Ridgewood
· US

Ridgewood

Ridgewood, New Jersey, United States

Ridgewood, located in picturesque New Jersey, is a charming village that effortlessly combines historic charm with modern amenities. This affluent suburb is known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and vibrant …

#Suburban#Family-friendly#Historic#Tree-lined streets#Close-knit community
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Ridgewood.

Top Hotels in Ridgewood

Top Flights to Ridgewood

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Ridgewood.

Tours

Ridgewood Wild Duck Pond

A tranquil park offering a large pond where wild ducks gather, walking trails, and picnicking areas.

Shopping

Ridgewood CBD (Central Business District) Shopping

A bustling area with a wide variety of shops, boutiques, and eateries perfect for a day of shopping.

Outdoor

Saddle River County Park

A multi-use park with bike paths, walking trails, and playgrounds stretching over several miles along the Saddle River.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Ridgewood.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
25 thousand
Languages
English, English
Average weather
Ridgewood
Jan
snow
3°-5°
Feb
snow
5°-4°
Mar
cloud
10°0°
Apr
rain
16°5°
May
cloud
22°11°
Jun
sun
27°16°
Jul
hot
30°19°
Aug
hot
29°18°
Sep
sun
25°14°
Oct
cloud
18°8°
Nov
rain
11°3°
Dec
snow
5°-2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Ridgewood.

What people love

Ridgewood, located in New Jersey, United States, is a charming and picturesque town with many attractions and benefits for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Ridgewood:

  1. Scenic Beauty: Ridgewood is known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and historic buildings. Travelers can enjoy leisurely walks and appreciate the town's natural beauty.

  2. Shopping and Dining: Ridgewood offers a diverse range of shopping and dining options, including boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Visitors can explore the downtown area and discover unique items and delicious food.

  3. Cultural Attractions: Ridgewood has a thriving arts and culture scene, with art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local arts community and attend performances and exhibitions.

  4. Outdoor Activities: Ridgewood is surrounded by natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in the nearby parks and nature reserves.

  5. Historic Sites: Ridgewood has a rich history dating back to colonial times. Travelers can visit historic sites such as the Van Dien House and the Schoolhouse Museum to learn more about the town's past.

Overall, traveling to Ridgewood offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a desirable destination for visitors.

What to know

Ridgewood, New Jersey is generally considered a safe and pleasant town to visit. However, some potential cons of traveling to Ridgewood could include:

  1. Expensive Cost of Living: Ridgewood is known for its affluent residents and higher cost of living compared to other areas in New Jersey. This could translate to higher prices for accommodations, dining, and other expenses for travelers.

  2. Limited Public Transportation: While Ridgewood is well-connected by train and bus services to nearby cities like New York City, the public transportation options within the town itself may be limited. Renting a car or using rideshare services might be necessary for getting around.

  3. Seasonal Weather: New Jersey experiences four distinct seasons, which means travelers to Ridgewood should be prepared for hot summers, cold winters, and unpredictable weather patterns throughout the year.

  4. Crowded During Peak Times: Ridgewood is a popular destination for day-trippers and shoppers, especially during weekends and holidays. This could mean crowded streets, restaurants, and shops during peak times.

  5. Limited Nightlife: Ridgewood is more of a residential town than a bustling city, so the nightlife options may be limited compared to larger urban areas. Travelers looking for a vibrant nightlife scene may need to venture to nearby cities.

Overall, Ridgewood offers a charming small-town atmosphere with upscale shops, dining options, and cultural attractions. Travelers who prefer a quieter and more laid-back destination may find Ridgewood to be a delightful place to visit.

Ridgewood, New Jersey, is a village located in Bergen County. The area that is now Ridgewood was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans. The village's European settlement began in the early 18th century, and it was officially incorporated as a village in 1894 during a period known as the "Boroughitis" phenomenon in Bergen County when many municipalities were being formed.

Significant Historical Events:

  1. 19th Century Development: Ridgewood's development accelerated with the construction of the Paterson and Ramapo Railroad in the mid-19th century, which later became part of the Erie Railroad. This connection made it a desirable suburb for people working in New York City.

  2. Incorporation: Ridgewood was incorporated as a village on November 20, 1894, and its boundaries were expanded in 1925 and 1971.

  3. World Wars: Like many American towns, Ridgewood was affected by both World Wars, with residents participating in the war efforts and later honoring veterans with memorials.

Historical Figures:

  • David Bolger: A notable philanthropist who contributed significantly to Ridgewood's cultural and community institutions.
  • Marcellus Hartley Dodge Sr.: An influential figure who had a residence in Ridgewood and was connected to the Remington Arms Company.

Important Landmarks:

  1. Ridgewood Train Station: Built in 1916, the station is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a key landmark in the village, representing its history as a commuter suburb.

  2. The Schoolhouse Museum: Operated by the Ridgewood Historical Society, this museum is housed in a former school building from 1872 and showcases local history.

  3. Graydon Pool: A historic man-made swimming facility that has served as a recreational area for residents since the 1920s.

  4. The James Rose Center: This is the former home of the notable architect James Rose, now a study center for landscape architecture and design.

  5. Historic Districts: Ridgewood features several historic districts with homes dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting various architectural styles such as Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Tudor.

Ridgewood's rich history is reflected in its preserved architecture, cultural institutions, and community events that celebrate its heritage.