Ridgewood
A vibrant village with small-town charm and big-city access
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 Ridgewood, NJ?
Ridgewood is one of Bergen County's most walkable villages, known for its walkable downtown, schools serving the community, and strong sense of community. With approximately 26,000 residents and median home values of \$780K to \$980K, it offers village-style living with a vibrant downtown.
Ridgewood is one of the most sought-after communities in all of Bergen County, and for good reason. The village combines a vibrant, walkable downtown with tree-lined residential streets, historic architecture, and consistently top-rated public schools. It has the feel of a New England village transplanted to the banks of the Saddle River a place where people know their neighbors and the downtown bustles with independent shops, caf�s, and restaurants.
With approximately 127 acres of dedicated parkland and an extensive network of walking paths, Ridgewood is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The downtown, centered around Van Neste Square, hosts community events year-round from farmers markets to art shows to seasonal celebrations. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, active civic organizations, and a downtown that genuinely rivals what you'd find in much larger cities.
The public school system is one of the main draws for homebuyers relocating to the area. Ridgewood schools consistently rank among the top in New Jersey, with the high school offering a wide range of AP courses, arts programs, and competitive athletics. The combination of local schools, walkability, and Manhattan access makes Ridgewood one of the most competitive real estate markets in the state.
Schools Serving Ridgewood, NJ?
Rated A+ on Niche.com (as of 2025). Ridgewood High School is serving the community.
What Do Homes Cost in Ridgewood, NJ in 2026?
Median home prices range from $990K to $1.3M+. Historic colonials and Tudors dominate the market with strong appreciation.
How Long Is the Commute from Ridgewood to NYC?
NJ Transit Main/Bergen County Line to Hoboken or Secaucus Junction. Express buses also available to Port Authority.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Ridgewood, NJ?
Steel Wheel Tavern
A beloved gastropub on North Broad Street with craft cocktails, elevated bar fare, and a lively atmosphere. A Ridgewood staple for date nights and weekend gatherings.
White Maple Caf�
A popular local caf� on East Ridgewood Avenue known for its artisan sandwiches, fresh pastries, and specialty coffee. Popular with locals for a leisurely brunch.
Sola Osteria
An elegant Italian bistro on South Broad Street offering seasonal dishes, handmade pasta, and an impressive wine list in a warm, inviting setting.
Park West Tavern
A sophisticated tavern on Oak Street with a refined menu of American classics, craft beers, and weekend brunch. Known for its upscale casual vibe.
Ridgewood's downtown dining scene features a mix of upscale bistros, casual caf�s, and ethnic cuisines all within easy walking distance of the train station.
What Parks and Recreation Does Ridgewood Offer?
Graydon Pool
A unique 8-acre natural spring-fed pond and beach that serves as Ridgewood's beloved summer swimming spot. One of the last natural swimming areas in Bergen County.
Ridgewood Duck Pond
A scenic park along the Saddle River with walking paths, a duck pond, and picnic areas a year-round favorite for residents.
Saddle River County Park
A multi-use park with paved paths for walking and cycling, athletic fields, and playgrounds stretching along the Saddle River.
Veterans Memorial Park
A central green space with memorials, benches, and large canopy trees ideal for a quiet afternoon walk through the heart of the village.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Ridgewood, NJ?
Ridgewood Farmers Market
Weekly market running spring through fall at Ridgewood Train Station, featuring local produce, baked goods, artisanal products, and food vendors.
Art in the Park
Annual juried art show held at Van Neste Square, showcasing fine art and crafts from regional artists. One of Ridgewood's signature community events.
Ridgewood Halloween Parade
A beloved community tradition drawing hundreds of costumed residents through the downtown area each October.
Holiday Walk-Through & Village Lighting
The downtown comes alive with festive lights, carolers, and shop visits as Ridgewood kicks off the winter season.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Ridgewood, NJ?
Ridgewood is served by the NJ Transit Main Line and Bergen County Line, with the Ridgewood Train Station located in the heart of the downtown. Trains connect to Hoboken Terminal, where you can transfer to PATH trains for Midtown Manhattan, or connect at Secaucus Junction for direct service to Penn Station. Total commute time is typically 5565 minutes door-to-door.
Express bus service via NJ Transit and Coach USA provides a direct route to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown, often faster than the train during rush hours. Routes include the 171 and 175 bus lines.
By car, Ridgewood is accessible via Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway. Driving to Midtown Manhattan typically takes 4560 minutes off-peak, though rush hour can push that significantly higher.
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."
Ridgewood — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Ridgewood area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Ridgewood Public Schools serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- The Glen School — Pre-K
- Hawes Elementary School — K–5
- Orchard Elementary School — K–5
- Ridge Elementary School — K–5
- Somerville Elementary School — K–5
- Travell Elementary School — K–5
- Willard Elementary School — K–5
Middle Schools
- Benjamin Franklin Middle School — 6–8
- George Washington Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Ridgewood High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Ridgewood Public Schools.
Private Schools
- Dwight-Englewood School — Pre-K–12 | Independent day school in nearby Englewood. | Website: dwight-englewood.org
Parochial / Religious Schools
- St. Elizabeth School — Catholic | Pre-K–8
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Ridgewood 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 Ridgewood?
Ridgewood is served by NJ Transit's Main Line and Bergen County Line from the historic Ridgewood Train Station, with a 30-minute ride to Hoboken Terminal and connections to Penn Station. Express buses also run to the Port Authority.
NJ Transit Main Line & Bergen County Line
Trains from the Ridgewood Station connect to Hoboken Terminal (approximately 30 minutes) and Penn Station via Secaucus Junction. The historic station in the heart of the downtown is one of Bergen County's most active transit hubs.
