Welcome to Bergen County
A charmingly diverse county with easy access to New York City
Stretching along the coast of New Jersey lies Bergen County with its magnificent greenways, bustling city downtowns, and dramatic waterfront vistas along the Hudson River. Despite its ever-burgeoning population, Bergen County has no large cities. Instead, smaller municipalities offer more compact urban landscapes that provide visitors and residents lively entertainment without losing the county’s pastoral charm. In Bergen County, there truly is something for everyone, from spending a day shopping in Hackensack or visiting the positively ghostly Gothic Revival house museum named The Heritage. In addition, the energetic crowds of New York City are merely 24 miles away, offering residents convenient access to one of America’s liveliest cities.
Originally home to many Native American tribes, Bergen County was later settled by representatives of the Dutch East India Company. Today, it is divided into 70 municipalities, each with its own unique history, unique architecture, and popular attractions. Like Bergen County’s varied urban and rural landscapes, the local real estate offerings differ greatly, from large family homes on expansive plots of land to quaint townhouses and urbanized apartments and condos.
What to Love
- Convenient proximity to New York City with transport to Philadelphia, Boston, and Florida
- Jersey Shore is an easy day trip away
- Nearby major airports
Local Lifestyle
Bergen County’s rustic towns and vibrant cities foster an ever-present sense of community that draws people from all over the state to make this part of New Jersey their home. The diversity of Bergen County’s municipalities means whether you are looking for an on-the-go city atmosphere or the tranquility of a rural homestead, there is something available for everyone.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There is always something exciting to eat, buy, or do in Bergen County. Segovia Steakhouse in Little Ferry is famous for its plentiful portions of deliciously refined Spanish cuisine. Although Angus beef steaks are the restaurant's most acclaimed offering, the seafood and beverages it offers are equally as mouthwatering. For a swanky cocktail and upscale bar food experience, Fire & Oak in Montvale serves dishes as appealing as the venue’s interior design. Offering a modern take to classical dishes, Fire & Oak serves handcrafted sushi, prime steaks, phenomenal seafood selections, and seasonal specials, all made with fresh and local ingredients.
If you’re searching for a premier fine dining oyster bar and grill, look no further than
Oceanos Restaurant in Fair Lawn. Impeccably decorated, Oceanos’ perfectly curated menu will leave your tastebuds sizzling. And for award-winning dishes featuring New American seasonal recipes,
Cafe Panache in Ramsey offers a welcoming setting to enjoy just that. Another firm local favorite, sprawled along the banks of the Saddle River, is the
Saddle River Inn, which offers guests fine, contemporary French cuisine in an incredibly romantic setting.
Things to Do
With the entire county within a short drive, there is never a dull moment for those searching for something to do. In Paramus, the
Van Saun Park and
Bergen County Zoo provide visitors with a delightful day out in nature, viewing the many animals that call it home. In
Overpeck County Park, Bergen’s largest outdoor recreational venue, there are many fun-filled activities to join, whether it's a quiet picnic, a baseball game, or an afternoon spent trying your luck in the many fishing areas. Another activity hotspot is the township of Mahwah, which is home to the
Campgaw Mountain Ski Area, New Jersey’s premier ski, snowboard, and tubing destination. The
Ramapo Valley County Reservation is also based near Mahwah and offers 3,313 acres of hiking grounds, walking trails for pet owners, and endless natural beauty.
Schools
There are a plethora of excellent school and educational options in Bergen County, whether you choose public or private, religious, charter, vocational, or technical. Some of the county’s highest-ranking institutions include:
- Bergen County Academies, Grades 9 to 12, ranked first for public high schools in the county
- Dwight-Englewood School, Pre-K, K to Grade 12, ranked first for private schools in the county
- Bergen County Christian Academy, Pre-K to Grade 12
- Bergen Catholic High School, Grades 9 to 12, a private Catholic school for boys
- The Elisabeth Morrow School, a private, independent school for grades Pre-K to 8
