The 8 Richest Towns in Bergen County, NJ: Suburban Luxury & NYC Proximity

Bergen County is home to some of the most expensive towns in the entire country. Places like Alpine and Saddle River have huge houses, great access to schools, and lots of privacy. They're close to New York City but feel worlds away.

But beyond those quality-of-life perks, what makes these towns in Bergen County so special? Take a look at everything you get when you buy a home in one of Bergen County's most sought-after areas.

Quick Facts: Bergen County's Richest Towns

• Alpine has some of the highest home prices in America, with massive estates and tons of privacy
• Franklin Lakes features big properties with plenty of space between neighbors
• Saddle River combines luxury with a friendly, small-town feel despite the multi-million-dollar homes
• Englewood Cliffs gives you stunning views of the NYC skyline from your backyard
• Tenafly offers amazing access to schools, beautiful homes, and a quick trip to NYC
• Demarest is known for its beautiful homes and a walkable, neighborhood feel
• Cresskill blends luxury real estate with a true sense of community
• Closter balances historic charm with modern luxury and has a revitalized downtown shopping plaza

Alpine confidently rests at the top of Bergen County's luxury list. Think privacy, space, and jaw-dropping estates.

Homes in Alpine list from around $2 million, but most homes are priced from $4–$15 million or more. Most houses sit on at least two acres, giving you plenty of room between you and your neighbors. Many celebrities and business leaders choose Alpine for its combination of seclusion and convenience.

The town has almost no commercial areas to speak of—just houses, trees, and quiet streets. This isn't a place with sidewalks and downtown shopping. It's all about living in your private sanctuary.

Alpine ranks as one of the richest towns in New Jersey. The most extravagant homes surpass the $15–$20 million mark. Even the "cheaper" homes start around $1.5–$2 million, but they're harder to find.

Franklin Lakes

Franklin Lakes gives you space—and lots of it. The homes sit on bigger lots than most Bergen County towns, with natural landscapes all around. Franklin Lakes also has unique features like the Saddle Ridge Riding Center, one of the top equestrian facilities in NJ.

Made famous by "The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and other popular reality shows, Franklin Lakes combines rural charm with high-end living. The town has multiple lakes, giving access to waterfront opportunities.

Many Franklin Lakes homes have been built in the last 30 years, so you can enjoy modern layouts and amenities. Think custom home theaters, heated indoor pools, and smart home features.

The town centers around the areas near the lakes, with some shopping centers but no traditional downtown. It's more spread out than places like Tenafly.

Prices typically range from just under $1 million to more than $5 million. The higher end gets you lakefront property or a large, newer estate.

Saddle River

Saddle River takes luxury living to the next level with irresistible character and charm. The homes here are huge and expensive, but the town feels more like a community than Alpine.

The streets curve through wooded areas, revealing stunning custom-built mansions on multi-acre lots. Many homes have pools, tennis courts, and professionally designed landscapes.

Upper Saddle River connects to Saddle River and offers slightly more affordable options (homes from $1–$4 million) while still giving you that prestigious address.

Unlike Alpine, Saddle River has a small town center and a stronger sense of community. Neighbors know each other here, even if their homes still happen to sit on large plots of land.

Typical Saddle River homes sell for $2–$5 million, but the highest-end estates go for $7–$10 million and up. The town attracts Bergen County residents who want luxury without feeling completely isolated.

Englewood Cliffs

Englewood Cliffs offers something the other towns can't match: amazing New York City views. The homes along the edge of the Palisades have million-dollar panoramas of Manhattan.

The town combines luxury with convenience. You can reach the George Washington Bridge in minutes, making it one of the best NJ towns for easy NYC commutes.

Many corporate headquarters call Englewood Cliffs home, including major companies like LG and Unilever North America. This gives the town a business vibe alongside its residential luxury.

The homes tend to mix older estates with newer, more modern designs. Many feature walls of glass that take full advantage of those spectacular views.

Prices usually range from $1.1 million to $5 million and up, with impeccable views commanding the highest property prices.