Express Bus to Port Authority
NJ Transit and Coach USA express buses provide direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, often faster than the train during rush hours. Routes include the 171 and 175.
Driving via Route 17
Route 17 provides highway access to the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 45–60 minutes off-peak.
Secaucus Junction Transfer
Transfer at Secaucus Junction for direct NJ Transit service to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, avoiding the PATH transfer.
Average Commute
Ridgewood residents average approximately 55–65 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan via train, with express bus riders often achieving faster times.
What Are the Schools Like in Ridgewood?
Ridgewood's public schools are rated A+ on Niche.com (as of 2025), with Ridgewood High School serving the community. Schools in the district serve the community.
Ridgewood High School
Consistently ranked among the top public high schools in New Jersey with A+ ratings. Offers extensive AP courses, competitive athletics, arts programs, and strong college placement.
Ridgewood Public Schools (K–8)
Multiple elementary and middle schools serve the village, including Willard, Orchard, Travell, and Somerville schools. Academics and active parent engagement.
Nearby Private Schools
The Academy of Our Lady (Catholic, Glen Rock) and other private options in neighboring communities provide additional choices.
Bergen County Academies
The magnet high school (ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2024) in Hackensack is accessible to Ridgewood students through countywide admissions.
Ridgewood Public Library
A vibrant community library on North Pleasant Avenue offering extensive programs for all ages, author events, and a robust collection.
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 Ridgewood?
Ridgewood's walkable downtown features cafés and bakeries along East Ridgewood Avenue and North Broad Street, from artisan coffee shops to beloved brunch spots.
White Maple Café
A local café on East Ridgewood Avenue known for artisan sandwiches, fresh pastries, and specialty coffee. Popular with locals for a leisurely brunch.
Steel Wheel Tavern
A beloved gastropub on North Broad Street that also serves excellent coffee and brunch. Craft cocktails and elevated bar fare in a lively atmosphere.
Downtown Ridgewood Cafés
The walkable downtown features several independent coffee shops and bakeries, each with its own character. The village's café culture rivals much larger cities.
Park West Tavern
A sophisticated tavern on Oak Street with great coffee, weekend brunch, and a refined casual atmosphere. A popular gathering spot.
Van Neste Square Area
The area around Van Neste Square has multiple cafés and bakeries within steps of each other, making it easy to explore and find your favorite spot.
Is Ridgewood Good for Pet Owners?
Ridgewood is excellent for pet owners with multiple veterinary clinics, the Saddle River County Park trails, and a walkable downtown perfect for daily dog walks.
Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital
Full-service veterinary hospital providing wellness exams, surgery, dental care, and emergency services. A trusted local practice for the community's pets.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Additional veterinary options in neighboring Glen Rock, Paramus, and Fair Lawn provide comprehensive pet care within minutes.
Saddle River County Park
A multi-use park with paved paths along the Saddle River, perfect for long dog walks. The trail system stretches through several communities.
Graydon Pool & Duck Pond Areas
The areas around Graydon Pool and the Ridgewood Duck Pond offer pleasant walking routes with green space and water features.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are available in nearby Paramus (PetSmart, Petco) and along the Route 17 corridor. Local pet boutiques also serve the community.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Ridgewood?
The Valley Hospital in nearby Paramus is Ridgewood's closest major hospital, a comprehensive medical center providing emergency and specialty care. Hackensack University Medical Center is also accessible.
The Valley Hospital (Paramus)
Located in neighboring Paramus, this 450-bed hospital is one of Bergen County's premier medical facilities. Provides emergency services, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and comprehensive specialty care.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 10 miles west. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs.
Englewood Hospital
Located about 10 miles south, providing emergency care, surgical services, and specialty programs.
Urgent Care & Primary Care
Multiple primary care practices and urgent care centers operate in downtown Ridgewood and along the Route 17 corridor.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens locations in the downtown area and along Route 17 provide convenient pharmacy access.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Ridgewood?
Ridgewood's walkable downtown includes local markets, while nearby Paramus offers major grocery chains including Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
ShopRite (Paramus, nearby)
Full-service supermarket in Paramus, about 10 minutes away. Complete grocery selection with deli, bakery, and produce.
Trader Joe's (Paramus, nearby)
Popular specialty grocery at Paramus Park, known for affordable specialty and organic items. About 10 minutes away.
Whole Foods Market (nearby)
Located in the broader Bergen County area, offering organic produce and specialty items.
Local Markets & Delis
Downtown Ridgewood has local delis, bakeries, and specialty food shops along the walkable commercial corridors.
Everyday Errands
Ridgewood's walkable downtown provides dry cleaners, banks, pharmacies, and specialty shops. The village's compact layout makes most errands walkable.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Ridgewood Offer?
Ridgewood offers 127+ acres of parkland, from the unique natural spring-fed Graydon Pool to the Saddle River County Park trails and the scenic Duck Pond.
Graydon Pool
A unique 8-acre natural spring-fed pond and beach that serves as Ridgewood's beloved summer swimming spot. One of the last natural swimming areas in Bergen County.
Ridgewood Duck Pond
A scenic park along the Saddle River with walking paths, a duck pond, and picnic areas — a year-round favorite for residents.
Saddle River County Park
A multi-use park with paved paths for walking and cycling, athletic fields, and playgrounds stretching along the Saddle River through several communities.
Veterans Memorial Park
A central green space with memorials, benches, and large canopy trees — ideal for a quiet afternoon walk through the heart of the village.
Walking & Biking
Ridgewood's extensive path system and tree-lined streets make it one of the most walkable and bikeable communities in Bergen County. The village has invested heavily in pedestrian infrastructure.
This Week's Open Houses in Ridgewood
Updated weekly with NJMLS-sourced listings
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Sources & Learn More — Ridgewood
- Town of Ridgewood — Official Website
- Ridgewood 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