Thinking about leaving NYC but not your lifestyle? If you want suburban space with a real downtown and a reliable train to Manhattan, Ridgewood belongs on your short list. You care about commute time, strong schools, and a village feel that still lets you stroll for dinner or a latte. This guide gives you a clear picture of daily life, housing, taxes, and how Ridgewood compares with Glen Rock and Ho-Ho-Kus so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Ridgewood fits NYC movers
Ridgewood is an established Bergen County borough with an active village center, well-regarded public schools, and long-standing NJ Transit service. You get a walkable suburban downtown without giving up neighborhood amenities. Many NYC movers choose Ridgewood to trade apartment living for a single-family home while staying connected to the city.
You should weigh a few tradeoffs. Purchase prices and Bergen County property taxes are higher than many other suburbs, and renovation rules can be more detailed in older or historic areas. In return, you gain space, school options, and a predictable rail commute.
Commute made simple
NJ Transit rail at your doorstep
Ridgewood is a major stop on NJ Transit’s Main Line and Bergen County Line. Many Midtown-bound trains reach New York Penn Station in roughly 30 to 45 minutes, with Hoboken service that can be shorter depending on the schedule. For the most current times, check the official NJ Transit timetables and station details on the NJ Transit site.
Parking, bus, and driving
The station sits next to downtown, which makes walking to your train realistic from many neighborhoods. Ridgewood offers municipal commuter parking with permits and metered options that change periodically. Review permit rules and availability on the Village of Ridgewood’s official site.
Bus options exist, but rail is the core commute for most Ridgewood-to-NYC travelers. If you plan to drive, major routes like Route 17 connect you to the Garden State Parkway and I-80. Rush-hour drive times into Manhattan vary widely, and many commuters choose the train to avoid bridge and tunnel congestion.
Walkability and biking
You can cover daily errands on foot in the village center and reach the station without a car from many nearby blocks. Suburban streets are pedestrian friendly, and biking conditions vary by neighborhood and route. Test your specific path during your typical commute window.
Downtown and daily life
Dining, shops, and services
Ridgewood’s village core along East Ridgewood Avenue offers independent restaurants, cafés, boutiques, professional services, and everyday essentials. You can grab coffee, book a haircut, and pick up groceries without leaving town. For larger retail, Bergen County shopping centers are a short drive away.
Schools and youth programs
Ridgewood Public Schools are widely regarded as strong and are a leading reason many buyers move here. To review objective data and community feedback, explore school profiles on GreatSchools and district snapshots on Niche. The village and county offer ample youth sports, library programs, and seasonal events.
Parks and community culture
You’ll find parks, playgrounds, and recreation programming through the village and Bergen County systems. Civic life is active, with a public library and arts programming that anchors community events. For current happenings and calendars, check the Village of Ridgewood site and local coverage on NorthJersey.com.
Housing, pricing context, and taxes
What you will find
Ridgewood’s housing stock is primarily single-family homes, many from the early to mid-20th century. Common styles include Colonial, Tudor, Victorian, and Craftsman on tree-lined streets. You will also see some condos and multi-family options closer to downtown.
Price dynamics and timing
Ridgewood often commands a premium versus nearby towns due to its downtown, schools, and frequent rail service. Prices and inventory move quickly. Kelly and Till are premier agents in Ridgewood and provide complimentary buyer consultations. A buyer consultation will include a market snapshot and examples from the last 6 to 12 months to set expectations, as well as information that goes beyond price on how to get your offer accepted when competing with multiple offers.
Property taxes and carrying costs
Bergen County has some of New Jersey’s higher property tax levels. Always review the most recent bill for any property you consider and confirm assessments with the local tax office. Start with the county’s resources at Bergen County and the village site for tax office contacts. Budget for homeowners insurance, utilities, possible renovation costs, and your commute costs. For broader population and housing context, you can reference U.S. Census QuickFacts.
Ridgewood vs. Glen Rock vs. Ho-Ho-Kus
Use your priorities to choose among these three northwest Bergen communities. Here is a quick comparison to focus your search.
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Ridgewood
- Downtown: Large, walkable village with extensive dining and retail next to the station.
- Rail: Major NJ Transit stop with frequent service and station amenities.
- Housing: Many larger early-20th-century homes with mature trees and varied lot sizes.
- Schools: Public schools are widely rated highly and draw many buyers.
- Vibe: Village-oriented and active, generally higher priced.
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Glen Rock
- Downtown: Two small, charming nodes with walkable convenience.
- Rail: Two stations that offer competitive commute times on some trains.
- Housing: Primarily single family with similar architectural eras; pricing often a touch below Ridgewood depending on location.
- Vibe: Family-focused and a bit quieter than Ridgewood.
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Ho-Ho-Kus
- Downtown: Small and boutique, with fewer dining and retail options.
- Rail: NJ Transit stop with fewer trains and smaller station facilities.
- Housing: Mostly single family with limited inventory; pricing can be strong due to desirability and scarcity.
- Vibe: Very small and quiet with a village feel.
Nearby towns worth a look include Wyckoff for larger lots, Midland Park for more modest price points, and Franklin Lakes or Mahwah for more spread-out, suburban settings.
What day-to-day feels like
If you live near the village, you can walk to coffee, the library, and the train. Weekends bring errands in town and quick drives to county parks or larger retail if needed. Community groups, school events, and library programs fill the calendar. For current safety information, rely on municipal police reports and official crime statistics before you decide.
Smart steps to start your search
- Test the commute. Pick two real departure and return times that match your workday and check the NJ Transit schedules. If you sometimes drive, test that too during rush hour.
- Visit at two times. Stop by downtown on a weekday evening and a weekend morning to get a feel for parking, crowds, and services.
- Check pricing with real data. Ask for a dated MLS snapshot and recent comparable sales from the last 6 to 12 months.
- Verify taxes. Review the latest bill for any property using county resources at Bergen County and confirm with the village tax office.
- Confirm school details. Use district sources along with GreatSchools and Niche for programs, boundaries, and enrollment.
- Inspect for age-related issues. Older homes can include dated systems or materials. Plan inspections and budget for updates.
- Review renovation rules. Check the Village of Ridgewood site for building permits, zoning, and any historic guidelines if you plan to renovate.
Ready to explore homes and neighborhoods?
If Ridgewood checks your boxes, the next step is a focused tour that matches your commute, school needs, and budget. We can help you compare blocks, align timing with the market, and shape a strategy that fits your goals. Reach out to Till Horkenbach and Kelly O'Brien to start a concierge-style search with local expertise.
FAQs
How long is the Ridgewood-to-Manhattan train commute?
- Many Midtown-bound trains are in the 30 to 45 minute range, and Hoboken service can be shorter. Confirm exact times on the NJ Transit site.
Are Ridgewood public schools considered strong?
- Yes. The district is widely rated highly by families and reviewers. Review objective profiles on GreatSchools and Niche and confirm details with the district.
How do Ridgewood home prices compare to Glen Rock and Ho-Ho-Kus?
- Ridgewood often carries a premium due to its larger downtown, frequent rail service, and school reputation. Pricing varies by neighborhood and current market conditions.
What should I know about Ridgewood property taxes?
- Bergen County taxes are among the higher levels in New Jersey. Always check the latest bill for any address through county resources at Bergen County and confirm with the village tax office.
Is Ridgewood walkable and are daily errands convenient?
- Yes. The village center is compact and walkable with restaurants, shops, and services near the train station. Visit at different times to see how the vibe fits your routine.
