Hillsdale
A suburban borough with a walkable downtown and train access
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By Scott Selleck \u2014 Licensed New Jersey Real Estate Agent | Licensed since 1993 in Bergen & Hudson Counties | The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Last updated: June 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Hillsdale, NJ?
Hillsdale is a borough of approximately 10,200 residents known for its walkable downtown, schools, and direct NJ Transit train service. With median home values around $870K, it offers a well-rounded suburban lifestyle in the Pascack Valley region.
Hillsdale is a charming borough in the Pascack Valley region of Bergen County, distinguished by its walkable Broadway downtown, direct NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line train access, and schools. With approximately 10,200 residents, Hillsdale strikes a balance between small-town character and commuter convenience that appeals to a wide range of homebuyers.
The residential landscape features a mix of colonials, capes, ranches, and split-level homes on tree-lined streets with generous lots. The Hillsdale School District (PK\u20138), and students attend Pascack Hills High School for grades 9\u201312 \u2014 a top regional school and athletics. The combination of local schools and convenient Manhattan access makes Hillsdale a perennial favorite among Bergen County buyers.
The Broadway downtown corridor offers a selection of restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and local shops, giving Hillsdale a genuine small-town feel that many Bergen County suburbs lack. The Hillsdale train station provides direct NJ Transit service to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken Terminal, and the Route 17 corridor is just minutes away for highway commuters.
Schools Serving Hillsdale, NJ?
Hillsdale School (PK\u20138) and Pascack Hills High School offer academics and athletics.
What Do Homes Cost in Hillsdale, NJ in 2026?
Median around $870K. Colonials, capes, and ranches on tree-lined streets. Strong demand from commuters.
How Long Is the Commute from Hillsdale to NYC?
NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line direct to Secaucus Junction/Hoboken. Coach USA bus option. 45\u201360 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Hillsdale, NJ?
The Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar
A popular American restaurant on Broadway offering craft cocktails, seasonal dishes, and a lively bar atmosphere in a polished setting.
Fig & Tomato Italian European Eatery
An Italian and European eatery on Park Avenue offering fresh pasta, wood-fired dishes, and an inviting atmosphere.
Koon Thai Eatery Hillsdale
A Thai restaurant on Broadway serving authentic dishes from curries to noodle bowls in a casual setting.
Bacari Grill
A refined American bistro in nearby Township of Washington with seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and a polished atmosphere.
Hillsdale's Broadway downtown offers a mix of local restaurants and caf\u00e9s within walking distance of the train station.
What Parks and Recreation Does Hillsdale Offer?
Hillsdale Community Park
A central community park with athletic fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, and open green space for recreation and community events.
Wood-Ridge Community Park (nearby)
A nearby park with walking paths and recreational facilities just a short drive from Hillsdale.
Van Riper-Hulse Park
A local park with wooded trails and open space offering a quiet retreat for nature walks and outdoor activities.
Pascack Brook County Park (nearby)
A linear park with paved trails running along the Pascack Brook, connecting neighboring communities.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Hillsdale, NJ?
Hillsdale Farmers Market
Weekly seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from Bergen County vendors.
Independence Day Celebration
Annual Fourth of July festivities with community activities, live music, and evening fireworks.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive community gathering each December with caroling, hot cocoa, and the official tree lighting ceremony.
Hillsdale Community Day
An annual celebration with food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages in the borough.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Hillsdale, NJ?
Hillsdale is served by the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line, with the Hillsdale station offering direct service to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken Terminal. From Secaucus, transfer to NJ Transit trains to Penn Station or PATH to Midtown Manhattan. Total commute is approximately 45\u201360 minutes.
Bus service via Coach USA/Rockland Coaches provides direct access to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, often a faster option during peak commute hours.
By car, Hillsdale is accessible via Broadway and the Route 17 corridor. Driving to Midtown Manhattan takes approximately 35\u201355 minutes off-peak, with easy access to the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors.
Hillsdale — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Hillsdale area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Hillsdale School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Hillsdale School — PK–8
High Schools
- Pascack Hills High School (regional) — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Hillsdale School District.
Cooperative Programs
- Pascack Valley Regional High School District — Hillsdale students attend Pascack Hills High School as part of this regional district serving multiple communities. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Hillsdale Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
How Do You Get to NYC from Hillsdale?
Hillsdale is served by NJ Transit rail on the Pascack Valley Line with direct trains to Hoboken Terminal. Express bus service to the Port Authority is also available.
NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line
The Hillsdale train station provides direct service to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 30 minutes. Connect at Secaucus Junction for Penn Station service.
Coach USA Bus to Port Authority
Express bus service provides a direct route to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 50–65 minutes.
Driving via Route 17
Route 17 provides highway access to the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 35–55 minutes off-peak.
Average Commute
Hillsdale residents average approximately 45–60 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via train.
What Are the Schools Like in Hillsdale?
Hillsdale's public schools serve the community well, with the Hillsdale School District (PK–8) and Pascack Hills Regional High School (9–12) offering schools.
Hillsdale Public Schools
Schools serving the borough's approximately 10,200 residents in a community setting.
Pascack Hills High School
Students attend this regional high school serving Hillsdale and Woodcliff Lake, offering academics and athletics.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in neighboring communities provide additional educational choices.
Hillsdale Public Library
The borough library offers programs for all ages and community resources.
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 Hillsdale?
Hillsdale has a walkable Broadway downtown with local cafés and restaurants serving the community.
