Urbanites desiring a less congested, less hectic and more naturally attractive place to live and raise a family are flocking to towns in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Upwardly mobile professionals have discovered the sloping hills and spacious houses of a Bergen County borough on the Palisades called Tenafly. While still close enough to New York City to enjoy weekend visits, Tenafly offers the additional appeal of possessing one of the best school systems in the state of New Jersey. For families who are deeply concerned about the kind of education their children receive, this borough provides the affirmation they want regarding the educational aspect of living in this area.
In 2010, New Jersey Monthly magazine awarded Tenafly High School the ranking of being the 3rd best public high school out of 322 schools from all over the state of New Jersey.
As a popular and affluent city in Bergen County, Tenafly is home to several historic buildings, such as the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House, the Sickles-Melbourne House and the Roelof Westervelt House. Famous people who are living or have lived in Tenafly include Yogi Berra, Jimmy Dean and Glenn Miller, the famous bandleader of the 1940s.
Inside Tenafly, New Jersey
Ethnically diverse and home to five different language groups, including Hebrew and Korean, Tenafly contains a large Jewish population as well as many synagogues, with the Kaplen Jewish Community Center easily accessible on the Palisades. Efforts to construct an expansive supermarket over the neglected remains of an industrial site did not pan out as expected and a beautiful, 128-unit gated condominium community was established instead. Called “The Plaza at Tenafly” individuals interested in calling Tenafly their home can purchase a condo here for around $400,000 to $800,000. Additionally, other condominium projects are available, including the Victoria Square, the Heights and the Crossings at Tenafly. Potential buyers will find that condos are more affordable at the Browning House and the Cotswold Building.
Structural development of Tenafly was greatly influenced by its imposing trees, picturesque valleys and rolling hills. Tenafly’s eastern region is deferentially called “East Hill” because its rises above the rest of the city. Downtown lies east of this rising terrain, where the New Jersey Palisades are located which overlooks Hudson River. In this area of Tenafly, residents and visitors can spend a wonderful day checking out the exhibits at the Tenafly Nature Center on Hudson Avenue.
In 2008, the magazine New Jersey Monthly ranked Tenafly as the 65th best place to live in the state of New Jersey. According to the 2010 census, Tenafly’s population reached nearly 2,000, with per capita income amounting to approximately $65,000 to $70,000.
Buying a House in Tenafly, New Jersey
At any given time there are usually over 100 single family homes and condominiums available for sale in Tenafly. In 2009, the average price for a single-family home was around $900,000, according to the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service. House outside of Tenafly in Bergen County can be found for less, however, if you want to live in Bergen County but can’t afford Tenafly’s prices. Be aware that taxes are high on property in Tenafly as well.
Most residents commute to work, which is convenient since Tenafly is less than a ten minute drive from the George Washington Bridge. Although commuters say that traffic is usually severe on the bridge, a person living in Tenafly can leave their home by 6:00 a.m. and reach a Midtown destination within 30 minutes. Other commuters opt for the bus–either the Coach or New Jersey Transit, or drive to Edgewater Landing where they take the ferry into New York.
Relaxing in Tenafly, Bergen County
Unique shops, family restaurants, an art-film house along with the city’s exhaustive recreation program provide plenty of activities in which individuals and families can participate. In addition, swim clubs, a golf club, park facilities and East Hill skiing and hiking trails round out an exciting assortment of exciting and ever-changing things to do in Bergen County and Tenafly, New Jersey.