Ramsey, NJ
Ramsey is a suburb of New York City with a population of 14,801. Ramsey is in Bergen County and, according to Niche, it's one of the best places to live in New Jersey. Living in Ramsey offers residents a sparse suburban feel with fantastic public schools and a bustling downtown with fantastic dining options and a direct train to Manhattan.
Where is Ramsey Located in New Jersey?
Situated minutes from the Garden State Parkway and the New York State Thruway, this community offers easy transportation for commuters. Two NJ Transit train stations, along with Coach Short Line bus stops, make commuting into New York City accessible to all residents.
What is the Architecture of Ramsey?
The town has a mixture of home styles—from Cape Cods and Colonials to Ranches and Victorians. Even some of the original fieldstone buildings are still standing, including Ramsey’s oldest building, The Old Stone House Museum. Formerly a Dutch Colonial farmhouse, the museum is open throughout the year for tours and events.
What Schools are in Ramsey?
And let’s not forget about education. Ramsey’s highly rated school system consists of three elementary schools, one middle school and Ramsey High School. There are also two private Catholic schools, including Don Bosco Prep, an all-boys high school nationally ranked in baseball and football. Two private daycare centers provide care and education through preschool. For continuing education, the town is home to an Eastwick College campus, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificate programs.
More Things to Do and See in Ramsey
Travel down Main Street and you’ll find various shops and restaurants. Craving Irish fare? Stop by Brady’s at the Station. Want to create rustic wall decor for your home? Board & Brush gives instructions on making your own wood signs. In the mood for a movie? The historic two-screen Ramsey Theatre runs new releases in its renovated space.
Ramsey Golf and Country Club is situated on a 220-acre estate with a 19th-century stone castle clubhouse. Members can enjoy an 18-hole golf course, a pool, a lake with beach area, and a paddle tennis facility. The country club is private, but dining and catering services are open to the public. The club also has 560 homes on its property.
Ramsey Municipal Pool is a popular summer spot, providing swim play with slides and diving boards, along with swim lessons and other activities, including yoga and aqua aerobics for adults, and “Fab Fridays” with story time and arts and crafts for kids. Live bands and DJs also perform.
Finch Park has a baseball field, basketball court, and children’s playground with a sandbox, pirate ship, and castle. There is plenty of parking and picnic tables in the area.
Ramsey Bike Path extends from the northern end of town at Addison Place to the southern end at Prospect Street. Restaurants and shopping are within walking distance from certain parts of the path.
Ramsey Farmers’ Market is a popular market open outdoors from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, June through November at Main Street Train Station and indoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, December through March at Eric Smith School. You can find weekly vendors like Anita’s Guacamole, Balthazar Bakery, Homespun Chili, Spoon Me Soups, Valley Shepherd Creamery, and more at the market. There is also an artisan corner every third Sunday, special events and festivals, chef demos, books signings, and music.
The Ramsey Recreation Commission offers sports programs for kids and sponsors activities throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt, Halloween parade with costume contest, summer movies at Finch Park, and snow-tubing trips to Campgaw Mountain Ski Area in nearby Mahwah. The Recreation Commission is also responsible for an annual home run derby, dog show, and the Jack McKeown Ramsey Run.
Where to Eat in Ramsey?
Ramsey has a plethora of popular eateries, including:
Café Panache
Chef-owner Kevin Kohler uses ingredients he’s handpicked himself in his New American cuisine, which features farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and free-range, grass-fed live stock. The menu changes frequently, but popular dishes have included crispy confit duck with citrus-ginger gastrique and house-made filet mignon ravioli with truffle butter.
Varka
This Greek eatery highlights seafood ranging from octopus and mini lobster gyros to organic salmon and swordfish kabob. There is a prix fixe lunch menu, as well as an oyster and shellfish bar. Diners like to enjoy alfresco dining at Varka in the summertime.
Kinchley’s Tavern
Opened in 1937, this local hangout is known for its thin-crust pizza, prepared with the same family recipe for more than 70 years. The pizzeria also has a full menu and bar. Food is served to guests seated at tables with red and white checkered tablecloths.