Waldwick
A walkable borough with NJ Transit train access and a charming downtown
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 Waldwick, NJ?
Waldwick is a walkable borough of approximately 10,200 residents in the Pascack Valley region of northwestern Bergen County. Known for its charming downtown along Franklin Turnpike, A- rated public schools, and NJ Transit Main Line/Bergen County Line train station, it offers a convenient and appealing commuter lifestyle with median home values of $660K\u2013$740K.
Waldwick occupies a favorable position in the Pascack Valley, bordered by Ho-Ho-Kus to the west, Ridgewood to the south, and Allendale to the north. Its location combines small-town charm with genuine transit accessibility \u2014 the Waldwick train station provides direct service to Hoboken Terminal on the Main Line and Bergen County Line, with connections to Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
The housing stock includes a mix of early 20th-century homes, postwar colonials and capes, split-levels, and newer construction. The Franklin Turnpike downtown offers local shops, restaurants, and services within walking distance for many residents, creating a genuine walkable community feel that is increasingly rare in suburban Bergen County.
Waldwick's public schools earn strong ratings \u2014 an A- on Niche \u2014 with local schools serving PK\u20138 and Waldwick High School providing a comprehensive secondary education. The borough's compact size, walkable downtown, and direct train access make it a popular choice for professionals who want a suburban lifestyle without sacrificing urban connectivity.
Schools Serving Waldwick, NJ?
Rated A- on Niche.com. Waldwick Public Schools (PK\u20138) and Waldwick High School (9\u201312).
What Do Homes Cost in Waldwick, NJ in 2026?
Median $660K\u2013$740K. Colonials, capes, split-levels, and newer construction in a walkable community.
How Long Is the Commute from Waldwick to NYC?
NJ Transit Main Line/Bergen County Line train to Hoboken/Penn Station. 50\u201365 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Waldwick, NJ?
Matthews Diner
A beloved Bergen County diner on Franklin Turnpike serving classic American breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
W's Village Grille Restaurant & Bar
A popular restaurant and bar on Crescent Ave offering American cuisine, craft cocktails, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere.
Charlie's Place
A casual restaurant on W Prospect St serving American fare and comfort food in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Empire II Luncheonette
A classic luncheonette on E Prospect St serving breakfast, sandwiches, and casual fare with old-school charm.
Waldwick's Franklin Turnpike and Prospect St offer a walkable selection of restaurants, diners, and cafes. Nearby Ridgewood provides additional upscale dining options.
What Parks and Recreation Does Waldwick Offer?
Waldwick Community Park
A central community park with playgrounds, athletic fields, a pool, and open green space for recreation and community events.
Waldwick Nature Walk
Walking paths and nature areas within the borough providing opportunities for birdwatching and passive recreation.
Pascack Brook County Park (nearby)
A linear park with paved trails running along the Pascack Brook, connecting neighboring communities.
Wood Dale County Park (nearby)
A serene Bergen County park with walking trails, fishing, and picnicking along the Woodcliff Lake reservoir.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Waldwick, NJ?
Waldwick Street Fair
An annual street fair featuring local vendors, food, music, and activities that draws visitors from across the region.
Independence Day Celebration
Annual Fourth of July festivities with community activities, live music, and evening celebrations.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive gathering each December with caroling, seasonal refreshments, and the official borough tree lighting.
Summer Concert Series
Live music performances in the community park during summer months, bringing neighbors together for evening entertainment.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Waldwick, NJ?
Waldwick's NJ Transit train station on the Main Line and Bergen County Line provides direct service to Hoboken Terminal, with connections to Penn Station via Secaucus Junction. The train commute to Penn Station typically takes 50\u201365 minutes.
By car, Waldwick is accessible via Routes 17 and 202 and the Garden State Parkway. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 45\u201360 minutes off-peak via the GW Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel.
Express bus service is also available from nearby Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus, providing additional commuting options to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Waldwick — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Waldwick area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Waldwick Public School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Julia A. Traphagen School — PK–2
- Hilltop School — 3–5
Middle Schools
- Waldwick Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Waldwick High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Waldwick Public School District.
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Waldwick 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 Waldwick?
Waldwick has direct NJ Transit train service on the Main Line and Bergen County Line, making it one of the most convenient commuter towns in the Pascack Valley.
Waldwick NJ Transit Station (Main/Bergen County Line)
Direct train service to Hoboken Terminal with connections to Penn Station via Secaucus Junction. Commute times typically 50–65 minutes.
Driving via Routes 17 and 202
Routes 17 and 202 provide highway access to the GW Bridge corridor. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 45–60 minutes off-peak.
Express Bus (Ridgewood, nearby)
Express bus service from nearby Ridgewood provides additional commuting options to the Port Authority.
Average Commute
Waldwick residents average approximately 55–70 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan by train.
What Are the Schools Like in Waldwick?
Waldwick's public school district serves PK–12 students with local schools at all grade levels, rated A- on Niche.
Waldwick Public Schools (PK–8)
The borough's public schools serve approximately 10,200 residents with strong academics.
Waldwick High School
The borough's comprehensive high school offering academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in Ho-Ho-Kus, Ridgewood, and neighboring communities provide additional choices.
Waldwick 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 Waldwick?
Waldwick has a walkable selection of cafes and restaurants along Franklin Turnpike and Prospect St.
Franklin Turnpike Dining
Local restaurants, diners, and cafes along the main commercial corridor serve American, Italian, and casual fare.
Ridgewood Downtown (nearby)
The vibrant Ridgewood downtown, a short distance south, provides extensive dining and café options.
Ho-Ho-Kus Options (nearby)
Neighboring Ho-Ho-Kus offers additional restaurants and casual dining.
Is Waldwick Good for Pet Owners?
Waldwick is good for pet owners with community parks, walkable streets, and proximity to county parks.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Ridgewood, Ho-Ho-Kus, and Mahwah provide comprehensive pet care.
Community Parks
Borough parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks.
Pascack Brook County Park (nearby)
A linear park with paved trails along the Pascack Brook for walking with pets.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Ridgewood, Paramus, and Mahwah.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Waldwick?
Hackensack University Medical Center and Pascack Valley Medical Center are both accessible from Waldwick.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 12 miles south. A Level I Trauma Center.
Pascack Valley Medical Center
A community hospital in nearby Westwood providing emergency and general medical services.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Waldwick and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in Waldwick, Ridgewood, and Ho-Ho-Kus.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Waldwick?
Waldwick has local markets and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Ridgewood, Paramus, and Ho-Ho-Kus.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis in the borough serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in neighboring communities provide complete grocery selections.
Whole Foods (Paramus, nearby)
Organic and specialty grocery options accessible in the Paramus shopping corridor.
Everyday Errands
Waldwick's Franklin Turnpike corridor provides banks, shops, and services for daily needs.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Waldwick Offer?
Waldwick offers community parks, nature walks, and proximity to county parks in the Pascack Valley.
Community Park
A central park with playgrounds, athletic fields, a pool, and open green space.
Waldwick Nature Walk
Walking paths and nature areas within the borough for birdwatching and passive recreation.
Pascack Brook County Park (nearby)
A linear park with paved trails along the Pascack Brook.
Walking & Biking
Waldwick's walkable downtown and residential streets make it excellent for walking and cycling.
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