1.       Ridgewood is the best place in NJ to raise a family.

I say this is because Ridgewood is unique in that it is one of the few affluent towns where residents still get to know their neighbors and really feel a sense of community.  Many other affluent towns are filled with huge McMansions set on large lots where you barely see your neighbors - much less get to know them.  For example, within a week of moving to Ridgewood a neighbor planned a BBQ to introduce us to other neighbors and took note of the ages of our children and made sure to invite families with children of similar ages so our kids could instantly make friends.  Our children have numerous friends, within walking distance, and can "cut-through yards" to see these friends whereas in other towns almost every interaction with other children requires the complex ritual of setting up a "play date".

2.       Ridgewood Schools are excellent.

Ridgewood High School ranks at or near the top of the state rankings every year for important benchmarks such as SAT scores, percentage of students attending 4-year colleges, etc. but perhaps more importantly the Ridgewood Schools System excels at providing a top-notch education to all types of students from the gifted to the students with learning issues and/or special needs.  Students with special needs are integrated so seamlessly into the general education population, and so many students receive extra help of some sort or another, that the students themselves don't even make the distinction between special education students and general education students.  Students are students. Period. And that's the way it should be.

2006 Ridgewood School Report Card

Ridgewood School System Website

3.       Ridgewood is a great town for New York City Commuters.

Whether driving, riding the bus or taking the train most Ridgewood residents can walk out their front door and be sitting at their desk in Manhattan in about an hour.

Ridgewood Commuting Info 

4.       Ridgewood's downtown is the best in New Jersey.

Ridgewood truly has a self sufficient downtown that features everything from quaint little shops to high-end chain stores such as Anne Taylor and Lucky Jeans.  And, of course, we have a Starbucks.

5.       Ridgewood has some of the best restaurants in NJ.

Ridgewood restaurants feature everything from fine dining to sandwich shops and everything in between.   My favorites are Marcello's  and The Office

Complete List of Ridgewood Restaurants

6.       Ridgewood has an incredible Newcomers Club.

The Ridgewood Newcomers Club features dozens of special interest groups and clubs so that new residents not only get to meet other new Ridgewoodites but they can also be sure to meet folks with similar interests.  This club is very active and features agroups for expats and repats, sports groups, play groups, international groups, and more.

Ridgewood Newcomers Club

7.       You will have more fun in Ridgewood.

There is so much to do in Ridgewood that you really have to pick and choose carefully what to get involved in or you will be busy 24 hours a day.  Ridgewood's Graydon Pool is a great place to spend a summer day but if you spend the whole day there you may miss some of the great programs at The Stable or the Ridgewood Public Library.

8.       Ridgewood Real Estate.

Ridgewood features homes that run the gamut from large newly constructed homes to sprawling brick ranch homes to quaint cape cod style homes .  However, Ridgewood is best known for its charming older Colonials and Victorians - many of which feature incredible architectural details such as stained glass, built-ins, intricate woodwork, and beautiful front porches.

Click Here to See Ridgewood Homes for Sale

9.       Ridgewood is in the center of it all.

Ridgewood is just minutes from the Garden State Parkway, Route 17, Route 4, the New York State Thruway and the New Jersey Turnpike.  Ridgewood also borders Paramus which is the shopping capital of New Jersey with its many malls, outlets and shops.  Not only is Ridgewood convenient to NYC city but you can also be snow skiing at a great resort or surfing at one of New Jersey's many beaches in less than an hour's drive.  And don't forget that the Meadowlands Sports Complex is less than 20 minutes away.

10.   Ridgewood is the perfect town for expats, repats and families moving out of New York City.

Because of many of the points stated above, Ridgewood is the perfect place for folks relocating from large American cities or from abroad.  Many of New Jersey's quiet suburbs, with no neighbors in sight and no downtown to speak of, can be quite a shock for those used to the culture and excitement of a large city.  However, with its vibrant downtown, active newcomers club, great restaurants and easy access to Manhattan Ridgewood allows folks to ease into suburban life without sacrificing the things they love about city life.

If you would like additional information about Ridgewood or a guided tour or if you would like to see some of our beautiful homes please call me at 201.906.3287.

Aloysius "Al" Donohue is Ridgewood Resident with two young children in the Ridgewood School System, an award winning REALTOR® and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist with a focus on Ridgewood real estate.  For more information on Ridgewood real estate you can contact Aloysius Donohue at 201.906.3287 or aldonohue@marrongildea.com. 

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