Bergen County, NJ

Living in Oakland, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Ramapo River. Mountain Access. Small-Town Bergen.

Last updated: September 2026

$575,000
Median Home Price
55 min
To Penn Station
12,754
Population
1902
Founded
5.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Oakland, NJ?

Oakland sits in northwestern Bergen County along the Ramapo River, offering mountain access, nature-oriented living, and small-town character. Indian Hills High School, part of the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional district, is well-regarded. At $575K, Oakland provides spacious lots and outdoor recreation at moderate Bergen County prices. Ramapo Valley County Reservation and Campgaw Mountain are nearby.

Oakland Real Estate Market in 2026

Oakland homes sell in 25 days at a $575K median. Colonials, split-levels, and ranch homes on quarter to half acre lots. More space per dollar than most Bergen County towns.

$575,000
Median Price
$310/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
25 days
Avg Days on Market
+5.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Oakland

2 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Ramapo River Area

$550,000 to $750,000

Near the Ramapo River. Wooded lots with nature access.

Best for: Nature lovers, families

Central Oakland

$475,000 to $625,000

Near schools and Ramapo Avenue commercial area.

Best for: Families, convenience seekers

Commuting from Oakland to NYC

55
Minutes to Penn Station
Bus to Mahwah Station
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Oakland

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Oakland?

22
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
55 min
NYC Commute
2.45%
Property Tax Rate
$13,456/year avg
7.8%
Hispanic/Latino
12.6% foreign-born

Oakland Schools and Ratings

Oakland students attend Indian Hills High School, part of the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional district. Dogwood Hill Elementary and Valley Middle School serve the borough.

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Manito Elementary School

OAKLAND, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
B
9.9:1 ratio 257 students Score: 84/100

Valley Middle School

OAKLAND, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
B
9.1:1 ratio 446 students Score: 81/100

Indian Hills High School

OAKLAND, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
C
8.8:1 ratio 694 students Score: 79/100

Dogwood Hill Elementary School

OAKLAND, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
C
10.5:1 ratio 241 students Score: 78/100

Heights Elementary School

OAKLAND, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
C
12.5:1 ratio 376 students Score: 70/100
View all Oakland schools with full ratings →

Oakland vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Oakland $575,000 2.45% $13,456 55 min
Mahwah $650,000 2.34% $14,567 55 min
Ramsey $680,000 2.56% $14,567 48 min

Where to Eat in Oakland

Local

Ramapo Valley Road has neighborhood restaurants. Route 202 provides additional dining options.

Parks and Recreation in Oakland

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

4,000 acre nature area nearby with hiking, fishing, and wildlife.

Bauer Memorial Park

Borough park with sports fields and community recreation.

New Development and Growth in Oakland

History of Oakland, NJ

Incorporated in 1902. The name comes from oak trees that once covered the area.

The Ramapo River has been central to Oakland's identity since its founding.

The borough sits at the edge of the Ramapo Mountains, the easternmost ridge of the Appalachian Mountains.

Safety in Oakland

Oakland is a very safe community with low crime rates.

Notable Residents

Sidney Kingsley (1906 to 1995) — Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who wrote Dead End and Men in White Jonathan Ames (born 1964) — writer and creator of HBO's Bored to Death Lawrence Tynes (born 1978) — NFL placekicker who kicked the game-winning field goals to send the New York Giants to two Super Bowls Doug McKeon (born 1966) — actor who starred alongside Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in On Golden Pond

Annual Events and Festivals

Oakland Day (annual community celebration) Fourth of July Celebration

Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland, NJ

What is the median home price in Oakland, NJ?

The median home price is $575,000 as of 2026, with 5.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $310/sqft, selling in 25 days.

How long is the commute from Oakland to NYC?

55 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Bus to Mahwah Station. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Oakland, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.45%. Average homeowner pays $13,456/year. At the median price of $575,000, expect about $14,088/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Oakland?

Ramapo River Area ($550,000 to $750,000). Central Oakland ($475,000 to $625,000). See the full guide above for all 2 neighborhoods.

Is Oakland safe?

Oakland is a very safe community with low crime rates.

How walkable is Oakland, NJ?

Walk Score of 22, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $120,000, median age 43.4. 10% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Oakland?

Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Oakland inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.

Explore Nearby Communities

Mahwah $650,000 55 min Ramsey $680,000 48 min