Paramus
Bergen County's retail capital with residential character
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 Paramus, NJ?
Paramus is Bergen County's shopping capital, home to Garden State Plaza and Bergen Town Center. With approximately 27,000 residents and median home values of \$575K to \$740K, it offers residential convenience with excellent shopping, dining, and highway access.
Paramus is Bergen County's commercial powerhouse a borough of roughly 26,500 residents that is home to some of the most visited shopping destinations on the East Coast. Garden State Plaza, Paramus Park, The Mall at Short Hills (nearby), and Bergen Town Center make this a retail mecca. But Paramus is more than shopping malls: it's a well-run borough with public schools, spacious residential neighborhoods, and excellent highway access.
One of Paramus's most distinctive features is its strict blue laws, which historically prohibited most non-essential retail businesses from opening on Sundays. While enforcement has relaxed in recent years, the tradition still shapes the borough's character and weekend rhythm. The residential areas are a mix of post-war ranches, split-levels, and expanded colonials on generous lots, with tree-lined streets that feel distinctly residential.
For commuters, Paramus benefits from its central location near Routes 4, 17, and the Garden State Parkway, along with frequent NJ Transit bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The combination of shopping, schools, and highway access makes Paramus a practical and popular choice for residents and professionals.
Schools Serving Paramus, NJ?
A- rated district. Paramus High School and Bergen County Academies magnet school are highly regarded academic institutions.
What Do Homes Cost in Paramus, NJ in 2026?
Median home values around $814K. A mix of ranches, colonials, and split-levels. Strong demand driven by schools and location.
How Long Is the Commute from Paramus to NYC?
NJ Transit bus service (multiple routes) to Port Authority Bus Terminal. 3050 minutes. Easy access via Routes 4 and 17.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Paramus, NJ?
Grand Lux Cafe
An upscale-casual restaurant at Garden State Plaza offering an extensive menu of American and international dishes in an elegant setting.
Bonefish Grill
A popular seafood restaurant on From Road known for fresh fish preparations, cocktails, and a polished casual dining experience.
Houlihan's
A long-standing restaurant on Route 4 serving American classics, burgers, and cocktails in a comfortable neighborhood setting.
Battello
An Italian-inspired restaurant near the Paramus border featuring fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list.
Paramus's dining scene centers around its major retail corridors, with a wide range of restaurants and eateries at and around the shopping centers.
What Parks and Recreation Does Paramus Offer?
Garden State Plaza
One of the largest shopping malls in the nation, featuring 300+ stores, dining options, and entertainment. A Paramus landmark.
Van Saun County Park
A 146-acre Bergen County park featuring a carousel, train ride, playgrounds, athletic fields, a fishing pond, and the Bergen County Zoo.
Liberty State Park (nearby)
Accessible by a short drive, offering stunning Manhattan skyline views, waterfront promenades, and ferry service to the Statue of Liberty.
Hurricane Hill Park
A community park with walking paths, sports fields, and playground equipment for community recreation.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Paramus, NJ?
Paramus Farmers Market
Seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from Bergen County vendors.
Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts at various parks throughout the summer, bringing live music to Paramus communities.
Annual 5K Run/Walk
A community charity race attracting runners and walkers of all ages through Paramus neighborhoods.
Holiday Tree Lighting
An annual community celebration marking the start of the winter season with festive activities and entertainment.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Paramus, NJ?
Paramus does not have its own train station, but NJ Transit provides frequent express bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Multiple bus routes serve the borough, with travel times typically between 30 and 50 minutes depending on traffic and departure point.
By car, Paramus is exceptionally well-connected via Routes 4, 17, and the Garden State Parkway. Driving to Midtown Manhattan typically takes 3050 minutes off-peak, though the Route 4 and GW Bridge corridor can be heavily congested during rush hours.
Nearby train stations in Ridgewood and Oradell (Pascack Valley Line) provide rail access for Paramus residents willing to drive a few minutes to board a train.
