Best Neighborhoods for Kids in Allendale, NJ (2025 Guide)
Choosing where to raise your kids isn’t just about square footage. It’s about community, safety, school proximity, and whether your children can actually play outside and walk to school.
In Allendale, NJ — a small, close-knit suburb in Bergen County — the answer is yes. Whether you’re relocating from New York City or upgrading within North Jersey, these are the most kid-friendly neighborhoods in Allendale to consider in 2025.
1. Northwest Allendale – Orchard Park Area
Why Families Love It:
This is the gold standard for family life in Allendale — quiet, tree-lined streets, wide yards, and walkable access to Brookside School, Hillside Elementary, and Crestwood Lake.
Notable streets: Bonnie Way, West Orchard Street, Oakwood Drive
Typical homes: 4–5 bedroom Colonials and expanded ranches
Average home price: $975K–$1.4M
Kid Perks:
- Safe for biking, skating, or walking to school
- Less through-traffic, strong neighborhood watch
- Quick access to town pool, tennis courts, and summer camps
“There’s always something going on — Halloween parades, block parties, or lake day. We never felt the need to ‘go somewhere’ for our kids to have fun.” – Local resident
2. Brookside/Downtown Connector Streets
Why It Works:
This zone stretches between Brookside Avenue and the Allendale train station. It’s ideal for walk-to-downtown families who still want access to schools and green space.
Notable streets: Edgewood Place, DeMercurio Drive, Hamilton Street
Typical homes: Renovated Capes and smaller Colonials
Average home price: $850K–$1.1M
Kid Perks:
- Walk to library, pizza spots, and family-run shops
- Stroller-friendly sidewalks and seasonal events like movie nights
- Families with toddlers love the nearby Archer Co-Op Nursery School
Also perfect for commuting parents: ~65 min to Midtown NYC by train
3. South Allendale – Celery Farm Proximity
Why It’s Special:
Families here enjoy natural surroundings with quick access to The Celery Farm, Allendale’s 107-acre nature preserve.
Notable streets: West Crescent Ave, Dale Avenue, Brookway Court
Typical homes: Modest 3–4 bedroom ranches, some new construction
Average home price: $725K–$875K
Kid Perks:
- Explore frogs, herons, and turtles at the Celery Farm
- Quieter streets with strong resale value
- Great choice for families seeking a lower price point without sacrificing school quality
“We love hiking trails right outside our door. It’s our weekend tradition — rain or shine.” – Mom of two via Facebook parent group
Neighborhood Comparison Table
| Neighborhood | Kid-Friendliness | School Access | Parks Nearby | Avg Home Price |
| NW Allendale / Orchard Park | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Walkable | Crestwood Lake | $975K–$1.4M |
| Brookside-Downtown Streets | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Walkable | Crestwood + Library | $850K–$1.1M |
| South Allendale / Celery Farm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Nearby | Celery Farm | $725K–$875K |
Schools + Safety: A Quick Overview
- Public Schools: Hillside (PreK–3), Brookside (4–8), Northern Highlands High (9–12)
- Avg student–teacher ratio: 12.4:1 (GreatSchools)
- Crime rate: 60% lower than the national average
- Pediatrics & Urgent Care: Valley Hospital and multiple clinics <15 mins away
What Makes Allendale Stand Out for Families?
- Everything’s Close: From schools to swim club to bakeries, the town is walkable and convenient.
- Real Community: Kids know their neighbors. You’ll see lemonade stands and snowball fights, not just screens.
- Flexible Price Points: Whether you’re ready for your “forever home” or entering the Bergen County market, Allendale offers family options at multiple levels.
Final Thoughts: Which Neighborhood Is Right for Your Family?
If you want sidewalks, schools, space, and safety, Allendale delivers.
- Choose Orchard Park if you want top-tier homes and school-day convenience
- Opt for Downtown Connector Streets if you want to walk to the station and still have kid perks
- Consider South Allendale for peaceful living with outdoor adventure
Whatever your choice, raising kids here means raising them with intention.
Looking for Family Homes in Allendale?
We specialize in helping families find:
Walk-to-school listings
Quiet, low-traffic streets
Access to parks and safe neighborhoods
Contact us today to tour the most kid-friendly neighborhoods in Allendale, NJ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kid-Friendly Neighborhoods in Allendale, NJ
1. What is the most family-friendly neighborhood in Allendale?
Northwest Allendale near Orchard Park is considered the most family-oriented neighborhood, with top-rated schools, quiet streets, and walkability.
2. Are there affordable areas in Allendale for young families?
Yes, South Allendale offers more affordable home options while still providing access to great schools and parks like The Celery Farm.
3. Can kids walk to school in Allendale?
In many neighborhoods, including Orchard Park and Brookside/Downtown zones, kids can walk or bike safely to school due to sidewalks and low traffic.
4. Is Allendale a safe place to raise kids?
Yes, Allendale consistently ranks among the safest towns in Bergen County, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average.
5. Which parks are near Allendale’s residential areas?
Families in Allendale enjoy Crestwood Lake, the Celery Farm nature preserve, and several small local playgrounds accessible from most neighborhoods.
