Where to go if we don't like Ridgewood? (Paramus, Dumont: 2009, houses)

[magggmom]

We moved from MA last year to Ridgewood- we were told it was the best- schools, houses, downtown, etc. After a year, we're not really happy with the intensity of the parents, and pressure in the schools- lots of pressure to perform. We're considering leaving town and looking at Ramsey, Allendale and Oradell. Any thoughts on these towns compared to Ridgewood - specifically the overall "mood" of the town-are the schools high pressure? Sports the same? Are people welcoming to new families? Or is all of Bergen pretty much the same?

[GiantRutgersfan]

Well those towns you mentioned are basically the same as Ridgewood, although maybe to a little lesser degree....

Maybe look at towns like Midland Park, Waldwick, Oakland, or Dumont?


The people that live in Ridgewood for the most part are very snobby and not my kind of people. Not really sure what you mean about sports at all though?

[akitasun]

I am looking to move to Ridgewood in 2009. I have twin boys (5 yr old). Could elaborate more on why you do not like Ridgewood. I read alot of blogs hear and most say the town is great with some snobby people which are in every well to do towns such as Allendale. Any info would be great. Also do you live on the West side or east side. I hear the west side (Ridge, Orchard and willard) are more snobby but that east side can be too, but all schools are good.

[akitasun]

I am looking to move to Ridgewood in 2009. I have twin boys (5 yr old). Could you elaborate more on why you do not like Ridgewood. It seems alittle drastic to move due to the snobby factor unless it more than that where your family is being targeted.

I read alot of blogs hear and most say the town is great with some snobby people which are in every well to do towns such as Allendale. But they all say that their are also alot of down to earth peopel as well. People have told me to stay away from the newcomers clubs because this is where you will find snobs.

Any info would be great. Also do you live on the West side or east side. I hear the west side (Ridge, Orchard and willard) are more snobby but that east side can be too, but all schools are good and in both sides you'll find down to earth people.

Thanks

[EEEPNJ]

Well, let me ask this - do you LIKE Ridgewood less the "snob" and "my kid must get into Harvard" factor?

What do you want to know about sports?

Do you want schools that are the same caliber as Ridgewood or is a little less ok for you?

How far from the immediate area are you willing to move?

[magggmom]

Yes, I think the snob factor and the "everyone is going to Harvard" is what is getting on our nerves. THe schools are good- but VERY academic- the fun stops when you go to Kindergarten and its serious business- I'm used to a balance of being a kid, having fun and learning- all at the same time (I used to be a teacher- so I know it can be done!). I live on the west side which is seems to have a higher concentration of the intense parents. I hear the sports programs here are the same as the schools- everyone is going to be a professional sports star and if you don't start young you're out of luck. I need to stay in the general area as my husband commutes into NYC.

[joe moving]

i am not sure if this is right but i think a lot of what it comes down to is how rich the town is? we are right next door in midland park and hope and assume it is significantly different from ridgewood. expectations should come from ones parents and oneself we hope that this does not mean kids will not work hard and have goals but that what they wear or drive (or what we drive) is not going to affect their life and school work ??? that is years away though, for us...

[Tungsten_Udder]

Originally Posted by magggmom

Yes, I think the snob factor and the "everyone is going to Harvard" is what is getting on our nerves. THe schools are good- but VERY academic- the fun stops when you go to Kindergarten and its serious business- I'm used to a balance of being a kid, having fun and learning- all at the same time (I used to be a teacher- so I know it can be done!). I live on the west side which is seems to have a higher concentration of the intense parents. I hear the sports programs here are the same as the schools- everyone is going to be a professional sports star and if you don't start young you're out of luck. I need to stay in the general area as my husband commutes into NYC.

Sounds like a horrendous place to be a kid, if you ask me.

[joe moving]

You could check next door, Waldwick, Midland Park. Waldwick is on the train line if that is how he commutes? I think Oradell as you mentioned would be less like Ridgewood and Allendale.

[FromDaSack]

Ramsey is really nice, good schools and nice properties.... i think there's a snob factror there too.

I would also recomend Tenafly for you because it's really nice with really nice schools and properties. It also has better travel to NYC.

P.S.- a lot of North Bergen County towns are filled with snobby, and arogant people. I know how some people from north bergen county consider south bergen crowded, lower class, and act as if culturally diverse is a bad thing. It's not bad in south bergen, i actually rather be here then there.
I would also highly recomend Paramus to you. It's not as snobby there and it's closer to south bergen county and is in the best shopping district around.