Ridgefield
A diverse borough at the Palisades with improving downtown and highway access
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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, NJ?
Ridgefield is a diverse borough of approximately 11,500 residents situated along the Palisades between Fort Lee and Palisades Park. With median home values of $650K\u2013$800K, it offers proximity to the GW Bridge corridor, an improving downtown along Shaler Blvd and Broad Ave, and a mix of residential neighborhoods and light commercial development.
Ridgefield occupies a strategic position in southeastern Bergen County, bordered by Fort Lee to the north, Palisades Park to the south, and the Hudson River waterfront communities to the east. The borough spans a range of terrain from the cliff-tops of the Palisades down to the flatlands near the Hackensack River, creating a varied residential landscape with different price points and character.
The housing stock includes a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family properties, reflecting the borough's diverse population and its history as a working-class community evolving into a more desirable address. Recent investments in the Shaler Blvd commercial corridor and improving infrastructure signal a community in transition, with longtime residents and new arrivals contributing to a genuinely multicultural atmosphere.
Ridgefield's location is its strongest asset \u2014 direct access to the GW Bridge via Route 46 and local roads means Manhattan is reachable in under 25 minutes off-peak. NJ Transit bus routes 127, 165, 166, and 168 serve the borough, and the Palisades Interstate Park is just minutes away for outdoor recreation. The borough's schools serve PK\u20138, with high school students attending Ridgefield Memorial High School.
Schools Serving Ridgefield, NJ?
Ridgefield Public School District (PK\u20138) and Ridgefield Memorial High School (9\u201312).
What Do Homes Cost in Ridgefield, NJ in 2026?
Median $650K\u2013$800K. A mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family properties in a diverse community.
How Long Is the Commute from Ridgefield to NYC?
NJ Transit bus or drive via GW Bridge. 25\u201340 min to Midtown Manhattan.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Ridgefield, NJ?
Cafe Tivoli
A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant on Shaler Blvd serving brunch, lunch, and dinner with a seasonal menu and relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Ridgefield.
KARDEN
A modern bar and restaurant on Broad Ave offering craft cocktails, shareable plates, and a lively evening atmosphere popular with Ridgefield and neighboring communities.
Mimi's Cafe
A neighborhood cafe on Broad Ave serving casual American fare, sandwiches, and specialty coffees in a welcoming setting.
Edgewater Dining Options (nearby)
The nearby Edgewater waterfront along River Road offers a wide range of dining, from Korean BBQ to upscale seafood, just minutes away.
Ridgefield's Broad Ave and Shaler Blvd corridors offer a mix of casual dining and emerging restaurants. Nearby Edgewater and Fort Lee provide extensive dining options.
What Parks and Recreation Does Ridgefield Offer?
Ridgefield Parks and Recreation
Community parks with athletic fields, playgrounds, and open green space for residents of all ages.
Ridgefield Nature Center
A local environmental center with trails and educational programs showcasing the borough's natural areas along the Palisades.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A large Bergen County park with a lake, sports facilities, trails, and cultural venues accessible from Ridgefield.
Palisades Interstate Park (nearby)
The iconic Palisades cliffs and Hudson River waterfront provide hiking, scenic overlooks, and historic sites minutes away.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Ridgefield, NJ?
Ridgefield Cultural Festival
An annual celebration of Ridgefield's diverse community featuring international food, music, and cultural performances.
Independence Day Celebration
Community-wide Fourth of July festivities with activities, live music, and evening celebrations.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive gathering each December with caroling, seasonal refreshments, and the official borough tree lighting.
Community Clean-Up Day
An annual volunteer event bringing residents together to beautify local parks and public spaces.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Ridgefield, NJ?
Ridgefield is served by multiple NJ Transit bus routes (127, 165, 166, 168) providing connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The bus commute typically takes 30\u201345 minutes depending on traffic and route.
By car, Ridgefield offers direct access to Route 46 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 convenient Bergen County communities for Manhattan commuters.
Rail access is available from nearby Fort Lee or Edgewater via bus connections, or from the Edgewater NY Waterway ferry terminal for a scenic river crossing to Midtown Manhattan.
Ridgefield — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Ridgefield area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Ridgefield Public School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Ridgefield Memorial High School serves grades 9–12 — 9–12
- Ridgefield School #4 — PK–8
High Schools
- Ridgefield Memorial High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Ridgefield Public School District.
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Ridgefield Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
How Do You Get to NYC from Ridgefield?
Ridgefield has strong bus access and proximity to the GW Bridge, making it a convenient option for Manhattan commuters without a train station.
NJ Transit Bus (Routes 127, 165, 166, 168)
Multiple bus routes serve Ridgefield with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 30–45 minutes.
Driving via GW Bridge
Route 46 provides direct access to the George Washington Bridge. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 20–35 minutes off-peak.
NY Waterway Ferry (Edgewater, nearby)
The Edgewater ferry terminal provides a scenic river crossing to Midtown Manhattan, accessible by a short drive from Ridgefield.
Average Commute
Ridgefield residents average approximately 30–45 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan, primarily by bus or car.
What Are the Schools Like in Ridgefield?
