Why Bogota, NJ?
Bogota is a compact, diverse Hackensack River borough of 9,600 residents that punches above its weight — home to Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Eddie Adams, legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully, and NFL lineman Richie Incognito. The borough's 0.80 square miles pack in a majority-Hispanic community (51%), Bergen County schools with a National Blue Ribbon elementary, and NJ Transit bus service to Manhattan in 35 minutes. Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods, and American Foursquares line tree-shaded streets at a $625K median — one of the most accessible entry points into Bergen County. Queen Anne Road and Fort Lee Road anchor the dining and shopping scene with Latin American, Mexican, and Dominican restaurants. Overpeck County Park's 800 acres sit just outside the borough. At crime rates 47% below the state average, Bogota is one of the safest small boroughs in the county.
Bogota Real Estate Market in 2026
Bogota homes sell in 22 days at a $625K median, up 6% year over year. Colonial-style homes dominate (3 to 4 bedrooms, 2,500-plus square feet), with prices ranging from $500K in the central corridor to $800K near the Hackensack River. The Atwater luxury complex offers studios to two-bedroom apartments at $2,262 to $3,138 per month. Average rent across the borough is approximately $3,011. Property taxes average around $10,000 — well below the Bergen County median. Strong demand from first-time buyers and families priced out of neighboring Teaneck and Hackensack.
Best Neighborhoods in Bogota
4 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Riverfront District (West Shore)
$600,000 to $800,000Along the Hackensack River with scenic river views, larger lots, and direct access to Olsen Park and the riverfront walking paths. Terhune and Foschini parks overlook the water. The most desirable section of the borough.
Downtown / Main Street
$500,000 to $700,000Walkable core near Borough Hall, schools, and Queen Anne Road shops. Tree-lined streets with classic colonials and capes. Most convenient section for errands and community life.
Elm Avenue / East Side
$525,000 to $675,000Quiet residential streets east of the railroad with newer housing stock. Near the Teaneck border with access to Route 4 shopping. Family-oriented with well-kept properties.
Fort Lee Road Corridor
$475,000 to $650,000Commercial corridor with affordable homes on side streets. Latin American restaurants and local shops within walking distance. The Atwater luxury apartments are located here.
Commuting from Bogota to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Bogota
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Bogota?
Bogota Schools and Ratings
Bogota Public Schools serves 1,381 students across four schools with a 13.4 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Lillian M. Steen Elementary earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award in 2020. E. Roy Bixby Elementary serves PreK through 5th grade. Bogota Middle School (grades 6 to 7) ranks in the top 200 in New Jersey. Bogota Junior-Senior High School (grades 8 to 12) has 73% reading proficiency. Students also have access to Bergen County Academies in Hackensack and Bergen County Technical Schools in Teterboro and Paramus.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Bogota Jr./Sr. High School
Lillian M. Steen
Bogota Middle School
E. Roy Bixby
Bogota vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogota | $625,000 | 3.12% | $10,000 | 30 min |
| Hackensack | $530,000 | 2.78% | $12,234 | 30 min |
| Teaneck | $575,000 | 3.2% | $13,456 | 28 min |
| Ridgefield Park | $510,000 | 2.85% | $11,200 | 25 min |
Where to Eat in Bogota
Latin American and Mexican
Riviera Maya (252 Fort Lee Road) serves authentic Mexican cuisine and is the borough's most popular restaurant. El Patio (61 Queen Anne Road) offers Dominican specialties. Multiple Latin American eateries along Queen Anne Road reflect the borough's majority-Hispanic character.
Cafes and Casual
Bogota Press Cafe (1000 West Fort Lee Road) is a neighborhood coffee shop with items under $15. Marshy Sweet is a locally-run candy store popular with families. Siena's serves Italian. China Garden offers Chinese takeout.
Parks and Recreation in Bogota
Oscar E. Olsen Park
The borough's flagship park along the Hackensack River with walking paths, pavilions, playground, and sports fields. River views and picnic areas.
Terhune Park
Riverfront park overlooking the Hackensack River with classic amenities and pedestrian trails.
Foschini Park
Third riverfront park with Hackensack River views and recreation facilities.
Sgt. Frank Pagano Park
Neighborhood park honoring a local veteran with playground and green space.
Vincent F. Petrix Park
Community park with sports fields and recreation.
Feigel Field
Athletic fields for youth and adult sports leagues.
Bogota Community Garden
Community garden with 4 by 6 foot plots available to residents.
Overpeck County Park (adjacent)
800-acre Bergen County park just outside the borough with equestrian center, expansive playground, athletic fields, boating, and miles of trails.
New Development and Growth in Bogota
The Atwater Luxury Apartments
Modern luxury rental complex offering studios to two-bedroom apartments with contemporary amenities. Studios from $2,262 per month.
Bogota Racquet Club
Indoor racquet facility with PlaySight SmartCourt technology offering high-performance programs from professional coaches. Recognized as one of the best racquet facilities in New Jersey.
River Road Revitalization
Ongoing improvements along the Hackensack River corridor including housing upgrades, pedestrian access, and commercial development.
History of Bogota, NJ
Incorporated November 14, 1894, from portions of Ridgefield Township during Bergen County's boroughitis era when 26 boroughs were created in a single year.
Named after the Bogert family, the first European settlers in the area — possibly blended with the Banta family name. Pronounced buh-GOH-tuh, not like the Colombian capital.
Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Eddie Adams (1933 to 2004) grew up in Bogota. His 1968 Saigon execution photograph became one of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War.
The 2003 mayoral race was the subject of the documentary Anytown USA which won Best Documentary at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival in 2005.
Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully (1927 to 2022), who called games for 67 seasons, was a Bogota resident.
Former Mayor Steve Lonegan served 12 years and later ran for Governor and U.S. Senate. Pat Schuber served as Mayor before becoming a state assemblyman and Bergen County Executive.
Safety in Bogota
Bogota crime rates are 47% below the New Jersey state average. Violent crime runs 63 per 100,000 — 71.5% lower than the state average. Property crime is 865 per 100,000 — 43.2% below the state average. The compact borough layout and active community engagement support public safety.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Bogota, NJ
What is the median home price in Bogota, NJ?
The median home price is $625,000 as of 2026, with 6.0% year-over-year appreciation. Average $438/sqft, selling in 22 days.
How long is the commute from Bogota to NYC?
30 minutes via NJ Transit from on the NJ Transit Bus 155/168 to Port Authority. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Bogota, NJ?
Tax rate is 3.12%. Average homeowner pays $10,000/year. At the median price of $625,000, expect about $19,500/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Bogota?
Riverfront District (West Shore) ($600,000 to $800,000). Downtown / Main Street ($500,000 to $700,000). Elm Avenue / East Side ($525,000 to $675,000). Fort Lee Road Corridor ($475,000 to $650,000). See the full guide above for all 4 neighborhoods.
Is Bogota safe?
Bogota crime rates are 47% below the New Jersey state average. Violent crime runs 63 per 100,000 — 71.5% lower than the state average. Property crime is 865 per 100,000 — 43.2% below the state average. The compact borough layout and active community engagement support public safety.
How walkable is Bogota, NJ?
Walk Score of 65, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $107,321, median age 40.0. 42% renter-occupied.
Ready to Find Your Home in Bogota?
Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Bogota inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.