Rochelle Park
Convenient central Bergen County living near Routes 4 and 17
By Scott Selleck \u2014 Licensed NJ/FL Real Estate Agent | 33+ Years in Bergen & Hudson Counties | The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Last updated: August 8, 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Rochelle Park, NJ?
Rochelle Park is a small, welcoming township of approximately 5,800 residents in central Bergen County, known for its convenient location near Routes 4 and 17, established neighborhoods, and diverse community. With median home prices ranging from $390K to $525K, it offers an accessible entry point to Bergen County living with easy access to Paramus shopping and Hackensack medical centers.
Originally incorporated as Midland Township in 1871 and renamed Rochelle Park in 1929 (after La Rochelle, France), this compact 1.1-square-mile township packs a lot of convenience into a small footprint. Residents enjoy the rare advantage of being within walking distance of the Garden State Plaza Mall in neighboring Paramus, while still maintaining a quiet, residential character.
The housing stock includes Cape Cods, colonials, split-levels, and ranches, supplemented by condominium complexes that offer more affordable entry points. Property taxes in Rochelle Park are moderate relative to Bergen County averages, adding to the township's appeal for homebuyers watching their budget.
The community is served by the Rochelle Park School District for grades K\u20138, with Midland School #1 as the borough's elementary and middle school. High school students attend the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, one of Bergen County's most respected regional systems. For medical needs, Hackensack University Medical Center is just minutes away.
Schools Serving Rochelle Park, NJ?
K\u20138 at Midland School #1, then Pascack Valley Regional High School. Rated 6/10 average on GreatSchools.org.
What Do Homes Cost in Rochelle Park in 2026?
Median $390K\u2013$525K. Single-family homes plus condos. Moderate taxes relative to Bergen County averages.
How Long Is the Commute from Rochelle Park to NYC?
NJ Transit buses 162, 163, 175 to Port Authority. 47\u201349 minutes. Easy access via Routes 4 and 17.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Rochelle Park, NJ?
Rochelle Park's dining scene leans toward casual Italian pizzerias and neighborhood bars, with a few standout destinations like Nanni Ristorante drawing diners from across the region.
Nanni Ristorante
A refined Italian restaurant on West Passaic Street serving handmade pasta, veal dishes, and an extensive wine list in an intimate, family-owned setting. A Rochelle Park classic.
Woodstone Pizza Bar & Grill
A neighborhood favorite on West Passaic Street known for brick-oven pizzas, craft beer, and a lively bar scene. Popular with locals for casual dinners and game nights.
Maestro Pizza
A Rochelle Avenue staple serving New York-style pizza, calzones, and Italian specialties. Favorite for takeout and delivery in the community.
Maguro Sushi House
A Rochelle Avenue sushi spot offering fresh rolls, sashimi, and Japanese classics. A reliable go-to for sushi lovers in central Bergen County.
Rochelle Park is also minutes from Paramus and Hackensack, offering virtually unlimited dining options just a short drive away.
What Parks and Recreation Does Rochelle Park Offer?
Rochelle Park offers neighborhood parks and easy access to the Saddle River County Park system, plus the shopping and entertainment of Garden State Plaza just minutes away.
Rochelle Park Municipal Park
The borough's central park with playgrounds, athletic fields, basketball courts, and picnic areas. A hub of community recreation and events.
Saddle River County Park
A scenic county park system along the Saddle River with walking and biking paths, fishing spots, and picnic areas. Accessible from Rochelle Park.
Memorial Park
A community green space with memorials, benches, and shaded walking paths for quiet reflection and relaxation.
Garden State Plaza (nearby)
Just minutes away in Paramus, one of the largest shopping malls in the nation with retail, dining, and entertainment.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Rochelle Park, NJ?
Rochelle Park hosts a friendly calendar of community events centered around the municipal park, from summer concerts to the annual Community Day celebration.
Rochelle Park Community Day
An annual community celebration with food vendors, live music, games, and family activities that brings neighbors together in the municipal park.
Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts during the summer months at the municipal park, featuring local bands and live music under the stars.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive annual gathering with caroling, hot cocoa, and the official lighting of the community holiday tree.
Paramus Holiday Parade (nearby)
Rochelle Park residents enjoy easy access to Paramus's annual holiday parade and other Bergen County regional events.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Rochelle Park, NJ?
Rochelle Park's location near Routes 4 and 17 and the Garden State Parkway gives residents excellent highway access. NJ Transit buses 162, 163, and 175 provide direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in about 47\u201349 minutes.
NJ Transit buses are the primary public transit option for Rochelle Park commuters. Routes 162, 163, and 175 all serve the area and connect to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The trip takes about 47\u201349 minutes under typical conditions. The Rochelle Park Park & Ride lot provides convenient parking for commuters.
By car, Rochelle Park's location is hard to beat. Routes 17 and 4 are minutes away, offering quick access to the George Washington Bridge (25\u201340 minutes off-peak). The Garden State Parkway and I-80 are also nearby, making travel throughout Northern New Jersey seamless. The GW Bridge toll is $14.79 off-peak and $16.79 during peak hours (E-ZPass).
Ride-share and carpool options are popular among Rochelle Park residents, and the borough's centralized location makes it easy to coordinate with coworkers in neighboring Paramus and Hackensack.
Pros and Cons of Living in Rochelle Park
Pros
- Excellent central location near Routes 4 and 17, GSP, and I-80
- Affordable home prices relative to Bergen County averages
- Moderate property taxes compared to neighboring towns
- Walking distance to Garden State Plaza shopping
- Diverse community with a welcoming atmosphere
- Minutes from Hackensack University Medical Center
Cons
- Small town with limited downtown of its own
- Heavy traffic on Routes 17 and 4 during rush hours
- No NJ Transit train station in the township
- Less nightlife and entertainment within walking distance
- Limited inventory of homes compared to larger towns
Who Is Rochelle Park Best For?
