Saddle River
One of New Jersey's most affluent boroughs with estate properties and equestrian character
By Scott Selleck \u2014 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 Saddle River, NJ?
Saddle River is one of the most affluent boroughs in New Jersey, with approximately 3,400 residents and median home values exceeding $2M. Known for its sprawling estate properties, equestrian character, and A+ rated Upper Saddle River School District, it represents the pinnacle of luxury residential living in Bergen County.
Saddle River occupies a prestigious position in northern Bergen County, nestled between Upper Saddle River, Allendale, and Mahwah. The borough spans approximately 4.8 square miles with extremely low density, where estate properties on 2\u20135+ acre lots create a country-like atmosphere that feels removed from suburban density despite being only 30 miles from Manhattan.
The residential landscape is defined by grand estates \u2014 custom-built mansions, historic properties, and modern architectural showpieces set behind gates on manicured grounds. Many properties include equestrian facilities, with horses and riding trails maintaining the borough's longstanding identity as a premier horse country in northern New Jersey.
Saddle River's students attend the Upper Saddle River School District for grades K\u20138 (rated A+ on Niche) and Northern Highlands Regional High School for grades 9\u201312 \u2014 consistently one of the highest-performing high schools in the state. The borough is primarily car-dependent, with NJ Transit bus service along Route 17 and nearby access to the Garden State Parkway and NJ Transit Main Line in Mahwah and Ramsey.
Schools Serving Saddle River, NJ?
Rated A+ on Niche.com. Upper Saddle River Schools (K\u20138) and Northern Highlands Regional HS (9\u201312).
What Do Homes Cost in Saddle River, NJ in 2026?
Median $2M+. Estate properties on multi-acre lots with equestrian facilities. Ultra-premium pricing.
How Long Is the Commute from Saddle River to NYC?
NJ Transit bus via Route 17 or driving via GSP. 55\u201370 min to Midtown Manhattan.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Saddle River, NJ?
The Saddle River Inn
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant housed in a historic 18th-century farmhouse, offering seasonal American cuisine in an elegant setting.
Upper Saddle River Dining (nearby)
Neighboring Upper Saddle River offers local restaurants, cafes, and casual dining options along its main commercial areas.
Ridgewood Dining (nearby)
The vibrant Ridgewood downtown, a short drive south, provides an extensive selection of upscale and casual restaurants.
Montvale Dining Options (nearby)
Nearby Montvale along Route 17 offers family restaurants, chains, and casual dining options.
Saddle River has limited commercial dining within the borough. Residents rely on nearby Upper Saddle River, Ridgewood, and Ramsey for restaurants and daily services.
What Parks and Recreation Does Saddle River Offer?
Saddle River County Park
A scenic county park along the Saddle River with walking paths, fishing, and open green space for passive recreation.
Saddle River Equestrian Properties
The borough's estate properties with horse facilities, riding rings, and trails maintain its equestrian heritage.
Cruickshank Nature Preserve (nearby)
A natural area with walking trails and wildlife habitat in the neighboring Saddle River corridor.
Ramapo County Reservation (nearby)
Extensive county park system with trails and natural areas for hiking and outdoor activities.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Saddle River, NJ?
Saddle River Community Events
Small-scale community gatherings organized by the borough, reflecting the intimate character of this affluent community.
Equestrian Events
Private horse shows and equestrian events hosted at local estate properties, reflecting the borough's equestrian heritage.
Holiday Season Celebrations
Seasonal gatherings and community observances maintaining the borough's close-knit character.
Regional Cultural Events
Residents participate in cultural events in neighboring Ridgewood, Mahwah, and Ramsey.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Saddle River, NJ?
Saddle River is served by NJ Transit bus routes along Route 17, providing connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The bus commute typically takes 55\u201370 minutes.
By car, Saddle River is accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Routes 17 and 208. The GW Bridge is approximately 30 minutes south. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 50\u201365 minutes off-peak.
Rail access is available from nearby Mahwah and Ramsey stations on the NJ Transit Main Line, providing service to Hoboken Terminal and Penn Station via Secaucus Junction. The ShortLine/Coach USA also provides express bus service from the Route 17 corridor.
