Why Tenafly, NJ?
Tenafly is one of New Jersey's most internationally diverse upscale communities — a 4.6 square mile borough where 41% of residents were born outside the United States, 79% hold bachelor's degrees, and the median household income is $208,200. Tenafly High School ranks number 17 in New Jersey and number 4 in Bergen County (Niche 2026) with 72% math and 88% reading proficiency. The 400 acre Tenafly Nature Center is the crown jewel of outdoor life. Korean Americans make up roughly 15% of the population, with Korean churches, the Korean School of New Jersey, and businesses lining Piermont Road. The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades serves as the regional cultural and fitness hub. At $1.7M median with 14.2% annual appreciation, Tenafly is one of the fastest appreciating luxury markets in Bergen County.
Tenafly Real Estate Market in 2026
Tenafly homes sell in 73 days at a $1.7M median, up 14.2% year over year. Price per square foot at $685 is up 27.9%. Trophy estates on East Hill reach $3M to $7M plus. Entry tier downtown and Smith Hill starts at $900K. The luxury segment has 19 active listings at $1.8M median. The Korean-American and international buyer pool drives consistent demand — the school ranking and 47 minute bus commute to Midtown Manhattan are the twin value pillars.
Best Neighborhoods in Tenafly
5 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
East Hill
$1,800,000 to $7,000,000+Tenafly's most prestigious section along Knickerbocker Road and Clinton Avenue. Luxury estates from 5,000 to 10,000 plus square feet. Brick mansions, cul-de-sac trophy homes, and custom builds on the largest lots in the borough. Near Knickerbocker Country Club (golf, tennis, swimming, dining), Temple Sinai, and the Kaplen JCC. The highest-priced homes in the borough consistently sell here.
West Hill
$1,000,000 to $2,500,000Established colonials and Tudors on generous lots west of Washington Street. Tree-lined streets with a classic Bergen County suburban character. Near Maugham Elementary (top rated, GreatSchools 9/10). More accessible than East Hill while maintaining the prestige of the Tenafly address.
Riverdale / Tammy Brook Hills
$1,200,000 to $2,800,000Family neighborhoods with well-maintained homes on wooded lots. Near Stillman Elementary and Smith Elementary. Strong community bonds with neighborhood events and youth sports. Mix of mid-century ranches (renovated) and newer colonials.
Downtown / Smith Hill
$900,000 to $1,500,000Walkable to Washington Street shops, cafes, the public library, and Roosevelt Commons. Downtown walk score reaches 88 to 91 (Walker's Paradise). Smaller lots represent Tenafly's entry tier but walk-to-everything convenience. Near Clinton Inn Hotel (landmark since 1868). The Korean and Japanese restaurant cluster along Washington Street and Piermont Road.
Nature Center Area
$1,100,000 to $2,000,000Properties near the 400 acre Tenafly Nature Center along Hudson Avenue. Wooded lots with trail access and nature immersion. Some of the most secluded properties in eastern Bergen County while remaining minutes from downtown.
Commuting from Tenafly to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Tenafly
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Tenafly?
Tenafly Schools and Ratings
Tenafly Public Schools ranks among the best in New Jersey. Tenafly High School is number 17 in NJ and number 4 in Bergen County (Niche 2026) with 1,166 students, an A-plus rating, 72% math proficiency and 88% reading proficiency — far above NJ averages of 38% and 49%. The district has an 11 to 1 student to teacher ratio across six campuses: four elementary schools (Mackay, Maugham at GreatSchools 9/10, Smith, and Stillman), Tenafly Middle School, and Tenafly High School. Dwight-Englewood School (Pre-K to 12) in adjacent Englewood is the top private school option.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Walter Stillman School
Malcolm S Mackay School
J Spencer Smith School
Tenafly High School
Tenafly Middle School
Ralph S Maugham School
Tenafly vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenafly | $1,700,000 | 2.4% | $21,345 | 35 min |
| Demarest | $1,000,000 | 2.23% | $16,789 | 38 min |
| Englewood Cliffs | $1,280,000 | 2.12% | $18,567 | 25 min |
| Closter | $855,000 | 2.31% | $18,567 | 40 min |
Where to Eat in Tenafly
Washington Street and Piermont Road
Tenafly Brasserie (European bistro), Tavlin (Mediterranean kosher), Axia Taverna (Greek), Veda (Indian), Spring House Tenafly (neighborhood gastropub), Sayola Tapas (Spanish), Osaka Sushi (Japanese), Simply Vietnamese, Cafe Angelique, and growing options. Korean restaurants and bakeries line Piermont Road extending into Closter and Cresskill. Mel's Butcher Box for quality meats and deli.
