Bergen, NJ Overview

Services

Bergen County schools, whether public or private, have long enjoyed a reputation for being some of the finest in the nation. Education is valued on every level, including vocational and career programs as well as preparation for college and professional programs. Residents can choose from a number of outstanding institutions of higher education close to home including Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, Felician College in Lodi, the state-supported Ramapo College of New Jersey, St. Peter’s College branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, and Bergen County Community College in Paramus. Within a reasonable commute from the county is a long list of respected and even prestigious institutions that include the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Columbia University, New York University, Rutgers University, Princeton University, and Seton Hall University.

Newcomers will discover state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and services throughout the county, anchored by such leading institutions as Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus. The three hospitals within this system provide more than 1,185 beds and a wide variety of specialized services to make up one of New Jersey’s largest healthcare systems. Hackensack University Medical Center is the county’s largest employer, offering a comprehensive healthcare complex affiliated with the highly acclaimed University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. This comprehensive teaching hospital complements such fine institutions as Englewood Hospital, known for developing some of the top specialties in the nation. The 420-bed Valley Hospital in Ridgewood is the most frequented hospital in the county. Home health, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, long-term care, family practice clinics, same-day surgery, specialists in private practice, and emergency care centers are included in the strong network of supportive facilities

Lifestyle

Quality of life may represent the real trump card for Bergen County, beginning with unparalleled transportation facilities for commuters. Although the glittering “Big Apple” with all of its cultural, artistic, and tourism magnets is just across the famous George Washington Bridge, the county offers its own dynamic attractions. Distinguished galleries, museums, science and environmental centers, and unique performing arts venues like Englewood’s John Harms Center are scattered throughout the municipalities. Two of New York’s most popular professional franchises play their home games in Bergen County: East Rutherford’s Meadowlands Sports Complex includes Giants Stadium, the home of the NFL Giants and the New York Jets. The Continental Airlines Arena is home to the NBA New Jersey Nets and the New Jersey Devils hockey team. This sprawling complex also encompasses one of the finest thoroughbred and standard bred racetracks in the world. Among the major events held annually at the Meadowlands Racetrack, the Hambletonian is the most prestigious event in harness racing.

Recreational opportunities abound in beautiful county parks that offer more than 8,000 acres of lush greenery and first-rate facilities. Picnic spots, tennis courts, swimming areas, riding trails, golf courses, and skiing trails can all be found in the vast park system. The picturesque and popular Hudson River adds to the opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. Golfers can look forward to perfecting their backswing on more than a dozen challenging courses. For weekend getaways, New Jersey’s internationally famous Atlantic Ocean beaches and resorts are little more than an hour’s drive.

Newcomers can look forward to a diverse and attractive housing selection. Primarily owner-occupied, homes in Bergen county range from towering high-rises that reflect the early morning sunlight on the banks of the Hudson River to comfortable suburban subdivisions on quiet, tree-lined streets. Lovely wooded estates, meticulously refurbished historic homes, and stately mansions add classic style, elegance, and charm to traditional neighborhoods. For those who prefer newer construction, both single-family developments and multi-family developments of townhouses or condominiums are available. With its strategic location, diverse economy, outstanding schools, and exceptional recreational amenities, Bergen County blends a pleasing mix of urban and suburban flavors to offer just the right atmosphere for an enviable lifestyle.