Relocating for a job in New York City? Here’s 5 town recommendations in Bergen County, NJ for singles and families
Relocating for a new career opportunity in New York City is an exciting milestone, but deciding where to plant your roots can be a challenge. While the allure of Manhattan is undeniable, many professionals and families find that Bergen County, New Jersey, offers the perfect “best of both worlds” lifestyle: world-class amenities, top-tier schools, and more space, all within a stone’s throw of the city.
Whether you are a single professional looking for a vibrant downtown and a 30-minute commute, or a growing family seeking a safe community with a backyard, Bergen County has a town for you.
In this guide, we’re breaking down our top five town recommendations that cater to both singles and families relocating for a job in NYC.
Table of Contents
- Regional Overview & The NYC Commute
- Ridgewood: The Gold Standard for Lifestyle
- Rutherford: The Commuter’s Dream
- Fort Lee: Urban Energy on the Hudson
- Westwood: The Hub of the Pascack Valley
- Fair Lawn: Balanced Living & Convenience
- Ready to Start Your Bergen County Journey?
Regional Overview & The NYC Commute
One of the primary reasons Bergen County is the top destination for NYC relocations is the variety of transit options. Depending on where you live, you can be in Midtown or the Financial District in under an hour via:
- NJ Transit Rail: The Main, Bergen County, and Pascack Valley lines connect directly to Hoboken or Secaucus Junction (with a quick transfer to NY Penn Station).
- Express Bus Service: Towns like Teaneck, Fort Lee, and Englewood offer robust bus networks that utilize the George Washington Bridge or the Lincoln Tunnel.
- NY Waterway Ferry: For those living along the “Gold Coast,” the ferry offers a scenic and reliable 15-20 minute ride into the city.
1. Ridgewood: The Gold Standard for Lifestyle
Ridgewood is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States, and for good reason. It manages to feel like a high-end historic village while providing every modern convenience a city-dweller could want.
- The Commute: The Ridgewood Station is a major hub on the Main/Bergen County Line. The express train can get you to Secaucus in about 40 minutes, making the total trip to Penn Station roughly 55-60 minutes.
- For Singles: You won’t miss the city’s dining scene here. Ridgewood’s downtown is packed with over 100 restaurants, bars, and boutiques. From rooftop cocktails to artisanal coffee at Sook Pastry, the social scene is thriving.
- For Families: The school system is legendary, often ranking among the top 10 in the state. With expansive parks like Graydon Pool and the Duck Pond, there is no shortage of outdoor space for kids.
2. Rutherford: The Commuter’s Dream
Known as the “Borough of Trees,” Rutherford is the first stop in Bergen County for many commuters. It offers an incredible balance of small-town charm and unbeatable proximity to Manhattan.
- The Commute: This is the big winner for transit. The train ride to NYC can be as short as 25-30 minutes, and the bus service (Route 190) is equally frequent and fast.
- For Singles: Park Avenue is the heart of the town, featuring a walkable corridor of cafes and restaurants. It has a younger, professional vibe due to its proximity to the city and the presence of Felician University.
- For Families: Rutherford is incredibly walkable. It’s common to see families walking to the library, the park, or the elementary schools. It offers a safe, community-focused environment without the high price tag of some northern Bergen towns.
3. Fort Lee: Urban Energy on the Hudson
If you aren’t quite ready to give up the “high-rise” lifestyle, Fort Lee is your best bet. Located at the foot of the George Washington Bridge, it offers a dense, urban feel with the benefits of New Jersey living.
- The Commute: You can walk, bike, or take a bus across the GWB. For those working in Upper Manhattan or the Columbia Medical Center area, the commute is often under 20 minutes.
- For Singles: The “Hudson Lights” area features luxury rentals, a movie theater, and trendy eateries. It’s perfect for those who want a modern apartment with a view of the skyline and immediate access to the city.
- For Families: Despite its urban feel, Fort Lee boasts some of the highest-rated public schools in the county. The community center and local parks offer fantastic youth programs and recreation.
4. Westwood: The Hub of the Pascack Valley
Westwood serves as the unofficial “hub” for the surrounding Pascack Valley towns. It has a classic Americana feel with a downtown that stays busy late into the evening.
- The Commute: The Pascack Valley Line runs right through the center of town. While the commute is a bit longer (approx. 60-65 minutes to Penn Station), many residents find the “one-seat” feel of the bus or the reliability of the train worth it.
- For Singles: Westwood has a great “night out” vibe. With local favorites like the Iron Horse and P.J. Finnegan’s, there’s always a place to meet up with friends.
- For Families: Westwood shares a highly regarded school district with Washington Township. The town is famous for its community events, including “Home for the Holidays” and summer concerts in the park.
5. Fair Lawn: Balanced Living & Convenience
Fair Lawn is a diverse, welcoming community that offers some of the best value in Bergen County. It is particularly popular with people relocating from Brooklyn or Queens who want more space without losing convenience.
- The Commute: Fair Lawn is unique because it has two train stations (Radburn and Broadway). This provides residents with plenty of options for their morning journey to the city.
- For Singles: The town offers a mix of garden apartments and newer condos. Its proximity to Paramus means you are never more than five minutes away from the best shopping and entertainment in the state.
- For Families: Fair Lawn is known for its “Radburn” section—a planned community with interior parks and walking paths where children can play without crossing streets. The schools are excellent and the community spirit is strong.
Ready to Start Your Bergen County Journey?
Relocating for a job in NYC is a big step, but finding the right home in Bergen County makes the transition much smoother. Whether you’re looking for a luxury condo in Fort Lee or a sprawling colonial in Ridgewood, we are here to help you navigate the local market.
Looking for more neighborhood insights? Contact our team today for a personalized relocation consultation!
