Located in central Bergen County, Upper Saddle River offers easy access to New York City and suburban convenience in an environment that feels surprisingly rural. One-acre zoning, friendly neighborhoods, and tree-lined streets make the community a peaceful residential area that provides citizens with the amenities they need and the comfort they want. Residents can enjoy the outdoors at local community parks, including Lions Park and Liberty Park Reflection Pond. A variety of top-rated restaurants offer delectable experiences ranging from fine dining to pizza. Although the 5.3-square-mile borough is small, it has much to offer the residents who call it home.
If Upper Saddle River sounds like the ideal location for your lifestyle, you may have already launched your home search. However, moving to a new place is an event that requires detailed planning and many steps. If you've considered relocating to Upper Saddle River, these tips can help you prepare for your big move.
1. Learn about local neighborhoods
Although the borough is pretty small, there are distinct neighborhoods within its borders. While you can experience the coveted rural environment and friendly sense of community throughout the area, you may find that certain neighborhoods contain the characteristics you seek in a home. For example, some neighborhoods are prized for their adjacency to parks and schools, while others offer a more serene atmosphere. Proximity to public highways and transportation can be a major factor for professionals who commute to Newark or New York City.
Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Upper Saddle River include:
- Cider Hill
- Hidden Glen
- Deerfield Estates
- Chestnut Ridge
- The Grove
2. Find an agent with Upper Saddle River real estate experience
Upper Saddle River's proximity to New York City, large homes, and small-town community vibe make it a highly desirable area among New Jersey home buyers. The resulting market competition can pressure you to act quickly when searching for homes in the area. However, a real estate purchase should always be considered carefully. You can gain an advantage in a competitive housing market by working with an experienced local agent.
Market trends vary significantly from city to city and even differ among neighborhoods. A local agent has an advanced professional network and extensive knowledge about properties and the nuances of regional market trends. This experience translates into insights that can help you find a home. For example, local realtors are likely to know about available properties that haven't been listed yet and those being sold by non-traditional routes. They're also highly familiar with pricing changes and local regulations for home sales. Realtors with extensive local experience have the resources and tools to help you quickly find a home that meets your needs and guide you through the home-buying process.
3. Learn about the age and condition of local properties
Whether you're looking for an affordable price or have already fallen in love with a home you've seen in your online home search, older homes can present concerns you won't run into with new builds. Since many of the homes in Upper Saddle River were built between the 1950s and 1980s, it's essential to learn more about the age and condition of the property you're considering.
While you may be excited about the prospect of renovating an older home, it's essential to recognize how major systems and structural elements can be impacted by age. If you're looking at a home 20 years or older, the dwelling may have some renovations completed while others were neglected.
When examining the condition of an older house, learn about the history of these critical components:
- Roof
- Plumbing and septic systems
- Electrical system
- HVAC systems
- Appliances
- Gutters
- Foundation
- Past repair and treatment of water damage
4. Consider local transportation options
Your dream home in Upper Saddle River is more than a house. It's a lifestyle. When conducting your home search, it's essential to acknowledge how your daily routine (like your work commute) will be affected by your location. There are no public transportation systems within Upper Saddle River. However, the borough offers easy access to major highways.
Access to Route 17 is readily available through the western part of town, providing residents with a one-hour commute to NYC. Nearby train stations are in Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Ramsey, Park Ridge, Hillsdale, and Ridgewood. For additional transportation options, Coach USA's Shortline bus also has locations in the surrounding areas for travel options to New Jersey and New York destinations.
5. Learn about connecting utilities
Whether you're moving across town or moving across the country, it's an event that requires a lot of preparation and work. When you reach your new home, you want everything to be as convenient and comfortable as possible. That means ensuring you'll be able to enjoy your first night in your new home with running water and electricity. By learning about the local utility companies that serve properties in Upper Saddle River during the purchase process, you can make sure everything will be ready when you arrive. For a seamless experience, consider having the electricity, water, and internet services turned on a few days before your arrival.
Here's what you should know about utilities in Upper Saddle River.
- During your home search, you can learn more about local utilities online by exploring the Saddle River town website.
- The Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority provides water.
- New Jersey's Energy Deregulation Law allows customers to shop around for the best price on energy supplies provided by each electrical distribution company.
- Your realtor can be an excellent source for information about local utilities and the process of getting everything in order before moving day.
The Taylor Lucyk Group can help you seamlessly relocate to Upper Saddle River
Upper Saddle River is an attractive borough in one of the most heavily populated counties in New Jersey. It's a unique community that offers a rural environment and a peaceful setting with all the amenities of the big city. Since the area contains highly desirable properties, the Upper Saddle River real estate market can be complex to navigate.
If you're searching for homes in Upper Saddle River, you need an experienced realtor in your corner. Taylor Lucyk is a top-rated real estate agent who has helped numerous clients find their dream homes in Northern New Jersey. Taylor's insider knowledge of New Jersey's ever-changing real estate market makes him the ideal partner when searching for available homes in Upper Saddle River. Contact the Taylor Lucyk Group to learn more about relocating to Saddle River and finding your perfect Northern New Jersey home.
