Welcome to Mahwah
Peaceful and picturesque, Mahwah is the perfect combination of suburban convenience and pastoral natural preserve.
Settled nearly 175 years ago, the Northern New Jersey township of Mahwah has long held the title of "Bergen County's parkland." At a little over 26 square miles, it's also the county's largest municipality. Mahwah originates from the Lenape language and is loosely translated as "place where paths meet." For these picturesque enclaves, the name could not be more appropriate.
Offering residents distinctive, dual personalities, Mahwah is bisected by Interstate 287. Given that the only access point to I-287 is at the New Jersey-New York border, there is little direct development from the road as it snakes its way across town like a river of concrete. The vast majority of the township's population lives to the east, including business and commercial spaces.
To the west of I-287 sits Mahway's hallmark recreational and open spaces, including the 4,000-acre Ramapo Valley County Reservation, the 1,373-acre Campgaw Mountain Reservation, and one of the region's most sought after luxury neighborhoods—Rio Vista.
What to Love
- Home to more than 5,000 acres of recreational county and state parks
- Ideal commuter community less than 30 miles from the heart of Manhattan
- Rio Vista, Mahwah's preeminent luxury neighborhood
Local Lifestyle
Mahwah's suburban park vibe is a major selling point for those relocating to town. Though well-suited for commuters who either drive or take the train to work, Mahwah appeals specifically to those who love the outdoors. In fact, as far back as the late 1900s, when Mahwah was a genuine remote, rural outpost, it drew in high-society New Yorkers seeking a bucolic break from the city.
Situated in the heart of the Ramapo Valley, with the Ramapo River and the Ramapo Mountains forming Mahwah's western half, the region doubles as a natural outdoor playground for those who love to hike, bike, fish, canoe or kayak, ski, or snowboard.
The Rio Vista neighborhood offers the best example of Mahwah's rural-suburban duality. Developed around the 75-room, 45,000 square foot historical landmark Crocker-McMillian Mansion, Rio Vista features more than 300 custom homes built on the large one and two-acre lots. With views of the river and mountains and near-direct access to the state and regional park space, the spectacular lifestyle is matched only by the spectacular luxury real estate.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Though not widely considered a foodie or entertainment destination within Bergen County, there are a couple of spots worth visiting when you're not out enjoying Mahwah's natural wonders.
The first is Secor Farms, a massive garden center with an array of seasonal flowers, decorations, a bakery, and produce market. Next is the outstanding RP PRIME Steak & Seafood. Located in a renovated home across from the Ramapo River, RP Prime is a popular date night spot for small private events celebrated over prime-cut steaks and amazingly fresh seafood.
Things to Do
When you start making plans about what to do in Mahwah on a random weekday or weekend morning or afternoon, it begins and ends outdoors. The primary landing spot is the 4,000-acre Ramapo Valley County Reservation, where you can hike and camp, fish or kayak the namesake river, or cross-country ski in the winter.
Additional parks include the 127-acre Darlington County Park, with a swimmable lake in the summertime and an 18-hole public golf course. The smaller neighborhood parks of Fardale and Riverside each feature athletic fields, sports courts, and playgrounds.
Annual community events include the Memorial Day Parade and Youth Sports Parade. Mahwah Day features live entertainment, carnival rides, family-friendly activities for all ages and a parade and fireworks show.
Schools
Mahwah is home to a number of excellent schools—both public and private. Two institutions stand out amongst the community and reinforce Mahwah's commitment to quality education. They include:
- The Sage Alliance serves 4th through 8th grades and integrates a child's educational needs with therapeutic services for students struggling with emotional challenges or illness.
- As one of the state's best liberal arts schools, Ramapo College of New Jersey offers students small class sizes, over 500 courses, and 40 academic programs in one of the most beautiful campus settings in the country.