Ridgefield's public school district serves PK–8 students, with high school students attending Ridgefield Memorial High School.
Ridgefield Public Schools (PK–8)
The borough's public schools serve approximately 11,500 residents with academics reflecting the community's diverse population.
Ridgefield Memorial High School
The borough's comprehensive high school offering academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs for grades 9–12.
Nearby Magnet Schools
Bergen County Academies and Bergen County Technical School are accessible for qualifying students in the region.
Ridgefield 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 Ridgefield?
Ridgefield has an emerging dining scene along Broad Ave and Shaler Blvd, with cafes and restaurants reflecting the community's diversity.
Shaler Blvd Caf�s
Local cafes and eateries along the Shaler Blvd corridor serve the community with casual dining and coffee options.
Broad Ave Dining
Broad Ave offers a mix of restaurants and markets reflecting Ridgefield's multicultural character.
Fort Lee & Edgewater Options (nearby)
Neighboring Fort Lee and Edgewater offer extensive dining and caf� options just minutes away.
Is Ridgefield Good for Pet Owners?
Ridgefield is suitable for pet owners with parks and proximity to larger county parks and the Palisades for outdoor activities.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Fort Lee, Palisades Park, and Edgewater provide comprehensive pet care.
Borough Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks.
Palisades Interstate Park (nearby)
The nearby Palisades Interstate Park offers extensive trails and natural areas for outdoor activities with pets.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in Fort Lee, Palisades Park, and Paramus.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Ridgefield?
Englewood Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center are both accessible from Ridgefield.
Englewood Hospital
A community hospital about 4 miles south, 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 Ridgefield and neighboring Fort Lee and Palisades Park.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in Ridgefield, Fort Lee, and Palisades Park.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Ridgefield?
Ridgefield has local markets and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Fort Lee, Palisades Park, and Paramus.
Local Markets & Delis
Small markets and delis along Broad Ave serve daily grocery needs with international options.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in neighboring Fort Lee and Palisades Park provide complete grocery selections.
H Mart (nearby)
Asian supermarket in nearby Palisades Park and Fort Lee offers specialty groceries.
Everyday Errands
Ridgefield's commercial corridors provide banks, dry cleaners, and specialty shops.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Ridgefield Offer?
Ridgefield offers community parks, proximity to Overpeck County Park, and easy access to the Palisades Interstate Park.
Borough 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 cultural venues.
Palisades Interstate Park (nearby)
Iconic cliffs and Hudson River waterfront with hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
Walking & Biking
Ridgefield's varied terrain and residential neighborhoods provide walking and cycling opportunities.
Renting in Ridgefield
A small borough with easy highway access, competitive rents, and a quiet 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 is a small, affordable borough in central Bergen County with easy highway access. The rental market includes garden-style apartments, walk-up apartments, and newer developments. Most buildings include parking, and the Ridgefield 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)
Affordable Bergen With Easy Access
Ridgefield offers some of the most competitive rents in Bergen County, making it a compelling option for renters who want access to the regional job market without paying Fort Lee or Edgewater prices. The borough's location at the intersection of Route 46 and the GWB corridor means Manhattan and surrounding business hubs are within a 25-minute off-peak drive.
The rental market here leans toward practical, no-frills living. You will find garden-style apartments in low-rise buildings, walk-ups along Broad Ave and Shaler Blvd, and a handful of newer developments. Most rentals include at least one parking space, which is rare in more dense Gold Coast towns. The Ridgefield Public Library on Broad Ave serves as a community anchor, and the borough's parks provide easy access to green space.
For renters who want to stretch their dollar without leaving central Bergen County, Ridgefield delivers. The trade-off is a quieter, more residential feel than the flashy waterfront communities to the east, but the savings and the short commute make it a smart choice for professionals and small families alike.
Scott Selleck has guided home buyers and renters through Bergen County for over 32 years. If you are considering Ridgefield, he can help you find the right rental and explain how the local market works.
Commute Options for Renters
NJ Transit Bus
- → Routes 127, 165, 166, 168 serve Ridgefield
- → Direct to Port Authority Bus Terminal
- → Time: 30-45 minutes depending on route and traffic
- → Monthly pass: approximately $110 (Zone 2)
- → Best for: Budget commuters, Midtown access
NJ Transit Train (Carlstadt)
- → Nearest rail: Carlstadt station (Pascack Valley Line)
- → Short drive from Ridgefield to Carlstadt
- → Train to Hoboken: ~25 minutes
- → PATH connection to NYC from Hoboken
- → Best for: Reverse commuters, Hoboken access
Driving
- → Route 46 provides direct GWB access
- → Time: 10-15 minutes to GWB (off-peak)
- → GWB to Midtown: additional 10-20 minutes
- → Tolls: GWB $14.79 off-peak / $16.79 peak (E-ZPass)
- → Most Ridgefield rentals include parking
What It Actually Costs to Rent in Ridgefield
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-$120/mo
gas $40-$60/mo, water often included
Internet
Comcast and Verizon Fios
$60-$90/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 market data. Actual costs vary by building, unit size, and lease terms.
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