Westwood
A borough with an active downtown, NJ Transit train, and good schools
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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 Westwood, NJ?
Westwood is a borough of approximately 11,200 residents in the Pascack Valley region of northwestern Bergen County, known for its active Broadway downtown, NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line train station, public schools, and a practical mix of housing options. With median home values of $680K\u2013$750K, it offers a balanced blend of small-town charm and commuter convenience.
Westwood occupies a central position in the Pascack Valley, bordered by Park Ridge to the north, Woodcliff Lake to the east, Township of Washington to the south, and River Vale to the west. The borough's Broadway downtown is one of the most active commercial corridors in the Pascack Valley, with restaurants, shops, and services creating a genuine walkable community center.
The housing stock includes colonials, capes, split-levels, and multi-family properties spread across well-established residential neighborhoods. The Route 17 corridor provides additional commercial activity, including retail centers and restaurants. Westwood's location along the Pascack Valley Line makes it a genuine commuter town, with direct train service to Hoboken Terminal and connections to Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
Westwood's public schools serve \u2014 an A on Niche \u2014 with local schools serving PK\u201312. The combination of a walkable downtown, direct train access, and schools makes Westwood a popular choice for residents and professionals who want a suburban lifestyle with urban connectivity.
Schools Serving Westwood, NJ?
Westwood Regional School District (PK\u201312) with local schools at all grade levels.
What Do Homes Cost in Westwood, NJ in 2026?
Median $680K\u2013$750K. Colonials, capes, split-levels, and multi-family in a walkable community.
How Long Is the Commute from Westwood to NYC?
NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line train to Hoboken/Penn Station. 50\u201365 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Westwood, NJ?
Mezza Mediterranean
A popular Mediterranean restaurant on Jefferson Ave offering fresh, healthy fare with kebabs, wraps, and mezze platters in a modern setting.
The Tavern @ The Iron Horse
A restaurant and bar on Washington Ave in a historic building, offering American cuisine, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Farmhouse Cafe & Eatery
A casual cafe and eatery on Center Ave serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch with farm-to-table inspiration.
Al Dente Fresh Pasta Co.
A fresh pasta shop and eatery on Center Ave serving homemade pasta dishes, Italian specialties, and specialty goods.
Westwood's Broadway downtown offers a vibrant selection of restaurants, cafes, and eateries. The Route 17 corridor provides additional chain and independent dining options.
What Parks and Recreation Does Westwood Offer?
Westwood Community Park
A central community park with playgrounds, athletic fields, and open green space for recreation and community events.
Westwood Memorial Park
A memorial park honoring veterans and community members with monuments, benches, and walking paths.
Pascack Brook County Park (nearby)
A linear park with paved trails running along the Pascack Brook, connecting neighboring communities for walking and cycling.
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 Westwood, NJ?
Westwood Street Fair
An annual street fair along Broadway featuring local vendors, food, music, and activities drawing 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 local parks during summer months, bringing neighbors together for evening entertainment.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Westwood, NJ?
Westwood's NJ Transit station on the Pascack Valley 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, Westwood is accessible via Route 17, the Garden State Parkway, and nearby Routes 4 and 208. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 45\u201360 minutes off-peak via the GW Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel.
Express bus service is also available from the Route 17 corridor, providing additional commuting options to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Westwood — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Westwood area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Westwood Regional School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Westwood Regional Elementary School — PK–5
Middle Schools
- Westwood Regional Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Westwood Regional High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Westwood Regional School District.
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Westwood Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
How Do You Get to NYC from Westwood?
Westwood has direct NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line train service and strong Route 17 corridor access for both rail and highway commuters.
Westwood NJ Transit Station (Pascack Valley Line)
Direct train service to Hoboken Terminal with connections to Penn Station via Secaucus Junction. Commute times typically 50–65 minutes.
Driving via Route 17 and GSP
Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway provide highway access to the GW Bridge corridor. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 45–60 minutes off-peak.
Express Bus (Route 17 corridor)
Express bus service from the Route 17 corridor provides additional commuting options to the Port Authority.
Average Commute
Westwood residents average approximately 55–70 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan by train.
What Are the Schools Like in Westwood?
Westwood's public school district serves PK–12 students with local schools at all grade levels.
Westwood Regional School District (PK–12)
The borough's public schools serve approximately 11,200 residents.
Westwood Regional High School
The district's comprehensive high school offering academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in Township of Washington, River Vale, and neighboring communities provide additional choices.
Westwood 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 Westwood?
Westwood has a vibrant downtown along Broadway with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries.
Broadway Downtown
Westwood's Broadway corridor features Mediterranean, American, Italian, and casual dining options within walking distance.
