopRite and specialty markets easily accessible.
ShopRite of Closter
Full-service supermarket in Closter, just south of Demarest, offering a complete selection of groceries, deli, bakery, and produce.
Local Markets & Delis
Small markets and delis in the Demarest and Closter area serve the community's everyday grocery needs.
Whole Foods Market (Englewood Cliffs)
Whole Foods in Englewood Cliffs offers organic and specialty items, about 15 minutes from Demarest.
Everyday Errands
Daily errands are typically handled in neighboring Closter or Cresskill, which offer banks, pharmacies, dry cleaners, and local shops.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Demarest Offer?
Demarest features the beloved 55-acre Demarest Nature Center, the picturesque Duck Pond on Tenakill Brook, and convenient access to the Palisades Interstate Park.
Demarest Nature Center
A 55-acre volunteer-run nature preserve featuring woodlands, meadows, and walking trails. Free and open to the public daily. One of Bergen County's hidden gems.
Duck Pond
A picturesque, widened section of the Tenakill Brook near Piermont Road and Hardenburgh Avenue. A beloved community gathering spot for fishing and nature observation.
Palisades Interstate Park
Accessible via Route 9W, the 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, creating a natural corridor for walking and nature observation.
Walking & Biking
Demarest's tree-lined residential streets and low-traffic character make it exceptional for walking, jogging, and cycling. The borough's natural setting enhances every outdoor activity.
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