Park Ridge
A Pascack Valley borough with a walkable downtown
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 Park Ridge, NJ?
Park Ridge is a borough of approximately 9,000 residents offering convenient highway and Manhattan access. With median home values of $530K to $680K, it provides a residential community with local schools and a walkable downtown.
Park Ridge is a borough of approximately 9,400 residents in the Pascack Valley region of Bergen County. Known for its walkable downtown, schools serving the community, and local dining along Park Avenue, it offers a quality of life that appeals to homebuyers seeking residential character with easy access to Manhattan.
The residential neighborhoods feature a mix of colonials, capes, and ranch-style homes on tree-lined streets. The downtown along Park Avenue has a distinctive, historic character with local restaurants, shops, and community gathering spots. The Pascack Historical Society Museum preserves the area's rich heritage, and Atkinson Glen Park provides a green oasis for nature lovers.
Park Ridge is served by the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line, with the Park Ridge train station offering direct service to Secaucus Junction and connections to Penn Station. The borough is also home to the hometown of the late James Gandolfini, and maintains a strong sense of community pride through its events, schools, and civic organizations.
Schools Serving Park Ridge, NJ?
A- rated district. Park Ridge High School offers academics and a 7/10 GreatSchools rating with robust extracurriculars.
What Do Homes Cost in Park Ridge, NJ in 2026?
Median prices $660K$800K. Colonials, capes, and ranches in well-maintained neighborhoods. Steady demand.
How Long Is the Commute from Park Ridge to NYC?
NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line to Secaucus Junction or Hoboken. Coach USA bus to Port Authority. 4560 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Park Ridge, NJ?
The Ridge Diner
A classic Bergen County diner on Kinderkamack Road known for hearty breakfasts, comfort food, and a nostalgic retro atmosphere.
Peppercorns Restaurant and Bar
A well-loved Colony Avenue restaurant offering American and international dishes, craft cocktails, and a warm neighborhood setting.
El Azteca Mexican Restaurant
A popular Park Avenue spot for authentic Mexican cuisine enchiladas, tacos, and margaritas in a casual, casual setting.
The River Vale Diner
A classic diner just minutes away serving breakfast all day, homemade soups, and pies that keep locals coming back.
Park Ridge's Park Avenue downtown offers a mix of local restaurants and caf�s within walking distance of the train station.
What Parks and Recreation Does Park Ridge Offer?
Atkinson Glen Park
A scenic park with wooded walking trails, a playground, and open fields for community recreation and quiet nature walks.
Park Ridge Memorial Park
A central community park with athletic fields, basketball courts, and picnic areas a hub for recreational leagues and community events.
Pascack Brook County Park
A linear park with paved paths running along the Pascack Brook, connecting neighboring communities with scenic trails.
Woodcliff Lake Reservoir (nearby)
A reservoir with walking paths and green space just a short drive from Park Ridge.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Park Ridge, NJ?
Park Ridge Farmers Market
Weekly seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from Pascack Valley vendors.
Fourth of July Celebration
Annual Independence Day festivities with a community parade, live music, and fireworks.
Holiday Walk-Through
A festive downtown celebration each December with caroling, shop visits, and seasonal activities for all ages.
Pascack Historical Society Events
Educational programs and community gatherings hosted by the Pascack Historical Society, celebrating local heritage.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Park Ridge, NJ?
Park Ridge is served by the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line, with the Park Ridge station offering service to Secaucus Junction. From Secaucus, transfer to NJ Transit trains to Penn Station or PATH to Midtown Manhattan. Total commute is approximately 4560 minutes.
Bus service via Coach USA/Rockland Coaches provides a more direct route to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, often preferred by daily commuters for its convenience.
By car, Park Ridge is accessible via Route 208 and the Garden State Parkway. Driving to Midtown Manhattan takes 4055 minutes off-peak, with access to the GW Bridge corridor.
Park Ridge — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Park Ridge area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Park Ridge School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- East Brook Elementary School — PK6
- West Ridge Elementary School — PK6
High Schools
- Park Ridge High School — 712
For enrollment information and district details, visit Park Ridge School District.
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge?
Park Ridge is served by NJ Transit rail on the Pascack Valley Line with a direct train to Hoboken Terminal in about 35 minutes. Bus service to the Port Authority is also available.
NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line
The Park Ridge train station provides direct service to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 35 minutes. Connect at Secaucus Junction for Penn Station.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Bus routes serve Park Ridge with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 5570 minutes.
Driving via Route 17
Route 17 provides highway access to the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 4055 minutes off-peak.
Average Commute
Park Ridge residents average approximately 5065 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via train.
What Are the Schools Like in Park Ridge?
Park Ridge's public schools serve the community well, with the Park Ridge Public Schools offering solid academics in a small-town setting.
Park Ridge Public Schools
Elementary and middle schools serving the borough's approximately 9,400 residents with solid academics.
Pascack Valley Regional High School
Students attend this regional high school serving Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake, offering academics and athletics.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in neighboring communities provide additional educational choices.
Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge?
Park Ridge has a walkable Main Street with local caf�s and bakeries serving the community.
Main Street Caf�s
Local coffee shops and bakeries along Park Ridge's Main Street serve the community in a walkable setting.
Woodcliff Lake Options (nearby)
Neighboring Woodcliff Lake offers additional caf� and dining options.
Is Park Ridge Good for Pet Owners?
Park Ridge is pet-friendly with walkable Main Street, borough parks, and proximity to nature areas in the Pascack Valley.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in neighboring Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, and Paramus provide pet care.
Borough Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks.
Pascack Valley Trails
The Pascack Valley area offers walking paths and natural areas for outdoor activities with pets.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Paramus and the Route 17 corridor.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Park Ridge?
The Valley Hospital in Paramus and Hackensack University Medical Center are both accessible from Park Ridge.
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 Park Ridge and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in Park Ridge and nearby Paramus.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Park Ridge?
Park Ridge has a walkable Main Street with local markets, and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Paramus and the Route 17 corridor.
Main Street Markets
Local delis and markets along Park Ridge's Main Street serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in nearby Paramus provide complete grocery selections.
Everyday Errands
Park Ridge's walkable Main Street provides dry cleaners, banks, and specialty shops for daily needs.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Park Ridge Offer?
Park Ridge 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 Valley Area Trails
Walking paths and natural areas throughout the Pascack Valley provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
Walking & Biking
Park Ridge's walkable Main Street and tree-lined residential streets make it excellent for walking and cycling.
Thinking About Park Ridge?
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Sources & Learn More — Park Ridge
- Town of Park Ridge Official Website
- Park Ridge Public Schools NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- NY Waterway Ferry Service
- Hackensack Meridian Health Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors Market Data
- GreatSchools.org School Ratings & Reviews