Ridgewood
cityRidgewood, New Jersey, is a suburban village located in Bergen County, approximately 20 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan. Known for its high quality of life and excellent school system, it serves as a bedroom community for New York City. The village has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century and boasts several locations on the National Register of Historic Places. Ridgewood's economy is largely residential and commercial, with many residents commuting to New York City for work. Key employment sectors within the village include professional services, finance, insurance, and education. The village government provides a range of municipal services, including police, fire, public works, and recreation. What makes Ridgewood distinctive is its blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The village has preserved many of its historic buildings and sites, while also offering a high quality of life with well-maintained parks, a vibrant downtown area, and a strong sense of community. Its excellent schools and proximity to New York City make it a desirable place to live.
Ridgewood, New Jersey
- Classification
- Village
- Country
- United States
- County
- Bergen County
- Region
- Northeastern New Jersey
- Elevation
- 85 ft
- Total Area
- 5.8 sq mi
- Land Area
- 5.74 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.06 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.981591
- Longitude
- -74.113506
- Climate
- Brief climate description
- Notable Features
- Saddle River
- Neighboring Areas
- Fair Lawn · Glen Rock · Ho-Ho-Kus · Midland Park · Wyckoff · Paramus · Waldwick · Washington Township · Hawthorne
- Population (2020)
- 25,979
- Est. Population (2026)
- 27,102
- Median Age
- 41.6
- Median Income
- $208,211
- Poverty Rate
- 4.23%
- Owner-Occupied
- 82.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Ridgewood includes 66.84% White, 15.85% Asian, 2.92% Black or African American, 12.76% Two or more races, 1.59% Other race, and 0.04% Native American.
- Government Type
- Faulkner Act Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- Village Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Ridgewood Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library














- Unemployment Rate
- 5.5%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Finance & Insurance · Educational Services
- Schools
- 10
- Students
- 5,613
- Teachers
- 432
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Ridgewood Public Schools
- Transportation
- NJ Transit Main Line · Route 17 · Local bus service
- Utilities
- Municipal Water (Ridgewood Water) · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- Community Center · Graydon Pool
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Saddle River County Park-Wild Duck Pond Area · Graydon Park · Van Neste Square Memorial Park
- Parks & Trails
- Citizens Park · Dunham Trail · Maple Park
- Founded
- 1698
- Incorporated
- 1894
- Named After
- The characteristics of its terrain
- Historical Significance
- Ridgewood has evolved from a Native American hunting ground and Dutch settlement to a thriving suburban village with a rich history, evident in its preserved historical sites and landmarks.
- Key Events
- First home built around 1700 by Johannes Van Emburgh · Village created in 1894 · Old Paramus Reformed Church served as headquarters during the Revolutionary War · Name changed from Godwinville to Ridgewood to attract city buyers
