Westwood

Westwood, often referred to as the "Hub of the Pascack Valley," is a lively borough in Bergen County, New Jersey. Celebrated for its bustling downtown and strong community spirit, Westwood seamlessly combines suburban tranquility with urban conveniences. The American Planning Association—New Jersey Chapter has honored Westwood’s downtown as a “Great Place in New Jersey,” highlighting streets such as Broadway, Washington Avenue, Westwood Avenue, 3rd Avenue, Center Avenue, and Fairview Avenue. These vibrant thoroughfares are lined with diverse restaurants, services, retail shops, and community activities, ensuring a safe, visually appealing, and perpetually improving neighborhood that’s well worth exploring.

Where Is Westwood Located in New Jersey?

Situated in the Pascack Valley region of Bergen County, in the northeastern part of New Jersey, Westwood borders the towns of Emerson, Hillsdale, River Vale, and the Township of Washington. It is conveniently accessible via exits 166 and 168 on the Garden State Parkway, as well as Route 9.

What Are the Transportation Options in Westwood?

Westwood offers a variety of transportation options for commuting, especially to New York City:

- NJ Transit Rail Service: The Westwood Train Station on the Pascack Valley Line provides service to Hoboken Terminal, with transfers to New York Penn Station available at Secaucus Junction.
- NJ Transit Bus: Bus No. 165 travels to New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- Rockland Coaches: Routes 11T, 11AT, 46, and 47 provide service from Westwood Avenue and Broadway to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- Saddle River Tours: Route 11C offers service to the George Washington Bridge Terminal.

For those driving into Manhattan, residents can take Route 4 or Route 17 and I-80, crossing into the city via the George Washington Bridge, or follow the Garden State Parkway south to Route 17, Route 3, and through the Lincoln Tunnel.

What Architectural Styles Are Common in Westwood?

Westwood boasts diverse residential architectural styles, including Cape Cod, Colonial, ranch, split-level, and Tudor Revival homes. Many historic residences are found in the desirable Goodwin Park area. Additionally, townhouse and condominium rentals are available throughout the borough.

What Schools Are in Westwood

The Westwood Regional School District has six schools that serve students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from the Borough of Westwood and the Township of Washington. There are four elementary (kindergarten through fifth grade) schools: Brookside Elementary School, Jessie F. George Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, and Berkeley Avenue Elementary—a past winner of the National Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence. The sole middle school,serving sixth and seventh grades, is Westwood Regional Middle School. Eighth through 12th grade students are served by Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School.

Students can attend secondary education programs at Bergen County Academies in Hackensack or Bergen Tech in Teterboro or Paramus.

There are early childhood learning and daycare centers in Westwood, including AppleTree Preschool (infant through five-and-a-half years old), Bell’s Little Learners (six weeks through six years old), Carousel Early Learning Center (eight weeks to five years old), Lightbridge Academy (infant through kindergarten-aged children), and Zion Lutheran School (two-and-a-half through four years old). The Westwood Recreation Department also offers a Pre-K program (for three-and four-year-old children) three half-days per week for Westwood residents.

Things To Do

Go for a Swim at the Pascack Valley Swim Club 

The swim club is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and membership is available to anyone and is based on single, family, and senior rates. Swimming lessons are available twice a week during July. Other special activities are held at the club throughout the summer. The club has a swing set, playground, basketball court, volleyball court, knock hockey tables, ping-pong tables, and shuffleboard.  

Enjoy the Town Parks 

 With more than a dozen parks to enjoy in Westwood, residents will never search long for a sports court, playground, or walking path. Veterans’ Memorial Park hosts several events throughout the year, while Westvale Park has a dog park, and Pascack Brook County Park offers a fishing pond. 

Take a tour of a local Brewery 

Located in the heart of Westwood, NJ, Five Dimes Brewery is a local watering hole where everyone can enjoy craft beer. The highly skilled brewmaster uses time-honored methods and top-quality ingredients to produce great-tasting beer. Five Dimes Brewery is a great bring-your-own food option location, and there are a variety of local restaurants to order from. The outside rooftop is a pet-friendly dining option. 

Catch a movie 

Since opening in 1928, Westwood Cinemas has been a popular family-friendly spot for the latest movie releases. The cinema also hosts 6-8 movie previews annually in partnership with the Westwood Chamber of Commerce. Conveniently located downtown on Center Street, the theatre offers plenty of parking and is close to many local restaurants, making it an excellent choice for a night out. 

Go Ice Skating at the Fritz Dietl Ice Rink 

Named after figure skating star Fritz Dietl, this ice rink offers group and private skating lessons, and open skating hours for beginners and advanced skaters. A Junior Rangers rookie hockey league is available for ages 8-10, with free hockey lessons, and a 10-week program (for a fee) for ages 5-9.

Where To Eat

Bibi’z Restaurant & Lounge 

Bibi’z offers global American cuisine by mixing European, Asian, Latin America, and Mediterranean influences into its dishes. It serves wild-caught seafood, grass-fed-pasture-raised poultry, and non-hormones, non-antibiotics beef, and lab. The restaurant also offers many gluten-free options and organic-vegan-bio-dynamic wines by the glass on its menu. 

Farmhouse Café & Eatery  

Farmhouse Café & Eatery opened in Westwood in 2016. The Farmhouse restaurants offer American cuisine with a variety of salad entrees, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and American entrees in a casual setting with detailed wood craftsmanship. 

PJ Finnegan 

PJ Finnegan's offers a cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff, serving delicious dishes. A popular choice is the sliced steak sandwich with mustard sauce and the red Reuben. It is a place to unwind and enjoy a pint of Guinness, stepping away from today's technology for a while. 

Osteria Crescendo 

Osteria Crescendo’s dishes use locally sourced ingredients from family farms. Menu items include large sharing dishes like local braised lamb new with polenta, arugula and saffron, and ribeye with rosemary potatoes, dry-aged beef fat cippolini agrodolce, and braised escarole. Diners can enjoy “street-fare” style food options at the bar while having a classic cocktail. 

Al Dente Fresh Pasta Co.  

Al Dente Fresh Pasta Co. is a BYOB-friendly, fast-casual restaurant operating on a first-come, first-served basis. It offers handcrafted dishes, emphasizing tradition and quality. 

Discover More About Living In Westwood

If you are considering making Westwood your new home, seeking expert guidance when navigating the local real estate market is essential. Experienced real estate professionals can provide valuable insights and expertise to help you find a home that meets and exceeds your expectations in a town known for its exceptional quality of life. To uncover the possibilities in Westwood and to learn more about making this revered town your home, contact Christina Gibbons Group to discuss your real estate needs and begin or partnership.