Top 10 Reasons to Live in River Edge NJ

Nestled in Bergen County, New Jersey, River Edge is a vibrant and thriving community that offers a high quality of life with the perfect blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience. If you’re looking for a family-friendly town with excellent schools, a strong real estate market, and easy access to New York City, River Edge should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re raising a family, commuting to NYC, or looking for a tight-knit community with rich history and modern amenities, River Edge has something for everyone.

Let’s dive into the top 10 reasons why River Edge is a fantastic place to live.

Key Takeaways

River Edge offers excellent schools, including highly rated elementary and high schools.
Commuting is a breeze with direct train and bus access to NYC.
The real estate market is thriving, making it a solid investment for homebuyers.
Parks and recreation options cater to families, athletes, and nature lovers.
A vibrant and diverse community ensures that there’s always something happening, from festivals to historical events.

1. Excellent Educational Opportunities

One of the biggest draws for families moving to River Edge is its top-rated public schools. The River Edge School District is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and community involvement. With small class sizes and a focus on individualized learning, students receive an exceptional education from pre-K through sixth grade.

The district includes Cherry Hill School and Roosevelt School, both of which rank among the best elementary schools in New Jersey. Students go on to attend River Dell Middle School and River Dell High School, part of the River Dell Regional School District, which serves both River Edge and Oradell. River Dell High School is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a strong athletics program, and a variety of extracurricular activities.

In addition to its strong public school system, River Edge is close to some of the best private schools in Bergen County, including Bergen Catholic, Paramus Catholic, and The Academy of the Holy Angels. Higher education options are also abundant, with Fairleigh Dickinson University, Bergen Community College, and Rutgers University just a short drive away.

2. Safe and Secure Environment

Safety is a top priority for anyone choosing a new place to live, and River Edge delivers with one of the lowest crime rates in Bergen County. This close-knit community is proactive about safety, with well-staffed police and fire departments ensuring that residents feel secure.

The River Edge Police Department is highly engaged with the community, offering programs like Neighborhood Watch, D.A.R.E., and community policing initiatives. The town also has emergency preparedness plans, fire safety education, and a strong sense of local pride, making it an ideal place to raise a family.

For families and individuals looking for a peaceful, suburban environment without sacrificing convenience, River Edge provides a sense of security and belonging that’s hard to beat.

3. Strong Real Estate Market

River Edge’s real estate market is booming, and for good reason. Home values have consistently appreciated over the years, making it an excellent long-term investment for homeowners. The average home price in River Edge is over $800,000, reflecting the desirability of the area.

The borough offers a variety of housing options, including:

Charming colonials with historic character
Updated ranch-style homes with spacious yards
Modern townhouses for low-maintenance living
New construction homes with luxury finishes

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking for a forever home, River Edge has something that fits your needs. The high demand and low inventory mean that homes sell quickly, making it a competitive but rewarding market for buyers.

4. Convenient Commuting Options

If you work in New York City but crave a quieter, suburban lifestyle, River Edge offers excellent commuting options. With two NJ Transit train stations—River Edge Station and New Bridge Landing Station—residents can easily access Manhattan in under an hour.

The Pascack Valley Line takes commuters to Secaucus Junction (with connections to Penn Station) or Hoboken Terminal, where they can hop on the PATH train to Midtown or Downtown Manhattan.

For those who prefer buses, the NJ Transit 165 bus provides a direct route to Port Authority in Times Square.

Driving? River Edge is just minutes from major highways, including Route 4, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike, making it easy to reach Manhattan, Newark Airport, and other parts of New Jersey.

5. Abundant Parks and Recreation

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the beautiful parks and recreation options in River Edge. Whether you enjoy walking trails, sports fields, or playgrounds, there are plenty of green spaces to explore.

Veterans Memorial Park – The largest park in town, featuring tennis courts, basketball courts, a hockey rink, a playground, picnic areas, and a walking path.
Kenneth B. George Park – A go-to spot for softball and baseball games, complete with bathrooms and a concession stand.
Van Saun Park – While technically a Bergen County park, Van Saun is just minutes from River Edge and offers a zoo, carousel, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

The River Edge Swim Club is another great summer destination, providing a community pool, swim lessons, and social events.

6. Vibrant Community and Culture

River Edge has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution, and its strong sense of community is still evident today. Historic New Bridge Landing is a well-preserved site where George Washington led a retreat during the Revolutionary War.

