Introduction to Ridgewood, NJ
When prospective residents arrive in Ridgewood, New Jersey, they want to stay—and for good reason. The tight-knit community, with a population just over 25,000, is a quintessential suburb with a vibrant downtown, excellent schools, and a charm that keeps a sought-after real estate market humming.
An idyllic Bergen County village nestled just outside of New York, Ridgewood attracts families and professionals alike. Here, we explore some of the countless reasons Ridgewood has become one of the top residential destinations in northern New Jersey.
Ridgewood’s Location and Accessibility
Only 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, Ridgewood is an ideal landing pad for residents commuting into the city each day. Via NJ Transit’s Main-Bergen lines, train commuters can reach Penn Station in well under an hour, while buses typically make the trip to the Port Authority Terminal in similar time. Whether driving or relying on public transportation, folks can easily work in New York and be home in time for dinner with the family.
Once you’re back in Ridgewood, it’s easy to forget you’re so close to one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas. Yes, you can still find views of the New York skyline, but Ridgewood more often feels like a true escape from the city. While it’s undoubtedly a suburb, it feels more like a small town than just another sprawling bedroom community.
At 5.7 square miles, Ridgewood delivers a dynamic downtown corridor, historic homes dating to the Revolutionary era, top-rated schools, and world-class culture all within a highly walkable community.
Ridgewood’s Community and Lifestyle
Ridgewood was designed with vibrancy in mind. With six residential districts, all of which are home to an elementary school, every neighborhood has a strong sense of community.
Those neighborhoods include The Heights which, true to its name, offers expansive views of Manhattan from the west side of town. It is also home to large lots and some of the most desirable properties in the village. Also along the westside, the Willard and Orchard neighborhoods offer treeline streets, access to public parks, and easy connections to commuter transportation.
East of the tracks, neighborhoods are built around the downtown corridor and are highly sought after by those drawn to the area’s hundreds of boutiques and restaurants. Somerville, for instance, is both a short walk to Ridgewood High School as well as the shops and restaurants along East Ridgewood Avenue, while the Graydon neighborhood, home to a namesake park and a natural, pond-like public swimming pool, is a short walk to the town center.
Arts and Culture of Ridgewood, New Jersey
Anyone who has walked Ridgewood’s bustling downtown knows the relatively small town goes big when it comes to art, music, and theater.
This is best displayed each year at the Ridgewood Craft and Art Street Festival. It’s no surprise many locals produce art, as the Ridgewood Art Institute is one of the region’s premiere places to receive instruction.
Music, too, is at the heart of the village. Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer, the Kassachau Memorial Shell in Graydon Park hosts free concerts, while Van Neste Square at Memorial Park plays host to live shows and events like the annual Music Fest each September.
Ridgewood also comes alive on the stage. The Ridgewood Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and nearby Bergen County Players perform throughout the year. Cinephiles enjoy the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival held annually in town.
Parks and Recreation of Ridgewood, NJ
No matter the neighborhood, Ridgewood offers numerous parks fostering an active lifestyle. The centerpiece is Graydon Park, which features a 3-acre natural pool, courts, playground, and gazebo. Saddle River County Park, home to the Ridgewood Dog Park, is also popular.
The Ridgewood Community Center serves as a gathering place for all ages, while the town also offers a skatepark, athletic fields, tennis, pickleball, and local sports organizations for youth and adults alike.
Education in Ridgewood
Ridgewood is known for its excellent public schools. According to Niche, Ridgewood Public Schools rank as the number four district in New Jersey. The district, with about 5,500 students across six elementary schools, two middle schools, and a high school, boasts a strong student-teacher ratio and top reading and math scores. Learn more at the Ridgewood Public Schools website.
Dining and Shopping in Ridgewood, NJ
Ridgewood offers impressive local shopping and dining. Boutiques include Suite 201, Hunt & Orchard, and Fox’s. Home goods are available at Backyard Living, and books can be found at the independent Bookends.
Dining options include From Scratch for Italian, Latour for upscale French-American, and Steel Wheel Tavern for casual outdoor dining with craft brews.
Thinking About Moving to Ridgewood?
Whether for the schools, the community vibe, or the vibrant shopping and dining scene, Ridgewood is one of New Jersey’s most attractive communities with easy access to urban amenities. If you’re considering a move, contact a local expert strategist today for personalized guidance.
