Living in River Vale NJ - Ultimate Guide ☀️ | What’s Moving to River Vale Like?
Looking for a safe area with good schools and a tight-knit community? Then, living in River Vale, NJ, is the perfect option. River Vale is a beautiful township, like most Bergen County towns, offering a safe environment and easy access to New York City.
Prior to 1841, River Vale was part of Harrington Township and was known as the "Over Kill" neighborhood because it was located across the Hackensack River (or "kill" in Dutch) from Tappan. It was formally incorporated as a township in 1906 from portions of both Hillsdale Township and Washington Township. Its name refers to its location on the Hackensack River.
Today, River Vale is a fantastic place to live for growing families and anyone seeking fantastic public schools, peaceful tree-lined streets, and an easy commute to New York City. Convinced that moving to River Vale is the perfect option for you? Here is everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Where Is River Vale, New Jersey?
River Vale township is in Bergen County in northeastern New Jersey. It's the easternmost municipality in the part of the country referred to as the Pascack Valley Region. The Lake Tappan and the Hackensack River form the township's eastern border, and the western border has several sections defined by an unnamed creek at Cedar Lane.
The New York State border forms the northern boundary, and the Pascack Brook forms the Southern boundary. It's also just north of Pascack Brook County Park and the Oradell Reservoir.
It's bordered by the New Jersey towns of Montvale to the northwest, Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake to the west, Westwood to the southwest, Hillsdale to the west, Harrington Park to the southeast, Old Tappan to the east, and Pearl River, New York, to the north.
It's about 60 miles or a 32 minute drive from River Vale, NJ, to NYC. So commuters living in River Vale NJ will have plenty of options.
River Vale Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the River Vale, NJ population is 9,933. The number of people living in River Vale NJ has remained relatively consistent over the years, although it's continued to increase steadily. The number of people living in River Vale NJ increased by 2.6% between 2010 and 2020. It has a spacious suburban atmosphere that attracts well-to-do residents, with a population density of 2,440.5 residents per square mile.
It's a very affluent community with a large number of families living in River Vale NJ. The median household income is $199,021, which is nearly double the median income for the rest of New Jersey. Married couples make up 86% of households, and 23% of people living in River Vale NJ are under 18.
Although primarily white, it also has a growing Asian and Hispanic population, which significantly influences the local culture. The racial and ethnic breakdown of residents living in River Vale NJ is as follows: 76% are white (non-Hispanic), 11% are Asian, 9% are Hispanic or Latino, 1% are Black or African American, and 3% are of two or more races.
River Vale, NJ Demographics:
- The median age is 44.6 years old
- The River Vale population is 51% male and 49% female
- 98.4% of people living in River Vale NJ have a high school diploma, and 69.3% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 12.8%
Living in River Vale NJ is a very safe community, which is another reason it's so popular among wealthy families. In fact, it's been named the safest place to live in New Jersey by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. Here's how the River Vale, NJ, crime rate compares to the New Jersey crime rate and the national average:
- Total crime rate: 388 crimes per 100,000 people, 76% lower than the state, 83.3% lower than the country
- Violent crime rate: 20 crimes per 100,000 people, 90% lower than the state, 94% lower than the country
- Property crime: 368 crimes per 100,000 people, 74% lower than the state, 81% lower than the country
The River Vale NJ Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of 24 officers and 1 civilian employee.
Cost of Living in River Vale NJ
Being an affluent community, the cost of living in River Vale NJ is higher than the rest of the country. Although it offers a very high quality of life for those who can afford it.
A great way to gauge the cost of living in an area is to examine the cost-of-living index. It compares the typical cost of consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100. The COLI for Bergen County is 119, which indicates living in River Vale NJ is 19% more expensive than the rest of the county.
The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator is also a great resource. It suggests that the typical family of four would need to earn $131,215 to comfortably afford the cost of living in River Vale NJ.
Typical River Vale living expenses:
- Loaf of bread: $4.18
- Hamburger: $6.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.98
- Carton of eggs: $3.77
- Bunch of bananas: $0.78
- Gallon of gas: $3.40
Source: Payscale
*numbers reflect the adjacent community of Westwood but will be similar for anyone living in River Vale NJ
The relatively high cost of River Vale, NJ, real estate is partially what contributes to the higher cost of living. Redfin indicates the median price of homes for sale in River Vale NJ is $1 million, and the median price per square foot is $404. The River Vale, NJ houses for sale are 131% more expensive than the rest of the US and 74% more expensive than the rest of New Jersey.
The vast majority of those living in River Vale NJ own their own home. According to census data, 90% of homes are owner-occupied and only 10% are rented out. However, renters moving to River Vale will also find plenty of options.
Rentcafe indicates that the average rent in River Vale NJ is $2716. Rents start around $2200 for a 1-bedroom and go up to $6000 for three or more bedrooms. Park and Arbor, and Lindvale Gardens are two popular apartment buildings in the area.
River Vale Neighborhoods | Where to Live In River Vale
River Vale is a fairly small, residential community that lacks many well-defined neighborhoods. However, regardless of where you choose to settle down, living in River Vale NJ offers quaint streets, friendly neighbors, and prime River Vale real estate.
Four Corners is the township's primary business district, located at the intersection of Westwood Avenue and River Vale Road. River Vale at Holiday Farm is also a popular condominium complex in the township. In general, the most desirable for families living in River Vale NJ are in the southeast, and the most affordable are in the north.
River Vale Weather & Climate
The weather in River Vale is typical of what you might expect in any part of the US. River Vale has a humid subtropical climate according to the Koppen classification system. That means you're in for warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters if you plan on moving to River Vale. The best time of the year for warm-weather activities is typically from mid-June through September.
