Hillsdale

Located at the heart of North Jersey’s Pascack Valley, and just a short distance from the New York border, the Bergen County borough of Hillsdale lives up to its rustic name with its scenic beauty and suburban tranquility. Hillsdale stands out among its neighbors for its thriving downtown area, its wealth of commuting options, and its competitive housing prices, all of which have helped to make Hillsdale a fashionable suburb of New York City.

Realtor Bob Dzienis of eXp Realty says of Hillsdale, “It’s one of the ten towns that encompasses the Pascack Valley in the northeast section of Bergen County. Maybe you want a nice, suburban feel with some open, space, and maybe a nice downtown area with shops and restaurants, or even some shops nearby as well. Or maybe you just want an easy commuting option into New York City or Hoboken. If so, Hillsdale could be a great option for you.” Hillsdale was founded in 1898 and named for its location as a “dale among the hills,” referencing Hillsdale’s location within the Pascack Valley of hilly Bergen County, itself named after the region’s hilly terrain. Hillsdale’s scenic beauty attracted land speculators during the Gilded Age, and the creation of subdivisions along newly laid-out railroad lines led to this town’s rapid growth.

While Hillsdale is now a desirable suburb of over 10,000 residents, it has retained its spacious feel, as well as a variety of housing styles popular during the suburbanization of the early-to-mid-20th century. Dzienis says, “Generally, you can find median home values at about the $550,000 range in Hillsdale. You’ll find all kinds of home styles, from Cape Cods to ranches and Colonials, and from split-levels to bilevels.” Compared to nearby communities such as Alpine, Hillsdale offers a competitive range of housing prices, making it a more affordable alternative to some of its fellow Bergen County boroughs.

This small town is also home to its very own retail scene, comparable to that of nearby Westwood. Dzienis says, “People love to shop and love to eat; not only do you have big-box stores like a ShopRite and a Kings Supermarket, but you have several little shops at the heart of Hillsdale.” From grocery needs to dining venues, Hillsdale contains dozens of outlets for both convenience and entertainment. Dzienis shares, “A great restaurant you can consider is the Cornerstone, which has great beers and food, and Domani is a nice little Italian restaurant. Hillsdale is also known for one of the best butchers in the area, Ehmer’s Quality Meats; you can pick up a hot dog or sausage directly from a cart that’s outside the butcher.” Most of these restaurants and businesses are located along the town’s main drag, Broadway, in the south part of the neighborhood near the Westwood border.

Residents will find that this community is close-knit and full of recreational opportunities. Dzienis says, “There’s a lot of amenities and things to do in Hillsdale. One of the most popular summer activities is the Stonybrook Swim Club, a popular pool in town where friends, neighbors, and children go to cool off in the summer. One of the most popular places to go is Demarest Farms for fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, and there are fall activities such as apple picking and hayrides. Hillsdale really provides that great sense of community that you might be looking for.”

One of Hillsdale’s greatest strengths is its education system. From its elementary schools – Ann Blanche Smith and Meadowbrook – to its George G. White Middle School and the Blue Ribbon-awarded Pascack Hills High School, Hillsdale’s schools have received high academic and parental ratings.

Hillsdale residents live just 18 miles from New York City and are well-connected to the city via New Jersey Transit trains to New York and Hoboken via Secaucus, as well as by a bus service running from near the train station.

With stunning natural scenery, a diversity of home styles and prices, many opportunities for entertainment, and a dose of small-town charm, Hillsdale offers a top-class suburban living experience.

Written By

Ashley Kennedy

Photography Contributed By

Brendan Rogers

Video By

Syd Silberman