Paramus — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Paramus area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Paramus Public School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Memorial Elementary School — Pre-K4
- Midland Elementary School — K4
- Parkway Elementary School — K4
- Ridge Ranch Elementary School — K4
- Stony Lane Elementary School — K4
Middle Schools
- East Brook Middle School — 58
- West Brook Middle School — 58
High Schools
- Paramus High School — 912
For enrollment information and district details, visit Paramus Public School District.
Private Schools
- St. Elizabeth School — Pre-K8 | Catholic elementary school.
Parochial / Religious Schools
- St. Elizabeth School — Catholic | Pre-K8
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Paramus Early Learning — InfantPre-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 Paramus?
Paramus doesn't have its own train station but is well-served by NJ Transit express bus service to the Port Authority, plus excellent highway access via Routes 4, 17, and the Garden State Parkway.
NJ Transit Express Bus to Port Authority
Multiple NJ Transit routes provide frequent service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Travel times typically 3050 minutes depending on traffic and departure point.
Driving via Route 4 and GW Bridge
Route 4 provides direct access to the GW Bridge corridor. Driving to Midtown takes 3050 minutes off-peak, though Route 4 can be heavily congested during rush hours.
Garden State Parkway Access
Paramus's location at the intersection of the Garden State Parkway and Routes 4/17 provides excellent highway access in all directions.
Nearby Rail Access
Train stations in Ridgewood and Oradell (Pascack Valley Line) are accessible for residents who prefer rail commuting.
Average Commute
Paramus residents average approximately 3550 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan, with express bus service being the most popular option.
What Are the Schools Like in Paramus?
Paramus's public schools earn an A- rating on Niche, with Paramus High School and proximity to Bergen County Academies providing educational options.
Paramus High School
The borough's public high school offering academics, AP courses, athletics, and community programs. Serves approximately 1,200 students.
Paramus Public Schools (K8)
Multiple elementary and middle schools serve the borough's approximately 26,500 residents with consistent academic quality.
Bergen County Academies
The magnet high school (ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2024) is accessible to Paramus students through countywide admissions for specialized programs.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in neighboring communities provide additional educational choices.
Paramus Public Library
The borough library offers programs for all ages, from children's literacy to adult education and community 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 Paramus?
Paramus's caf� scene centers around its major retail corridors, with options at Garden State Plaza, Paramus Park, and along the Route 17 and Route 4 corridors.
Garden State Plaza Caf�s
New Jersey's largest mall features multiple coffee shops and caf�s within the shopping center, from national chains to specialty options.
Paramus Park Dining
Paramus Park shopping center includes caf� and coffee options alongside its retail and dining establishments.
Route 17 Corridor Caf�s
The Route 17 commercial corridor features numerous coffee shops and bakeries, from chain locations to independent operators.
Battello (nearby)
While primarily a restaurant, this Italian-inspired spot near the Paramus border serves excellent coffee and pastries.
Is Paramus Good for Pet Owners?
Paramus offers veterinary services along the Route 17 corridor and access to Van Saun County Park's 146 acres for outdoor activities with pets.
Veterinary Clinics (Route 17 corridor)
Multiple veterinary practices operate along the Route 17 corridor, providing wellness exams, surgery, and emergency services.
Van Saun County Park
The 146-acre Bergen County park with trails and open space is pleasant for leashed dog walks. The Bergen County Zoo is also located here.
Hurricane Hill Park
A community park with walking paths and sports fields suitable for casual dog walks.
Pet Supply Shopping
PetSmart, Petco, and other pet supply retailers are accessible along the Route 17 and Garden State Plaza corridors.
Pet Services
Grooming salons, dog walkers, and pet sitting services are available throughout the borough's commercial corridors.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Paramus?
The Valley Hospital in Paramus is the borough's anchor hospital, a comprehensive medical center. Hackensack University Medical Center is also nearby.
The Valley Hospital
A 450-bed hospital located in Paramus, one of Bergen County's premier medical facilities. Comprehensive emergency, specialty, and surgical care.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 5 miles west. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs.
Urgent Care & Primary Care
Multiple primary care practices and urgent care centers operate along the Route 17 and Route 4 corridors.
