Located in beautiful Bergen County, New Jersey, Ridgewood, also known as the Village of Ridgewood, is a quaint suburban village that offers all the appeal of a major city with historic architecture dating back to the 18th century and all the comforts of modern living. From the quiet neighborhoods to the fantastic downtown with its historic feel, lovely scenery, and friendly locals, it’s no surprise that Niche.com named Ridgewood the #1 best suburb in New Jersey in 2021.
Finding the perfect neighborhood to live in can be quite a daunting task to undertake, but we’re here to make that task easier! Keep reading to see why you’ll want to call the Village of Ridgewood home!
Vibrant downtown
The Village of Ridgewood is the perfect blend of city and suburb. The village square has plenty of local restaurants and coffee shops with a variety of food styles and options to choose from. If you want fantastic surf and turf with handcrafted cocktails, Park West Tavern is the way to go. If delicious wood-fired pizzas are more your style, check out S. Egidio. Or try Truly Sichuan if you’re in the mood for out-of-this-world Chinese. You won’t want to miss out on the award-winning Raymond’s for brunch, considered the tastiest breakfast in town. Fancy or casual, sit-down or a quick bite, no matter what you’re craving, this downtown food scene has you covered!
If you would rather stay in and cook, there are great grocery stores and markets, like Whole Foods, and Wegmans. There are also farmers' markets and specialty grocery stores, like the Persian Caspian Market and the Japanese JMart.
You can find any number of upscale boutiques and shops within walking distance of each other, which gives Ridgewood its downtown feel. Parking is never an issue as most of the establishments provide valet parking for your convenience. However, if all that isn’t enough for you, Paramus is just a 10-minute drive away and has the best shopping malls in the state of New Jersey along with countless food options.
Easy access to New York
If you’re still concerned about living in a smaller town and missing out on the culture and life of a big city, don’t worry. The train makes it easy to commute to numerous destinations, including New York City, without the frustration and cost of driving.
The Village of Ridgewood is home to a historic railroad station, which was built in 1848. The train is a convenient way to travel, and Forbes has named NJ Transit one of America’s Best Employers by State 2021, so you know you’re in good hands!
Head to Broadway to watch one of the renowned musicals or plays, spend a night on the town with family and friends, and explore some of the world’s finest museums and art galleries, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or The American Museum of Natural History, or just take in the sights. In less than an hour, you can quickly leave the suburbs behind and be among the bright lights of the city. When you’re done, you can hop right back on the train and be home in no time.
Family-friendly atmosphere
The Village of Ridgewood is an ideal place to raise a family. The neighborhoods are welcoming and filled with other families, and there are a plethora of activities that families can do together. Escape the hot summer heat and imagine you’re at the beach at the community Graydon Pool. The Ridgewood Public Library is an excellent place for kids to pick up captivating reads and offers an assortment of activities throughout the year for children of all ages.
Safety is the number one concern for families. Fortunately, Ridgewood has one of the lowest crime rates in the country and has been ranked one of the 100 safest cities in the U.S. You also don’t have to worry about your children playing near busy streets because the residential area is a safe distance from the bustling streets of downtown.
What more could you ask for than safe neighborhoods, top-ranked schools, tons of activities, some of the most beautiful parks, and friendly neighbors?
Exceptional schools
Ridgewood is home to some of the best public schools in the country. In fact, according to U.S. News & World, Ridgewood High School is ranked 36th in New Jersey high schools. The Ridgewood Public School District focuses on academic studies, as well as the arts and sports, to create well-rounded individuals. The public school system’s mission is to ensure that students’ educational experiences prepare them for “an interconnected, technologically advanced, global society.” And while education is the top priority, the schools strive to offer a supportive environment to foster social relationships as well.
With lots of sports teams, clubs, and activities, your child has the tools for everything they need to excel in life. These tools are sure to help enhance those college applications!
Close-knit community
When choosing a place to lay down roots, it is important that it feels like home. If you are the type of person who cherishes the feeling of a small town where everyone knows everyone and you are actually friends with your neighbors, then the Village of Ridgewood is for you. It is a tight-knit community with a hometown suburban vibe, where things like block parties and neighborhood events still exist.
Most people own their homes and have lived in Ridgewood for many years — some even for generations — creating close, lifelong relationships between neighbors. Neighbors genuinely care about each other and have each other’s back. The residents have a sense of pride and loyalty to their village, and they strive to cultivate a fun and loving environment.
The parks and recreation department offers a variety of events and programs that change seasonally, providing you with lots of options and opportunities to meet and bond with your neighbors.
Fun outdoor activities
There is always something to do outside regardless of the season or temperature. From summer baseball and swimming to winter ice skating and sledding, you’ll never get bored while living in Ridgewood’s gorgeous surroundings.
There are numerous parks, including Graydon Park, which is the site of the community pool, and plenty of play structures to keep you and your children occupied. Catch various sporting events and summer concerts at Veterans Field. Citizens Park hosts a multitude of events throughout the seasons, including sledding during the winter. Take advantage of the myriad trails that you can walk or bike while taking in the beautiful scenery. Saddle River County Park features Wild Duck Pond, where you can fish during the summer and ice skate during the winter. Whatever your interests may be, Ridgewood has something for everyone.
There also is an array of activities you can sign your child up for, like T-ball, lacrosse, pickleball, golf, and skateboarding. Multiple day camps throughout the season focus on different interests giving your children an endless amount of fun and education in their downtime.
Abundant housing options
You only need to visit the Village of Ridgewood in order to fall in love and want to make it your home. No matter what you are looking for in real estate, Ridgewood has it. Whether you’re buying your first home or living alone, amazing single-family homes or condos are available. If you’re expanding your family or could use a larger property, there are many luxury homes, mansions, and even estates to choose from. The Village of Ridgewood has any type and style of house and layout you can think of, ranging from modern to more traditional. Ridgewood has something to fit everyone’s needs.
The houses range in price as well, with the lowest starting at under $475,000. Given the broad range of prices, you’ll be able to find something you love for a reasonable amount that fits your budget.
If you’re interested in exploring Ridgewood real estate, or any other beautiful town in Bergen County, contact the experienced and knowledgeable agents at the Taylor Lucyk Group to book an appointment today and get one step closer to your forever home!
*Header photo courtesy of New Jersey Family