Westwood NJ (Ridgewood, Hillsdale, River Vale: condo, crime, townhouses)

[ARod78]

I am very interested in purchasing a home in Westwood. We are a young family with 2 small children, and from my one visit -- Westwood seems really nice. However, in reading through some threads some have decribed gang activity and a very poor area along Sand Road? Is this true? It seems like such a nice, cute town? Is there a crime problem or gang problem? Is the Sand Road area really that bad? Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Kevin1975]

I live in Westwood and near Sand Road. Sand Road is not bad. Maybe people who are scared of all black people, would find this section "scary". Some of the houses on that street aren't the nicest, but there are also newer constructions. There is a park off Sand Road which was recently upgraded including a jogging path and new athletic fields. Gang problem? Never of any in Westwood. I read the local paper on a regularly basis, basically the only crimes listed in the police blotter are DUIs. There can be gang members anywhere. Westwood is a cute town with a nice walkable downtown area. High School had a decent rating in NJ Monthly and moved up quite a bit from 2006.

I also have 2 young children and feel very safe. Any other questions, please let me know.

[ImCurlybelle]

Stay away from Sand Pond Road- Hillsdale is a nice town and it's right next door. Ridgewood is a great town and rates as one of the top ten for kids (Schools) in New Jersey. Check out forclosure lists from the Bergen County Sheriffs department- Forclosures are on the rise these days.

[Blondie621]

Westwood if fine. I grew up as a kid from 5 years old in the next town over (Washington Twp.) and my Mom still lives in the town. I also know Westwood like the back of my hand. Looking back now, I would love to relocate from Florida to Westwood! There are many older quaint homes like I like with alot of charm and front porches. And Sand Rd. is one street way over on the other side, on the border of Emerson and River Vale. I would not let that deter my move to Westwood. A really nice area is on or near Mill St. between Lafayette Ave. and Westwood Ave. or is it Third St. Well it is the road that the original H.S. was located on. Now it is a Senior Condo building I believe. Westwood has a great Main St. with lots of nice shopping and ambiance. Conrads might still be there....the soda fountain/homemade chocolate eatery. And also the German deli I bet is still there...Strunks I think the name is! Good luck....I would love to live in Westwood!

[stevemorse]

Its all bull!! Sand road has cleaned up so much, its not like the late 70's!! Also its only one street. As far as gangs , no way. The biggest problem in Westwood is the taxes and look at the police payroll!! Taxes are sure to go up in westwood alot , they have over 20 cops making 85K and some with a lot more. There is a big overhead. Its a fine town, go get that house. If you work in NYC, train right at your doorstep. I have tons of friends who love WESTWOOD. If you got a good deal and found a house you love please do it. Its a nice town!

[ARod78]

Thanks for the replies. Your replies are just another example of the complete range of sentiment about that Sand Rd. area. I don't care about skin color and infact like a diverse area. My only concern is crime and the ability for my wife to take our kids out. For example, is that new park safe at night? Is this really a case of some people seeing a person of color and calling it a "bad area" or is Sand Rd. unsafe at night?

Again thanks for the input, i really appreciate it.

[WyoNewk]

My late wife was raised in Westwood. I know it's a fairly small town; anyone remember Sandi Llanso? She graduated from Westwood High in 1961 or 1962.

[Lucky Lady123]

Westwood is a nice town and I think you and your family would be very happy there. Happy house hunting and let us know how things go.

[HalfFull]

Can't tell you a thing about this neighborhood....

But as soon as I saw "Westood", fond memories of the Iron Horse restaurant jumped into my head. Great burgers, fries, and brews... plus the free pickles and cole slaw when you sit down.

[stevemorse]

Originally Posted by ARod78

Thanks for the replies. Your replies are just another example of the complete range of sentiment about that Sand Rd. area. I don't care about skin color and infact like a diverse area. My only concern is crime and the ability for my wife to take our kids out. For example, is that new park safe at night? Is this really a case of some people seeing a person of color and calling it a "bad area" or is Sand Rd. unsafe at night?

Again thanks for the input, i really appreciate it.

the park on River Vale Road is fine!!! Listen there is not people hanging out in that park all hours of the night. I mean there is so many cops doing nothing that they drive by that area all the time. Sand Road has completely changed since the 70,s!! First off on the corner of Old Hook Road and Sand is that fairly new set of Townhouses with fancy price tags, so this is Yuppies and Upper class people . Very few wrecks there, they have been slowly fixing up the houses on Sand Road and not too mention the few that are there are in that little Church on Sundays. So crime, please there is NONE at Sand Road. You more likely to get robbed at the bus stop from Paco!!!! (The mexicans)