Tenafly

Tenafly stands out for blending wealth with a more normal suburban feel in Bergen County. Schools like Malcolm S. Mackay Elementary and Tenafly High School are a big reason why people pay premium prices to live in this town.

The tree-lined streets give Tenafly a classic American feel, even though the homes cost well above average. You'll find a mix of newer mansions and beautifully updated older homes.

Tenafly has a real downtown with restaurants and shops. Unlike some of the other towns on this list, people actually walk here.

The trip to Manhattan takes about 35–40 minutes by car, making Tenafly perfect for commuters who want convenient schools and a real neighborhood.

Homes in Tenafly typically list for $1 million–$4 million, but some top $7 million. You get less land than in Alpine or Saddle River, but more community and convenience.

Demarest

Demarest offers luxury without being too showy about it. The homes are beautiful and expensive, but not quite as pricey as in other sought-after Bergen County towns.

The school system is also noteworthy, with National Blue Ribbon-awarded schools like Luther Lee Emerson Elementary attracting residents who are willing to pay premium prices for education.

Demarest has a small-town feel, with neighborhood streets rather than isolated estates. Unlike in Alpine or parts of Saddle River, you can realistically walk to places here.

The homes celebrate historic charm with modern updates. Most sit on half-acre to one-acre lots—smaller than Alpine, but still spacious for the area.

Expect to pay between the $800s and $5 million for typical homes in Demarest. You get excellent access to schools and a friendly vibe without facing the highest prices in the county.

Cresskill

Cresskill sits right next to Demarest and offers a similar blend of high-end homes with a neighborhood feel.

The town has some beautiful parks and recreation areas despite its small size. The school system has a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, drawing residents who want to prioritize both luxury and education.

Cresskill has more of a community feel than some other wealthy towns in Bergen County. People generally know their neighbors here, and the town hosts events that bring residents together.

You'll find a mix of newer luxury homes and expanded and updated mid-century houses. Most lots range from a quarter-acre to an acre.

Homes in Cresskill typically start in the $700s and $800s and can reach $3.5–$6.5 million. Cresskill offers luxury at a slightly lower entry point than some neighboring Bergen County towns.

Closter

Closter melds history with modern luxury. The town dates back to the 18th century, making it a prime location for historic homes in Bergen County.

The recently revitalized Closter Plaza gives residents high-end shopping and dining without leaving town. This downtown area sets Closter apart from some other wealthy towns that lack central gathering spaces.

Homes range from historic properties to new construction. The Northern Valley schools serve Closter.

Closter feels more like a traditional town. Streets connect rather than dead-end, and it’s much more common for people to walk dogs and push strollers.

Typical home prices range from the $700s to $3 million and up. Closter offers luxury living with traditional town amenities at lower prices than neighboring communities.

What to Know About Bergen County’s Real Estate Market

Bergen County real estate costs more than most places in New Jersey or the country. Here's what you need to know before buying here:

• Property taxes are higher. Depending on the town and house size, expect to pay $15,000- $50,000+ per year.
• Schools drive prices. Towns with award-winning schools command premium prices.
• NYC access matters. The closer and easier the commute to Manhattan, the higher the prices.
• Land is valuable. Bigger lots cost substantially more, which is why Alpine and Saddle River top the price lists.
• Building new costs extra. Strict building codes, permits, and high labor costs make new construction especially expensive.
• Bidding wars happen. Even multi-million dollar homes can sell above asking price when inventory is low.

The towns in this article represent the upper end of Bergen County's luxury market.

With that in mind, there are more affordable options in other parts of the county with sought-after neighborhoods and the potential for a high quality of life.

Experience the Best of Bergen County

Bergen County's richest towns offer amazing homes, convenient access to schools, and beautiful settings. Most are just a short drive from New York City, giving residents the perfect balance of space and convenience with some of the most luxurious living in NJ.

Each town has something special going for it. Alpine offers ultimate privacy. Saddle River gives you luxury with a sense of community. Tenafly has walkability. Franklin Lakes provides space and nature. Englewood Cliffs delivers those magnificent Manhattan views.

Of course, these towns don't come cheap. You'll pay premium prices and high taxes, but in return, you get some of the best living environments in the entire New York metro area.