Park Ridge

An arboreous landscape and lively spirit are at the core of Park Ridge, the New Jersey borough perched near New York’s southern border. Lake Tappan is to the town’s east, Garden State Parkway to its west, and the community is a mere 26 miles north of Manhattan. Despite its small size and quaint appeal, Park Ridge also maintains an energetic commercial district downtown. 

 

Established as a borough in 1894, Park Ridge is part of the nine-borough community known as Pascack Valley. Since its early inception, Park Ridge has grown to around 8,800 residents, the majority of which are families who enjoy the area’s suburban lifestyle.

 

Park Ridge has varied architectural styles when it comes to residential housing. Homes here have been built throughout the century, a great deal of which were created mid-century. The single-family Colonial dominates the market, ranging from million-dollar new builds within walking distance of downtown to 1920s renovated estates featuring wrap-around porches and larger lots. Park Ridge also offers townhomes, attractive bungalows, and more traditional home styles. 

 

Though Park Ridge is well-known for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s also an excellent location for commuters, young professionals, couples, and retirees. The borough is less than three miles from two of the area’s biggest transportation centers, Garden State Parkway and New York Thruway. Additionally, Park Ridge’s green landscape, ample community events, and easy-going attitude make it a great escape from the hum of urban living. 

 

Most of Park Ridge’s commercial and dining establishments are centered around Kinderkamack Road, where residents can find grocers, fitness studios like Pure Barre, Starbucks, salons, local butchers like B&M Meat Market, and several chain apparel stores. 

 

Nearby, Park Ridge has a collection of incredible restaurant options, including one-of-a-kind romantic patios and decades-old community staples with retro vibes. For an old-fashioned steakhouse atmosphere with a menu decked out in flavor, residents head to The Park Steakhouse to dig into the modern American cuisine and dry-aged New York sirloins. 

 

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at Etsy Street, where one can dine out at their fairy-light-ensconced outdoor setting or choose a seat indoors for a swanky, private-club atmosphere. The food here is upscale, eclectic New American, often with international twists. A more casual, rustic environment can be found at Peppercorns Restaurant, whose delectable comfort food brings diners clamoring back for more. For an authentic Park Ridge dining experience, you’ll want to check out The Ridge Diner, which has been established for over 49 years and has some of the best breakfast foods in the county.

 

It’s impossible to be bored while living in Park Ridge due to both the extensive park space and the copious community events. Park Ridge finds a reason to celebrate throughout all seasons, including the ever-loved annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Christmas Eve celebrations. 

 

The borough also hosts an annual car show, which is undeniably one of the year’s biggest events. Those with kids will love the Easter Egg Hunt, which includes games and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Park Ridge also honors former resident and actor James Gandolfini, who was best known for his titular role as Tony Soprano in the HBO hit, The Sopranos, through the Park Ridge Italian Festival. The cast of the show frequently attends, as well as the actor’s family, and activities include a live DJ, vendors, games, and bocce ball. 

 

Those looking to get into nature and away from the crowds will adore Atkins Park, which offers hiking trails, a serene little creek and glen, and abounding green landscapes of trees and forested areas. A hidden gem, the park and trail are often both uncrowded, giving residents a sense of peaceful solitude as they meander the woods. 

 

Park Ridge is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: