Ridgewood, New Jersey: A Thriving Town with 23,000+ Residents

Ridgewood, New Jersey: An Overview

Nestled in the heart of Bergen County, Ridgewood is a thriving town with a population of over 23,000 residents. Known for its charming downtown, excellent schools, and abundant parks, Ridgewood offers a high quality of life for its residents.

A Rich History

Ridgewood's history dates back to the 17th century, when Dutch settlers established a farming community in the area. In the 19th century, the town became a popular destination for wealthy New Yorkers seeking a summer retreat. Ridgewood was formally incorporated as a borough in 1894.

A Vibrant Downtown

Ridgewood's downtown is a bustling hub of activity. The tree-lined streets are home to a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including farmers' markets, concerts, and festivals.

Excellent Schools

Ridgewood is renowned for its excellent schools. The Ridgewood Public School District is consistently ranked among the top school districts in New Jersey. The district offers a rigorous academic program, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Abundant Parks

Ridgewood boasts over 300 acres of parkland. The town's parks offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. Van Saun Park, the town's largest park, is home to a zoo, a carousel, and a Japanese garden.

Ridgewood, New Jersey: By the Numbers

• Population: 23,354 (2020 Census)
• Median Household Income: $165,000 (2020 Census)
• Median Home Value: $750,000 (2021 Zillow Estimate)
• Violent Crime Rate: 0.08 per 1,000 people (2020 FBI Uniform Crime Report)
• Property Crime Rate: 3.75 per 1,000 people (2020 FBI Uniform Crime Report)
• Public Schools: 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school
• Parks: Over 300 acres of parkland

What Makes Ridgewood Special?

There are many things that make Ridgewood a special place to live. Here are just a few:

• Sense of Community: Ridgewood has a strong sense of community. Residents are actively involved in local organizations and events. The town hosts a variety of community-building activities, such as block parties, potlucks, and neighborhood clean-ups.
• Convenience: Ridgewood is conveniently located near major highways and public transportation. The town is a short drive from New York City and other major metropolitan areas.
• Natural Beauty: Ridgewood is surrounded by natural beauty. The town is home to a variety of parks, lakes, and streams. The Ridgewood Reservoir is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Is Ridgewood the Right Town for You?

If you are looking for a thriving town with a high quality of life, then Ridgewood may be the right place for you. The town offers a vibrant downtown, excellent schools, abundant parks, and a strong sense of community.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you decide if Ridgewood is the right town for you:

• Are you looking for a town with a strong sense of community?
• Are you looking for a town with excellent schools?
• Are you looking for a town with abundant parks and recreational opportunities?
• Are you looking for a town that is conveniently located near major highways and public transportation?
• Are you looking for a town that is surrounded by natural beauty?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then Ridgewood may be the right town for you.

Pros and Cons of Living in Ridgewood, New Jersey

Pros:

• Excellent schools: Ridgewood's schools are consistently ranked among the top school districts in New Jersey.
• Abundant parks: Ridgewood boasts over 300 acres of parkland, offering a variety of recreational opportunities.
• Vibrant downtown: Ridgewood's downtown is a bustling hub of activity, with a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
• Strong sense of community: Ridgewood has a strong sense of community, with residents actively involved in local organizations and events.
• Convenient location: Ridgewood is conveniently located near major highways and public transportation, making it easy to commute to New York City and other major metropolitan areas.

Cons:

• High cost of living: Ridgewood is a relatively expensive place to live. The median home value is over $750,000.
• Limited public transportation: Ridgewood does not have a train station. The town is served by buses, but service can be limited on weekends and evenings.
• Traffic congestion: Ridgewood can experience traffic congestion during rush hour.

Things to Do in Ridgewood, New Jersey

There are many things to do in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Here are a few ideas:

• Visit the Ridgewood Public Library: The Ridgewood Public Library is a beautiful and historic building that offers a wide variety of programs and services.
• Shop at the Ridgewood Farmers' Market: The Ridgewood Farmers' Market is held every Saturday from May to November. The market features a variety of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses from local farmers.
• Attend a concert at the Ridgewood Theater: The Ridgewood Theater is a historic theater that hosts a variety of concerts, plays, and movies.
• Hike or bike in Van Saun Park: Van Saun Park is Ridgewood's largest park, with over 200 acres of land. The park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, as well as a zoo, a carousel, and a Japanese garden.
• Visit the Ridgewood Art Institute: The Ridgewood Art Institute is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of art classes and exhibitions.

Conclusion

Ridgewood, New Jersey is a thriving town with a high quality of life. The town offers a vibrant downtown, excellent schools, abundant parks, and a strong sense of community. If you are looking for a place to call home, Ridgewood may be the perfect place for you.

Tables

Table 1: Ridgewood, New Jersey Population

Table 2: Ridgewood, New Jersey Crime Rates