Why Ridgewood, NJ?
Ridgewood is the gold standard of Bergen County suburbs and one of the most desirable communities in New Jersey. The village downtown has over 200 independent shops and restaurants, NJ Transit direct service to Hoboken, and nationally ranked schools. Ridgewood High School's academics, athletics, and arts programs rival private schools. The annual 4th of July parade draws 50,000 people. Architecture spans from Queen Anne Victorians to colonials and Tudors, with the Ridgewood Historic District protecting the village character. At $1.1M, homes sell in just 18 days — demand never wanes.
Ridgewood Real Estate Market in 2026
Ridgewood homes sell in 18 days at a $1.1M median — one of the strongest markets in Bergen County. The housing stock includes Queen Anne Victorians, colonials, Tudors, and newer construction. Prices range from $650K condos and smaller homes to $3M+ estates. The village walkability, train access, and school quality create a demand floor that sustains prices through any market cycle.
Best Neighborhoods in Ridgewood
8 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
The Heights
$1,200,000 to $2,800,000Western ridgetop neighborhood with expansive views of the Manhattan skyline. Large lots with mature trees, spacious properties, and a serene atmosphere. The most exclusive section in the village. Access to Saddle River County Park and downtown shops while maintaining an elevated, private feel.
Ridgewood Village / Downtown
$900,000 to $1,500,000Walking distance to the train station, East Ridgewood Avenue shops, and over 200 restaurants. Historic homes on tree-lined streets. The Ridgewood Historic District protects architectural character. Walk to everything in the village center.
Somerville
$850,000 to $1,300,000Historic neighborhood with early 20th century colonial and Tudor homes. Short walk to Ridgewood High School and the East Ridgewood Avenue shopping corridor. Close-knit community with tree-shaded streets and strong neighborhood identity. Somerville Elementary School anchors the area.
Graydon and Orchard
$800,000 to $1,200,000Adjacent neighborhoods centered around Graydon Park and its iconic 3-acre natural spring-fed swimming pool. Walking distance to the town center and train station. Orchard offers family-friendly streets with playgrounds and sports fields. Both feed to their own elementary schools.
Upper Ridgewood
$1,200,000 to $2,500,000Northern section with larger lots, newer construction, and a suburban retreat feel. Near Ridgewood Country Club. Spacious properties with landscaped yards and privacy. Upper Ridgewood is the premium residential area for buyers who want space within the village.
Willard
$850,000 to $1,200,000Family-friendly neighborhood with tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and a tranquil residential setting. Willard Elementary School is the anchor. Access to sports fields and playgrounds. Major highway and NJ Transit access for commuters. Quiet streets with manicured lawns.
Brookside
$750,000 to $1,100,000Situated along the banks of Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. Quaint cottages and colonial-style homes with a timeless charm. Nature trails for outdoor walks along the brook. Peaceful ambiance with proximity to schools and recreational facilities. One of the more affordable entries into Ridgewood.
Old Country Club and Cottage Place
$1,000,000 to $2,000,000Elegant section with gracious estates and manicured landscapes near the former country club grounds. Cottage Place adds eclectic charm with a mix of historic and modern residences close to downtown boutiques and cafes. Upscale but not ostentatious.
Commuting from Ridgewood to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Ridgewood
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Ridgewood?
Ridgewood Schools and Ratings
Ridgewood Public Schools ranked number 4 in New Jersey by Niche. The district serves approximately 5,500 students across six elementary schools (one per residential district), two middle schools (Benjamin Franklin and George Washington), and Ridgewood High School. RHS (the Maroons) excels in academics with AP participation rates exceeding 70%, a nationally ranked theater program, and competitive athletics. Every neighborhood has its own elementary school creating a built-in community anchor.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Somerville Elementary School
Travell Elementary School
Orchard Elementary School
Benjamin Franklin Middle School
Ridge Elementary School
Willard Elementary School
George Washington Middle School
Hawes Elementary School
Ridgewood vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
Where to Eat in Ridgewood
Village Dining (East Ridgewood Avenue and Broad Street)
Over 200 shops and restaurants in the walkable downtown. Raymond's (farm-to-table brunch with a perennial wait), From Scratch (Italian), Latour (upscale French-American fine dining), Park West Tavern (American gastropub), Baumgart's (Chinese-American fusion institution), It's Greek To Me (Mediterranean), Steel Wheel Tavern (craft brews and casual dining), Village Green (upscale American). The restaurant density and quality rival Montclair and Westfield.
Shopping
Bookends (beloved independent bookstore), Suite 201 (fashion), Hunt and Orchard (curated goods), Fox's (apparel), Backyard Living (home goods). The downtown is anchored by independently owned shops rather than national chains — a deliberate preservation choice.
Parks and Recreation in Ridgewood
Graydon Park and Pool
The village's centerpiece. A 3-acre natural spring-fed swimming area (not a chlorinated pool) open summers with courts, playground, and gazebo. Graydon Pool is a Ridgewood institution — families have held memberships for generations. The park also features a scenic walking path around the water.
Saddle River County Park
Linear county park along the Saddle River through Ridgewood with walking and biking paths, sports fields, a dog park, and natural areas. Connects to the broader Saddle River greenway.
Van Neste Square Memorial Park
Small memorial park in the heart of the village, the centerpiece of the 4th of July parade route. Hosts the annual Music Fest in September.
Kassachau Memorial Shell
Outdoor performance venue hosting free summer concerts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. A beloved community tradition.
New Development and Growth in Ridgewood
Downtown Preservation
Ridgewood deliberately limits new development to preserve the village character. Historic District protections govern architectural standards for over 800 contributing structures. The focus is on preservation and independent retail — chain stores are discouraged by community culture, not ordinance.
History of Ridgewood, NJ
Incorporated as a village in 1894 from Franklin Township. The name comes from the ridge of rocks running through the area.
The Ridgewood Historic District includes over 800 contributing structures spanning Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Craftsman architecture from the 1880s to 1940s.
The annual 4th of July Parade and Celebration has been a village tradition for over 100 years, drawing 50,000 attendees — one of the largest community events in Bergen County.
Ridgewood has been consistently ranked among the best places to live in New Jersey and nationally for over 40 years by publications including Money Magazine and Niche.
The village has six residential districts, each centered around its own elementary school — a structure that creates natural neighborhood identities and community bonds.
Safety in Ridgewood
Ridgewood is one of the safest communities in New Jersey with crime rates far below state and national averages. The village police department is community-oriented with school resource officers and active neighborhood patrol.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgewood, NJ
What is the median home price in Ridgewood, NJ?
The median home price is $1,100,000 as of 2026, with 5.6% year-over-year appreciation. Average $420/sqft, selling in 18 days.
How long is the commute from Ridgewood to NYC?
42 minutes via NJ Transit from Ridgewood Station on the Bergen County Line. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Ridgewood, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.67%. Average homeowner pays $20,123/year. At the median price of $1,100,000, expect about $29,370/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Ridgewood?
The Heights ($1,200,000 to $2,800,000). Ridgewood Village / Downtown ($900,000 to $1,500,000). Somerville ($850,000 to $1,300,000). Graydon and Orchard ($800,000 to $1,200,000). Upper Ridgewood ($1,200,000 to $2,500,000). See the full guide above for all 8 neighborhoods.
Is Ridgewood safe?
Ridgewood is one of the safest communities in New Jersey with crime rates far below state and national averages. The village police department is community-oriented with school resource officers and active neighborhood patrol.
How walkable is Ridgewood, NJ?
Walk Score of 78, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $195,000, median age 41.2. 15% renter-occupied.
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