River Edge exemplifies the quintessential small-town feel with its dazzling annual Fourth of July Parade, highly rated schools and retro River Edge Diner. Part of the appeal is that locals have an easy commute to New York City while still enjoying classic suburban life with more space than they could ever dream of in the Big Apple. These spacious properties typically reflect Colonial Revival architectural trends. Residents on the eastern edge are right by the Hackensack River, which gives the borough its name, while those on the western edge will likely be within walkable distance of the Van Saun County Park. Although locals enjoy plenty of amenities, "it's the sense of community" that attracts people here, says Suzanne Flaum, a Realtor with Keller Williams Valley Realty who grew up in River Edge. "There are many people who have lived here for a very long time, even people that have moved away, went to college and then moved back to raise their family — I'm one of them."
The RED (River Edge Diner) in River Edge, NJ.
Students from River Edge can attend the River Dell Regional Middle School.
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Colonial Revivals galore
If there’s one thing River Edge’s architectural scene is known for, it is Colonial Revivals. “We had a builder when the town was first created, so there are many similar styles,” Flaum says. These constructions are known for their symmetrical facades and shutters, but the community is home to different variants; many of these properties have front porches and attached garages. River Edge is also home to a number of Tudor Revivals and ranch-style dwellings. Prices typically range from about $475,000 for a house that may need renovation to $1.4 million for a new construction built on an existing foundation. While many people here live in non-HOA single-family dwellings, some live in apartments. Residents enjoy sidewalks and dense greenery that make for nice walks. The community also receives a Cap Index Score of 3 out of 10, meaning that it is known as an area with a low crime score.
A street with homes priced over $1 million in River Edge, NJ.
Many River Edge homes have attached garages.
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Highly rated schooling options
Young children here typically enroll in River Edge Public Schools to attend either Roosevelt Elementary or Cherry Hill School, both of which feature Spanish instruction that starts at the kindergarten level. Many students move on to River Dell Regional School District, which is especially unique because it only serves two towns: River Edge and Oradell. "Many other schools have three, four towns come in," Flaum says, referencing other New Jersey districts. She cites this as one of the reasons for the area's tight-knit nature. Students can then head to River Dell Middle School, which Niche ranks as the No. 26 public middle school in New Jersey. They'll be able to engage in extracurricular activities like the Academic Competition Club and Introduction to Italian Club. To finish up their schooling, students can attend River Dell High School, which Niche ranks in the top 5% of high schools for athletes in the state. All four schools receive A ratings from Niche.
The Main entrance to the well ranked River Dell Senior High School.
Students from River Edge can attend the River Dell Regional Middle School.
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Van Saun County Park and Veteran's Memorial Park
At the over 130-acre Van Saun County Park, young horse lovers ride ponies, and furry friends run free in an enclosed dog space. Children enjoy attractions — like a classic golden carousel and a mini train — while also learning about the Bergen County Zoo's animals. Locals can spread blankets and stuff their bags with snacks on summer Fridays to enjoy the park's Movies After Dark series. During the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink that features ice bumper cars for those who dare to drive on the ice. At Veteran's Memorial Park, locals can shoot some hoops or check out River Edge Farmers Market's fresh produce and live music, including tunes from the River Dell Middle School Jazz Band. This market runs from late May to late October. Warm weather also means that the River Edge Swim Club is open and busy. There are a couple of options for golfers, including The Ridgewood Country Club, which is less than 5 miles away and River Edge’s indoor Ready to Golf facility.
The Carousel at Van Saun Park is loved by River Edge kids.
Veterans Memorial Park in River Edge is a safe space for kids to gain independence.
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Eateries and shops along Kinderkamack Road
Kinderkamack Road is dotted with eateries like River Edge Diner, a retro establishment popular for breakfast offerings. "Those that live here call it Red," Flaum says. Locals craving Mediterranean flavors can meet up with friends at Mado Restaurant. "I order in there every two weeks at least. I love their hummus and their chicken shawarma," Flaum says. Also along the road is Joyce Chinese Cuisine, an upscale establishment serving classic Sichuan offerings. For anyone wanting Italian cuisine, Flaum recommends Sanducci's Trattoria. "People come from all over the county to go there," she says. For a sweet treat, locals can check out Critchley's Chocolate and Candy, where they can purchase memory-inducing sweets from a church-turned-candy shop. Bubble tea lovers stop into Cafe Teasia, while those wanting to buy alcohol can find what they need at River Edge Wines & Liquors. Locals will also be near shopping spots like the Bergen Town Center, which is home to a Whole Foods Market.
These local enjoy a quiet lunch at Kilim Mediterranean in River Edge, NJ.
Since 1957, Critchley's Chocolate and Candy in River Edge, NJ has been serving up local treats.
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Annual Fourth of July fun and other events
The annual Fourth of July event begins with a classic parade at Cherry Hill School and ends at Veteran’s Memorial Park, where the fair is held. Live music fills the air, and children can spend their day on rides or meeting new furry friends at the petting zoo. Adults can spend the afternoon relaxing and chatting with their neighbors at the beer garden. When the first week of October comes around, locals head to the park for River Edge Day to learn more about their community. Local businesses and government organizations have booths that eventgoers can peruse. Another popular event is the December River Edge Holiday Tree Lighting, which is complete with a carol performed by the local Girl Scouts. Children here also enjoy the holiday tradition of Santa going around the community in a firetruck. Some of the borough’s smaller gatherings, including family movie nights, are hosted by the River Edge Public Library.
Commute to NYC and other important information
River Edge locals will enjoy easy access to nearby employers like the Hackensack University Medicine Center — which is about 4 miles away via Summit Avenue — and Cognizant, which is about 6 miles away via U.S. Route 4. Many locals here also work in New York City. They can take advantage of NJ Transit’s public bus systems. Line 165 can get them to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in under 1.5 hours. The borough is also home to New Bridge Landing and River Edge stations. They can head to New Bridge Landing Station to take the Pascack Valley Rail Line, which can get them to Secaucus Junction, where they can then take the Northeast Corridor Rail Line to Penn Station. This journey will only take around 45 minutes. Penn Station is about an 18-mile drive away via River Road and Interstate 95. They can take those same routes to get to the Newark Liberty International Airport, which is approximately 25.5 miles away.
NJ Transit offers bus service from River Edge, NJ into New York City.
River Edge, NJ residents can also take the train into NY's Penn Station.
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