The River Edge Cultural Center hosts art exhibitions, historical lectures, concerts, and family-friendly events throughout the year. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or just looking to connect with neighbors, there’s always something happening in River Edge.

7. Diverse Population and Events

River Edge is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in the community events, dining options, and cultural festivals throughout the year. Annual events like River Edge Day, the St. Peter’s Parish Carnival, and the Trunk or Treat Halloween Parade bring the town together, celebrating its diversity and strong sense of community.

Restaurants in River Edge showcase a wide range of cuisines, from Korean BBQ and Mediterranean food to classic American diners.

8. Family-Friendly Amenities

Families in River Edge never run out of things to do. With youth sports leagues, library programs, and recreational activities, kids and parents alike have plenty of ways to stay engaged.

The River Edge Public Library offers storytime, reading challenges, movie nights, and STEM programs for children and teens.

The town also has a variety of youth sports programs, including basketball, soccer, football, lacrosse, and wrestling.

9. Access to Quality Healthcare

Living in River Edge means having access to top-tier medical facilities just minutes away, including:

Hackensack Meridian Health
The Valley Hospital
Holy Name Medical Center
Urgent care centers and private medical practices in town

Residents can rest easy knowing they have access to world-class healthcare without having to travel far.

10. Active Community Engagement

River Edge is a town where neighbors come together to make a difference. Whether through volunteer work, civic involvement, or community events, residents take pride in contributing to the town’s well-being.

There are plenty of ways to get involved, from joining the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Corps or Fire Department to participating in school PTOs, environmental programs, and local charity initiatives. The River Edge Cultural Center regularly hosts art exhibits, historical lectures, and community workshops, while the River Edge Green Team and Environmental Commission lead sustainability efforts like tree plantings and Hackensack River cleanups.

Annual events like River Edge Day, the 4th of July Parade, and the Trunk-or-Treat Halloween event bring the town together, creating a tight-knit, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re volunteering, attending an event, or supporting a local fundraiser, River Edge offers plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors and give back to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is River Edge a good place for families?

Absolutely! River Edge is one of the best towns in Bergen County for families, offering top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. Families are drawn to the highly ranked River Edge Public Schools and River Dell Regional School District, which provide excellent academic programs, small class sizes, and a variety of extracurricular activities. The town is also home to beautiful parks, playgrounds, and youth sports programs, ensuring that children have plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Additionally, River Edge hosts family-friendly events year-round, such as River Edge Day, the Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The town’s tight-knit atmosphere makes it easy for parents and children to form friendships, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for families of all ages.

2. How long does it take to commute from River Edge to NYC?

River Edge is an excellent choice for NYC commuters, offering multiple transportation options to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. The NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line runs from River Edge Station and New Bridge Landing Station, reaching Secaucus Junction in about 25 minutes, where commuters can transfer to Penn Station in an additional 12-15 minutes. Alternatively, taking the train to Hoboken Terminal allows for a quick transfer to the PATH train, which provides access to Lower Manhattan, the World Trade Center, and 33rd Street.

For those who prefer bus travel, the NJ Transit 165 bus runs directly to Port Authority in Times Square, making it an easy option for commuters working in Midtown. Driving into NYC is also possible via Route 4, the George Washington Bridge, or the Lincoln Tunnel, though travel times depend on traffic conditions. Overall, commuting from River Edge can take as little as 50-60 minutes, making it one of the most convenient suburban options for professionals working in the city.

3. What is the real estate market like in River Edge?

The real estate market in River Edge is strong, competitive, and continues to grow, making it a desirable place for homebuyers. As of 2024, the average home price is approximately $816,796, reflecting the borough’s high demand and limited inventory. Many homes in River Edge sell quickly and often above asking price, thanks to the town’s great schools, safe environment, and proximity to NYC.

Homebuyers can find a mix of classic colonials, charming ranch homes, updated split-levels, and new construction properties, catering to various budgets and lifestyles. While home prices have steadily increased over the years, River Edge remains more affordable than some neighboring Bergen County towns like Ridgewood or Tenafly, offering a strong balance between value and quality of life.

For buyers looking for a safe investment, a strong community, and easy commuting access to New York City, River Edge is a prime location with a thriving real estate market.

Bottom Line

To summarize, River Edge, NJ, offers a unique blend of excellent educational opportunities, a safe environment, and a strong sense of community. With convenient commuting options and access to quality healthcare, it’s an ideal place for families and individuals alike. The abundance of parks, diverse events, and active community engagement further enhance the quality of life here. Whether you’re looking to settle down or simply enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, River Edge has something for everyone.