Route 17 Corridor
The Route 17 corridor provides additional restaurant options including chains and independent establishments.
Pascack Valley Options (nearby)
Neighboring Park Ridge, Township of Washington, and Woodcliff Lake offer additional dining choices.
Is Westwood Good for Pet Owners?
Westwood is good for pet owners with community parks, walkable streets, and proximity to county parks.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Township of Washington, Park Ridge, and Paramus 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 Paramus and Township of Washington.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Westwood?
Pascack Valley Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center are both accessible from Westwood.
Pascack Valley Medical Center
A community hospital in Westwood providing emergency and general medical services.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 12 miles south. A Level I Trauma Center.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Westwood and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in Westwood, Township of Washington, and Paramus.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Westwood?
Westwood has local markets and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Township of Washington, Paramus, and nearby communities.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis in the borough serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in Township of Washington and Paramus provide complete grocery selections.
Whole Foods (Paramus, nearby)
Organic and specialty grocery options accessible in the Paramus shopping corridor.
Everyday Errands
Westwood's Broadway downtown provides banks, shops, and services for daily needs.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Westwood Offer?
Westwood offers community parks, memorial parks, and proximity to Pascack Brook County Park.
Community Park
A central park with playgrounds, athletic fields, and open green space.
Westwood Memorial Park
A memorial park with monuments, benches, and walking paths.
Pascack Brook County Park (nearby)
A linear park with paved trails along the Pascack Brook.
Walking & Biking
Westwood's walkable downtown and residential streets make it excellent for walking and cycling.
Renting in Westwood
Northwest Bergen's county seat with a walkable downtown and train access.
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
Westwood is the county seat of Bergen County, with a walkable downtown along Broadway. The NJ Transit train station gives you direct access to Hoboken and Secaucus. The rental market includes garden-style apartments, townhome rentals, and newer developments. Most buildings include parking.
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)
Bergen County's County Seat
What it's like to rent in Westwood.
Westwood's Broadway downtown is one of the most walkable commercial corridors in the Pascack Valley, and for renters that means genuine convenience. From the NJ Transit station at the heart of town to the restaurants, cafes, and shops lining Broadway, you can handle your daily errands and commute without a car. For a Bergen County borough, that kind of walkability is rare and valuable.
The rental market here covers a practical range. Garden-style apartments along the side streets, townhome rentals near the Route 17 corridor, and newer developments offer options for singles, couples, and families. The train station is a genuine commuter asset: the Pascack Valley Line gets you to Hoboken in about 40 to 50 minutes, with connections to Midtown via Secaucus Junction. For renters who work in the city but want room to breathe, that commute time is competitive.
What makes Westwood stand out for renters is the combination of walkable downtown, train access, top-rated schools, and rents that run below the Gold Coast premium. You get the county seat's amenities without the waterfront pricing. Whether you are starting your career or relocating with a family, Westwood delivers a practical, well-rounded lifestyle that is hard to find at this price point in Bergen County.
Scott Selleck has spent over 32 years navigating Bergen County real estate. If you are considering a move to Westwood as a renter, he can walk you through the market, the neighborhoods, and what to expect.
Commute Options for Renters
NJ Transit Train
- → Route: Pascack Valley Line from Westwood Station
- → Time: 40-50 minutes to Hoboken Terminal
- → Transfer at Secaucus Junction to Penn Station
- → Frequency: Hourly, more frequent during peak hours
- → Monthly pass: approximately $130 (Zone 11)
NJ Transit Bus
- → Route: 167, 162, and 756 from the Route 17 corridor
- → Time: 50-75 minutes to Port Authority
- → Multiple pickup points along Broadway and Route 17
- → Monthly pass: approximately $130 (Zone 11)
- → Best for: Flexible schedules, off-peak commuters
Driving
- → Route: Route 17 to GSP or Route 4 to GWB
- → Time: 45-60 minutes to Midtown off-peak
- → GWB toll: $16 cash, $13.75 E-ZPass off-peak
- → Parking: Most rentals include one space, street parking available
What It Actually Costs to Rent in Westwood
Rent
Median $2,500/mo
for a typical 1-2 bedroom apartment
Security Deposit
Capped at 1.5 months' rent
by NJ law, held in escrow
Utilities
Electric $85-$130/mo
gas $40-$60/mo, water generally included
Internet
Comcast and Verizon Fios
$55-$85/mo for standard plans
Parking
Most buildings include one space
Street parking available on most blocks
Pet Costs
Monthly pet rent $25-$50
Some buildings charge a one-time pet deposit
Thinking About Westwood?
I know these neighborhoods inside and out. Let's talk about what Westwood could look like for you.
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