Waldwick
A walkable borough with NJ Transit train access and a charming downtown
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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 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, 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 serve students \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.
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. .
Waldwick Public Schools (PK–8)
The borough's public schools serve approximately 10,200 residents.
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 caf� 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.
Renting in Waldwick
A walkable borough with a train station, great schools, and a small-town feel.
Rental Market Snapshot
What Renters Are Paying
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,000 — $2,400/mo |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,200 — $2,700/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,600 — $3,300/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,200 — $4,200/mo |
Average rent across all unit types: approximately $2,500/mo.
What You Get for That Rent
Waldwick is a walkable, family-friendly borough in northwest Bergen County with a NJ Transit train station and a charming downtown. The rental market includes garden-style apartments, townhome rentals, and newer developments. Most buildings include parking, and the Waldwick Public Library and town 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)
Where Walkability Meets Train Access
Hopper Square sits at the heart of Waldwick's downtown along Franklin Turnpike, where a walkable stretch of local shops, restaurants, and services gives the borough a rare suburban charm. For renters, this means errands, dinner, and coffee are all within a short walk of many apartments. The Waldwick Public Library anchors the community a few blocks off the main strip, and the train station puts Midtown Manhattan roughly an hour from your front door.
The residential streets northwest and southeast of downtown are quiet, tree-lined, and family-friendly. Garden apartments and townhome rentals cluster near the station and along the main corridors, offering a range of floor plans from studios to three-bedroom units. Most rental properties include parking, and the walkable layout means you can leave the car behind for daily errands.
Waldwick's rental market is more accessible than many Bergen County towns at comparable school ratings. For renters who want good schools, a real downtown, and a direct train to Hoboken, Waldwick delivers a balance that is hard to find at these price points. The community is welcoming, the commute is reliable, and the lifestyle is genuinely walkable.
Commute Options for Renters
NJ Transit Train
- → Route: Main Line/Bergen County Line to Hoboken Terminal
- → Time: Approximately 40 minutes to Hoboken
- → Connection: Secaucus Junction to Penn Station
- → Monthly pass: Zone 8 pricing, ~$270-$310
- → Walking distance: Station is steps from downtown
NJ Transit Bus
- → Route: Express bus from Ridgewood to Port Authority
- → Time: 45-65 minutes depending on traffic
- → Frequency: Peak hour service with limited off-peak
- → Monthly pass: Zone 2 pricing, ~$125-$160
- → Best for: Commuters to Midtown via Port Authority
Driving
- → Route: Routes 17 and 202 to GWB corridor
- → Time: 45-60 minutes to Midtown off-peak
- → Tolls: GWB $14.79 off-peak / $16.79 peak (E-ZPass)
- → Parking: Most rentals include one assigned space
Budgeting Your Move to Waldwick
Rent
$2,000 – $4,200/mo
depending on unit size and location
Security Deposit
Capped at 1.5 months' rent
by NJ law, held in a separate account
Utilities
Electric $80-$140/mo
gas $40-$60/mo, water $30-$45/mo
Internet
Optimum and Verizon Fios
$50-$80/mo for standard plans
Parking
Most rentals include one space
additional parking $50-$100/mo if available
Pet Costs
Monthly pet rent $25-$50
some buildings require a one-time pet deposit
All figures are estimates based on current Waldwick rental market data. Actual costs vary by building, unit size, and lease terms.
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Nearby Towns
Allendale
Village near the NY border.
Ridgewood
Bergen County's iconic village.
Ho-Ho-Kus
Affluent borough with tree-lined streets.
Midland Park
Quiet residential community.
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