Moonachie
An affordable borough close to the Meadowlands and Teterboro
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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 Moonachie, NJ?
Moonachie is a small borough of approximately 3,100 residents known for its affordability, diverse community, and proximity to Teterboro Airport and the Meadowlands. With median home values of $445K\u2013$575K, it offers accessible entry into Bergen County living.
Moonachie is one of Bergen County's smallest and most affordable boroughs, with a population of approximately 3,100 residents in the southeastern part of the county. Its location near Teterboro Airport and the Meadowlands gives it a distinctive character that blends residential living with the industrial and commercial activity of the surrounding area.
The residential landscape features single-family homes, duplexes, and some multifamily properties at price points well below the Bergen County median. The borough's diversity is reflected in its community, and Moonachie provides a more accessible entry point for buyers looking to establish themselves in Bergen County.
Moonachie is well-connected for commuters, with NJ Transit bus service and easy highway access via Routes 46 and 17. Hackensack, Paramus, and the wider Bergen County retail and medical infrastructure are just minutes away. The Robert L. Craig Elementary School serves the borough's PK\u20138 students, and high school students attend Wood-Ridge High School through a sending agreement.
Schools Serving Moonachie, NJ?
Robert L. Craig School (PK\u20138). Students attend Wood-Ridge HS for 9\u201312.
What Do Homes Cost in Moonachie, NJ in 2026?
Median $445K\u2013$575K. Single-family homes, duplexes, and multifamily. One of Bergen County's most affordable.
How Long Is the Commute from Moonachie to NYC?
NJ Transit bus to Port Authority. Easy highway access via Routes 46/17. 35\u201355 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Moonachie, NJ?
Segovia Restaurant Seafood & Steak
A well-regarded restaurant on Moonachie Road offering seafood, steaks, and Latin-influenced dishes in an elegant setting.
Bistro 107 Cucina Italiana
An Italian restaurant on Moonachie Road serving traditional pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, and classic Italian-American cuisine.
NOVA Burger (nearby)
A casual burger spot in nearby Little Ferry offering creative burgers, fries, and shakes in a laid-back atmosphere.
Nikki's Bar & Grill (nearby)
A neighborhood bar and grill in nearby Little Ferry with pub fare, craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Moonachie's Moonachie Road corridor offers local dining, with Little Ferry, Hackensack, and Paramus providing a wider selection.
What Parks and Recreation Does Moonachie Offer?
Moonachie Memorial Park
A community park with athletic fields, a playground, and open green space for recreation and community events.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A large county park with walking trails, sports facilities, and creek access — just minutes from Moonachie.
Teterboro Airport Area
The surrounding Meadowlands area provides flat terrain for walking and cycling along local roads.
Rizzo Park (nearby)
A neighborhood park in nearby Little Ferry with a playground and open space for casual recreation.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Moonachie, NJ?
Moonachie Community Day
An annual community celebration featuring food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Independence Day Celebration
Annual Fourth of July festivities with community activities and evening celebrations.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive community gathering each December with seasonal refreshments and the official tree lighting.
Cultural Community Events
Community cultural celebrations reflecting Moonachie’s diverse population throughout the year.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Moonachie, NJ?
Moonachie is served by NJ Transit bus routes that connect to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The bus commute typically takes 35\u201355 minutes depending on traffic.
By car, Moonachie has excellent highway access via Routes 46 and 17. The GW Bridge is approximately 20 minutes away, and the Lincoln Tunnel is accessible via Route 3. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 30\u201350 minutes off-peak.
Rail access is available from nearby Hackensack station on the NJ Transit Main Line, providing connections to Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal.
Moonachie — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Moonachie area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Moonachie School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Robert L. Craig Elementary School — PK–8
High Schools
- Wood-Ridge High School (sending district) — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Moonachie School District.
Cooperative Programs
- Sending/Receiving Agreement — Moonachie students attend Wood-Ridge High School through a sending/receiving agreement. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Moonachie Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
How Do You Get to NYC from Moonachie?
Moonachie is well-connected via NJ Transit bus service and has excellent highway access via Routes 46 and 17.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Bus routes serve Moonachie with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 35–55 minutes.
Driving via Routes 46/17
Excellent highway access via Routes 46 and 17. The GW Bridge corridor is about 20 minutes away. Driving to Midtown takes 30–50 minutes off-peak.
NJ Transit Main Line (Hackensack, nearby)
Hackensack station, about 10 minutes away, provides rail service to Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal.
Average Commute
Moonachie residents average approximately 40–55 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via bus.
What Are the Schools Like in Moonachie?
Moonachie's public school system serves PK–8 students, with high school students attending Wood-Ridge High School through a sending agreement.
Robert L. Craig Elementary School
A PK–8 school serving the borough's approximately 3,100 residents.
Wood-Ridge High School
Students attend this regional high school through a sending/receiving agreement for grades 9–12.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in Hackensack and neighboring communities provide additional educational choices.
Moonachie 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 Moonachie?
