Twenty miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan is the idyllic Bergen County village of Ridgewood, New Jersey. Popular among families and young professionals alike, Ridgewood has a vibrant, walkable downtown, an active arts and culture scene, top-rated schools, and extensive parks and recreation offerings.
Commuting
Ridgewood locals benefit from a variety of transportation options. Train commuters can reach Penn Station in under an hour via NJ Transit’s Main-Bergen lines while buses typically make the trip to the Port Authority Terminal in a similar time.
A free Ridgewood residential parking pass will grant you access to the station’s 235-space parking lot in Garber Square, but a premium parking permit is highly recommended for extended-hour access and to avoid the hassle of paying for parking daily. Whether you choose to drive or hop the train, your commute to and from the city will be about an hour.
For additional information, check out our Navigating the Commute: Your Guide to Getting from the NJ Suburbs to NYC blog post.
Arts and Culture
Ridgewood is often referred to as a ‘mini-Manhattan’ due to its thriving arts and culture scene. There’s something for everyone here, from formal performances at the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra and Parlance Chamber Concerts to family-friendly, outdoor summer concerts at Graydon Park in the Kasschau Memorial Shell.
For art lovers, the Ridgewood Arts Foundation and Ridgewood Art Institute offer exhibits and classes year-round, capped off with ARTober, a juried art show that runs throughout October.
Dining
For those skeptical about the food scene outside of the city, Ridgewood has endless options. Locals can choose from upscale international cuisine to cozy tavern vibes, all in the heart of this walkable and welcoming village.
Enjoy happy hour at Felina’s rooftop bar, with lovely views atop the restaurant’s stunning industrial-inspired space or bring your favorite bottle of wine from home and stop into Lula, a bright and airy New American spot.
Next door, Park West Tavern delivers an upscale, yet relaxed vibe for a family-friendly option for a casual meal out with the kids or to catch up with friends while watching the game. And when it comes to that morning cup of joe, American Bulldog Coffee Roasters, located on Broad Street near Ridgewood Station, offers house-rosted beans and a variety of organic, gluten-free, and vegan pastries baked daily.
If locally sourced fruits, vegetables, breads, and artisanal crafts are more your speed, the Ridgewood Farmer’s Market is the place to be on Sundays, June through October, while the Fall Craft & Art Street Fair is a local favorite event occurring every September.
When you’re in the mood to stay in and cook or host, Ridgewood Farmers Market is the perfect place for locally grown ingredients. Held every Sunday from 8:30 AM–2 PM, late June through October, this market is conveniently located right at the Ridgewood train station.
Parks and Recreation
It’s easy to stay active in Ridgewood. Home to 13 public parks, Ridgewood’s parks and recreation scene includes the expansive Graydon Park, featuring a 3-acre natural pool, sports courts, playground, and cafe; Saddle River County Park, home to an off-leash dog park with plenty of shade and access to water for your furry family members; and the Children’s Sensory and Butterfly Garden, with its many species of butterflies, beautiful gardens, and play area.
Residents also have access to the Ridgewood Community Center, providing programming for all ages. Here you can try your hand at everything from table tennis and fencing to swing dancing and Mahjong. The town also maintains multiple athletic fields and courts, including tennis, basketball, and pickleball, as well as a public swimming pool. Frequent community events include the Board Game Carnival, Lunch and Learn programs and organized excursions.
Education
Ridgewood is known for its highly-ranked public schools. According to Niche, Ridgewood Public School district is consistently listed among the top five districts in New Jersey for both academics and athletics. The district serves about 5,500 students across seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, maintaining a strong student-teacher ratio, and top reading and math scores.
Ridgewood is also in close proximity to a range of private school options for students of every age and educational philosophy.
Why You Should Tour Ridgewood
When it comes to making a move to the suburbs, it’s easy to see why Ridgewood is a popular choice. As an added bonus, new residents can look forward to a warm welcome from Ridgewood Newcomers, a volunteer-based club dedicated to building community. With more than 40 events on the calendar each year, there are activities and gatherings to appeal to residents of all ages and interests.
Photo courtesy of Ridgewood Newcomers.