Specialty Medical Offices
Paramus's commercial corridors house numerous medical offices, specialist clinics, and dental practices.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and pharmacy sections at major retailers provide convenient prescription access throughout the borough.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Paramus?
Paramus is Bergen County's shopping capital with major grocery chains including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, NetCost Market, and numerous supermarkets.
Trader Joe's (Paramus Park)
Popular specialty grocery known for affordable specialty and organic items. A Paramus staple.
NetCost Market (Route 4)
International supermarket with Eastern European, Asian, and American groceries with an extensive deli section.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarket options in the broader Paramus area for complete grocery shopping.
Whole Foods (nearby)
Organic and specialty grocery options accessible in the broader Bergen County area.
Everyday Errands
Garden State Plaza, Paramus Park, and the Route 17 corridor provide everything from groceries to dry cleaners to pharmacies a one-stop shopping destination.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Paramus Offer?
Paramus offers Van Saun County Park with the Bergen County Zoo, Hurricane Hill Park, and proximity to Liberty State Park for waterfront recreation.
Van Saun County Park
A 146-acre Bergen County park featuring a carousel, train ride, playgrounds, athletic fields, a fishing pond, and the Bergen County Zoo.
Hurricane Hill Park
A community park with walking paths, sports fields, and playground equipment for community recreation.
Liberty State Park (nearby)
Accessible by a short drive, offering Manhattan skyline views, waterfront promenades, and ferry service to the Statue of Liberty.
Garden State Plaza Grounds
The mall's grounds and surrounding green spaces provide walking areas, especially during warmer months.
Walking & Biking
Paramus's residential neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets suitable for walking and cycling, though the borough is primarily car-oriented.
The Mid-Summer Home Resilience Checklist
July and August bring our heaviest heatwaves and sudden, intense summer thunderstorms. Taking 30 minutes this weekend to run through this checklist can save you thousands in emergency repairs and keep your utility bills in check.
The HVAC & Airflow Triage
- Clear the Condenser: Go outside and check your main A/C unit. Trim back any bushes, tall grass, or branches so there is at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides.
- Wash the Fins: Turn off the power to the unit, take a garden hose (on a gentle setting), and wash the dust and pollen off the outside fins. It drastically improves efficiency.
- Swap the Filters: If you use standard 1-inch filters, change them every 30 days during July and August. A clogged filter forces the blower motor to work overtime, spiking your energy bill.
Summer Storm & Flood Prep
- The Post-Spring Gutter Check: Spring drops a lot of seeds, twigs, and pollen pods into your gutters. Clear them out now so summer storm water doesn’t overflow and rot your fascia boards.
- Check the Downspouts: Ensure your downspouts are actively pushing water at least 5 to 6 feet away from your foundation.
- Test the Sump Pump: If you have a basement, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the float switch triggers the pump before a storm hits.
Humidity & Moisture Control
- Run the Dehumidifier: If you have a basement or crawlspace, your dehumidifier should be running constantly. Aim to keep indoor humidity below 50%.
- Reverse Your Ceiling Fans: Make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counter-clockwise. This pushes cold air straight down, creating a wind-chill effect that lets you set the thermostat a few degrees higher.
Yard & Pest Defense
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in as little as a bottle cap of water. Walk your property and empty out unused planters, wheelbarrows, and birdbaths.
- Adjust Your Watering Schedule: Water your lawn between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Watering at night leaves the grass wet for too long, leading to summer fungus and lawn disease.
Don't want to climb a ladder to check those gutters, or need an HVAC pro to do a tune-up? Head over to the Vetted Local Contacts section of this hub for a list of contractors we trust to answer their phones and do the job right.
The Summer "School's Out" Survival Guide
School's out and the kids are home — now what? Here's your practical, community-focused guide to keeping kids entertained all July without breaking the bank.
Splash Pads & Water Play
Nothing beats a splash pad on a 90° day. The good news — there are free spray parks scattered across Bergen County. Most run daily from late morning through early evening.
William T. Birch Park Splash Park
Fort Lee
A free spray park in the heart of Fort Lee — perfect for younger kids on hot days. Bring a towel and sunscreen.