Moonachie has limited local dining, with neighboring Little Ferry and Hackensack offering a wider selection.
Local Establishments
Small cafés and eateries serve the community in a quiet, residential setting.
Hackensack Options (nearby)
Neighboring Hackensack offers a wider variety of cafés and restaurants just minutes away.
Is Moonachie Good for Pet Owners?
Moonachie offers borough parks and proximity to Overpeck County Park for outdoor activities with pets.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in neighboring Hackensack, Little Ferry, and Paramus provide comprehensive pet care.
Borough Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for casual leashed dog walks.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A major county park with walking paths, just minutes from Moonachie.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Hackensack and Paramus.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Moonachie?
Hackensack University Medical Center is close by, with other hospitals also accessible.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 5 miles away. A Level I Trauma Center.
Englewood Hospital
A community hospital about 10 miles south providing emergency and specialty care.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Moonachie and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in neighboring Hackensack and Little Ferry.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Moonachie?
Moonachie has limited local retail and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Hackensack and Paramus.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis in the Moonachie area serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (Hackensack, nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in nearby Hackensack provide complete grocery selections.
Everyday Errands
Moonachie's small commercial area provides basic daily needs with larger shopping in neighboring towns.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Moonachie Offer?
Moonachie offers borough parks and easy access to Overpeck County Park for outdoor recreation.
Borough Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space for community recreation.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A major county park with trails, sports fields, and creek-side paths — just minutes away.
Walking & Biking
Moonachie's flat terrain and residential streets make it suitable for walking and cycling.
Renting in Moonachie
A small borough with easy highway access, competitive rents, and Meadowlands proximity.
Rental Market Snapshot
What Renters Are Paying
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,700 — $2,100/mo |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,900 — $2,400/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,300 — $3,000/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,700 — $3,600/mo |
Average rent across all unit types: approximately $2,100/mo.
What You Get for That Rent
Moonachie is a small, quiet borough in central Bergen County with easy highway access. The rental market includes garden-style apartments, townhome rentals, and newer developments. Most buildings include parking, and the Moonachie Public Library and its proximity to the Meadowlands are community highlights.
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)
Small-Town Bergen With Meadowlands Access
Moonachie offers a rental experience that is distinctly different from the Gold Coast high-rises along the Hudson. Here, you get a small-town atmosphere with quiet streets, a diverse community, and the kind of authentic Bergen County living that is becoming harder to find. The borough's residential feel is one of its strongest draws for renters who want to live in Bergen County without the premium price tag or the constant bustle of busier towns.
The Moonachie Public Library is a community anchor, local parks provide green space for walks and recreation, and the Meadowlands sports and entertainment complex is just minutes away. MetLife Stadium, the Meadowlands racetrack, and the American Dream mall are all close enough to enjoy on a regular basis. The nearby Hackensack River offers walking and biking opportunities along the Hackensack RiverWalk, and Overpeck County Park is a short drive for a more extensive outdoor experience.
For daily errands, the commercial corridor along Moonachie Road has local businesses and services, while the larger retail hubs of Hackensack and Paramus are a few minutes' drive. The borough's location provides easy access to Routes 46 and 17, making trips to shopping, dining, and entertainment across central Bergen County extremely convenient. For renters, Moonachie represents a practical, affordable entry point into Bergen County living that prioritizes quiet comfort and accessibility over flash.
Commute Options for Renters
NJ Transit Bus
- → Route: NJ Transit bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal
- → Time: 35–55 minutes depending on traffic
- → Stops: Along Moonachie Road and nearby routes
- → Monthly pass: approximately $110–$130 (Zone 2–3)
- → Best for: Daily commuters to Midtown Manhattan
NJ Transit Train (Nearby)
- → Stations: Teterboro or Wood-Ridge on the Pascack Valley Line
- → Time: 45–60 minutes to Hoboken or Penn Station
- → Frequency: Hourly, more frequent during peak hours
- → Parking: Available at nearby station lots
- → Best for: Commuters who prefer rail over bus
Driving
- → Route: Routes 46/17 to GWB or Lincoln Tunnel
- → Time: 20 min to GWB (off-peak), 40–60 min to Midtown
- → Tolls: GWB approx $15 cash / $13 E-ZPass
- → Parking: Most Moonachie rentals include one space
- → Best for: Those who work off-peak or commute to NJ locations
What It Actually Costs to Rent in Moonachie
Monthly Rent
Median $2,100/mo
for a typical 1-2 bedroom apartment
Security Deposit
Capped at 1.5 months' rent
by NJ law, held in escrow
Utilities
Electric $80–$130/mo
gas $40–$60/mo, water $30–$45/mo
Internet
Comcast and Verizon Fios
$50–$80/mo for standard plans
Parking
Most buildings include one space
Additional spaces $75–$150/mo
Pet Costs
Monthly pet rent $25–$50
Some buildings require a one-time pet deposit
All figures are estimates based on current Moonachie market data. Actual costs vary by building, unit size, and lease terms.
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