Why Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ?
Ho-Ho-Kus is a tiny borough of just 4,100 residents with its own NJ Transit station, two National Register historic sites, and one of the most charming residential characters in Bergen County. The Hermitage — a Gothic Revival mansion where George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Marquis de Lafayette all visited — anchors the borough's colonial legacy. The Cheelcroft section features Tudor-style homes designed by architect Harold W. Cheel during the Great Depression, now landmark properties reaching $1.75M. Ho-Ho-Kus Elementary earns an A-plus from Niche and students feed into Northern Highlands Regional High School (also A-plus, top 15 in NJ). At $950K, scarcity is the story — barely 1,500 homes exist and often fewer than 5 are on the market.
Ho-Ho-Kus Real Estate Market in 2026
Ho-Ho-Kus homes sell in 25 days at a $950K median. Inventory is perpetually scarce. Route 17 divides the borough: the west side has denser, smaller homes starting around $570K for Cape Cods, while the east side features estate properties on one-plus acre lots reaching $1.5M to $1.8M. Cheelcroft Tudors command around $1.75M when they appear. Median property taxes $16,529.
Best Neighborhoods in Ho-Ho-Kus
4 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Cheelcroft
$1,200,000 to $1,800,000Historic Tudor-style homes designed by architect Harold W. Cheel during and after the Great Depression. Quaint brick and stucco colonials and Tudors with distinctive architectural details. Landmark properties that rarely trade. The most prestigious section of Ho-Ho-Kus.
East Side Estates
$1,000,000 to $1,800,000+Larger properties east of Route 17 with substantial front lawns and grounds of an acre or more. Estate-like setting with privacy and space. The most spacious lots in the borough.
Station Area / Downtown
$800,000 to $1,200,000Walking distance to the NJ Transit station and the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn (built 1790, National Register). Historic homes on pedestrian-friendly, sidewalk-lined streets. The social center of the borough.
West Side
$570,000 to $900,000Denser section west of Route 17 with Cape Cods, colonials, and more compact lots. The most affordable entry into Ho-Ho-Kus and the Northern Highlands school district. Walking distance to Zabriskie Park.
Commuting from Ho-Ho-Kus to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Ho-Ho-Kus
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Ho-Ho-Kus?
Ho-Ho-Kus vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ho-Ho-Kus | $950,000 | 2.12% | $16,529 | 45 min |
| Ridgewood | $1,100,000 | 2.67% | $20,123 | 42 min |
| Upper Saddle River | $1,200,000 | 1.67% | $22,345 | 55 min |
| Waldwick | $550,000 | 2.78% | $12,345 | 42 min |
Where to Eat in Ho-Ho-Kus
Borough Dining
Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern (built 1790, National Register of Historic Places — fine American dining in a colonial-era setting where Aaron Burr was a regular), Eve's (fresh, organic, seasonal menu), Albert's Cafe Amici (BYO Italian-American), Just Janice (Italian-American brunch), Graze (modern American brunch), Tojo's Kitchen (ramen). Six restaurants in a town of 4,100 — remarkable per-capita dining. Ridgewood's 200-plus shops and restaurants are 5 minutes away.
Parks and Recreation in Ho-Ho-Kus
Zabriskie Park and Pond
Historic pond and park in the center of town. Walking paths, nature observation, and community gathering spot. The visual centerpiece of the borough.
16 Acres Park
Open green space and recreation area.
East Park
Green space on the east side of the borough.
Saddle River County Park
Linear county park along the Saddle River accessible from Ho-Ho-Kus with walking and biking trails.
New Development and Growth in Ho-Ho-Kus
History of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
Incorporated in 1908 from Orvil Township. The name Ho-Ho-Kus comes from the Lenni Lenape language, meaning flowing water or the red cedar.
The Hermitage is a Gothic Revival mansion built 1847 to 1848, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now a museum. The property was originally owned by Theodosia Bartow Prevost and was the site of celebrations following the Battle of Monmouth. George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Marquis de Lafayette all visited the estate.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn was built in 1790 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has served as a tavern, inn, and restaurant continuously since the colonial era — over 230 years of hospitality.
The Cheelcroft development was designed by architect Harold W. Cheel during and after the Great Depression. The distinctive Tudor-style brick and stucco homes are now sought-after landmarks.
The Ho-Ho-Kus Contemporary Club and Garden Club maintain active social and philanthropic programs that knit together the small community.
Safety in Ho-Ho-Kus
Ho-Ho-Kus is one of the safest communities in New Jersey with an extremely low crime rate. The small population and tight-knit character create natural community surveillance.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
What is the median home price in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ?
The median home price is $950,000 as of 2026, with 5.4% year-over-year appreciation. Average $395/sqft, selling in 25 days.
How long is the commute from Ho-Ho-Kus to NYC?
45 minutes via NJ Transit from Ho-Ho-Kus Station on the Bergen County Line. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.12%. Average homeowner pays $16,529/year. At the median price of $950,000, expect about $20,140/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Ho-Ho-Kus?
Cheelcroft ($1,200,000 to $1,800,000). East Side Estates ($1,000,000 to $1,800,000+). Station Area / Downtown ($800,000 to $1,200,000). West Side ($570,000 to $900,000). See the full guide above for all 4 neighborhoods.
Is Ho-Ho-Kus safe?
Ho-Ho-Kus is one of the safest communities in New Jersey with an extremely low crime rate. The small population and tight-knit character create natural community surveillance.
How walkable is Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ?
Walk Score of 42, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $185,000, median age 44.8. 6% renter-occupied.
Ready to Find Your Home in Ho-Ho-Kus?
Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Ho-Ho-Kus inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.