A community-oriented village with waterfront parks and access to major hubs
Wrapped by a scenic riverbend, Ridgefield Park is situated on a small peninsula in the southeast corner of Bergen County. Its detached location, coupled with its old-fashioned charm, makes the village feel quite secluded. But in reality, locals are very well connected: multiple highways along the border link to New York City and North Jersey hubs. Short commutes are certainly an appeal, although the main draw lies in Ridgefield Park’s laid-back character and tight-knit community. “It’s a very attractive town and it’s friendly in every sense: diverse, family-friendly, commuter-friendly, even dog-friendly,” says Jennifer Romero, a Ridgefield Park native and realtor at RE/MAX. Rooted in the area’s centuries-long history, the community has a lot of local pride and national patriotism, showcased through its signature monuments and events.
Ridgefield Park is a patriotic and community-oriented village in New Jersey
The Hackensack River offers the community of Ridgefield Park a scenic view.
1/2
Independence Day festivities bring neighbors together
Ridgefield Park shares similarities with many all-American towns, but its Fourth of July celebration is particularly storied. It’s been a pillar of the community for 130 years, making it one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the country. Two competitions and two parades involve local families, businesses, schools, organizations and worship centers. The day starts at 7:30 a.m. with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a flag-raising ceremony. The community’s patriotism is palpable year-round, particularly along Euclid Avenue, where the grassy medians are dotted with memorials honoring policemen, firefighters, veterans and more.
Some memorials on Euclid Ave in Ridgefield Park were installed in as far back as 1921.
Euclid Ave features many patriotic memorials in Ridgefield Park.
1/2
Varied restaurants and service shops along the quaint Main Street
Almost all of Ridgefield Park’s restaurants are found along a .3-mile stretch of Main Street. “It’s a nice little street with all types of shops and restaurants,” Romero says. Locals can choose from Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean, Chinese, Latin American and Greek eateries. Dante’s Pizza and Restaurant is an area favorite, as is Food Lab, an experimental bistro serving Asian fusion. The family-owned Sebas Restaurant and Bakery has earned a loyal following, as well. The two-block commercial center also has services, like salons and laundromats. Art Mora Gallery offers curated exhibits and interactive events like pottery classes and jazz-and-wine nights. Village IGA is the main grocery store, but prices are typically higher than farther-away options, like the two ShopRites in South Hackensack and Palisades Park.
Seba's is a family-owned, Colombian-Dominican bake shop and cafe in Ridgefield Park.
Ridgefield Park locals enjoy gathering and socializing at the 101 Pub.
1/2
Single-family houses offer historical value at relatively low price points
Homebuyers will find a vintage housing stock: many homes are over a century old, with the median year-built at 1917. Single-family houses range from $350,000 to $700,000 and mainly come in the American Foursquare style. Brick-clad condominiums are also available, with prices typically between $170,000 and $360,000. Prices are lower here than in many Bergen County neighborhoods, but buyers should beware that both flood risk and noise levels are heightened along Interstate 95 to the east. Ridgefield Park has almost an equal distribution of single-family houses and apartment buildings, as 46 percent of residents rent.
Foursquare homes are tightly packed throughout Ridgefield Park.
Nearly half of Ridgefield Park residents rent an apartment or condo.
1/2
Multiple public schools and a highly rated private school
Elementary students may attend one of Ridgefield Park’s three B-minus-rated schools: Grant, Lincoln, or Roosevelt. For grades 6 through 12, students attend the combined Ridgefield Park Junior and Senior High School, which earns a B from Niche and allows students to earn college credit while in high school. The Academy of Greatness & Excellence, a private, K through 12, Islamic school, is also in Ridgefield Park and earns an A-plus from Niche.
Older students attend Ridgefield Park Jr. Sr. High School.
Roosevelt Elementary is one of three schools for the little ones in Ridgefield Park.
1/2
Scenic waterfront parks grant an outdoor lifestyle
At the 805-acre Overpeck County Park, locals enjoy fishing areas, well-kept athletic fields, and in the summer, Music in the Park, a concert series at the grass amphitheater. Bikers and walkers utilize five miles of paved trails, lined with wispy native grasses and water views. Rowing is popular among locals: Overpeck Park Rowing Center offers classes and recreational leagues, while Wanda Canoe Club, a competitive, members-only league, has been around since 1910. Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve is a lesser-known gem with tranquil boardwalks that pass through grasslands and wetlands, plus wildlife, sculptures and educational signs. To the south, McGowan Park is brimming with small-town charm and its gazebo is a hot spot for catching stunning, waterfront sunsets.
The walking trail in Overpeck Park is a popular destination for joggers in Ridgefield Park.
Locals enjoy the docks at Overpeck Park for its scenic views near Ridgefield Park.
1/2
Drivers and commuters are well-connected
Three highways are located along the village's peripheral: U.S. Route 46 to the south, Interstate 80 to the north and Interstate 95 to the east. Midtown Manhattan is about a 12-mile drive, but commuters can also reach the city via public transit. The NJ Transit bus—lines 165 and 167—stops along Route 46 and reaches Manhattan’s Port Authority in roughly 25 minutes.
Born & raised in Northern New Jersey, Simon Vassalo is one of the most hardworking, top performing, and highly respected real estate agent of his time. A staple in the real estate industry and accredited with numerous recognized sales awards and featured in multiple top publications. Simon grew up being apart of his family's contracting business run by his two first generation parents. Working alongside his family, he quickly learned how to market their business, handle clientele, and assist with different bookkeeping tasks. His family taught him the true value of commitment, team collaboration, and hard work to receive the finer things in life. He was always taught to never give up on his goals and dreams and to always fight for true happiness.
In 2018, upon completion of his real estate course, Simon joined Coldwell Banker Realty and also soon becoming the youngest real estate agent in his county. Through hard work and dedication, he was honored with receiving the Coldwell Banker Rookie of the Year Award his very first year as well as being awarded the Bronze Level Circle of Excellence Award as the very first agent in his age group with the New Jersey Association of Realtors. His hard work, charisma, and true passion for his business didn't end there. He continues to guide clients day in and day out and is ranked as one of the top real estate agents in New Jersey & Pennsylvania, ranking in the top 5% of all agents in both states.
Simon continues to dominate the market and consistently breaks home sale records, differentiating him from other agents. It is through his dedication and preserverence that he continues to uphold his truly remarkable reputation as not only a good realtor but as one of the greatest real estate agents in the Tri-State Area.
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.
