Renting in Ridgefield Park? (Jersey City, Hackensack: apartment complex, crime, college)

[DragonXJC]

I'm born and raised in Jersey City. Semi-recent college graduate, working in the "CITY" now, and finally want to move out my family's home. At the same time, even though I live within great proximity to NYC, I want to get out of Jersey City (and don't wanna deal with UC/NB congestion). Basically something different and more quiet and little less looking over my shoulder.

I've been looking on craigslist for 1br apartments, so far found some really good deals in Ridgefield Park. Is anyone familiar with this area? Or recommend surrounding towns (Hackensack, Teaneck, etc..) I've only driven through (1&9) but never into town. I'm trying to stay below $900, is it possible in those areas?

[rjc1976]

I don't know the area well, but it seems like a decent enough area. I've driven through the Main St area before, and it does looks a bit worn down, but it seems safe. Crime statics are low, and it has easy highway access to 95 and 80, which is nice. Overall, I do see much better value in Ridgefield Park than nearby Englewood or Leonia, but then again, both those towns seem a bit nicer (though Englewood comes with higher crime vs. Ridgefield Park looking at the statistics).

[EANJ]

Originally Posted by DragonXJC

I'm born and raised in Jersey City. Semi-recent college graduate, working in the "CITY" now, and finally want to move out my family's home. At the same time, even though I live within great proximity to NYC, I want to get out of Jersey City (and don't wanna deal with UC/NB congestion). Basically something different and more quiet and little less looking over my shoulder.

I've been looking on craigslist for 1br apartments, so far found some really good deals in Ridgefield Park. Is anyone familiar with this area? Or recommend surrounding towns (Hackensack, Teaneck, etc..) I've only driven through (1&9) but never into town. I'm trying to stay below $900, is it possible in those areas?

I lived in RP for a while. Nice little town. It should be possible to stay below $900 or about there in RP. Check out the apartment complex on at the east end of Christie St. Used to be a lot of young, single people, some young married couples, etc.

I can't think of a "bad" section of RP. Not sure I can say the same thing about Teaneck or Hackensack. Hackensack has a lot of hi-rises on Prospect St. but I don't think you are looking at $900, unless you find a garden apartment, small walk-up, mid-rise, etc.

I think around $900 is attainable in all of those towns if you are talking garden apartment or older apartment building. Like I said, between the 3, I would go with RP, hands down. Good luck.

[staplek]

one's perception of ridgefield park would obviously depend on what they're used to. having grown up in northeastern bergen county and also having lived in manhattan- i find RP to be kind of a bummer. the town is pretty burned out in a lot of ways (lots of abandoned store fronts). i've lived here for a year now and am looking forward to getting out. but you get what you pay for. went from $2000 p/month upper west side to $1100 p/month in RP. the bus is the morning can take between 20 min & 1 hr to get to port authority. also note that buses run once per hour during off peak times. driving via GW at 6:30am is still 1/2 hour thru toll. obviously this isnt going to be better anywhere else beyond. one thing that i find difficult since im a light sleeper is the train line that goes thru town. its a freight and runs often including all night long and it blows horn thru the crossings.

the positives for me are the quick access to nyc (when not rush hour), walk to village with conveniences, and the cheap rent.