Relocating to Paramus, New Jersey
Paramus is located in Bergen County, New Jersey, and serves as a central suburban hub in the New York metropolitan area. It is well known for its affluent suburban areas, featuring a range of housing styles, including Colonial, Ranch, Modern Contemporary, Townhouses, and Condos. The typical size of houses in Paramus ranges from 3 to 6 bedrooms and 2 to 5 bathrooms, with an average square footage of between 1,500 sq. ft. and 4,000 sq. ft.
Paramus, NJ Location and Commute
Paramus is a borough in the central part of Bergen County, New Jersey. It covers 10.5 square miles and is about 15 to 20 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan and 8 miles west of Upper Manhattan. Paramus borders many other Bergen County municipalities, including Emerson, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hackensack, and others.
Bus
- NJ Transit runs Route 168 and 168 “Paramus–New York” services.
Car
- Major roadways such as Route 17, Route 4, or the Garden State Parkway connect to the George Washington Bridge.
Paramus, NJ Schools and Education
Paramus Public Schools is the primary public K-12 district serving Paramus. There are a total of 8 school campuses. Below are the top three schools that serve each grade level:
Elementary School:
Middle School:
High School:
Paramus, NJ, is a Good Place to Live
Paramus, NJ, is considered a highly desirable place to live, offering strong public schools, abundant shopping and amenities, quality healthcare, and numerous parks and recreation areas, all within a suburban setting just 15–20 miles from Manhattan. Families are drawn to its reputation for safety, community services, and educational options, which include both public and private schools.
What is it Like Living in Paramus, NJ
Living in Paramus is appealing for families or those who value suburban comfort, strong schools, and retail convenience, albeit with a trade-off in terms of cost and traffic.
Things To Do in Paramus, NJ
For its convenient location near adequate public transportation, prospective residents of Paramus, NJ, will find that the moderately sized borough offers a range of excellent urban amenities to enjoy: from beautiful outdoor spaces to arts and culture venues, there is something for everyone to appreciate about Paramus.
Nature & Outdoors
- Van Saun Park/Bergen County Zoo: The park spans 130+ acres and offers visitors access to a zoo, a miniature train ride, a carousel, pony rides, a splash pad, playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, walking paths, and more.
Family-Oriented Activities
- Humdingers: A mixed recreation and entertainment venue that offers boutique bowling, arcade games, batting cages, food, and more; an excellent option for families or groups.
- Planet Playskool: This indoor play center, situated in the Westfield Garden State Plaza, offers interactive areas, play structures, and a host of kid-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
- Fritz Behnke Historic Museum: This local history museum provides an insight into Paramus’s past through photographs, artifacts, and exhibits. It has free admission and is open on Sundays.
- Sceneworks Studios: A local gallery/theater space that hosts exhibitions and performances.
Places to Eat and Shop in Paramus, NJ
Paramus, for its size, boasts a wealth of wonderful local and international dining options, where flavors from around the world can be savored. For shopping, there is a mix of local boutiques alongside big-name retailers.
Places to Eat
- The Capital Grille is located at the Garden State Plaza, featuring an upscale American vibe, known best for its dry-aged steaks, bone-in ribeye, and lobster mac and cheese.
- Fogo de Chão is a Brazilian steakhouse that offers visitors a churrasco experience. Menu highlights include fire-roasted meats carved at the table, a market table salad bar, and other South American sides.
Places to Shop
- Garden State Plaza is one of the largest malls in the region, featuring stores like Tiffany & Co. and numerous high-end and mid-range national retailers.
Is Paramus, NJ, Affordable?
Paramus, NJ, is not typically considered an affordable area. Homes are expensive, and property taxes are high, as is typical in Bergen County. Retail options, amenities, and schools add value; however, the overall cost of living is above the national average.
Paramus, NJ Healthcare
Paramus, NJ Community & Lifestyle
Paramus is a relaxed suburban neighborhood with numerous nearby amenities and proximity to New York City. Because Paramus is a central shopping hub, prospective residents have ready access to a vast array of stores, restaurants, and services. Known for being diverse, Paramus is a service-oriented borough in Bergen County.
Community Events
- Paramus Community Resource Fair: A local fair with booths for community groups, medical professionals, therapists, music, ice cream trucks, and performances.
Paramus, NJ Vs. Other Bergen County Towns
Paramus is a better option than other Bergen County towns, as it excels in convenience, retail, and amenity infrastructure, and offers a broader range of housing options. However, it trades off quieter residential character, lighter traffic, and exclusivity that you are more likely to find in towns like Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Oradell, or Tenafly.
Bottom Line
Paramus, NJ, combines suburban comfort with big-city convenience, offering strong schools, quality healthcare, abundant shopping, and recreation. Families value its safe reputation, community events, and proximity to New York City. While housing costs, property taxes, traffic, and Sunday “blue laws” are challenges, Paramus remains a highly desirable place to live for those seeking a well-serviced, family-friendly community. Trust the real estate professionals at The Akkus Group to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many well-established urban Paramus, NJ, neighborhoods today.