Bergen County, NJ

Living in Saddle River, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Ultra-Private. 2-Acre Minimums. Former Home of Presidents.

Last updated: September 2026

$2,800,000
Median Home Price
50 min
To Penn Station
3,152
Population
1894
Founded
2.4%
YoY Appreciation

Why Saddle River, NJ?

Saddle River is Bergen County's ultra-private enclave — a borough of 3,150 residents on 2 acre minimum lots with no commercial district, no sidewalks, and no street lights by choice. Richard Nixon lived here after leaving the White House. Wandell School (K-8) feeds into Northern Highlands Regional High School. Equestrian properties, gated estates, and old-money families define the character. At $2.8M median, this is where Bergen County wealth lives when it wants absolute privacy.

Saddle River Real Estate Market in 2026

Saddle River homes sell in 90 days at a $2.8M median — luxury markets move on their own timeline. Inventory is always scarce with fewer than 10 homes available at any time. Properties feature custom architecture, resort-style pools, and multi-acre wooded lots.

$2,800,000
Median Price
$500/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
90 days
Avg Days on Market
+2.4%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Saddle River

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

East Saddle River

$2,000,000 to $5,000,000

Closer to Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus. Slightly more accessible pricing. Still 2+ acre lots.

Best for: Executive families

West Saddle River

$3,000,000 to $10,000,000+

The most exclusive section with the largest estates. Equestrian properties and complete privacy.

Best for: Ultra-high-net-worth buyers

Commuting from Saddle River to NYC

50
Minutes to Penn Station
Bus to Ridgewood 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 Saddle River

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

8
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
50 min
NYC Commute
1.34%
Property Tax Rate
$25,678/year avg
4.2%
Hispanic/Latino
18.4% foreign-born

Saddle River Schools and Ratings

Saddle River students attend Wandell School (K-8) and Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, ranked in NJ's top 15.

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

Wandell School

SADDLE RIVER, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
A
8.2:1 ratio 115 students Score: 90/100
View all Saddle River schools with full ratings →

Saddle River vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Saddle River $2,800,000 1.34% $25,678 50 min
Alpine $5,700,000 1.42% $28,456 45 min
Upper Saddle River $1,200,000 1.67% $22,345 55 min

Where to Eat in Saddle River

No Commercial District

Saddle River has no restaurants within borough limits. Residents dine in Ridgewood, Upper Saddle River, or Mahwah.

Parks and Recreation in Saddle River

Saddle River County Park

Linear county park along the Saddle River. Walking and biking paths through the borough.

Private Estates

Most recreation happens on private property — pools, tennis courts, and equestrian facilities on individual estates.

New Development and Growth in Saddle River

History of Saddle River, NJ

Incorporated in 1894 from Hohokus Township. Named after the Saddle River that runs through the borough.

President Richard Nixon lived in Saddle River from 1981 to 1990 after leaving San Clemente.

The borough has maintained 2 acre minimum lot sizes since zoning was established, deliberately limiting density.

No commercial zoning exists — Saddle River is entirely residential by design.

Safety in Saddle River

Saddle River is one of the safest communities in New Jersey with virtually no reported crime.

Notable Residents

Richard Nixon, 37th President (resident 1981-1990) Russell Simmons, Def Jam founder (former resident)

Annual Events and Festivals

Saddle River Day School events are the closest thing to public gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saddle River, NJ

What is the median home price in Saddle River, NJ?

The median home price is $2,800,000 as of 2026, with 2.4% year-over-year appreciation. Average $500/sqft, selling in 90 days.

How long is the commute from Saddle River to NYC?

50 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Bus to Ridgewood Station. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Saddle River, NJ?

Tax rate is 1.34%. Average homeowner pays $25,678/year. At the median price of $2,800,000, expect about $37,520/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Saddle River?

East Saddle River ($2,000,000 to $5,000,000). West Saddle River ($3,000,000 to $10,000,000+). See the full guide above for all 2 neighborhoods.

Is Saddle River safe?

Saddle River is one of the safest communities in New Jersey with virtually no reported crime.

How walkable is Saddle River, NJ?

Walk Score of 8, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $250,000, median age 48.6. 4% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Saddle River?

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Explore Nearby Communities

Alpine $5,700,000 45 min Upper Saddle River $1,200,000 55 min