The Most Walkable Downtowns in Bergen County

 

Offering all of the luxuries of quintessential suburban living with easy access to New York City, Bergen County, New Jersey is a highly sought-after destination for the region’s prospective homebuyers. Home to world-class entertainment venues that host sports and concerts, a wealth of cultural attractions, and beautiful natural areas that include beaches, lakes, and rivers, Bergen County is considered one of the most desirable places to live in all of the United States. While it doesn’t take long to commute into New York City, many of the cities within Bergen County have walkable downtowns that offer plenty of entertainment, shopping, and restaurants without ever having to leave home.

 

Situated in the Northern Valley section of Bergen County, Closter has a downtown district that lies at the intersection of bustling commerce and beautiful nature trails. The Closter Nature Center spans more than 100 acres of wetlands and features trails that pass directly through Downtown Closter. Conversely, downtown Closter also features Closter Plaza, which is home to a top-tier shopping center that include Whole Foods, a movie theater, excellent retail shopping, restaurants, cafes, and services like massages and facials. The majority of homes in Closter are single-family, with two-story layouts and anywhere between three and five bedrooms. Home prices typically span the $1M to $2M range, however less expensive homes occasionally appear on the market.

 

 

With a reputation for excellent schools, tranquil suburban streets, and a lively downtown scene, Tenafly is undeniably one of the most popular cities in Bergen County. Home to a wide assortment of shops, cafes, and restaurants, Tenafly’s thriving downtown district is a wonderful place to spend free time browsing and exploring or to run daily errands. Residents enjoy dining at beloved local favorites like Axia Taverna and Tenafly Classic Diner, as well as Café Angelique, which is perfect for meeting a friend for coffee. Homes in Tenafly date as far back as the 1920s and feature a mixture of architectural styles ranging from entirely modern and custom to mid-century estates. While the majority of homes in Tenafly are single-family, there are a handful of apartments and townhomes on the market from time to time. Home prices start in the $600s, with some larger estates priced into the high 3M.

 

 

Settled in 1685, the Village of Ridgefield Park is rich with history, and home to one of the longest running Fourth of July parades. The town is home to a bustling downtown district that has an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, food trucks, and bike shops. Ridgefield Park is also known for hosting an annual street fair that features local vendors, artists, arts and crafts activities, and entertainment, which is held all along Main Street. The majority of homes in the Village of Ridgefield Park are single-family residences with three or four bedrooms, however there are often a handful of apartments on the market. Home prices start in the high $300s and go up into the low $800s.

 

 

Spanning only 1.29 square miles. Maywood is a borough within Bergen County that has a reputation for being incredibly pedestrian friendly and features a lively downtown scene. Downtown Maywood’s Pleasant Avenue is home to some of the best shopping in the county, and some of the area’s side streets offer excellent restaurants and cafes, most of which are owned and operated by Maywood residents. Annual celebrations, like the Fourth of July Parade and Maywood Fall Festival, are held downtown. Maywood’s single-family homes feature classic architecture styles, three to four bedrooms, and are priced between the low $500s and mid $700s.

 

 

Right in the heart of Bergen County lies the city of Hackensack, known for its rich American history, Fairleigh Dickinson University campus, and exciting downtown district. Downtown Hackensack offers a wealth of things to do and places to visit, including an excellent public library, bars, restaurants, boutiques, and the Hackensack Performing Arts Center, where patrons can attend plays, concerts, and so much more. Homes in Hackensack are typically of the single-family or apartment-style variety, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroom estates. Home prices span a wide range, with apartments starting in the high $100s and sprawling custom homes priced into the mid-$1M.