Winter Lights, Small Biz Nights, and Bergen Holiday Magic

Thanksgiving is just hours away and Bergen County is already flipping the switch to full holiday mode. This weekend kicks off Winter Wonderland in Paramus, lanterns are glowing at Van Saun, and local main streets are gearing up for Small Business Saturday. If you are looking for skating, shows, lights, or ways to give back, this week’s update has you covered from Paramus to Montvale.

If you live in Bergen County and often find yourself looking at travel apps or maps wondering “What’s the easiest way to get into NYC today?” — this guide has you covered. The post “Bergen County to Manhattan Commuting Guide” lays out the major commuting options across the county and helps you pick what works best depending on where you live and where you're going in Manhattan.

Whether you commute daily, visit Manhattan a few times a month, or are thinking about relocating somewhere in Bergen County — this guide helps you understand which commute option might suit you best, based on your town and preferences.

👉 Curious which commute fits you? Check out the full guide here: Bergen County to Manhattan Commuting Guide

Montvale sits at the north edge of Bergen County on the state line with New York and calls itself the Pride of the Pascack Valley for good reason. Residents get the feel of a quiet suburban community with tree lined streets, Lake Tappan views, and a mix of classic colonial homes, Victorians, and more modern split level homes, while still having quick access to the Garden State Parkway and nearby train service into New York City.

Over the past few years Montvale has seen a steady build up of shopping and dining, from the Wegmans anchored complex at the former Mercedes site to smaller spots like coffee bars and quick serve restaurants. A major next step is on the table for early December, when the planning board is scheduled to hear an application that would bring a new Trader Joes, a Cava location, and additional retail to a property along the Montvale border. If approved, this would become one of only a handful of Trader Joes locations in the region and a new draw for shoppers from neighboring towns.

Locals know Montvale not just for shopping but for its school system and recreation options. The town shares a Pascack Valley identity with nearby Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake, combines access to athletic fields and lakefront trails, and still offers enough space between homes that it never feels like you live on top of your neighbors. For many North Jersey families, Montvale has become a sweet spot for commute, schools, and quality of life that still feels a little tucked away from the more crowded routes farther south.

The Bergen County market is entering the holiday stretch with activity that is still surprisingly strong for late November. This past week brought 173 new listings to the MLS, which is a welcome bump but still far short of what buyers wish they had to choose from. At the same time, 236 homes went under contract and 226 closed, which shows that well prepared homes are still moving even as we head toward December.

Price adjustments tell their own story. There were 58 price decreases, only 6 increases, and 19 homes returning to the market after being under contract. Add in 64 withdrawn and 45 expired listings, and you can see that sellers who are not aligned with current buyer expectations are bowing out for now. The homes that stay active and well priced are the ones seeing steady showings and offers.

Northern towns along the Pascack Valley and Bergen County rail lines continue to stand out. Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, and River Vale all offer shorter rides into the city, and that keeps demand high even when supply is tight. Move in ready homes near stations and schools continue to draw the fastest activity, often going under contract within the first two weeks. Luxury homes above about one point three million dollars are also moving again, especially when they offer newer kitchens, fresh paint, and easy access to the Parkway or local train stops.

For buyers, the market still rewards preparation and quick action, but the rise in price reductions means there are opportunities for shoppers who stay engaged through the holiday season. For sellers, the combination of limited competition and motivated buyers can still play in your favor if you price correctly and present the home in polished condition before the end of the year.

👉 See the latest homes for sale and local market insights at NorthJerseyPartners.com.

Real estate information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Overpeck County Park, now more than eight hundred acres of fields, paths, playgrounds, sports facilities, and a major concert and event space, sits on land that once included active landfill sites. In the late twentieth century several Bergen towns donated land around Overpeck Creek, and the county launched a long process to cap and reclaim those landfill areas and turn them into the park many of us now use for festivals, rowing, and weekend walks. It is one of the best local examples of a former dump becoming a genuine regional destination.

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