Ridgewood is the kind of town people picture when they think about moving to the suburbs. Tree-lined streets, a downtown that actually has stuff going on, and homes with real character. It sits about 20 miles from Manhattan and has built a reputation as one of the best places to live in Bergen County.
The schools are a big reason why. Ridgewood Public Schools consistently ranks among the top districts in New Jersey. Families move here for the schools and they stay for everything else. The high school sends kids to top colleges every year and the whole town is built around supporting that.
The downtown is another draw. Ridgewood Avenue has restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and a mix of longtime local spots and newer places. You can grab dinner at a solid Italian spot, walk to get ice cream after, and actually run into people you know. It feels like a real community, not just a commuter stop.
For commuting into New York City, you have the NJ Transit train station right in town. The trip to Penn Station takes about 50 minutes on the Bergen County Line. Buses also run to Port Authority. Most people who live here work in the city or in nearby corporate hubs like Montvale and Paramus.
The housing market in Ridgewood stays competitive because inventory is tight and demand never really drops. As of fall 2026, you are looking at a median home price around $1.1 to $1.3 million. Entry level homes like smaller colonials or homes that need some work start in the high 700s. Larger properties, new construction, and homes closer to downtown can push past $2 million. You get a mix of Victorians, Dutch colonials, center-hall colonials, and some newer builds. Most homes sit on good-sized lots with mature landscaping.
People choose Ridgewood because it checks every box. Top schools, a real downtown, an easy commute, and homes that hold their value. It is not the cheapest town in Bergen County but it is one of the few where the price tag feels justified by what you get.
Daniel Chamoun, REALTOR
[email protected] | (201) 543-1774
