Norwood
A quiet borough with good schools and a residential character
By Scott Selleck \u2014 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 Norwood, NJ?
Norwood is a quiet borough of approximately 5,700 residents known for its good schools, residential character, and proximity to Harrington Park and Old Tappan. With median home values of $860K\u2013$999K, it offers upscale suburban living in the Pascack Valley region.
Norwood is a quiet, residential borough in the Pascack Valley region of northwestern Bergen County, with approximately 5,700 residents. Its location between Harrington Park, Old Tappan, and Closter gives it a distinctive character that blends small-town peace with convenient access to neighboring communities. The borough is known for its tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes, and a strong sense of community.
The residential landscape features colonials, capes, and contemporary homes on generous lots with mature landscaping. The Norwood Public School (PK\u20138) serves the community, and students attend Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan for grades 9\u201312 \u2014 one of the highest-performing high schools in the state. The combination of local schools and a top-tier regional high school makes Norwood particularly attractive to education-focused homebuyers.
While Norwood has a low-density residential character, it is just minutes from the shops and restaurants of Closter and Old Tappan. NJ Transit bus service provides connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and the borough's location near the Garden State Parkway keeps it well-connected to the broader region.
Schools Serving Norwood, NJ?
Rated A on Niche.com. Norwood Public School (PK\u20138) and Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan.
What Do Homes Cost in Norwood, NJ in 2026?
Median $860K\u2013$999K. Colonials, capes, and contemporary homes on generous lots. Premium pricing.
How Long Is the Commute from Norwood to NYC?
NJ Transit bus to Port Authority. Driving via GSP/Palisades. 50\u201365 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Norwood, NJ?
Gerry's Place
A popular restaurant on Broadway serving American and Italian dishes, comfort food, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere.
Fantastic Foods & Flavors
A specialty food shop on Livingston Street offering unique flavors, artisanal products, and prepared foods.
Bosfa Italian Restaurant (nearby)
An Italian restaurant on Old Tappan Rd in nearby Old Tappan serving classic pasta dishes and Italian fare.
Aurora Restaurant (nearby)
A well-regarded Italian restaurant on Old Tappan Rd in Old Tappan serving refined Italian cuisine.
Norwood's dining options are limited, with neighboring Closter, Old Tappan, and Harrington Park offering a wider selection.
What Parks and Recreation Does Norwood Offer?
Norwood Borough Park
A community park with athletic fields, a playground, and open green space for recreation and community events.
Wood Dale County Park (nearby)
A serene Bergen County park with walking trails, fishing, and picnicking along the Woodcliff Lake reservoir.
Harrington Park Nature Preserve (nearby)
A nature preserve in nearby Harrington Park with walking trails and wooded areas for nature observation.
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 Norwood, NJ?
Norwood 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, live music, and evening celebrations.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive community gathering each December with seasonal refreshments and the official tree lighting.
Summer Concert Series
Live music performances in local parks during summer months, bringing neighbors together for evening entertainment.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Norwood, NJ?
Norwood is served by NJ Transit bus routes that connect to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The bus commute typically takes 50\u201365 minutes depending on traffic.
By car, Norwood is accessible via the Garden State Parkway and nearby Route 9W. The GW Bridge is approximately 25 minutes away. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 45\u201360 minutes off-peak.
Rail access is available from nearby Closter or Demarest stations on the Pascack Valley Line, providing service to Hoboken Terminal and connections to Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
Norwood — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Norwood area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Norwood School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Norwood Public School — PK–8
High Schools
- Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Norwood School District.
Cooperative Programs
- Northern Valley Regional High School District — Norwood students attend Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan as part of this regional district. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Norwood Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
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 Norwood?
Norwood is primarily car-dependent with NJ Transit bus service to the Port Authority. Nearby rail access is available on the Pascack Valley Line.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Bus routes serve Norwood with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 50–65 minutes.
Pascack Valley Line (Closter/Demarest, nearby)
Nearby train stations provide rail service to Hoboken Terminal and Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
Driving via Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway provides efficient north-south access. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 45–60 minutes off-peak.
Average Commute
Norwood residents average approximately 55–70 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via bus.
What Are the Schools Like in Norwood?
Norwood's public school system serves PK–8 students, with high school students attending Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan.
Norwood Public School
A PK–8 school serving the borough's approximately 5,700 residents with strong academics.
Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan
Students attend this highly rated regional high school offering academics, athletics, and extensive extracurriculars.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in neighboring Closter, Old Tappan, and Harrington Park provide additional educational choices.
Norwood 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 Norwood?
Norwood has limited local dining and is minutes from Closter's shops and Old Tappan restaurants.
Local Establishments
Small cafés and eateries serve the community in a quiet, residential setting.
Closter Town Center (nearby)
Neighboring Closter offers restaurants, cafés, and shopping just minutes away.
Is Norwood Good for Pet Owners?
Norwood is excellent for pet owners with low-traffic streets, large properties, and proximity to nature areas.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in neighboring Closter, Old Tappan, and Harrington Park provide comprehensive pet care.
Borough Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks in a quiet residential setting.
Nearby Nature Areas
County parks and nature preserves provide walking trails for outdoor activities with pets.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Closter and Paramus.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Norwood?
Englewood Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center are both accessible from Norwood.
Englewood Hospital
A community hospital about 8 miles south, providing emergency and specialty care.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 12 miles away. A Level I Trauma Center.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Norwood and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in nearby Closter and Old Tappan.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Norwood?
Norwood has limited local retail and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Closter and Paramus.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis in the Norwood area serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (Closter, nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in nearby Closter provide complete grocery selections.
Everyday Errands
Norwood's small commercial area provides basic daily needs with larger shopping in neighboring Closter.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Norwood Offer?
Norwood offers borough parks and proximity to county parks and nature areas in the Pascack Valley.
Borough Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space for community recreation.
Harrington Park Nature Preserve (nearby)
A nature preserve with walking trails and wooded areas for nature observation.
Walking & Biking
Norwood's quiet, tree-lined residential streets make it excellent for walking and cycling.
Thinking About Norwood?
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