Votee Park Splash Pad
Teaneck
Teaneck's popular splash pad at Votee Park is a go-to for families. Free, open all summer, and right next to the playground.
Polifly Park Splash Pad
Englewood
A cool water play area at Englewood's Polifly Park. Great for combining splash time with a trip to the nearby playground and sports fields.
Van Saun Park Splash Pad
Paramus
The sea-animal themed ADA-accessible splash pad at Van Saun County Park. Paramus's flagship family destination — right next to the Bergen County Zoo.
Palisades Park Spray Ground
Palisades Park
A compact but well-loved water play area for Palisades Park families. Free and open during summer hours.
Free Outdoor Movie Nights
Almost every town in Bergen County runs free movie nights in the park during July. Pack a blanket, grab popcorn, and let the kids run around until the film starts at dusk.
Movies & Music in the Park
Bergen County Parks
Bergen County runs a free summer series at Van Saun County Park (Paramus), Pascack Brook County Park (Westwood), and Riverside County Park (North Arlington). Films screen at dusk — bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Ridgewood Family Film Night
Ridgewood
Ridgewood's parks and recreation department typically organizes family movie nights in one of the village's tree-lined parks. Check the village calendar for confirmed dates.
Fort Lee Community Screenings
Fort Lee
Fort Lee's parks and recreation department runs occasional outdoor movie events during summer. Check the borough website or social media for the latest schedule.
Library Summer Reading Programs
BCCLS — Bergen County Cooperative Library System
Every BCCLS branch — Fort Lee, Leonia, Englewood, Palisades Park, Teaneck, Cliffside Park, Paramus, and dozens more — runs its own summer reading challenge. Kids sign up, log books, and earn prizes. It's free, educational, and gives kids a reason to keep reading all summer.
Rainy-Day Indoor Saves
When summer thunderstorms roll through Bergen County — and they will — these indoor spots keep the kids busy. Most are concentrated in the Paramus corridor, a blessing for anyone who wants to knock out rainy-day entertainment and errands in one trip.
Catch Air Indoor Playground
Paramus
A large indoor trampoline and play center. Great for burning energy on rainy days — toddler area separate from the big-kid zones.
BounceU
Paramus
Bounce houses, obstacle courses, and open-jump sessions. They run special family sessions during the summer.
Monster Mini Golf
Paramus
Indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf — a hit with kids of all ages. Add arcade games for a full rainy-day outing.
Bowlero Fair Lawn
Fair Lawn
Modern bowling with lanes for all ages, plus arcade games and food. One of the best bowling options in Bergen County.
Bergen County Zoo
Paramus
A small, free zoo inside Van Saun Park — manageable for younger kids and perfect for a half-day outing when outdoor plans get rained out.
Free & Low-Cost Family Events
Summer doesn't have to mean expensive camps and day trips. These community programs are free or nearly free, and they're the kind of experiences that make kids actually love living in Bergen County.
BCCLS Summer Reading Challenge
The Bergen County Cooperative Library System runs summer reading programs at every branch — Fort Lee, Leonia, Englewood, Palisades Park, Teaneck, Cliffside Park, and beyond. Kids earn prizes for hitting reading milestones.
Bergen County Zoo Free Admission
The Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun Park is free to enter (small parking fee). Open daily in summer with animal encounters, a carousel, and a train ride.
Fort Lee Recreation Programs
Fort Lee's recreation department runs summer camps, sports clinics, and drop-in programs at borough parks. Many are free or low-cost for residents.
Leonia Public Library Events
Leonia's library branch offers free story times, craft sessions, and special author visits throughout the summer — all part of the BCCLS network.
Palisades Park Community Events
Palisades Park hosts community gatherings and family activities during the summer months through its recreation department.
Englewood Family Fun Days
Englewood often runs family-focused programming at its parks during summer — outdoor movies, craft days, and seasonal festivals.
"Families who live in these communities know — the quality of life here isn't just about the schools and the commute. It's about the free movie nights, the neighborhood splash pads, and the libraries that actually feel like community hubs."
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