Ridgewood NJ Community Guide (2025): Schools, City Services, Transport & Local Institutions
Ridgewood, NJ stands out as one of Bergen County’s most complete communities—with top-tier public schools, robust civic services, accessible transportation, and a strong sense of tradition. Whether you’re planning to move, raising a family, or just getting to know the area, this comprehensive 2025 guide walks you through Ridgewood schools, commuting options, automotive services, local government, churches, and more.
Schools, Education & Childcare in Ridgewood NJ
Ridgewood’s public school system is one of the most highly rated in New Jersey. Managed by the Ridgewood NJ BOE, the district supports over 5,600 students and includes multiple elementary schools in Ridgewood NJ, two middle schools, and a nationally ranked high school.
Public Schools
- Ridgewood High School NJ – A Blue Ribbon school with AP, arts, and athletics.
627 E Ridgewood Ave
⭐ GMB: View on Google - GWMS Ridgewood NJ (George Washington Middle School)
155 Washington Pl
⭐ GMB: GWMS - Ridge Elementary Ridgewood NJ
325 W Ridgewood Ave
⭐ GMB: Ridge Elementary
Private & Early Childhood Education
- Little Ivy Learning Center Ridgewood NJ
720 E Ridgewood Ave
⭐ GMB: Little Ivy - Ridgewood Montessori NJ
615 Franklin Turnpike
⭐ GMB: Montessori
️ View the full Ridgewood NJ school calendar and plan around key dates and breaks.
Automotive Services in Ridgewood NJ
From tire shops to local bike repairs, Ridgewood offers reliable automotive services for residents and commuters.
- Ridgewood Auto Wash (Glen Rock NJ) – Full-service car wash & detailing
391 Rock Rd, Glen Rock
⭐ GMB: Auto Wash - Mavis Tire Ridgewood NJ – Tires, brakes & auto repair
372 NJ-17, Ridgewood
⭐ GMB: Mavis Tire
Transportation & Commuting from Ridgewood NJ
Ridgewood is a commuter-friendly town, connecting to NYC in under an hour via rail or bus.
- Ridgewood NJ Train Station – NJ Transit Main/Bergen Line
1 Franklin Ave
⭐ GMB: Train Station - [Ridgewood NJ Bus Terminal] – Served by NJ Transit buses to Port Authority
Franklin Ave & Broad St - Ridgewood NJ Park and Ride – Nearby lots with commuter parking access
- Ridgewood NJ to NYC – ~50-minute train or bus commute to Manhattan
- Local Ridgewood NJ taxi and ride-share services are available via Uber/Lyft.
Ridgewood NJ Government, Borough & Civic Offices
Ridgewood functions as an incorporated village with its own municipal departments and responsive local government.
- Ridgewood NJ City Hall
131 N Maple Ave
⭐ GMB: City Hall - Ridgewood NJ Municipal Court
Same location as City Hall - Ridgewood NJ Police Department 131 N Maple Ave
⭐ GMB: Police Dept - Ridgewood NJ Fire Department
201 E Glen Ave
⭐ GMB: Fire Dept - Ridgewood NJ Building Department
- Ridgewood NJ Recycling Center
- Ridgewood NJ Chamber of Commerce
- Ridgewood NJ Post Office
143 E Ridgewood Ave
⭐ GMB: Post Office
Senior Living & Funeral Homes in Ridgewood NJ
- Van Emburgh Funeral Home Ridgewood NJ
306 E Ridgewood Ave
⭐ GMB: Van Emburgh - Feeney Funeral Home Ridgewood NJ
232 Franklin Ave
⭐ GMB: Feeney Funeral - Nursing Home Ridgewood NJ – Ridgecrest Senior Living
905 Saddle River Rd
⭐ GMB: Ridgecrest
Churches & Religious Centers in Ridgewood NJ
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Ridgewood NJ
1 Passaic St
⭐ GMB: OLMC Church - Grace Church Ridgewood NJ
340 Meadowbrook Ave
⭐ GMB: Grace Church - Temple Israel Ridgewood NJ
475 Grove St
⭐ GMB: Temple Israel - West Side Presbyterian Church Ridgewood NJ
6 S Monroe St
⭐ GMB: West Side Church
Ridgewood NJ Notable Institutions & Community Landmarks
- Ridgewood Public Library
125 N Maple Ave
⭐ GMB: Library - Ridgewood YMCA
112 Oak St
⭐ GMB: YMCA - Ridgewood Country Club – Private golf and social club
96 W Midland Ave
⭐ GMB: Country Club - Ridgewood Art Institute – Classes, exhibits, and local art culture
12 E Glen Ave
⭐ GMB: Art Institute - Ridgewood Racquet Club – Tennis training and tournaments
195 W Ridgewood Ave
⭐ GMB: Racquet Club
FAQs
Q1. How are the public schools in Ridgewood NJ?
A: Ridgewood public schools are consistently ranked among New Jersey’s best, with Ridgewood High School recognized nationally for academic excellence.
Q2. Is there a Montessori or private early learning center in Ridgewood?
A: Yes. Little Ivy Learning Center and Ridgewood Montessori offer early education programs for preschool-aged children.
Q3. Can you commute from Ridgewood NJ to NYC?
A: Yes. You can take the NJ Transit train or bus, both of which connect to NYC in about 50–60 minutes.
Q4. What borough is Ridgewood NJ part of?
A: Ridgewood is a village located in Bergen County, NJ.
Q5. Where can I find senior living or funeral services in Ridgewood?
A: Van Emburgh and Feeney Funeral Homes are the primary funeral service providers. Ridgecrest offers senior living and assisted care.
