Expansive homes, 28 miles from NYC
Named after the river that flows through the borough, Saddle River is one of New Jersey's wealthiest areas. The neighborhood attracts residents seeking sprawling estates while also staying relatively close to New York City, which is about 28 miles away. “With a population of less than 3,500, the community tends to be close-knit; but residents also appreciate their privacy, as Saddle River is home to Fortune 500 CEOs, Former U.S. presidents, celebrities and athletes,” says Jason Dion, Broker for Century 21 The Crossing, who’s been selling homes in the area since 2017.
Estates for over $2 million
On the borough's residential streets, there are stately historic homes, old estates and newer mansions. These homes boast gated properties, private grounds, outdoor pools and at least 2 acres of land thanks to the neighborhood’s minimum zoning requirements. “Residents stay in their Saddle River homes for 20 years or more, eventually either downsizing or moving elsewhere later in life,” says Dion. Homes tend to cost between $2 million and $5 million. There are also a few townhouses in the area that typically sell for $800,000 to $1 million. The CAP Index gives the neighborhood a crime score of 1, which is below the national average of 4.
Top marks for Saddle River schools
Students may start at Wandell Elementary, which earns an A from Niche, before attending Eric S. Smith Middle, which earns an A-minus. They may then go to Northern Highlands Regional High, which earns an A-plus and offers a career and academic pathways program that encourages students to obtain college and high school credit for learning experiences outside of the classroom. Families who prefer private education can send their children to Saddle River Day School, which also earns an A-plus, for kindergarten through 12th grade.
Rindlaub Park, Celery Farm
Close to the borough’s center, Rindlaub Park has baseball diamonds, tennis courts and a playground. There’s also a stage where free concerts are held in the summer. In nearby Allendale, residents can pay to access Crestwood Park’s sandy beaches surrounding its swimming lake. In the winter months, the lake at the park freezes over for ice skating. Celery Farm is a 107-acre nature preserve with over a mile of trails through wooded wetlands and nearly 250 recorded bird species. Golfers can head 2 miles north to Ramsey Golf & Country Club for an 18-hole course.
French fine dining at Saddle River Inn
Tice's Corner Marketplace is a nearby shopping center with a Whole Foods Market and boutiques. Saddle River Inn is a local French fine-dining restaurant that’s been in business for over 40 years. Located on the same grounds is the Saddle River Café, a more casual spot that features some of the inn's menu favorites. There’s also the Saddle River Deli, a family-owned eatery with plenty of breakfast and lunch options. Just 2 miles south, Demarest Farms is a local working farm that sells fresh produce and offers events throughout the year.
Commuting on Garden State Parkway
Because of the borough’s suburban streetscape, the area is mostly car-dependent. Garden State Parkway runs next to the neighborhood and takes residents from Paterson all the way down the Jersey Shore to Cape May. Those driving into New York City can take the parkway south to Route 4, which gets commuters to the George Washington Bridge in under an hour. The Waldwick train station is also 2 miles south with daily service to the Hoboken train station and the city’s subway system.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Meikle
