Elmwood Park
An affordable Bergen County entry point with cultural diversity
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 Elmwood Park, NJ?
Elmwood Park is a diverse Bergen County borough of approximately 21,200 residents with median home values of $456K–$575K. Known for its affordable entry point to Bergen County, strong cultural scene, and convenient highway access via Routes 3, 46, and 80, Elmwood Park offers practical suburban living with real community character.
Elmwood Park sits on the western edge of Bergen County, bordered by Fair Lawn to the north, Garfield to the west, and Paterson to the south. The borough's location at the junction of several major highways makes it one of the most commuter-friendly communities in the county, with easy access to the Lincoln Tunnel, George Washington Bridge, and New Jersey Turnpike.
The housing stock is diverse, including multi-family homes, condominiums, and single-family homes — many dating from the borough's significant residential development in the 1950s and 1960s. This mix of housing types, combined with relatively moderate Bergen County property taxes, makes Elmwood Park accessible to first-time buyers, young families, and anyone seeking Bergen County living without the premium price tag.
The borough's cultural scene benefits from its proximity to Paterson — home to the Great Falls National Historical Park, the Paterson Museum, and a vibrant multicultural food scene. Elmwood Park's own Market Street and Broadway corridors are seeing improving commercial activity, with new restaurants and shops contributing to a growing sense of community identity. Browse Scott's current listings in Elmwood Park and surrounding Bergen County towns.
Schools Serving Elmwood Park, NJ
Elmwood Park Public Schools (PreK–12) with five schools including Elmwood Park Memorial High School.
What Do Homes Cost in Elmwood Park, NJ in 2026?
Median list prices from $456K to $575K. Multi-family homes, condos, and single-family homes.
How Long Is the Commute from Elmwood Park to NYC?
NJ Transit bus to Port Authority. 30–50 min. Close to Routes 3, 46, 80, and Lincoln Tunnel.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Elmwood Park, NJ?
Elmwood Park's dining scene centers along Market Street and Broadway, with a diverse mix of Italian, Greek, Indian, and American restaurants reflecting the borough's multicultural community.
Tiramisu Restaurante
A well-regarded Italian restaurant on Market Street serving classic pasta dishes, seafood, and Italian specialties in an elegant, warm atmosphere. A local favorite for special occasions.
Taverna Mykonos
A popular Greek restaurant and bar on Broadway serving Mediterranean dishes, grilled meats, and seafood in a lively atmosphere. Known for generous portions and a vibrant weekend scene.
The Spice Room
An Indian restaurant on Market Street offering a wide range of traditional Indian dishes with bold flavors and generous portions. A growing favorite in the borough.
Blue 42 Restaurant and Bar
A casual American restaurant and bar on Market Street serving pub fare, craft beers, and cocktails in a relaxed, neighborhood setting.
Elmwood Park's local restaurants pair well with Paterson's renowned multicultural food scene, just minutes to the south.
What Parks and Recreation Does Elmwood Park Offer?
Elmwood Park offers Borough Park with its playground and spray park, a recreation complex with gymnasium, and scenic green spaces. The borough's recreation department provides active programming year-round.
Borough Park
Elmwood Park's primary community park featuring a playground, spray park, basketball court, and baseball/soccer fields. A central recreation hub for families and community events.
Mola Boulevard Recreation Complex
The borough's recreation complex featuring a gymnasium, weight room, senior lounge, and nutrition center. Hosts indoor sports, fitness programs, and community activities year-round.
Elmwood Park Memorial Library Park
Green space near the public library offering a quiet setting for reading, walking, and casual outdoor enjoyment.
Barbour Pond Park
A scenic park with a pond offering fishing, walking paths, and a peaceful natural setting within the borough.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Elmwood Park, NJ?
Elmwood Park hosts a Spring Festival, Community Day with fireworks, summer concerts, and year-round holiday events through its recreation department. The borough's events reflect its active, diverse community.
Elmwood Park Spring Festival
An annual spring celebration featuring food vendors, live entertainment, rides, and activities for the entire community. A highlight of the borough's social calendar.
Community Day
An annual fall celebration featuring food, games, live music, and fireworks. One of Elmwood Park's most popular community events, drawing residents from across the borough.
Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts held in Borough Park during summer months, featuring local musicians and community entertainment on warm evenings.
Holiday Events
The borough hosts holiday tree lightings, Easter egg hunts, Halloween contests, and seasonal gatherings throughout the year through the recreation department.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Elmwood Park, NJ?
Elmwood Park is one of Bergen County's most highway-accessible boroughs, with Routes 3, 46, and 80 providing multiple options for car commuters. NJ Transit bus routes also provide direct service to the Port Authority.
Elmwood Park's commute to Manhattan is supported by multiple NJ Transit bus routes. Routes 144 (express during peak hours), 151, 160, and 161 provide direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, with travel times typically between 30 and 50 minutes.
By car: Elmwood Park's location at the junction of Routes 3, 46, and 80 provides exceptional highway access. The Lincoln Tunnel is approximately 20–30 minutes off-peak via Route 3, and the George Washington Bridge is accessible via Route 46 and I-80. The New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) is also easily reached.
By rail: Elmwood Park does not have its own train station, but residents drive to nearby stations — the Passaic-Bergen or Garfield stations on NJ Transit lines provide rail service, and the Paterson station offers additional options. The Secaucus Junction hub provides connections to Penn Station.
Property taxes in Elmwood Park are moderate relative to Bergen County averages, reflecting the borough's mix of residential and commercial tax base. The diverse housing stock, including multi-family properties, can affect individual tax assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Elmwood Park, NJ
Is Elmwood Park a good place to live?
How far is Elmwood Park from NYC?
What is the average home price in Elmwood Park?
Are the schools in Elmwood Park good?
Nearby Towns
Fair Lawn
Bergen County's retail capital with major shopping and commuter access.
Garfield
A diverse city with affordable housing and growing commercial corridors.
Hackensack
Bergen County's seat of government and retail hub.
Saddle Brook
Affordable township living with strong highway access.
Considering a move to Florida? Read our NJ to Florida Moving Guide for cost comparisons, moving process, and school districts.
Elmwood Park — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Elmwood Park area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Elmwood Park Public Schools serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Elmwood Park Memorial Elementary School — PreK–5
- Gilbert Avenue Elementary School — PreK–5
- Fallen Timbers Elementary School — PreK–5
Middle Schools
- Elmwood Park Memorial Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Elmwood Park Memorial High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Elmwood Park Public Schools.
Cooperative Programs
- Bergen County Academies Magnet School — Accessible through countywide admissions for specialized STEM, arts, and business programs. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Elmwood Park 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 Elmwood Park?
Elmwood Park is one of Bergen County's most highway-accessible boroughs, with Routes 3, 46, and 80 providing multiple options. NJ Transit bus routes also provide direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
NJ Transit Bus Routes 144, 151, 160, 161
Multiple NJ Transit bus routes provide direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Route 144 offers express service during weekday peak hours. Commute times range from 30–50 minutes.
Driving via Route 3 and Lincoln Tunnel
Route 3 provides direct Lincoln Tunnel access, approximately 20–30 minutes off-peak to Midtown Manhattan. One of the most convenient car commute corridors in Bergen County.
Driving via Route 46/80 and GW Bridge
Route 46 and I-80 provide access to the George Washington Bridge, approximately 25–35 minutes off-peak. Useful for commuters heading to northern Manhattan or the Bronx.
NJ Transit Rail (from nearby stations)
Drive to the Garfield or Passaic-Bergen station for rail service, or use the Paterson station for additional options. Secaucus Junction provides connections to Penn Station.
Average Commute
Elmwood Park residents average approximately 30–50 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via bus, or 20–35 minutes by car off-peak.
What Are the Schools Like in Elmwood Park?
Elmwood Park Public Schools serve students from PreK through 12th grade across five schools. The district provides community-oriented public education with active parental involvement.
Elmwood Park Public Schools (PreK–12)
Three elementary schools (Memorial, Gilbert Avenue, Fallen Timbers), Memorial Middle School (6–8), and Elmwood Park Memorial High School (9–12) serve approximately 21,200 residents.
Elmwood Park Memorial High School
The borough's public high school offering a range of academic programs, AP courses, athletics, and extracurricular activities for grades 9–12.
