Bergen County, NJ

Living in Ramsey, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Walkable Downtown. Two Train Stations. Top Schools.

Last updated: September 2026

$680,000
Median Home Price
48 min
To Penn Station
14,797
Population
1908
Founded
5.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Ramsey, NJ?

Ramsey is a walkable, family-oriented borough with an active Main Street, two NJ Transit stations, and highly rated schools. Darlington County Park at the northern border provides 178 acres of recreation including a swimming lake. At $680K with homes selling in 22 days, Ramsey offers the rare combination of walkable downtown character, train access, and excellent schools that families seek. The Main Street is lined with independent shops and restaurants that give the borough a genuine village identity.

Ramsey Real Estate Market in 2026

Ramsey homes sell in 22 days at a $680K median, appreciating at 5.8%. The housing stock ranges from 1920s colonials near the downtown to mid-century split-levels in the outer areas. Prices range from $475K to $1M+. Two train stations (Ramsey Main Street and Ramsey Route 17) provide flexibility for commuters.

$680,000
Median Price
$340/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
22 days
Avg Days on Market
+5.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Ramsey

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

Main Street / Downtown

$625,000 to $850,000

Walking distance to the train station, shops, and restaurants. Colonial and Victorian homes. The most walkable section.

Best for: Commuters, walkability seekers

Darlington Area

$650,000 to $900,000

Near Darlington County Park. Larger lots with nature access.

Best for: Nature lovers, families

Route 17 Area

$525,000 to $700,000

Near the second train station and Route 17 commercial corridor. More affordable section.

Best for: Value seekers, commuters

Commuting from Ramsey to NYC

48
Minutes to Penn Station
Ramsey Main Street
Main Line
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 Ramsey

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

55
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
48 min
NYC Commute
Ramsey Main Street
2.56%
Property Tax Rate
$14,567/year avg
8.2%
Hispanic/Latino
14.6% foreign-born

Ramsey Schools and Ratings

Ramsey Public Schools serves approximately 2,500 students with a carefully structured system: Mary A. Hubbard Elementary and Wesley D. Tisdale Elementary (Pre-K to 3), John Y. Dater Elementary (4 to 5), Eric S. Smith Middle School (6 to 8), and Ramsey High School (the Rams, 9 to 12). RHS ranks in the top 100 of all NJ public high schools on Niche in best public HS, best for athletes, and best college prep categories.

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

Eric S. Smith Middle School

RAMSEY, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
B
8.6:1 ratio 628 students Score: 83/100

Ramsey High School

RAMSEY, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
B
10.0:1 ratio 773 students Score: 80/100

John Y Dater Elementary School

RAMSEY, NJ · Elementary · Grades 4-5
C
9.8:1 ratio 322 students Score: 79/100

Mary A. Hubbard Elementary School

RAMSEY, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-3
C
10.1:1 ratio 345 students Score: 78/100

Wesley D Tisdale Elementary School

RAMSEY, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-3
C
10.7:1 ratio 320 students Score: 77/100
View all Ramsey schools with full ratings →

Ramsey vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Ramsey $680,000 2.56% $14,567 48 min
Mahwah $700,000 2.34% $14,567 55 min
Allendale $750,000 2.34% $15,890 50 min
Ridgewood $1,100,000 2.67% $20,123 42 min

Where to Eat in Ramsey

Main Street

Cafe Amici (Italian), Kinchley's Tavern (legendary thin-crust pizza — a Bergen County institution), and growing independent restaurants and cafes that give Ramsey a genuine dining identity. Sunday Farmers Market at the train station.

Golf and Country Club

Ramsey Golf and Country Club offers public access with dining. The 18-hole course, swimming pool, tennis courts, and playground make it a community recreation anchor.

Parks and Recreation in Ramsey

Darlington County Park

178 acre Bergen County park with a 50 acre swimming lake (one of the few county parks with a swimming beach), hiking trails, camping, fishing, and picnic areas.

Finch Park

Borough park with playgrounds, sports fields, and wooded walking paths supporting family recreation.

Ramsey Municipal Pool

Newly renovated pool with waterslides, beach volleyball, and basketball courts. Summer community gathering spot.

New Development and Growth in Ramsey

Main Street Improvements

Ongoing enhancements to the walkable downtown commercial area maintaining the village character.

History of Ramsey, NJ

Incorporated in 1908 from Hohokus Township. Named after Peter J. Ramsey, a local landowner.

The Main Line railroad has served Ramsey since the 1800s, establishing it as a commuter community. Two stations (Main Street and Route 17) provide flexibility.

Darlington County Park was created from the former Darlington Seminary campus in the 1960s — the 50-acre swimming lake is one of few remaining public lake swimming venues in Bergen County.

Ramsey's Main Street is one of the most active walkable downtowns in northern Bergen County with independent shops rather than chains.

Safety in Ramsey

Ramsey is a very safe community with low crime rates and active community policing.

Notable Residents

Danny Aiello (1933 to 2019) — Academy Award-nominated actor known for Do the Right Thing, Moonstruck, and The Godfather Part II Wesley Schultz (born 1982) — guitarist and lead vocalist of The Lumineers, the Grammy-nominated folk rock band known for Ho Hey and Ophelia Jeremiah Fraites (born 1986) — drummer and co-founder of The Lumineers, grew up with Wesley Schultz in Ramsey Bob McAdoo (born 1951) — NBA Hall of Famer who won three consecutive scoring titles and two championships with the Lakers Buck Williams (born 1960) — NBA All-Star forward who played 17 seasons for the Nets, Trail Blazers, and Knicks Tommy Sweeney (born 1995) — NFL tight end

Annual Events and Festivals

Ramsey Day (annual borough celebration) Sunday Farmers Market on Main Street Main Street Holiday Walk Fourth of July Celebration

Frequently Asked Questions About Ramsey, NJ

What is the median home price in Ramsey, NJ?

The median home price is $680,000 as of 2026, with 5.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $340/sqft, selling in 22 days.

How long is the commute from Ramsey to NYC?

48 minutes via NJ Transit from Ramsey Main Street on the Main Line. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Ramsey, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.56%. Average homeowner pays $14,567/year. At the median price of $680,000, expect about $17,408/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Ramsey?

Main Street / Downtown ($625,000 to $850,000). Darlington Area ($650,000 to $900,000). Route 17 Area ($525,000 to $700,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Ramsey safe?

Ramsey is a very safe community with low crime rates and active community policing.

How walkable is Ramsey, NJ?

Walk Score of 55, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $138,000, median age 42.2. 14% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Ramsey?

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

Explore Nearby Communities

Mahwah $700,000 55 min Allendale $750,000 50 min Ridgewood $1,100,000 42 min