If you're considering a move to Bergen County, New Jersey, you're in good company. Thousands of families relocate here every year, drawn by top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, beautiful homes, and a manageable commute to New York City. But Bergen County is big — with 70 municipalities — and finding the right town takes local knowledge.
This guide covers what you need to know about relocating to Bergen County, with a focus on the towns we know best: Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Ho-Ho-Kus, Glen Rock, Franklin Lakes, and Saddle River.
Why Bergen County?
Bergen County sits in the northeastern corner of New Jersey, directly across the George Washington Bridge from Manhattan. It's one of the most populated and affluent counties in the state, and it consistently ranks among the best places to live in the New York metro area.
The appeal is simple: you get excellent public schools, charming downtowns, low crime rates, beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods, and a commute to Midtown Manhattan that ranges from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the town and transit option.
The NYC Commute
One of the biggest draws of Bergen County is the commute. NJ Transit provides rail service from towns like Ridgewood, Glen Rock, and Ho-Ho-Kus directly to Hoboken, with connections to Manhattan via PATH. Express trains during rush hour make the trip smooth and predictable.
For drivers, the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel are accessible from most Bergen County towns, though traffic can be unpredictable. Many residents use a combination of driving to a park-and-ride and taking the bus to Port Authority.
Bus routes from Bergen County to the Port Authority Bus Terminal are extensive and widely used, especially from towns that don't have direct train service, like Wyckoff and Franklin Lakes.
Schools: A Top Priority for Families
Bergen County is home to some of New Jersey's highest-performing school districts. Here's a quick breakdown for the towns we serve:
Ridgewood: Ridgewood High School is consistently ranked among NJ's top 10 public high schools. The district offers strong academics, athletics, and arts programs K–12.
Glen Rock: Glen Rock High School is highly ranked, and the district's small size creates a close-knit school community that parents love.
Ho-Ho-Kus: The K–8 school feeds into Northern Highlands Regional High School, which is also top-rated. The small class sizes are a major selling point.
Wyckoff: Part of the Ramapo Indian Hills district, Wyckoff offers strong elementary schools and well-regarded high school options.
Franklin Lakes: Also part of the Ramapo Indian Hills district, with access to strong public and nearby private school options.
Saddle River: A small, personalized school district with low student-to-teacher ratios and dedicated community investment.
What to Expect on Home Prices
Bergen County home prices vary significantly by town, but here are rough medians for spring 2026:
Glen Rock: ~$975,000
Wyckoff: ~$875,000–$1M
Ridgewood: ~$950,000–$1M
Ho-Ho-Kus: ~$1.1M
Franklin Lakes: ~$1.2M+
Saddle River: ~$2M+
Property taxes in Bergen County are higher than the national average but are offset by strong property values, excellent services, and top-tier school systems.
Lifestyle and Community
Bergen County towns offer a suburban lifestyle with surprisingly robust dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation. Ridgewood's walkable downtown is filled with independent restaurants and shops. Glen Rock has two train stations and a tight-knit community. Wyckoff offers nature trails and community events. Franklin Lakes and Saddle River deliver luxury and privacy on larger lots.
If you're coming from NYC, you'll find the pace of life refreshing — but not boring. Bergen County strikes a balance between suburban calm and metro-area energy that few places can match.
How to Choose the Right Town
Narrowing down the right town depends on your priorities. Ask yourself:
Do you want walkability? Look at Ridgewood, Glen Rock, or Ho-Ho-Kus.
Do you want more space and privacy? Consider Wyckoff or Franklin Lakes.
Is luxury and exclusivity your priority? Explore Saddle River or Franklin Lakes.
Is commute time the deciding factor? Glen Rock and Ho-Ho-Kus offer the most convenient transit access.
How Jeff Feagles Home Team Can Help
We specialize in helping families relocate to Bergen County. Whether you're coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Hoboken, or out of state, we'll help you compare towns, understand the market, and find a home that fits your family's needs and budget.
We've been doing this for over two decades, and we know every block of every town we serve. Reach out for a free relocation consultation — we'd love to help you make Bergen County home.
Ready To Make Your Next Move?
Whether you are buying or selling in Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Ho-Ho-Kus, or anywhere in Bergen County, the Jeff Feagles Home Team is here to guide you with clarity, strategy, and local expertise.