Your Guide to Buying a Home in Ridgewood, NJ

Buying a Home in Ridgewood, New Jersey

Ridgewood is located in Bergen County

Ridgewood first appeared in the annals of local history when Albert Zabriskie obtained 2,000 acres from the Indians in 1662. Five hundred acres west of his tract were granted to Samuel Kingland by Lord Carteret in 1687. The Van Emburgh family built the first house in this region in 1700 and other Dutch settlers followed, working the land which they called Paramus. Today's Village is part of these lands.

The area was called Godwinville after the Revolutionary War hero Abraham Godwin. The name was changed to Ridgewood in 1866, and was then formally incorporated as the Village of Ridgewood in 1894. Real development started after 1800. Rail service from Paterson began in 1848 and from New York City three years later. This spurred residential growth and the business area sprung up around the station. The Village's small town atmosphere has changed remarkably little over the years. The Ridgewood Historic Preservation Commission actively researches and promotes the historical traditions of the Village.

Today, Ridgewood is recognized as an exceptional residential community. Nestled in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, it is only twelve miles from Manhattan. For close to a century it has been the business hub of northwest Bergen County, one of the most prestigious regions of the state. Occupying six square miles, Ridgewood is a well managed community which, by design, has no industry within its borders. Villagers live in distinctive homes set back on quiet, treelined streets. Homes and public areas are maintained with a strong sense of personal and community pride. Several years ago, a national magazine described Ridgewood as one of the safest towns in the United States. Volunteer safety programs such as Crime Watch Alert, and Safe Rides help maintain this record.