Woodcliff Lake
The top-school choice, with a train to back it up
Woodcliff Lake is a small, affluent borough where the school system is the main story. BMW of North America has its US headquarters here, which has shaped the character of the community. It is quiet, well-maintained, and somewhat exclusive. There is no real commercial center, but families who prioritize academics choose Woodcliff Lake and Montvale above everything else.
- Among the highest-rated school districts in Bergen County
- Quiet, residential, and affluent
- Train access is a genuine advantage over Montvale at comparable price points
- Small population keeps the borough feel intact
Getting to the city
Transit
NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line, Woodcliff Lake station. Station parking lot available.
Time to Midtown
Train to Hoboken Terminal takes roughly 50 minutes, then PATH to 33rd Street is about 15 minutes more. Total to Midtown is around 60 to 70 minutes. Driving to the GWB is 35 to 50 minutes without traffic.
One thing to know
The Pascack Valley Line schedule is the same limitation here as on the rest of the line. Limited evening and weekend service. Check njtransit.com for the current timetable.
What you will find
Predominantly larger single-family homes, many custom built. Lot sizes are generous compared to the borough towns. Price points reflect both the school district and the overall wealth of the community. Turnover is low.
The school district reputation drives pricing to the top end of the Pascack Valley range. Expect strong competition for well-priced listings. New construction is limited.
A look at Woodcliff Lake
Woodcliff Lake Public Schools (K-8) + Pascack Valley Regional (9-12)
Woodcliff Lake runs its own K-8 district with strong academic outcomes, then students feed into Pascack Hills High School in Montvale for grades 9-12, shared with Montvale through the Pascack Valley Regional High School District. Pascack Hills is one of the top-ranked public high schools in New Jersey, and school reputation is the primary driver of home prices here.
- Mackenzie Elementary School K-5
- Woodcliff Lake Middle School 6-8
- Pascack Hills High School 9-12 (shared with Montvale)
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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The school district is the primary reason people move here. If you do not have school-age children, the premium may be hard to justify compared to Park Ridge or Hillsdale.
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Woodcliff Lake is small and residential. Social life does not happen within walking distance.
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The Pascack Valley Regional high schools are shared with Montvale. The dual-campus model means kids from each town attend separate buildings.
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Property taxes are high even by Bergen County standards, which already has some of the highest rates in New Jersey.
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The BMW headquarters has brought a notably international community to the area. The schools reflect this diversity.
What residents say
Love the town, love the schools -- my son is in high school and having a wonderful experience
Great town and yes great schools
The schools are fantastic. I think all the people are very nice.