Broadway Cafés
Local coffee shops and eateries along Hillsdale's Broadway downtown serve the community in a walkable setting.
Nearby Dining
Neighboring Westwood and Park Ridge offer additional café and restaurant options.
Is Hillsdale Good for Pet Owners?
Hillsdale is pet-friendly with walkable streets, borough parks, and proximity to nature areas in the Pascack Valley.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in neighboring Westwood, Park Ridge, and Woodcliff Lake provide pet care.
Borough Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks.
Pascack Valley Trails
Walking paths and natural areas throughout the Pascack Valley provide outdoor activities for pet owners.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Paramus and the Route 17 corridor.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Hillsdale?
The Valley Hospital in Paramus and Hackensack University Medical Center are both accessible from Hillsdale.
The Valley Hospital (Paramus)
A 450-bed hospital about 10 minutes away, providing emergency and specialty care.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 10 miles away. A Level I Trauma Center.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Hillsdale and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in Hillsdale and nearby Paramus.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Hillsdale?
Hillsdale has local markets along Broadway and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Paramus and the Route 17 corridor.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis along Hillsdale's Broadway downtown serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in nearby Paramus provide complete grocery selections.
Trader Joe's (Paramus, nearby)
Popular specialty grocery at Paramus Park, about 15 minutes away.
Everyday Errands
Hillsdale's walkable Broadway provides banks, shops, and specialty stores for daily needs.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Hillsdale Offer?
Hillsdale offers borough parks and proximity to the Pascack Valley trail system and county parks.
Borough Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space for community recreation.
Pascack Brook County Park
A linear park with paved trails running along the Pascack Brook for walking and cycling.
Walking & Biking
Hillsdale's tree-lined residential streets and walkable downtown make it excellent for walking and cycling.
Renting in Hillsdale
A quiet borough with a walkable downtown, great schools, and a small-town feel.
Rental Market Snapshot
What Renters Are Paying
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,000 to $2,400/mo |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,200 to $2,700/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,600 to $3,300/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,200 to $4,200/mo |
Average rent across all unit types: approximately $2,500/mo.
What You Get for That Rent
Hillsdale is a quiet, family-friendly borough in northwest Bergen County with a walkable downtown along Broadway. The rental market includes garden-style apartments, townhome rentals, and newer developments. Most buildings include parking, and the Hillsdale Public Library and town parks are community gathering spots.
New Jersey Is One of the Most Renter-Friendly States in the Country
Security Deposit Protection
New Jersey caps security deposits at 1.5 months' rent. Landlords must hold your deposit in a separate interest-bearing account, and all accrued interest belongs to you. When you move out, your deposit must be returned within 30 days with an itemized statement of any deductions.
Anti-Eviction Protections
New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act requires landlords to demonstrate just cause to terminate a tenancy, even at the end of a lease. This means you cannot be non-renewed without reason. Rent increases must also follow established notice requirements.
Required Disclosures
Before signing a lease, your landlord must provide a Truth in Renting statement explaining your rights, the required notice period for rent increases, and the terms under which your deposit is held. This disclosure is mandated by state law.
Source: New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Rent Security Deposit Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 through 46:8-26)
A Quiet Borough With Real Character
Hillsdale is one of northwest Bergen County's most charming small boroughs. The downtown along Broadway has a walkable village feel with local restaurants, shops, and community events. The Hillsdale Public Library is a hub, and the town's parks and recreation facilities are popular with families.
The residential neighborhoods are tree-lined and quiet, with a mix of single-family homes and smaller apartment complexes. The schools are well-regarded, and the community has a strong sense of local pride that comes through in the farmers market, holiday celebrations, and everyday life along Broadway.
For renters, Hillsdale offers a lifestyle that is hard to find at this price point in Bergen County: genuine small-town character with a walkable downtown, excellent schools, and a train station that gets you to Manhattan in under an hour. It is a place where neighbors know each other and community matters.
Scott Selleck knows the Hillsdale rental market inside and out. If you are considering renting in the Pascack Valley, he can help you find the right building and neighborhood for your lifestyle.
Commute Options for Renters
NJ Transit Bus 166/171
- → Route: Hillsdale to Port Authority
- → Time: 35-50 minutes
- → Monthly pass: approximately $110
NJ Transit Train (from nearby Westwood)
- → Route: To Hoboken
- → Time: 45-55 minutes
- → Monthly pass: approximately $150
Driving
- → Route: Route 17 or Garden State Parkway to GWB
- → Time: 20-25 minutes to GWB
- → Tolls: GWB $16 cash, $13.75 E-ZPass off-peak
- → Parking: Most buildings include parking
What It Actually Costs to Rent in Hillsdale
Monthly Rent
Median $2,500/mo
for a typical 1-2 bedroom apartment
Security Deposit
Capped at 1.5 months' rent
by NJ law, held in escrow
Utilities
Electric $100-$155/mo
gas $50-$70/mo, water $40-$55/mo
Internet
Comcast and Verizon Fios
$60-$90/mo for standard plans
Parking
Most buildings include parking
Included with most rentals
Pet Costs
Varies by landlord
Some buildings require pet deposit or monthly pet rent
All figures are estimates based on current Hillsdale market data as of August 2026. Actual costs vary by building, unit size, and lease terms.
Thinking About Hillsdale?
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Downtown shopping and NJ Transit rail.
Emerson
Pascack Valley community with a train station.
Park Ridge
Leafy Bergen County village.
River Vale
Quiet residential borough near the state line.
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