Welcome to Upper Saddle River
Upper Saddle River is a rustic community bisected by Saddle River in Bergen County. With Route 17 to the west and Garden State Parkway to the east, this serene stretch of picturesque countryside feels blissfully isolated despite being at the center of Bergen County and within 26 miles of Manhattan.
Upper Saddle River’s lot sizes are required to be no less than one acre, preserving its rural charm. Dutch settlers arrived here in the 18th century, and the real estate mix includes converted historic sawmills. The main period of growth occurred between the 1950s and 70s, with the population stabilizing at around 8,000 in the decades since. Many properties from that period have been torn down and replaced with stylish custom builds in a variety of architectural styles. Homes exhibit impeccable attention to detail, with lovingly landscaped lawns and gardens as well as unique architectural flourishes.
What to Love
- Rural feel
- Attractive homes
- Family-focused events
- Outdoor recreation
People & Lifestyle
There is a close-knit community feel in Upper Saddle River, with friendly neighbors and family-oriented events. Residents love it for the sense of calm and quiet it offers, feeling like a small town nestled deep within the countryside rather than a community at the heart of New Jersey’s most populated county. Upper Saddle River’s numerous parks and outdoor recreation spaces add to its countryside feel, while Route 17 and Garden State Parkway mean other Bergen County communities can be reached in minutes.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
With no downtown area in Upper Saddle River,
Elmer’s Country Store is the community’s main commercial hub. This charming business combines a deli, convenience store, and a gas station, serving sandwiches made with Rockland Bakery bread and hot Spanish lunch food. Accessible highways place the amenities and downtown areas of neighboring communities within easy reach.
Things to Do
Lion’s Park has a large, fenced-in children’s play park, baseball fields, and paved walking paths. The park hosts a weeklong
annual carnival beginning on Memorial Day in May, with family-friendly rides, games, and food stands.
Anona Lake is a neighborhood hotspot for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. There is a beach on the lake’s shores, while the park surrounding it offers tennis courts, barbeque areas, and pavilions. Events held here include summer barbecues and music festivities, children’s movie nights, and an Oktoberfest.
Other community events include a popular strawberry festival at
Bergen Highlands Union Methodist Church each June, with hand-picked local strawberries, hot food, and entertainment. On Thanksgiving Day, the Upper Saddle River 5k Run is a great way to burn off excess calories in the company of your neighbors.
Schools
Upper Saddle River is served by the Upper Saddle River School District at the elementary and middle school levels.
- Robert D. Reynolds Primary School, Public, PK-2
- Edith A. Bogert Elementary, Public, 3-5
- Emil A. Cavallini Middle, Public, 6-8
- Northern Highlands Regional High School, Public, 9-12