Putting down long-term roots in Midland Park's tight-knit community
Midland Park's description of an old-fashioned community is on full display at its nearly 200-year-old mill that now houses antique stores. It's a close-knit community, something you don't find everywhere. For example, when walking around Midland Park, running into friends and neighbors is common. "Midland Park is a hidden gem that once you discover, you'll never want to leave," says Christina Gibbons, a Realtor Associate with the Christina Gibbons Group, part of Christie's International Real Estate. A lot of factors draw potential homebuyers to this quiet borough. "New families are drawn to Midland Park because of its small-town charm, top-notch school system and convenient location," Gibbons says. "With a population of less than 7,000 people, it's a much smaller community compared to neighboring towns."
Lower-cost homes on cul-de-sacs and sidewalk-lined residential streets
A very family-oriented town, Midland Park's scores of neighborhood cul-de-sacs are the perfect places for kids to learn how to ride a bike or play roller hockey with their neighbors. Even residential roads without cul-de-sacs have their charm, with shady, tree-lined sidewalks perfect for taking a morning stroll. It shouldn't be surprising that Midland Park's housing inventory is low. When a home hits the market, it is quickly scooped up. The prices play a part. Single-family residences start in the $400,000s, with some just scraping the $1 million mark. Gibbons says it's rare to see a home on the market for over 20 days. "It's competitive," she says, adding that 75% of houses exceeded the asking price in the last six months as of July 2023.
Highly ranked Midland Park schools
Local children can attend Midland Park Public Schools. The district is highly ranked and has small class sizes. With an overall A-minus from Niche, the school system has an A rating for teachers and academics and an A-minus rating for college preparation and administration. Students begin their educational journey at Godwin Elementary, which has a B-plus, before moving to Highland Elementary for third through sixth grade and finishing at Midland Park Junior / Senior High. Both schools earn A-minuses.
Daily programs at Midland Park Memorial Library, community center
The Midland Park Memorial Library hosts daily programming for kids, like music classes, family storytimes and Pokémon Club. The main recreation spot in town is the DePhillips Community Center. Open-year-round, residents of all ages can play basketball, pickleball, volleyball and tons of board games. Residents gather in large swaths for the annual Community Day Fair and the Memorial Day Parade. Nearby is Irene Habernickel Family Park where kids can run around on the playground or look for turtles and fish in the brook.
Groceries and restaurants on Godwin Avenue, transformed train depot
On Godwin Avenue, the community's main thoroughfare, you can do your grocery shopping, visit your dentist, or pop into local restaurants and stores. At Peter's Fish Market, take your pick from fresh selections of tuna, red snapper, shrimp and more. Feel right at home at Sanson's Family Restaurant, a cozy diner with home cooking. For Italian food, have a hearty meal at Arturo's or Fiona's Ristorante. There's a small business district in the Wortendyke section of Midland Park. This former train depot is now home to a pottery studio, a small memorial plaza and Hot Dog Caboose, a train caboose turned hot-dog stand.
Transportation
Situated 25 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan, Midland Park residents have a reasonable commute into the city. However, with no local or state highways running through the community, Midland Park offers a quiet oasis with plenty of small-town charm.
![James Leynse]()
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