Bergen County Academies Magnet School
One of the highest-rated public high schools in the nation, accessible to Elmwood Park students through the countywide admissions process for specialized STEM, arts, and business programs.
Nearby Private & Parochial Schools
Several private and parochial school options are available in neighboring Paterson, Fair Lawn, and Hackensack for families seeking alternatives to public education.
Elmwood Park 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 Elmwood Park?
Elmwood Park's Market Street and Broadway corridors feature local cafés, bakeries, and casual dining spots serving the diverse community.
Market Street Cafés
Elmwood Park's Market Street corridor features local cafés and bakeries serving daily coffee and pastry needs. The improving commercial activity has brought new options in recent years.
Broadway Dining
The borough's Broadway corridor includes casual dining spots and bakeries reflecting the community's diverse culinary preferences.
Paterson Coffee Scene (nearby)
Paterson's vibrant multicultural food scene, just minutes south, offers additional coffee and bakery options in a variety of cultural traditions.
Is Elmwood Park Good for Pet Owners?
Elmwood Park is pet-friendly with Borough Park, walking paths, and veterinary services in neighboring towns.
Borough Park & Community Spaces
Borough Park and other community green spaces provide open area for casual walks with pets in a residential setting.
Barbour Pond Park
A scenic park with a pond and walking paths, offering a pleasant setting for dog walks in a natural environment.
Veterinary Services
Veterinary hospitals in neighboring Fair Lawn, Garfield, and Paterson provide wellness exams, surgery, dental care, and emergency services.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are available in nearby Paramus, Fair Lawn, and Paterson, including chain retailers and local options.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Elmwood Park?
Hackensack University Medical Center, one of New Jersey's largest hospitals, is approximately 5 miles southeast. St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson is also nearby.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive hospitals, approximately 5 miles southeast. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs.
St. Joseph's University Medical Center (Paterson)
A 651-bed major teaching hospital in nearby Paterson, about 5 minutes south. Part of the Catholic Health system with comprehensive emergency and specialty services.
Chilton Medical Center (Pompton Plains)
A community hospital approximately 20 minutes north, offering emergency care and outpatient services.
Primary Care & Urgent Care
Primary care physicians and urgent care centers are available in Elmwood Park, Fair Lawn, and neighboring towns.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and local pharmacies are available along Market Street and Broadway and in neighboring Fair Lawn and Paterson.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Elmwood Park?
Elmwood Park's grocery options include local markets along the commercial corridors, with larger supermarkets in neighboring Fair Lawn and Paramus.
Local Markets & Delis
Elmwood Park's Market Street and Broadway corridors include local markets, delis, and specialty food shops serving everyday grocery needs.
ShopRite of Fair Lawn (nearby)
Full-service supermarket in neighboring Fair Lawn, about 5 minutes north, offering a complete grocery selection.
ALDI (nearby)
Discount grocery options in the broader Bergen County area provide budget-friendly shopping within a short drive.
Everyday Errands
Elmwood Park's commercial corridors include dry cleaners, banks, pharmacies, and specialty shops. Larger shopping is available in nearby Paramus and Hackensack.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Elmwood Park Offer?
Elmwood Park offers Borough Park with playgrounds and spray park, a recreation complex, and scenic green spaces including Barbour Pond.
Borough Park
Elmwood Park's primary community park featuring a playground, spray park, basketball court, and baseball/soccer fields. A central recreation hub for families.
Mola Boulevard Recreation Complex
The borough's recreation complex featuring a gymnasium, weight room, senior lounge, and nutrition center. Hosts indoor sports and fitness programs year-round.
Barbour Pond Park
A scenic park with a pond offering fishing, walking paths, and a peaceful natural setting within the borough.
Elmwood Park Memorial Library Park
Green space near the public library offering a quiet setting for reading and casual outdoor enjoyment.
Walking & Biking
Elmwood Park's residential streets and park paths are suitable for walking and cycling. The borough's compact layout makes it easy to navigate on foot.
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Sources & Learn More — Elmwood Park
- Borough of Elmwood Park — Official Website
- Elmwood Park Public Schools — NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- Hackensack University Medical Center
- St. Joseph's University Medical Center
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors — Market Data
- GreatSchools.org — School Ratings & Reviews