Saddle River — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Saddle River area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Upper Saddle River School District (serves both Upper Saddle River and Saddle River) serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Saddle River Day School (private) — PK–12
Middle Schools
- Upper Saddle River Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Northern Highlands Regional High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Upper Saddle River School District (serves both Upper Saddle River and Saddle River).
Private Schools
- Saddle River Day School — PK–12 | A private, coeducational, college preparatory day school located within Saddle River. | Website: saddelriverday.org
Cooperative Programs
- Northern Highlands Regional High School District — Saddle River students attend Northern Highlands Regional HS as part of this regional district. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Saddle River Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers and neighboring communities.
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 Saddle River?
Saddle River is primarily car-dependent, with NJ Transit bus service along Route 17 and nearby rail access in Mahwah and Ramsey.
NJ Transit Bus (Route 17)
Bus routes along Route 17 connect to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 55–70 minutes.
NJ Transit Main Line (Mahwah/Ramsey, nearby)
Nearby train stations provide rail service to Hoboken Terminal and Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
Driving via Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway is accessible via Routes 17 and 208. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 50–65 minutes off-peak.
Average Commute
Saddle River residents average approximately 60–75 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan, primarily by car or express bus.
What Are the Schools Like in Saddle River?
Saddle River students attend Upper Saddle River School District (A+) for K–8 and Northern Highlands Regional HS for 9–12.
Upper Saddle River School District (K–8)
An A+ rated district serving Saddle River and Upper Saddle River students through grade 8.
Northern Highlands Regional High School
Students attend this highly rated regional high school offering exceptional academics, athletics, and extracurriculars.
Saddle River Day School
A private college preparatory day school located within the borough, offering PK–12 education.
Nearby Libraries
Public libraries in Upper Saddle River, Mahwah, and Ramsey offer programs 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 Saddle River?
Saddle River has virtually no commercial dining within the borough. Residents rely on neighboring Upper Saddle River, Ridgewood, and Ramsey.
Upper Saddle River (nearby)
Neighboring USR offers local restaurants and cafes along its commercial areas.
Ridgewood Downtown (nearby)
The vibrant Ridgewood downtown provides extensive dining and café options a short drive away.
Is Saddle River Good for Pet Owners?
Saddle River is exceptional for pet owners, especially horse owners, with large estate properties and equestrian facilities.
Equestrian Properties
Many Saddle River estates include horse stables, riding rings, and direct trail access.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Upper Saddle River, Mahwah, and Ramsey provide comprehensive pet and equine care.
Quiet Estate Roads
Saddle River's low-traffic, tree-lined roads are ideal for walking dogs in a peaceful setting.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet and equine supply stores are accessible in nearby Mahwah, Ramsey, and Paramus.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Saddle River?
Hackensack University Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital are both accessible from Saddle River.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 15 miles south. A Level I Trauma Center.
Good Samaritan Hospital (Suffern, NY)
A nearby hospital in Suffern, NY providing emergency and medical services.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Upper Saddle River, Mahwah, and Ramsey.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in nearby Upper Saddle River, Mahwah, and Ramsey.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Saddle River?
Saddle River has no retail within the borough. Residents shop in Upper Saddle River, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Paramus.
ShopRite (Ramsey, nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in Ramsey and Mahwah provide complete grocery selections.
Whole Foods (nearby)
Organic and specialty grocery options accessible in the broader Bergen County area.
Everyday Errands
Saddle River residents rely on neighboring communities for all daily shopping and errands.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Saddle River Offer?
Saddle River offers county park access, equestrian properties, and proximity to the Ramapo Mountains for outdoor recreation.
Saddle River County Park
A scenic county park along the Saddle River with walking paths and open green space.
Equestrian Trails
Private estate properties with horse trails provide equestrian recreation in a country-like setting.
Ramapo County Reservation (nearby)
Extensive county park with trails and natural areas for hiking.
Walking & Cycling
Saddle River's quiet, tree-lined estate roads provide a peaceful setting for outdoor activities.
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