Neighborly, welcoming, family-oriented, community-minded. These are just a few attributes nine residents shared when asked what they love about their hometowns. On our search to uncover why our neighbors hold the Northern Highlands so dear, we discovered that while Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Saddle River, and Upper Saddle River share these endearing qualities, each town also boasts its own distinct personality.
One local homeowner, who has lived in three of the four towns over the past 20 years, describes her current town of Saddle River as “private” with an underlying “look out for each other” theme. She enjoys the proximity to New York City, as well as the “different types of rural and urban areas, so you don’t feel like you’re isolated.” But the main reason her family stayed in the Northern Highlands region was its top-rated school system. “The regional high school opens up a whole new opportunity to meet people. It’s an extended community.”
This sentiment was echoed by Vic and Nilu Cividini, nine-year residents of Upper Saddle River. Vic, who grew up in River Vale, knew he wanted to settle in the suburbs. For Cividini, who grew up in Istanbul and has lived in cities her whole life, the move to the suburbs was not as organic. However, she explains, “If it’s not a city, I want to embrace nature.” After placing offers on multiple homes in the region, they settled in a town they describe as “sophisticated, family-first, and nature-friendly.” Upper Saddle River and Saddle River certainly appeal to nature lovers, with their one- and two-acre lots, respectively. As an added bonus, they offer space for some fun—what’s a backyard without a zip line?
Bridget Carroll, former Allendale resident and current Ho-Ho-Kus resident, often takes her two active boys to enjoy the beautiful parks and natural areas the region has to offer. Whether scootering on the track and throwing rocks in the water at Lyons Park in Upper Saddle River or exploring Crestwood Park and the Celery Farm in Allendale, there are many places to “get fresh air and move our bodies.” An active member of the town’s Contemporary Club, Carroll shares, “Whether seeing friends at school drop-off, saying hi to the mail carrier, or going into Garbo’s, the people are what make this town a community.”
Long-time Ho-Ho-Kus residents Diane and Ray Rebholz moved to town 42 years ago. The downtown was quieter, and the pace was a bit slower, but one thing has not changed—the idea that “you can always count on your neighbor.” When they moved from Long Island, the Rebholz family hadn’t even heard of Ho-Ho-Kus, but the tree-lined streets caught their eye. They met people through school events and the Contemporary Club and raised their children alongside neighbors who moved to the block around the same time. Diane Rebholz loves sharing town events, such as the annual Memorial Day Parade, with her grown children and their families and continues to stay involved through the Ho-Ho-Kus Garden Club and the Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden.
Grace Perruzzi and Stacey Patterson, who both reside in Allendale, echo the importance of community involvement. Perruzzi shares, “Through the Newcomers’ Club, we met a lot of people who were friendly, social, and aligned with how we wanted to raise our family.” Once their children were off to high school, Perruzzi became a member of the Allendale Women’s Club, and her husband C.J. joined the Holiday Observers, a club “involved in making Allendale a special place to live.”
Patterson, who moved with her family from Hoboken, tries to be “as involved as possible.” When researching their next home, Patterson and her husband placed school systems and proximity to the city at the top of their list. Upon moving to Allendale, Patterson noticed that “everyone is friendly, helpful, and open.” Kelly Knight, a nine-year resident, describes Allendale as “small, quaint, and one of the prettiest towns. The kids can ride their bikes everywhere. The connections they’ve made and the opportunities they’ve had—this was definitely the best place to raise my kids.”
While the tree-lined streets and charming downtown areas might seem reminiscent of sleepy suburbia, Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Upper Saddle River, and Saddle River have quite a lot going for them. The Northern Highlands region is full of great restaurants, shopping, and nature-focused living. In addition, its location makes it ideal for commuters or those heading to the city for dinner. But that’s not all. You can reach hiking trails and mountains within 15 to 30 minutes and have your toes in the sand in just over an hour.
Earmark this page for places to visit this spring season.
ADVENTURE
Brush off your skis and take the littles to Campgaw or hit the slopes in Windham, New York, or Vermont. Hike the trails in Ramapo or take a half-day kayaking excursion on the Hudson River to Bannerman Castle. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
GETAWAY
Head up to Piermont, New York, or Warwick, New York, for unique shops, family-friendly restaurants, and breweries. Grab a glass of vino and take in live music at Tourne Valley Vineyards, or explore Skytop Lodge and Woodloch Resort in Pennsylvania.
LADIES’ NIGHT
Meet the ladies at Allendale Social, take a 10-minute drive to Ramsey for Bar Boutique and Giovanna’s, or head a little further north to the hidden gem Tequila Sal y Limon in Suffern.
DATE NIGHT
Look no further than Saddle River Inn, St. Eve’s, Fino, Savini, Allendale Steak House, or Just Janice. In the mood for music? Visit Maureen’s Jazz Cellar in Nyack. For an extra-special celebration, explore Valley Rock Inn or Blooming Hill Farm.
ART & CULTURE
Take in a show, or visit a museum or gallery in New York City. Travel to Storm King or Grounds for Sculpture, or enjoy a show at the Rockland Youth Ensemble.
CASUAL BITES
Pop into Graze, Saddle River Café, Albert’s, or La Vie en Rose in Waldwick for brunch or lunch. Or visit Allendale Bar and Grill and the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, two Cheers-style bars where friends meet for a glass of wine or a casual dinner.
“Whether seeing friends at school drop-off, saying hi to the mail carrier, or going into Garbo’s, the people are what make this town a community.” - Bridget Carroll, Ho-Ho-Kus resident
Allison K. Lim : @hungry_harvest_garden
Allison is a writer, editor, mom of twin teenagers, and the founder of Hungry Harvest Garden. She also serves as the Chairman of the Ho-Ho-Kus Community Garden, a town-wide effort to reduce hunger by sharing homegrown, organic produce with those in need.