The temperature typically ranges from 24°F to 85°F, although it can drop as low as 10°F and rise as high as 93°F. You should also be prepared for precipitation while living in River Vale NJ, as it averages about 27 inches of snow and 47 inches of rain every year. So be sure to pack an umbrella and snow boots.
Things to Do in River Vale
For a small, residential community, you'll find a wide variety of fun things to do in River Vale and the surrounding areas. Most of the shopping and restaurants can be found in the Four Corners business district, including River Vale Plaza, Runner's House, and The Country Store. Other than shopping, here are some of the best things to do while living in River Vale NJ.
Edgewood Country Club
Situated in the heart of the township, Edgewood Country Club is an upscale event space offering the best River Vale golf courses as well as a swimming pool, dining room, tennis courts, and more.
449 Rivervale Rd, River Vale, NJ 07675 (201) 666-1200
Wood Dale County Park
Wood Dale County Park is a 118-acre public park right outside River Dale in Woodcliff Lake, where residents living in River Vale NJ enjoy outdoor activities with paved trails, a pond, a dog park, a playground, and a lake.
100 Prospect Ave, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 (201) 336-7275
Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum
One of the only museums in the US dedicated to wildlife art, the Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum features diverse exhibits on taxidermied wildlife, rare animals, sculptures, paintings, and other unique works.
705 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell, NJ 07649 (201) 261-0012
Additional Attractions Near River Vale
Looking for more fun things to do while living in River Vale NJ? The Township of River Vale, NJ Recreation Department has a list of programs and public facilities on its website.
River Vale Restaurants
There are also numerous delicious restaurants in River Vale and nearby communities, serving a wide range of cuisine, from wood-fired pizza to Mediterranean fare. Here are a few of the best places to eat according to people living in River Vale NJ.
Napoletano Wood Fired Tavern
Napoletano Wood Fired Pizza is a local chain with a location in River Vale that serves gourmet pizza and other authentic Italian dishes like Pork Chop Milanese and Braised Short Rib.
625 Rivervale Rd, River Vale, NJ 07675 (201) 660-7960
Leblon Steak
Leblon Steak is an upscale Brazilian steakhouse in the neighboring town of Hillsdale serving mesquite charcoal-grilled prime meat served Rodizio-style, as well as made-from-scratch Caipirinhas and farm-to-table salad. It’s great for anyone living in River Vale NJ, who is in the mood for something different.
295 Kinderkamack Rd, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 (201) 367-1623
Cedar Tree Mediterranean Cuisine
Cedar Tree Mediterranean Cuisine is a cozy Greek restaurant serving classic dishes as well as American, Mexican, and Mediterranean fare such as wraps, burgers, quesadillas, and pasta.
650 Westwood Ave., River Vale, NJ 07675 (201) 358-4747
Jobs in River Vale
As a small residential community, there are limited employment opportunities within the community itself, as there are almost no commercial businesses. However, one of the major benefits of living in River Vale NJ is its close proximity to New York City, where you'll find plenty of employment opportunities.
It's known for its wealthy population, and residents living in River Vale NJ have some of the highest incomes in New Jersey. You can find employment opportunities at the many shops and service businesses found in the Four Corners commercial district.
Bergen County has a well-diversified economy, centered around healthcare, professional services, finance, and retail. In 2023, the total economic output of Bergen County was $82.4 billion, an increase of 0.9% compared to the previous year.
Largest employers in Bergen County:
- Hackensack University Medical Center: 8,000 employees
- Valley Health System: 4,700 employees
- Bio-Reference Laboratories: 2,900 employees
- Express Scripts: 2,800 employees
Payscale shows that the average salary for employees in New Jersey is $83,000. So employees living in River Vale NJ can expect to earn about that much. From packaging and logistics support to front desk agents, you can find a wide variety of River Vale jobs available in a range of different fields. You can also find jobs with River Vale township, offering competitive pay and great benefits.
River Vale Schools
The township is known for its excellent schools, and any students living in River Vale NJ will get a fantastic education at one of the best school districts in New Jersey. The River Vale School District serves students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Roberge Elementary School serves students in pre-K through 5th grade, and Woodside Elementary School serves students in K-5. Both are well-respected and rank #91 and #296 out of all New Jersey elementary schools, respectively. Holdrum Middle School serves students in grades 6-8.
The River Vale, NJ, high school is Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale, which is part of the Pascack Valley Regional High School District. It's also a highly respected school and ranks 61 out of all New Jersey high schools with a 96% graduation rate and 54% AP participation rate.
All public school students living in River Vale, NJ, and the entire Bergen County are eligible to attend programs offered by Bergen County Technical Schools.
While there are no private schools in the township itself, there are numerous schools in the surrounding areas that serve students living in River Vale NJ, including Primoris Academy in Westwood and Acton Academy in Bergen County. All residents living in River Vale NJ are also welcome to stop by the River Vale Free Public Library.
River Vale Statistics & Information
- River Vale County: Bergen County
- River Vale area: 4.31 square miles
- River Vale zip code: 07675
- River Vale area code: 201
- River Vale elevation: 39 ft
- River Vale time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to River Vale: The Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is 32 miles away.
River Vale, NJ Map
Explore more attractions, activities, and fun things to do in River Vale NJ with this map.
Find Out What Living in River Vale NJ Is Really Like
Ready to find out first hand what living in River Vale NJ is really like? When you’re ready to make the transition, you can trust the dependable River Vale NJ movers at Harrington Moving and Storage to make the journey smooth sailing. Call (973) 313-2246 today for a free quote from the best New Jersey moving company.
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