Wood-Ridge
A small, affordable borough close to the Meadowlands with improving 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 Wood-Ridge, NJ?
Wood-Ridge is a small, affordable borough of approximately 8,700 residents in southeastern Bergen County, close to the Meadowlands and East Rutherford. With median home values of $640K\u2013$675K, it offers an accessible entry into Bergen County living with improving amenities and a convenient location near major highways.
Wood-Ridge occupies a compact 1.1 square miles in southeastern Bergen County, bordered by Hasbrouck Heights to the north, South Hackensack to the east, Carlstadt to the south, and East Rutherford to the west. Its proximity to the Meadowlands complex \u2014 home to MetLife Stadium and the American Dream mall \u2014 gives the borough a distinctive character at the intersection of suburban residential and major entertainment venues.
The housing stock includes single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family properties on compact lots, reflecting the borough's modest size and urban-suburban character. The Hackensack St and Valley Blvd commercial corridors provide local dining, shopping, and services, with an improving mix of restaurants representing the community's diverse population.
Wood-Ridge's public schools serve PK\u201312, earning a B rating on Niche. NJ Transit bus routes 160 and 164 serve the borough, providing connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The borough's location near I-95, Route 3, and Route 17 provides excellent highway access for car commuters.
Schools Serving Wood-Ridge, NJ?
Rated B on Niche.com. Wood-Ridge School District (PK\u201312) with local schools at all grade levels.
What Do Homes Cost in Wood-Ridge, NJ in 2026?
Median $640K\u2013$675K. Affordable for Bergen County. Single-family, duplexes, and multi-family options.
How Long Is the Commute from Wood-Ridge to NYC?
NJ Transit bus or drive via I-95/Lincoln Tunnel. 30\u201350 min to Midtown Manhattan.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Wood-Ridge, NJ?
Sparta Taverna
A Greek restaurant on Hackensack St offering authentic Greek cuisine, seafood, kebabs, and meze in a warm neighborhood setting.
Justin's Ristorante II
An Italian restaurant and bar on Hackensack St serving classic Italian-American dishes, pasta, and seafood in a casual atmosphere.
Rola's Kitchen Mediterranean Grill
A Mediterranean grill on Valley Blvd offering fresh, healthy fare with grilled meats, falafel, and specialty wraps.
East Rutherford & Hasbrouck Heights Dining (nearby)
Adjacent East Rutherford and Hasbrouck Heights offer diverse dining options from casual eateries to popular chain restaurants.
Wood-Ridge's Hackensack St and Valley Blvd corridors offer a growing mix of Mediterranean, Italian, and casual dining options.
What Parks and Recreation Does Wood-Ridge Offer?
Wood-Ridge Memorial Park
A central community park with athletic fields, playgrounds, and open green space for recreation and community events.
Borough Parks
Multiple neighborhood parks throughout the borough providing green space, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
Meadowlands Arts Center (nearby)
Cultural and arts programming in the Meadowlands area providing entertainment and educational opportunities.
Riverside County Park (nearby)
A county park along the Passaic River with walking paths, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Wood-Ridge, NJ?
Wood-Ridge Community Day
An annual celebration featuring food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.
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 Recreation Programs
Borough-organized summer programs for youth and families, including sports leagues and community activities.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Wood-Ridge, NJ?
Wood-Ridge is served by NJ Transit bus routes 160 and 164, providing connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The bus commute typically takes 30\u201350 minutes depending on traffic.
By car, Wood-Ridge sits near the junction of I-95, Route 3, and Route 17. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 25\u201340 minutes off-peak via the Lincoln Tunnel, making it one of the most highway-accessible communities in Bergen County.
Rail access is available from nearby Secaucus Junction, which provides connections throughout the NJ Transit system including direct service to Penn Station New York.
Wood-Ridge — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Wood-Ridge area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Wood-Ridge School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Wood-Ridge Elementary School — PK–5
Middle Schools
- Wood-Ridge Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Wood-Ridge High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Wood-Ridge School District.
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Wood-Ridge 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 Wood-Ridge?
Wood-Ridge has excellent highway access via I-95, Route 3, and Route 17, with NJ Transit bus service and nearby rail at Secaucus Junction.
NJ Transit Bus (Routes 160, 164)
Bus routes serve Wood-Ridge with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 30–50 minutes.
Driving via I-95 and Lincoln Tunnel
I-95 provides direct access to the Lincoln Tunnel. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 25–40 minutes off-peak.
Secaucus Junction (nearby)
A major transit hub providing rail service throughout the NJ Transit system including direct Penn Station access.
Average Commute
Wood-Ridge residents average approximately 35–55 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan.
What Are the Schools Like in Wood-Ridge?
Wood-Ridge's public school district serves PK–12 students with local schools at all grade levels.
Wood-Ridge School District (PK–12)
The borough's public schools serve approximately 8,700 residents with academics at all grade levels.
Wood-Ridge High School
The borough's comprehensive high school offering academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in Hasbrouck Heights, Carlstadt, and neighboring communities provide additional choices.
Wood-Ridge 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 Wood-Ridge?
Wood-Ridge has a growing dining scene along Hackensack St and Valley Blvd, with Mediterranean, Italian, and casual options.
Hackensack St Dining
Local restaurants serving Greek, Italian, and Mediterranean fare along the main commercial corridor.
Hasbrouck Heights & East Rutherford (nearby)
Neighboring towns offer additional dining, chain restaurants, and casual options.
Is Wood-Ridge Good for Pet Owners?
Wood-Ridge offers community parks and proximity to larger parks for outdoor activities with pets.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Hasbrouck Heights, Carlstadt, and Hackensack provide comprehensive pet care.
Borough Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks.
Riverside County Park (nearby)
A county park with walking paths and open space for outdoor activities with pets.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Hasbrouck Heights, Paramus, and Hackensack.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Wood-Ridge?
Hackensack University Medical Center and nearby community hospitals are accessible from Wood-Ridge.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 8 miles north. A Level I Trauma Center.
Hasbrouck Heights Medical Center
A community hospital in nearby Hasbrouck Heights providing general medical services.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Wood-Ridge and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in Wood-Ridge, Hasbrouck Heights, and Hackensack.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Wood-Ridge?
Wood-Ridge has local markets and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Hasbrouck Heights, Hackensack, and Paramus.
Local Markets & Delis
Small markets and delis along Hackensack St serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in neighboring Hackensack and Paramus provide complete grocery selections.
Target (East Rutherford, nearby)
Major retail options at the nearby Meadowlands shopping corridor.
Everyday Errands
Wood-Ridge's commercial corridors and nearby Hasbrouck Heights provide banks, shops, and services.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Wood-Ridge Offer?
Wood-Ridge offers memorial parks, community recreation, and proximity to the Meadowlands and county parks.
Wood-Ridge Memorial Park
A central park with playgrounds, athletic fields, and open green space.
Borough Parks
Multiple neighborhood parks throughout the borough for local recreation.
Riverside County Park (nearby)
A county park with walking paths, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
Walking & Biking
Wood-Ridge's compact size and residential streets provide walking and cycling opportunities.
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