Upper Saddle River
An affluent borough with estate-style properties, and quiet character
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By Scott Selleck, Broker / Sales Associate, Keller Williams City Views Realty
NJ Real Estate Broker / Sales Associate #9236275. Licensure does not imply endorsement.
Keller Williams City Views Realty. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Cell (201) 970-3960 | Office (201) 592-8900
Last updated: June 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Upper Saddle River, NJ?
Upper Saddle River is an affluent borough of approximately 8,300 residents in northern Bergen County, known for its estate-style properties, and quiet residential character. With median home values of $1.1M-$2M+, it offers premium suburban living in a pastoral setting that feels removed from urban density.
Upper Saddle River occupies about 5.2 square miles in the northern reaches of Bergen County, bordered by Saddle River, Ramsey, Mahwah, and Allendale. The borough's character is defined by spacious properties, mature landscaping, and a genuine sense of privacy that attracts executives, professionals, and residents seeking an estate-like lifestyle within commuting distance of Manhattan.
The housing stock features grand colonials, custom-built estates, and contemporary homes on generous lots, many exceeding an acre.
The borough is primarily car-dependent with limited commercial development, relying on neighboring Mahwah, Ramsey, and Ridgewood for shopping and dining. NJ Transit bus service along Route 17 provides connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and nearby Mahwah and Ramsey stations on the NJ Transit Main Line offer rail options. The Garden State Parkway is easily accessible for regional travel.
What Do Homes Cost in Upper Saddle River, NJ in 2026?
Median $1.1M-$2M+. Estate properties on large lots. High median household income. Premium pricing.
How Long Is the Commute from Upper Saddle River to NYC?
NJ Transit bus via Route 17 or rail from Mahwah/Ramsey. 55-70 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Upper Saddle River, NJ?
Local Restaurants
Upper Saddle River has a small selection of local restaurants and cafes along its main corridors, serving Italian, American, and casual fare.
Ridgewood Dining (nearby)
The vibrant Ridgewood downtown, a short drive south, provides an extensive selection of upscale and casual restaurants.
Mahwah Dining (nearby)
Neighboring Mahwah along Route 17 offers family restaurants, chain dining, and casual eateries.
Ramsey Dining (nearby)
Nearby Ramsey along its main commercial streets offers Italian restaurants, cafes, and family dining options.
Upper Saddle River has limited commercial dining within the borough. Residents rely on neighboring Ridgewood, Ramsey, and Mahwah for restaurants and daily services.
What Parks and Recreation Does Upper Saddle River Offer?
Upper Saddle River Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, athletic fields, and open green space for residents and community activities.
Saddle River County Park
A scenic county park along the Saddle River with walking paths, fishing, and passive recreation.
Ramapo County Reservation (nearby)
Extensive county park system with trails and natural areas for hiking and outdoor activities.
Cruickshank Nature Preserve
A natural area with walking trails and wildlife habitat along the Saddle River corridor.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Upper Saddle River, NJ?
Upper Saddle River Community Day
An annual celebration featuring food, entertainment, and activities for all ages celebrating the community.
Independence Day Celebration
Annual Fourth of July festivities with community activities and evening celebrations.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive gathering each December with seasonal refreshments and the official borough tree lighting.
Summer Concert Series
Live music performances in local parks during summer months, bringing neighbors together.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Upper Saddle River, NJ?
Upper 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 55-70 minutes.
By car, Upper 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 50-65 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.
How Do You Get to NYC from Upper Saddle River?
Upper 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 train stations provide rail service to Hoboken Terminal and Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
Driving via Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway is easily accessible. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 50-65 minutes off-peak.
Average Commute
Upper Saddle River residents average approximately 60-75 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan.
Where Are the Coffee Shops in Upper Saddle River?
Upper Saddle River has limited local dining and is minutes from Ridgewood's vibrant downtown and Ramsey restaurants.
Local Establishments
Small restaurants and cafes in the borough serve the community in a quiet, residential setting.
Ridgewood Downtown (nearby)
The vibrant Ridgewood downtown offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops just minutes away.
Is Upper Saddle River Good for Pet Owners?
Upper Saddle River is excellent for pet owners with large properties, low-traffic streets, and proximity to county parks.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Mahwah, Ramsey, and Ridgewood provide comprehensive pet care.
Borough Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks in a quiet setting.
Ramapo County Reservation (nearby)
Extensive county park with trails and natural areas for outdoor activities with pets.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Mahwah, Ramsey, and Paramus.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Upper Saddle River?
Hackensack University Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital are both accessible from Upper 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 Mahwah, Ramsey, and Ridgewood.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Upper Saddle River?
Upper Saddle River has limited local retail and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Mahwah, Ramsey, and Ridgewood.
ShopRite (Ramsey, nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in Ramsey and Mahwah provide complete grocery selections.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis in the area serve daily grocery needs.
Everyday Errands
Upper Saddle River's limited commercial areas rely on Mahwah, Ramsey, and Ridgewood for daily shopping.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Upper Saddle River Offer?
Upper Saddle River offers borough parks, Saddle River County Park, and proximity to the Ramapo Mountains.
Borough Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space.
Saddle River County Park
A scenic county park along the Saddle River with walking paths and passive recreation.
Ramapo Mountains (nearby)
The foothills provide hiking trails and scenic overlooks for outdoor enthusiasts.
Walking & Biking
Upper Saddle River's quiet, tree-lined estate roads provide excellent walking and cycling.
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