The borough of Bogota sits along the Hackensack River, just north of Interstate 80. The community was named after early 17th-century European settlers, the Bogert family. Starting in the late 1800s, railroads and the growth of New York City brought industry and homes to this previously agricultural community, and proximity to the Big Apple remains one of the borough’s biggest assets. “With Bogota, it’s easy to get into New York City, but you have lower price points and a suburban feel,” says Gena Miller, Realtor with Weichert Properties and resident of nearby Teaneck. Michael Dunn, Realtor with eXp who has been selling homes for 10 years, agrees. “You can get a backyard, a driveway with a garage and an actual house for the same price as rent in Queens or Brooklyn, and you’re no farther away from Manhattan,” Dunn says. “It’s diverse, it’s affordable compared to other towns in the area and it’s a great location for people moving from New York’s outer boroughs.”
Hackensack’s rich history began with the Lenni Lenape before Dutch settlers arrived in 1693.
Single family home in Bogota.
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More affordable than NYC and surrounding Bergen County
Bogota’s median home price is $600,000, higher than the national median. However, properties cost well below homes in nearby New Jersey towns and are lower than Brooklyn’s median price of $900,000. “Bogota’s more affordable than Teaneck, but price points have been rising all around Bergen County, as we’ve gotten an inpour of New York City residents,” Miller says. Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods and American Four Squares constitute the bulk of the borough’s housing stock. Condos, which sit on the eastern edge of Bogota and borders Teaneck, are priced between $180,000 and $325,000.
The are plenty of older colonials to choose from in Hackensack, NJ.
There are still many who love the American Foursquare style in Hackensack, NJ.
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Bogota and Hackensack provide daily essentials
Local restaurants, shops and supermarkets dot the edges of this small borough, with some serving unique foods. “There’s a store called Bagel Twist. It's the only place where you’ll find French toast bagels,” Miller says. “You have access to stores in Bogota, which makes it a good place to be since you don’t have to drive miles to have all the things you need.” Other restaurants and shops are across the Hackensack River in the city of the same name. “Where Bogota is a town, Hackensack is a city,” Dunn says. “Hackensack's Main Street revitalization has been huge. There are phenomenal restaurants from all over the world.” The Shops at Riverside Mall is less than a 2-mile drive north. Other shopping plazas are farther up New Jersey Route 4.
A variety of menu items makes Bogota Press Cafe a favorite amongst locals.
The Shops at Riverside offers everything from food to Bloomingdales in Hackensack, NJ.
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Local parks, a bowling area and Overpeck County Park
Terhune, Oscar E. Olsen and Foschini parks all overlook the Hackensack River, offering classic amenities such as playgrounds and sports fields, as well as pedestrian trails. Foschini Park arranges a fireworks show each Independence Day, though attendees can see the display from across the river. Teaneck Creek Conservancy invites visitors to enjoy an easy hike through restored wetlands. Spanning some 800 acres, Overpeck County Park, just outside Bogota, is best known for its equestrian center and expansive playground. Bowler City is a vintage-feeling bowling alley with arcade games, pool tables and glow-in-the-dark bowling on Friday nights.
Kites fly high in Overpeck County Park just minutes from Ridgefield Park.
Residents of South Hackensack can hit the lanes at Bowler city.
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Events
A costume parade kicks off the Fall Festival, attendees marching to Olsen Park to hop on bounce houses, take a hayride and meet animals at the petting zoo. The event takes place at the end of October.
Families eagerly await the South Hackensack Pumpkin Glow event around Halloween.
Experience the excitement and joy that the HACKENSACKtoberfest offers to the town residents.
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Minutes from the George Washington Bridge
No commuter trains pass through Bogota, but the Pascack Valley Line stops along Railroad Avenue 1.5 miles west in Hackensack. Several buses serve Bogota residents, with lines 157, 167 and 182 going directly to Manhattan. “Wherever you are in Bogota, you’re less than half a mile from a bus stop,” Miller says.
Major highways in Bogota’s orbit include Interstate 80, Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 46. Residents are approximately 13 miles from Manhattan. Dunn notes that the George Washington Bridge, which crosses into Manhattan and is located 5 miles east, is around 10 minutes away by car and that residents can be in downtown New York between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic.
Bogota Public Schools District
The Bogota Public School District receives an overall B from Niche, with four schools serving approximately 1,400 students. Between 2007 and 2021, the girls volleyball team at Bogota Junior/Senior High has won the Group I state championship 10 times. Located less than 2 miles north, Fairleigh Dickinson University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Front entrance sign of Bogota Jr. Sr. High School.
Hackensack is home to Fairleigh Dickinson University, offering 100+ degree programs.
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Crime and climate in Bogota
According to FBI crime statistics, violent crimes dropped between 2022 and 2023. On the other hand, property crimes increased significantly over the same period.
Bogota experiences four seasons: hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Gena Miller is an experienced salesperson with extensive knowledge in all things real estate. With an extensive background in sales, AR, contract negotiation, and customer service skills, Gena has a wealth of knowledge that have served her clients well. Her greatest joy is helping clients turn the key to their first home and partnering with other agents on both commercial and industrial transactions. Gena brings passion to her business treating each client as if it were her purchase for her own family. Formerly a sales executive in commercial laundry, Gena is known for her deep customer relationships and strong work ethic. With a focus on the NYC market, Gena has created in-depth relationships with many prominent people in the luxury hotel arena. A Haitian native, born and raised in Les Cayes, Haiti, Gena is currently licensed in both New Jersey and New York. She is a married mother of two girls, and speaks French, Creole, and English. In her free time, Gena loves to travel and cook - and has even published a cookbook.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
