Within North Jersey’s historic Bergen County lies the artsy borough of Leonia, a small community with a rich heritage of both creativity and exceptional education. “Leonia is this beautiful little suburban town tucked within walking distance of the George Washington Bridge and public transportation into the city,” says Andee Post, a Realtor with Keller Williams Valley Realty, who grew up in Leonia, works with the Rotary Club of The Palisades and serves as the Vice President of the Leonia Arts organization. “It really is the quintessential bedroom community.” It was first settled in 1668 during the Bergen colony’s early years, and the community evolved from a farming community into the rail suburb of “West Fort Lee” during the mid-19th century before becoming its own borough in 1894. As rural Bergen County suburbanized during the Gilded Age, Leonia became known as an artists’ colony. Remnants of that art community are present today in Leonia’s sculptures, street art and an art gallery on the second floor of the borough’s brand-new municipal building.
A horn blower, part of the The Erika and David Boyd Sculpture garden in Leonia, NJ .
The majestic George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee is said to be the busiest in the world.
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Vintage single-family homes
Unlike other surrounding coastal New Jersey communities, Leonia primarily offers single-family homes. Vintage Cape Cod-style houses, cottages and colonials are spread on gridded streets with above-average yard sizes compared to the rest of this area. Some homes also come with driveways and attached garages, typically selling for $600,000 to $900,000. There are also a few condominium buildings offering one-and-two-bedroom options that go for $300,000 to $600,000.
There are many more modestly sized Cape Cod style homes in Leonia, NJ.
Craftsman-style homes have gained significant popularity in Leonia, NJ, thanks to their timeless appeal and exceptional craftsmanship.
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High grades for Leonia schools
Students may start at Anna C. Scott Elementary, which earns an A from Niche, before going to Leonia Middle with an A-minus. They may then attend Leonia High, which also gets an A and offers specialized academic programs for vocations and trades, fine arts and the humanities.
The enchanting butterfly garden at Anna C. Scott School in Leonia, NJ, serves as a vibrant ecosystem that fosters a love for nature and inspires students to appreciate the beauty of wildlife.
Leonia Middle School in Leonia, NJ has 654 students in grades 5-8.
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Overpeck County Park is over 800 acres
Overpeck County Park is a massive recreation hub along Overpeck Creek. With over 800 acres of space, it offers playgrounds, walking paths, an amphitheater and more than a dozen sports facilities. Overpeck Creek is also accessible via a kayak launch in the park’s north end. Smaller pocket parks are spread throughout Leonia, including Wood Park off Broad Avenue with a playground and athletic courts. Dudley C Allen Playground & Dog Park offers more green space and a fenced area for furry friends.
Children eagerly dash to warm up for soccer practice at Overpeck County Park in Leonia, fostering their enthusiasm for the game and building teamwork skills.
Kids love coming to Overpeck County Park's playground for a fun afternoon.
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Shopping and dining along Broad Avenue
Broad Avenue is the main hub for businesses, offering an H Mart for general shopping and a diverse collection of local restaurants. With its proximity to Koreatown, there are popular Asian eateries like Choo Choo Train Sushi, which features a model train that delivers food to customers, and Nakahara with authentic Japanese dishes. “It’s probably, in my opinion, the freshest Japanese restaurant in the area,” adds Post. There are even more local dining options, including Fontana Tritone for Italian cuisine and Wolf It for soups and sandwiches.
Shumi Omakase offers an exceptional dining experience with expertly crafted sushi meals, meticulously prepared by talented chefs in Leonia, NJ.
Step inside the inviting interior of Dante's Italian Restaurant in Leonia, NJ, where a warm ambiance and exquisite Italian cuisine come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.
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Leonia Day, Oktoberfest
Each May, the community celebrates Leonia Day, which recognizes the community’s organizations and businesses. The event features local artists, food trucks and family-friendly activities. Another long-standing event is Leonia Oktoberfest, featuring a selection of seasonal brews and food from local breweries.
Unleashing an impressive karate kick at Leonia Day in Leonia, NJ, showcasing skill and energy that captivated the crowd!
Serving up fresh brews from Hackensack Brewery at Leonia's Octoberfest.
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Close to I-95 and public transportation
Drivers can travel into the heart of Manhattan in as little as 20 minutes via the George Washington Bridge. The 166 express bus offers a 30-minute trip to the Port Authority station, where Leonia commuters can take the ferry to Midtown Manhattan and Wall Street.
Julio Gallardo is a dedicated real estate professional who has been serving clients with distinction since 2014. Beginning his career with Weichert Realtors, Julio honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of the real estate market. In 2020, he took a significant step forward by founding CityLiving Realtors, a boutique agency with a strong commitment to building lasting relationships within the Jersey City Heights community. His unique approach combines personal attention with expert market knowledge to deliver exceptional results for his clients.
Before transitioning into real estate, Julio had a successful career in finance, working as a licensed investment banker with JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and MBNA. This financial background equips him with a keen analytical edge and a thorough understanding of market dynamics, which he leverages to guide clients through their real estate transactions with confidence and clarity. His diverse experience allows him to offer a well-rounded perspective, ensuring that his clients make informed decisions in their property endeavors.
Julio's commitment to his community extends beyond his professional life. He is a devoted husband to Fatima and a loving father to their two children, Maria and Dante. With a degree in Liberal Arts, Philosophy, and Theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, Julio brings a thoughtful and ethical approach to his work. His deep-rooted values and strong community ties make him a trusted advisor and advocate for his clients, dedicated to helping them find their perfect home in the vibrant Jersey City Heights neighborhood.
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.