Korean Corridor
Korean Americans make up roughly 15% of the population. Korean restaurants, churches, the Korean School of New Jersey (10 Sunset Lane, Saturday mornings), and businesses create a thriving Korean cultural corridor along Piermont Road. The concentration rivals Fort Lee's Main Street in cultural authenticity.
Parks and Recreation in Tenafly
Tenafly Nature Center
400 acre wooded preserve established in 1961 — the crown jewel of Tenafly's outdoor life. Hiking trails, ponds, wildlife exhibits, and year round environmental education programs. One of the largest nature preserves in Bergen County.
Davis Johnson Park and Gardens
7 plus acres at Engle Street and Westervelt Avenue with a recently redesigned rose garden. Walking paths and community events.
Sunnyside Park
Baseball fields, playgrounds, and tennis courts at 40 Sunnyside Lane.
Roosevelt Common Park
Central borough park with sports fields, playground, and community recreation near downtown.
New Development and Growth in Tenafly
Downtown Washington Street
Ongoing enhancements to the walkable downtown with new restaurants, retail, and the Roosevelt Commons gathering space. The Clinton Inn Hotel (landmark since 1868) anchors the commercial center.
History of Tenafly, NJ
Incorporated in 1894 from Palisades Township. The name Tenafly comes from the Dutch tienen vly meaning garden meadow.
Tenafly was the site of a Revolutionary War skirmish in 1779 when British forces raided the area from the Palisades.
Camp Merritt on Knickerbocker Road and Madison Avenue was a major WWI embarkation camp where over 578,000 soldiers passed through before shipping to France. A memorial marks the site (shared with Cresskill).
The Clinton Inn Hotel has been a landmark on Washington Street since 1868 — over 150 years of continuous hospitality.
The Tenafly Nature Center was established in 1961 to protect 400 acres of woodland — one of the most significant conservation efforts in Bergen County history.
The Korean-American community has grown significantly since the 1990s, drawn by the school district's national reputation. Korean Americans now make up approximately 15% of residents.
Safety in Tenafly
Tenafly is one of the safest communities in Bergen County with very low crime rates. The borough police department is community-oriented with active neighborhood patrol.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Tenafly, NJ
What is the median home price in Tenafly, NJ?
The median home price is $1,700,000 as of 2026, with 14.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average $685/sqft, selling in 73 days.
How long is the commute from Tenafly to NYC?
35 minutes via NJ Transit from on the NJ Transit Bus 166 to Port Authority (47 min). Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Tenafly, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.4%. Average homeowner pays $21,345/year. At the median price of $1,700,000, expect about $40,800/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tenafly?
East Hill ($1,800,000 to $7,000,000+). West Hill ($1,000,000 to $2,500,000). Riverdale / Tammy Brook Hills ($1,200,000 to $2,800,000). Downtown / Smith Hill ($900,000 to $1,500,000). Nature Center Area ($1,100,000 to $2,000,000). See the full guide above for all 5 neighborhoods.
Is Tenafly safe?
Tenafly is one of the safest communities in Bergen County with very low crime rates. The borough police department is community-oriented with active neighborhood patrol.
How walkable is Tenafly, NJ?
Walk Score of 45, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $208,200, median age 42.2. 12% renter-occupied.
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