Washington Township
The most overlooked value in the Pascack Valley
Washington Township gets overlooked, and that is partly why it remains the best value in the Pascack Valley. It has no train station and no real commercial center, but it has larger lots, more square footage per dollar, and access to the same Westwood Regional schools as neighboring River Vale, which costs considerably more. For families who will primarily drive and want more space for less money, this is the honest answer.
- Best value for space and lot size in the Pascack Valley
- Shares Westwood Regional schools with River Vale at a meaningfully lower price point
- Genuinely quiet and low-density
- Often overlooked in favor of more well-known neighbors, which keeps prices accessible
Getting to the city
Transit
No NJ Transit station in Washington Township. Closest stations are Westwood and Park Ridge, both a short drive away.
Time to Midtown
No direct train. Residents drive to Westwood or Park Ridge station, adding 10 to 20 minutes to the commute. Driving to Manhattan via Routes 17 and 4 is 40 to 65 minutes without traffic, generally a bit faster than River Vale given highway access.
One thing to know
A car is essential here regardless of how you commute. If you take the train, budget time and cost for daily parking at a nearby station.
What you will find
Mix of mid-century ranches, colonials, and split-levels on larger lots. Some areas have more recent construction. Garages and driveways are common. You get more house here than in the borough towns at the same budget.
The most affordable township in the Pascack Valley for comparable lot size and square footage. Shares Westwood Regional schools, which helps justify the value strongly.
A look at Washington Township
Westwood Regional School District
Washington Township shares the Westwood Regional School District with Westwood and River Vale. Students attend Westwood Regional High School for grades 9-12. This is the township's single biggest value advantage -- you get the same highly regarded school district as River Vale at a meaningfully lower price point.
Nearby private options: St. John's Academy (Hillsdale, PreK-8), Immaculate Heart Academy (Washington Township, all-girls 9-12), Eastern Christian Schools (PK-12), Academy of the Holy Angels (Demarest, all-girls), Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, all-boys).
What people wish they knew
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Washington Township is a township, not a borough. It covers a larger geographic area with lower overall density.
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No walkable amenities. You are driving to Westwood for restaurants and shopping, which is a short and easy trip.
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The school connection to Westwood Regional is frequently undervalued in the pricing. You get the same high school as River Vale for significantly less money.
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Property taxes are real in Bergen County, but generally somewhat lower here than in the higher-priced towns.
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If your budget is under $700k and you have looked at River Vale, Hillsdale, or Park Ridge and found them out of reach, Washington Township is worth a serious look.
What residents say
Washington Township is amazing
The schools are great.
We moved there a few years ago and we couldn't be happier!! We made great friends in the neighborhood and my kids have so many neighborhood friends!! It's a safe, clean, and friendly town!