The active community of Riverdale has access to shopping, dining and recreation
At the base of the Ramapo Mountains, the borough of Riverdale in New Jersey is known for its access to popular roadways and proximity to shopping, dining and entertainment. The borough is 30 miles from Newark and is bisected by Interstate 287 and State Route 23. Riverdale has necessities at its doorstep, from shopping and dining to a recreation department that hosts events year-round. The area is a mixed development with residences near commercial and business centers. Tilcon New York Inc. had a prominent quarry in Riverdale, but it is being rezoned for industrial and commercial use, which could bring more jobs to the area.
Shopping and dining along popular roadways
Riverdale has several areas for shopping and dining, including strip malls and shopping centers along popular roadways. The Blu Alehouse serves American comfort food and seafood in the Riverdale Square Shopping Center along State Route 23. Nearby are a Home Depot, a Target and a BJ’s Wholesale Club for groceries. Further along the route is a Walmart Business Center, a Dollar Tree and a Best Buy. Black Bull Steakhouse and Seafood is an upscale eatery along the Newark Pompton Turnpike within Riverdale and serves pub food, steak and seafood. The restaurant has a downstairs area with a bar and a cigar lounge. For Italian, Boniello’s serves classic Italian dishes, seafood and sandwiches along the Paterson Hamburg Turnpike.
Homes near sidewalks and popular roadways
Winding roadways are bordered by single-family homes, condos and townhouses surrounding commercial areas and Interstate 287. Many residential areas have sidewalks, and some residents can walk to nearby shopping and dining. Most homes have manicured front and backyards, with room for an in-ground pool. Houses are in the New Traditional, Dutch Colonial Revival and split-level styles. Single-family homes range from $300,000 to $775,000. Townhouses and condos range from $315,000 to $530,000.
Commuters use State Route 23 and Interstate 287
Commuters head south on State Route 23, arriving in Newark in under an hour. Using the same route, commuters drive 28 miles south to reach New York City in one to two hours, depending on traffic. Interstate 287 also passes through the area, leading into New York’s Westchester County, 42 miles north in 45 minutes.
The Chilton Medical Center is 2 miles south in Pompton Plains, and the Newark Liberty International Airport is 35 miles south using Interstate 287. Houses of worship include the Riverdale Baptist church near the Newark Pompton Turnpike and the Pompton Reformed Church along the Paterson Hamburg Turnpike.
Parks and recreation in Riverdale
The Riverdale Recreation Department hosts summer camps and programs during the fall and winter. The department supports local first responders through the Annual Riverdale First Responders 5K Run and Walk at Independence Park. The park, also called Freedom Park, has two baseball and soccer fields for pick-up games and a playground. Across from the school is the Riverdale Senior Community Center, which hosts most of the department's summer camps and programs. Outside the center is a playground and a hard-top basketball court. Less than a mile from Riverdale, residents enjoy walking their dogs in Mountainside Park, which has a collection of scenic trails and streams.
Students attend highly rated schools in Riverdale and Pompton Lakes
The Riverdale Public School, which receives a B-plus from Niche, is the only school in the district and serves prekindergarten through eighth grade. Students may attend Pompton Lakes High School, which gets an A-minus. The high school is part of the Pompton Lakes School District, which also receives an A-minus. The school district is part of the Interdistrict Public School Choice Program, allowing students outside the area to attend school without any extra cost. The Pompton Lakes High School also offers a dual enrollment program through William Paterson University, Ramapo College and Seton Hall University.
Local farmers market and carnival
The Original Riverdale Farmers Market at Glenburn is a historic wedding venue along the Hamburg Turnpike at the Glenburn Estates. The market runs on Tuesdays from June through October. In September, the Borough of Riverdale Carnival occurs at the National Guard Complex, next to the Riverdale Free Public Library. The carnival offers fair food and classic carnival rides.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
