Ridgefield Park
A village with strong community identity and diverse housing near Route 46
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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 Ridgefield Park, NJ?
Ridgefield Park is a village of approximately 13,200 residents in southeastern Bergen County with a strong sense of community identity, diverse housing options, and convenient access to Route 46 and I-95. With median home values of $500K\u2013$600K, it offers an affordable entry into Bergen County living with genuine neighborhood character.
Ridgefield Park holds the distinction of being one of only four villages in New Jersey, and that village identity is more than ceremonial \u2014 it shapes the community's self-image and civic engagement. Residents take pride in the close-knit feel that comes from a relatively compact footprint and active community organizations.
The housing stock spans a wide range, from early 20th-century homes and postwar colonials to newer construction and multi-family properties. This diversity of housing makes Ridgefield Park accessible to first-time buyers, growing households, and investors alike. The village's location along Route 46 provides excellent highway access, and proximity to I-95 and the GW Bridge corridor makes it practical for Manhattan commuters.
The village's commercial corridors, including Main St and Mount Vernon St, offer local shopping and dining with a distinctly multicultural flavor. Ridgefield Park borders Palisades Park to the south, giving residents easy access to that community's extensive Korean dining and shopping scene along Broad Ave. Overpeck County Park, one of Bergen County's largest parks, is just minutes away.
Schools Serving Ridgefield Park, NJ?
Ridgefield Park School District (PK\u201312) with local schools and Ridgefield Park High School.
What Do Homes Cost in Ridgefield Park, NJ in 2026?
Median $500K\u2013$600K. Diverse housing from colonials to multi-family. Affordable for Bergen County.
How Long Is the Commute from Ridgefield Park to NYC?
NJ Transit bus or drive via Route 46/GW Bridge. 30\u201345 min to Midtown Manhattan.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Ridgefield Park, NJ?
Dante's Pizza & Restaurant
A local favorite on Main St serving classic Italian-American pizza, pasta, and comfort food in a casual casual setting.
Little Italy Pizzeria & Restaurant
An Italian restaurant on Ridgefield Ave known for its pizza, pasta dishes, and warm neighborhood atmosphere.
Luigi's Restaurant
A family-owned Italian restaurant on Mt Vernon St serving classic red-sauce dishes and homemade specialties for years.
Palisades Park Dining (nearby)
Adjacent Palisades Park offers an extensive Korean and Asian dining scene along Broad Ave, just minutes away.
Ridgefield Park's dining reflects its diverse community with Italian, American, and international options. Adjacent Palisades Park significantly expands dining choices.
What Parks and Recreation Does Ridgefield Park Offer?
Ridgefield Park Village Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space for recreation and community events throughout the village.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A large Bergen County park with a lake, sports facilities, walking trails, and cultural venues accessible from Ridgefield Park.
Ridgefield Park Memorial Library Park
Green space near the public library offering a quiet setting for reading and relaxation.
Vetere Park
A local park with athletic facilities and open space used for community sports leagues and gatherings.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Ridgefield Park, NJ?
Ridgefield Park Village Day
An annual celebration featuring food vendors, live entertainment, and activities reflecting the village's diverse community spirit.
Independence Day Celebration
Community Fourth of July festivities with activities, music, and evening celebrations.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive gathering each December with caroling, refreshments, and the official village tree lighting ceremony.
Summer Recreation Programs
Village-organized summer programs for residents of all ages, including sports leagues and cultural activities.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Ridgefield Park, NJ?
Ridgefield Park is served by NJ Transit bus routes connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The bus commute typically takes 30\u201345 minutes depending on traffic and departure point.
By car, Ridgefield Park sits along Route 46 with quick access to I-95 and the George Washington Bridge. Driving to Midtown Manhattan takes approximately 20\u201335 minutes off-peak via the GW Bridge, making it one of the more accessible Bergen County communities for commuters.
Nearby rail options include the Edgewater NY Waterway ferry terminal and NJ Transit train stations in Lyndhurst and Rutherford on the Main/Bergen County lines.
Ridgefield Park — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Ridgefield Park area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Ridgefield Park School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Ridgefield Park School #1 — PK–5
- Ridgefield Park School #3 — PK–5
- Ridgefield Park School #4 — PK–5
Middle Schools
- Ridgefield Park School #5 (Middle) — 6–8
High Schools
- Ridgefield Park High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Ridgefield Park School District.
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Ridgefield Park Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
How Do You Get to NYC from Ridgefield Park?
Ridgefield Park has strong bus and highway access, with Route 46 running through the village and multiple NJ Transit bus routes serving the area.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Bus routes serve Ridgefield Park with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 30–45 minutes.
Driving via Route 46 and GW Bridge
Route 46 provides direct access to I-95 and the GW Bridge. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 20–35 minutes off-peak.
NY Waterway Ferry (Edgewater, nearby)
The Edgewater ferry terminal is a short drive away, providing scenic river crossings to Midtown Manhattan.
Average Commute
Ridgefield Park residents average approximately 35–50 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan.
What Are the Schools Like in Ridgefield Park?
Ridgefield Park's school district serves PK–12 students with a full range of public schools in the village.
