Citizen Portal
Sign In
Back to Ridgewood Feed

Ridgewood

city

Ridgewood, 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

Overview
Classification
Village
Country
United States
County
Bergen County
Geography
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
Demographics
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.
Governance
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
Economy
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Economic Profile
Residential/suburban · Commercial
Employment Sectors
Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Finance & Insurance · Educational Services
Education
Schools
10
Students
5,613
Teachers
432
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
School Districts
Ridgewood Public Schools
Infrastructure
Transportation
NJ Transit Main Line · Route 17 · Local bus service
Utilities
Municipal Water (Ridgewood Water) · Broadband/Fiber
Major Facilities
Community Center · Graydon Pool
Recreation
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
History
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