Old Tappan
An upscale borough with excellent schools and estate-style homes
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 Old Tappan, NJ?
Old Tappan is an upscale borough of approximately 6,000 residents near the New York State border, known for its excellent schools, estate-style homes, and quiet residential character. With median home values of $950K\u2013$1.45M+, it is one of Bergen County's most desirable addresses.
Old Tappan is one of Bergen County's most prestigious boroughs, a community of approximately 6,000 residents in the Pascack Valley region near the New York State border. Known for its spacious estate-style homes, top-rated schools, and a quiet residential atmosphere, Old Tappan consistently ranks among the most desirable communities in northern New Jersey.
The residential landscape features grand colonials, custom estates, and contemporary homes on large lots with mature landscaping and ample privacy. The Old Tappan Public School District (PK\u20138) holds an A rating on Niche, 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 Old Tappan particularly attractive to education-focused homebuyers.
Old Tappan has a low-density residential character with limited commercial development, relying on neighboring Norwood, Northvale, and the Closter area for shopping and dining. 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 Old Tappan, NJ?
Rated A on Niche.com. Old Tappan School (PK\u20138) and Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan (A+).
What Do Homes Cost in Old Tappan, NJ in 2026?
Median $950K\u2013$1.45M+. Estate-style homes on large lots. Premium pricing for privacy and top schools.
How Long Is the Commute from Old Tappan to NYC?
NJ Transit bus to Port Authority. Driving via GSP/Palisades. 50\u201365 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Old Tappan, NJ?
Bosfa Italian Restaurant
An Italian restaurant on Old Tappan Road serving classic pasta dishes, seafood, and traditional Italian fare in a warm setting.
Aurora Restaurant
A well-regarded Italian restaurant on Old Tappan Road offering refined Italian cuisine, handmade pasta, and a polished atmosphere.
Giulio's Restaurant (nearby)
A popular Italian restaurant in nearby Tappan, NY serving classic Italian-American dishes and pizza.
Joe and Joe (nearby)
A well-known pizzeria in nearby Pearl River, NY, serving classic New York-style pizza and Italian dishes.
Old Tappan's dining options are limited within the borough, with nearby Pearl River, NY and neighboring Bergen County towns offering a wider selection.
What Parks and Recreation Does Old Tappan Offer?
Old Tappan Borough Park
A community park with athletic fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, 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.
Pascack Brook County Park (nearby)
A linear park with paved trails running along the Pascack Brook, connecting neighboring communities.
Tappan Zee Area (nearby)
The nearby Hudson River waterfront provides scenic walking paths and nature observation opportunities.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Old Tappan, NJ?
Old Tappan 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 ceremony.
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 Old Tappan, NJ?
Old Tappan 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, Old Tappan 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 Norwood, Closter, or Demarest stations on the Pascack Valley Line, providing service to Hoboken Terminal and connections to Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
Old Tappan — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Old Tappan area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Old Tappan School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Old Tappan Public School — PK–8
High Schools
- Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Old Tappan School District.
Cooperative Programs
- Northern Valley Regional High School District — Old Tappan students attend Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan as part of this regional district. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Old Tappan 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 Old Tappan?
Old Tappan 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 Old Tappan with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 50–65 minutes.
Pascack Valley Line (Norwood/Closter, 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
Old Tappan residents average approximately 55–70 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via bus.
What Are the Schools Like in Old Tappan?
Old Tappan's public school system serves PK–8 students, with high school students attending Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan.
Old Tappan Public School
A PK–8 school serving the borough's approximately 6,000 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 communities provide additional educational choices.
Old Tappan 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 Old Tappan?
Old Tappan has limited local dining and is minutes from Northvale and Closter 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 Old Tappan Good for Pet Owners?
Old Tappan is excellent for pet owners with large properties, low-traffic streets, and proximity to nature areas.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in neighboring Norwood, Northvale, and Closter 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 Old Tappan?
Englewood Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center are both accessible from Old Tappan.
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 Old Tappan and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in nearby Closter and Norwood.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Old Tappan?
Old Tappan has limited local retail and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Closter and Paramus.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis in the Old Tappan area serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (Closter, nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in nearby Closter provide complete grocery selections.
Everyday Errands
Old Tappan's small commercial area provides basic daily needs with larger shopping in neighboring Closter.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Old Tappan Offer?
Old Tappan 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.
Wood Dale County Park (nearby)
A serene county park with walking trails and fishing along the Woodcliff Lake reservoir.
Walking & Biking
Old Tappan's quiet, tree-lined residential streets make it excellent for walking and cycling.
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