Ridgefield Park School District
The village's public schools serve approximately 13,200 residents across multiple elementary, middle, and high school buildings.
Ridgefield Park High School
The village's comprehensive high school offering academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in neighboring Fort Lee, Palisades Park, and Englewood provide additional educational choices.
Ridgefield Park Free Public Library
The village 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 Ridgefield Park?
Ridgefield Park has a mix of local eateries along its commercial corridors, with the adjacent Palisades Park dining scene easily accessible.
Main St & Mt Vernon St Eateries
Local restaurants and delis along Ridgefield Park's commercial corridors serve Italian, American, and international fare.
Palisades Park Broad Ave (nearby)
Adjacent Palisades Park's Broad Ave offers an extensive Korean and Asian dining scene minutes away.
Is Ridgefield Park Good for Pet Owners?
Ridgefield Park offers community parks and proximity to Overpeck County Park for outdoor activities with pets.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Fort Lee, Palisades Park, and Hackensack provide comprehensive pet care.
Village Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A large county park with extensive trails and open space for outdoor activities with pets.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Fort Lee, Palisades Park, and Paramus.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Ridgefield Park?
Englewood Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center are both accessible from Ridgefield Park.
Englewood Hospital
A community hospital about 5 miles south, providing emergency and specialty care.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 8 miles away. A Level I Trauma Center.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Ridgefield Park and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in Ridgefield Park and neighboring Fort Lee.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Ridgefield Park?
Ridgefield Park has local markets and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Fort Lee, Palisades Park, and Paramus.
Local Markets & Delis
Small markets and delis in the village serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in neighboring Fort Lee and Hackensack provide complete grocery selections.
H Mart (nearby)
Asian supermarket in nearby Palisades Park and Fort Lee offers specialty groceries.
Everyday Errands
Ridgefield Park's commercial corridors provide banks, dry cleaners, and specialty shops.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Ridgefield Park Offer?
Ridgefield Park offers village parks and proximity to Overpeck County Park for outdoor recreation.
Village Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space for recreation.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A large Bergen County park with a lake, sports facilities, and walking trails.
Palisades Interstate Park (nearby)
Iconic cliffs and Hudson River waterfront with hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Walking & Biking
Ridgefield Park's residential neighborhoods and park areas provide walking and cycling opportunities.
Renting in Ridgefield Park
A walkable village with a train station, great schools, and a small-town feel.
Rental Market Snapshot
What Renters Are Paying
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,600 — $2,000/mo |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,800 — $2,300/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,200 — $2,800/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,600 — $3,400/mo |
Average rent across all unit types: approximately $2,000/mo.
What You Get for That Rent
Ridgefield Park is a walkable village in central Bergen County with a NJ Transit train station and a charming downtown. The rental market includes garden-style apartments, townhome rentals, and newer developments. Most buildings include parking, and the Ridgefield Park Public Library and its parks are community gathering spots.
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)
Where Walkability Meets Train Access
What life looks like renting in one of Bergen County's most walkable villages.
Ridgefield Park is one of the few villages in Bergen County where you can live comfortably without a car. The downtown along Main Street and Mount Vernon Street is genuinely walkable, with a grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, and the Ridgefield Park Public Library all within a short stroll. The NJ Transit train station at Ridgefield Park puts Hoboken just 15 minutes away, with PATH connections to Manhattan beyond.
What makes Ridgefield Park unique for renters is the value proposition. Studios and one-bedrooms typically start well below what you would pay in Edgewater or Fort Lee, and the quality of life is exceptional. Ridgefield Park Schools serve the community well, with Ridgefield Park High School offering strong academic and athletic programs. The village's parks, including Vetere Park and the Memorial Library grounds, host community events and summer recreation programs that give the village a genuinely neighborly feel.
For renters, the combination of walkable downtown amenities, a commuter train station, and rents that are still attainable for Bergen County makes Ridgefield Park one of the smartest rental plays in the area. The community is diverse, welcoming, and has held onto its small-town character while growing thoughtfully.
Commute Options for Renters
NJ Transit Train
- → Route: Ridgefield Park Station to Hoboken Terminal
- → Time: approximately 15 minutes to Hoboken
- → Frequency: Regular service on Pascack Valley Line
- → PATH connection at Hoboken to Midtown and lower Manhattan
- → Best for: Daily commuters to Hoboken and Jersey City
NJ Transit Bus
- → Route: Multiple routes serving Ridgefield Park to Port Authority
- → Time: 30-50 minutes depending on traffic
- → Routes operate along Main St and Bergen Turnpike
- → Monthly pass: approximately $110 (Zone 2)
- → Best for: Direct access to Midtown Manhattan
Driving
- → Route: Route 46 to I-95, then GWB into Manhattan
- → Time: 20-35 minutes to Midtown (off-peak)
- → Tolls: GWB $16 cash, $13.75 E-ZPass off-peak
- → Parking: Most Ridgefield Park rentals include one assigned space
What It Actually Costs to Rent in Ridgefield Park
Monthly Rent
Median $2,000/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 Ridgefield Park market data. Actual costs vary by building, unit size, and lease terms.
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