Stuck between River Edge and Oradell? You’re not alone. Both Bergen County boroughs offer a suburban lifestyle with NYC access, but the day-to-day feel is different. In this guide, you’ll compare housing, prices, walkability, commute options, schools, parks, and taxes so you can choose the suburb that fits your routines and budget. Let’s dive in.
River Edge vs. Oradell at a glance
- River Edge is smaller and denser, about 1.88 square miles with a 2020 population of 12,049. It has a compact vibe with multiple walkable pockets near Main Street and two NJ Transit stations. Town overview
- Oradell covers about 2.57 square miles with a 2020 population of 8,244. It feels more traditionally suburban, centered on Kinderkamack Road and Oradell Avenue, and includes the Oradell Reservoir. Town overview
- Price context: Typical home values (Zillow ZHVI) suggest Oradell trends higher on average than River Edge. Recent index levels: River Edge around $811,600 and Oradell around $934,900. Treat these as broad indicators rather than exact list prices.
Housing and neighborhood feel
River Edge homes and streets
You’ll see many single-family homes (Colonials, Capes, ranches, splits) with some townhomes and condos, especially near the train stations and Main Street. Lots are generally smaller, which keeps many blocks feeling compact and “village-like.” If you prefer less yard work and a closer-in neighborhood texture, River Edge often fits the bill.
Oradell homes and streets
Oradell is largely single-family with a stronger presence of mid-century and newer suburban parcels. Lots tend to be larger on average, and neighborhoods outside the small downtown pocket feel spread out and quiet. If you want more yard space and a classic residential pattern, Oradell is a strong match.
Walkability and downtown character
River Edge: walkable pockets + historic core
River Edge rates “Somewhat Walkable” at the town level, with walkable pockets around Main Street and the train stations. See Walk Score. The Historic New Bridge Landing area anchors the borough’s cultural core with Revolutionary War sites and seasonal events, giving you a destination to stroll. Explore Historic New Bridge Landing
Oradell: village center + suburban streets
Town-wide walkability scores are lower overall, but the Oradell Avenue corridor often reaches the 70s on Walk Score, creating a pleasant, small-town node with local restaurants and services. Much of the borough remains car-oriented and residential outside that center. See Walk Score and the Oradell borough site for local services and community info.
Commute and transit options
Rail on the Pascack Valley Line
Both towns are on NJ Transit’s Pascack Valley Line, with trains to Hoboken and connections at Secaucus Junction for Midtown. River Edge has two stops (River Edge and New Bridge Landing) while Oradell has one, which can give River Edge slightly more access points. Check current timetables and parking rules before you decide. NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line
Bus to Manhattan and local routes
NJ Transit’s 165 provides a one-seat ride to Port Authority, and local lines (including 762 and 772) offer cross-county connections. Some commuters prefer the bus for a direct Midtown trip, while others choose rail for more predictable transfers. Review schedules and your preferred departure times. NJ Transit service information
Driving access
Route 4 runs along River Edge’s southern edge and County Route 503 (Kinderkamack Road) is the main north–south spine through both boroughs. River Edge’s proximity to Route 4 can make certain eastbound drives a touch quicker, but actual times depend on local access and peak-hour traffic. River Edge overview
Schools and parks
School districts and grade alignment
Both boroughs share the River Dell Regional district for grades 7–12. River Dell Middle School is in River Edge and River Dell High School is in Oradell. Oradell operates Oradell Public School for PK–6. Families often view both towns’ schools as strong regional options; always review current state and district reports to confirm performance details. District background
Parks, trails, and outdoor amenities
Oradell’s signature feature is the Oradell Reservoir, with walking access in designated areas and quiet water views in parts of town. River Edge offers the Historic New Bridge Landing complex along the Hackensack River and quick reach to Bergen County park destinations, including Van Saun Park and the Bergen County Zoo.
Property taxes and cost of ownership
Bergen County municipalities generally carry higher New Jersey property taxes, and both boroughs are in that range. Local summaries list Oradell’s average residential tax bills in the mid-teens and River Edge slightly lower on average, though numbers vary by source and year. Always confirm current rates and averages through municipal or state reports. Bergen County tax summaries
For budgeting, pair your price band with likely assessment and the municipal tax rate to estimate annual taxes. If you’re comparing two similar homes, factor in taxes, utilities, and any anticipated maintenance.
Safety and due diligence
Public crime-data summaries indicate lower reported rates in Oradell than River Edge on some third-party aggregators. Small-sample effects and reporting windows can shift comparisons, so review recent official reports and verify trends over multiple years. Crime data reference
How to choose: a simple checklist
Use this quick rubric to align your lifestyle and budget:
- Commute style: Prefer rail with a short walk, a one-seat bus to Port Authority, or a driving commute? Map homes to stations and bus stops, then check schedules. NJ Transit overview
- Daily walkability: Do you want a walkable downtown for errands, or are occasional drives fine? Compare River Edge’s Main Street pockets with Oradell Avenue’s village center. Walk Score references
- Lot and house type: Larger yards and a more spread-out feel (often Oradell) versus smaller lots and a compact, town-like pattern (often River Edge).
- Budget and taxes: If you’re value-sensitive, note that typical values trend lower in River Edge than Oradell. Confirm current medians and estimate annual taxes by town.
- Schools and grades: Both towns feed River Dell for grades 7–12. For younger children, compare local elementary options and busing boundaries. District background
Who tends to prefer each town
- Choose River Edge if you want multiple train stop options, a compact feel with walkable pockets, and a lively historic core at New Bridge Landing. Typical home values trend a bit lower, which can stretch your budget.
- Choose Oradell if you prioritize larger lots, quieter streets beyond a small walkable center, reservoir access, and you are comfortable with generally higher average home values.
Your next step
The best way to decide is to walk both downtowns, map your commute, and tour a few homes in each price band. Pay attention to block-by-block walkability, drive times at your actual commute hour, and how lot sizes feel in person. When you’re ready for a curated tour and neighborhood coaching, connect with Miriam Yu for local guidance tailored to your needs.
FAQs
Is River Edge or Oradell more walkable for daily errands?
- River Edge is “Somewhat Walkable” overall with strong pockets near Main Street and the stations, while Oradell’s most walkable area is the Oradell Avenue corridor; much of Oradell is residential and car-oriented. River Edge Walk Score | Oradell Walk Score
How do commutes to NYC differ between River Edge and Oradell?
- Both ride NJ Transit’s Pascack Valley Line to Hoboken with transfers at Secaucus for Midtown; buses like the 165 offer a one-seat ride to Port Authority, so choose based on your preferred schedule, parking, and transfer tolerance. NJ Transit overview
Are home prices higher in Oradell or River Edge right now?
- Recent market indices show typical values trending higher in Oradell than in River Edge; use these as general context and verify current medians before you shop.
Which public schools serve River Edge and Oradell?
- Both towns share the River Dell Regional district for grades 7–12; Oradell runs Oradell Public School for PK–6, and families should review current district and state reports for performance. District background
How do property taxes compare between the two boroughs?
- Both are in Bergen County’s higher-tax range, with many summaries listing Oradell’s average bills in the mid-teens and River Edge slightly lower; confirm the latest figures with municipal or state sources. Tax summaries
Which town offers better access to nature and parks?
- Oradell centers around the reservoir and its designated walking access, while River Edge offers Historic New Bridge Landing along the Hackensack River and quick reach to major county parks. Historic New Bridge Landing
