Ridgewood NJ Van Neste Square

Ridgewood, NJ Spotlight: A NYC Suburb

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Introduction: Ridgewood, NJ a NYC suburb

Nestled just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, Ridgewood, NJ a NYC suburb embraces a storied suburban charm within reach of Manhattan. Its celebrated schools, historic architecture, and charming downtown beckon families and professionals—though living here comes at a premium. In this NYC Spotlight we dive into why Ridgewood remains a top choice for those seeking the best of both worlds.

Facts & Figures: Ridgewood, NJ a NYC suburb

Quick Comparison Table

CategoryDetails
Population25,979 (census.gov)
School DistrictRanked 4th of 243 NJ school districts (niche.com)
Commute~60–80 min by NJ Transit train to Manhattan (njtransit.com)
Housing CostTypical home value ~$1.18M (zillow.com)
SpaceAverage property size is approximately 0.258 acres (countyoffice.org)

Population

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Ridgewood, New Jersey had a population of 25,979 and a median age of 41.1(census.gov). A large percentage of the population falls between the ages of 35-65 or below 18, suggesting a robust presence of both families and established adults. 80.6% of residents 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher and the median household income was $217,250.

School District

Ridgewood Public Schools educate about 5,604 students from pre-K through 12, with a student-teacher ratio of ‑about 15:1 (niche.com). The district is ranked 4th for best school district in New Jersey and 5th for best school district in the NYC area (niche.com). Compared to other NJ schools, the school district also ranks highly for athletics (#5) and as a best place to teach (#6). With strong academics and community engagement, Ridgewood’s public schools are a cornerstone of the village’s appeal.

Commute

Designed for commuters, Ridgewood offers frequent NJ Transit service (njtransit.com). Most trains deliver riders to midtown Manhattan in about an hour—a time that’s both efficient and feasible for daily travel. NJ Transit also offers bus service to Port Authority. By car, depending on traffic the commute to midtown is typically 35-55 min. The avg commute time to work for residents of Ridgewood is 35.6 minutes with over 50% of people choosing to drive alone. 12.2% use public transportation and other commuting options include walking (2.7%), biking (0.3%), carpool (4.4%), or other (1.7%). 28.6% of people reported working from home. (census.gov).

Cost of Housing

Living here comes at a premium. Even so, with only 8,814 housing units in Ridgewood, they are in high demand. Of the 8,490 occupied housing units, 5,581 of them are reported to be occupied be married couples and families (census.gov). The median home value hovers around $1.18 million, up 7.2% in the past year (zillow.com). While the home ownership rate is 83.9%, renting is also an option in Ridgewood with the median gross rent costing $2,340 (census.gov).

Space

The average property size in Ridgewood is approximately 0.258 acres, a substantial size for residential lots in suburban New Jersey and about 50% larger than the average lot size across Bergan County (countyoffice.org). 52.5% of the occupied housing units in Ridgewood have four or more bedrooms, offering plenty of space for a large family or guests (census.gov).

What It’s Like Living in Ridgewood, NJ

Downtown Ridgewood—centered along East Ridgewood Avenue and North/South Broad Street—is a magnet for locals and visitors alike. Quaint cafés and diverse, high-quality dining stand out. For instance, From Scratch, a petite Italian gem with just a handful of tables, delivers unforgettable freshness. Felina, another local standout is a repurposed bank turned restaurant, offering an elegant ambiance and delicious cocktails.

Retail therapy on Main Street is equally delightful. Trendy boutiques such as Fox’s of Ridgewood (clothing and accessories), Envy by Melissa Gorga (curated fashion), and Pazzazzed (an eclectic gift shop) add local flair. The beloved independent bookstore, Bookends, has hosted hundreds of celebrity authors and personalities over the years – from former presidents and First Ladies to sports legends, supermodels, and bestselling writers.

Just off Main Street on North Maple Avenue, the Ridgewood Public Library offers more than books. It features study and work facilities, a “Library of Things” to borrow (including non-traditional items such as lawn games, hand tools, and video equipment), museum passes, and programs for all ages. The large library windows look out onto panoramic views of local sports fields and the Kasschau Memorial Shell bandstand which hosts the long-standing “music under the stars” series runs from June through August. The series showcases local talent on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

A stone’s throw down North Maple Ave and just across Linwood Ave is Graydon Pool— officially a municipal pool, the swimming area was created by damming the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook in the 1920s, forming a natural, spring-fed, sand-bottom swimming area – giving it the look and feel of a small lake.

Community

Community in Ridgewood is deeply rooted. Neighbors converge at institutions like

  • The Women’s Club of Ridgewood – a longstanding civic organization focused on community involvement and philanthropic events
  • Ridgewood Newcomers – a volunteer-based nonprofit group welcoming new residents to Ridgewood. They help newcomers build community and contribute locally through service partnerships.
  • Ridgewood Community Center – A hub for adult and senior enrichment. Offers exercise, intellectual programs, social clubs like HILT (Highlights in Leisure Time), and activities such as Mahjong, knit-and-crochet, and “Lunch&Learns”

The community also offers strong support for new parents through resources like

A drive through Ridgewood is not complete without a peek at the New York City skyline. Seen along the horizon from elevated neighborhoods, it is a constant reminder of Ridgewood’s dual identity: urban adjacency and tranquil streets lined with manicured lawns.

Van Neste Square Memorial Park Downtown Ridgewood, NJ – Photo by Cities to Suburbs (taken on May 17th, 2023)

Summary: Ridgewood, NJ a NYC suburb

Ridgewood is more than a suburb—it’s a community where storybook charm meets sophisticated convenience. Families are drawn to its academic reputation, professionals appreciate the commute, and all enjoy the walkable downtown. But peace and prestige come with steep price tags and elevated living costs.

If you’re choosing between Ridgewood, NJ and other NYC suburbs, ask yourself: Is this adjoining haven worth the premium? For many, the answer is a resounding yes.

Explore more with our guides around Ridgewood, NJ area. Best NJ Suburbs with Top Schools and Fast Commutes, Top 10 NJ Suburbs for Work-Life Balance as well as Top-Rated Schools in NJ Suburbs: Best NYC Commuter Towns for Families.