NYC Commuters
Frequent NJ Transit bus service and easy highway access make Rochelle Park a practical choice for those who work in Manhattan but want affordable Bergen County living.
First-Time Buyers
With median prices starting in the high $300Ks and moderate taxes, Rochelle Park offers one of the more accessible paths to homeownership in central Bergen County.
Downsizers
Condos and smaller single-family homes provide manageable options for downsizers who want to stay in Bergen County with easy access to shopping and medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Rochelle Park, NJ
Is Rochelle Park a good place to live?
How far is Rochelle Park from NYC?
What is the average home price in Rochelle Park?
Are the schools in Rochelle Park good?
Is Rochelle Park safe?
Rochelle Park — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Rochelle Park area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Rochelle Park School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Midland School #1 — K–8 | Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org, 2026)
For enrollment information and district details, visit Rochelle Park School District.
Private Schools
- Immaculate Heart Academy (Washington Township) — 9–12 |
- St. Joseph Regional High School (Montvale) — 9–12 |
Cooperative Programs
- Pascack Valley Regional High School District — Rochelle Park high school students attend Pascack Valley High School or Pascack Hills High School, both highly rated regional high schools. | More info
School ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org as of 2026 and may change. Verify current data directly with the school district or GreatSchools.org.
Nearby Towns
Paramus
Bergen County's retail capital and shopping destination.
Hackensack
County seat with medical centers and downtown amenities.
Maywood
Quiet residential borough with railroad heritage.
Saddle Brook
Affordable township with strong highway access.
Considering a move to Florida? Read our NJ to Florida Moving Guide for cost comparisons, moving process, and school districts.
How Do You Get to NYC from Rochelle Park?
Rochelle Park is served by NJ Transit bus routes 162, 163, and 175 to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The borough's location near Routes 4, 17, and the Garden State Parkway provides excellent highway access.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Routes 162, 163, and 175 provide direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Trip time is approximately 47–49 minutes.
Driving via Routes 17 and 4
Rochelle Park's central location near Routes 4, 17, and the Garden State Parkway provides quick access to the George Washington Bridge. 25–40 minutes to Midtown off-peak.
Rochelle Park Park & Ride
A commuter parking lot serves residents who drive to the bus stop, making the bus commute more convenient.
Nearby Transit Hubs
Paramus and Hackensack offer additional bus routes and connections, all within a few minutes of Rochelle Park.
Average Commute
Rochelle Park residents average approximately 40–55 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan, with bus riders achieving consistent commute times.
What Are the Schools Like in Rochelle Park?
Rochelle Park operates its own K–8 district with Midland School #1, while high school students attend the highly regarded Pascack Valley Regional High School District.
Midland School #1
Rochelle Park's sole K–8 school serving the township's elementary and middle school students.
Pascack Valley Regional High School District
High school students attend either Pascack Valley High School or Pascack Hills High School, both well-regarded regional high schools.
Nearby Private Schools
Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington Township and St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale are accessible for residents seeking private education.
Bergen County Academies
The nationally ranked magnet high school in Hackensack is accessible to Rochelle Park students via countywide application.
Rochelle Park Public Library
A community library serving the township and part of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS).
School ratings, when cited, are sourced from GreatSchools.org or Niche.com and are provided for informational purposes only. Verify current ratings directly with the relevant school district or rating source.
Where Are the Best Coffee Shops in Rochelle Park?
Rochelle Park's dining scene centers around casual Italian restaurants and pizzerias along the Route 17 corridor, with coffee shops in neighboring Paramus and Hackensack.
Woodstone Pizza Bar & Grill
A neighborhood gathering spot on West Passaic Street serving brick-oven pizza, craft beer, and a lively bar scene.
Nanni Ristorante
An intimate, family-owned Italian restaurant on West Passaic Street known for handmade pasta and an extensive wine list.
Nearby Cafes
Rochelle Park residents enjoy easy access to coffee shops and cafes in Paramus, including Starbucks and local options at Garden State Plaza.
Sam's Bagels & Deli
A local spot on West Passaic Street for bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and deli classics.
Is Rochelle Park Good for Pet Owners?
Rochelle Park offers the Saddle River County Park for dog walks, plus veterinary services in Hackensack and Paramus.
Saddle River County Park
A scenic county park system with walking paths along the Saddle River, ideal for leashed dog walks.
Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in neighboring Hackensack and Paramus provide comprehensive pet care.
Pet Supply Shopping
PetSmart and Petco are accessible just minutes away in Paramus and Hackensack.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Rochelle Park?
Hackensack University Medical Center, one of NJ's largest hospitals with a Level I Trauma Center, is just minutes from Rochelle Park.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals with 780+ beds, located just minutes away. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs.
The Valley Hospital (Paramus)
A 450-bed hospital about 10 minutes away, providing comprehensive emergency and specialty care.
Primary Care & Urgent Care
Dozens of primary care practices and urgent care centers operate throughout the Route 17 corridor.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens locations are readily accessible in Rochelle Park and neighboring communities.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Rochelle Park?
Rochelle Park residents enjoy convenient access to major supermarkets in Paramus and Hackensack, including ShopRite, ACME, and Whole Foods.
Garden State Plaza Area
Minutes from Paramus with Whole Foods, ShopRite, and other major grocery chains.
Hackensack Markets
Just south of Rochelle Park, Hackensack offers additional grocery options including Lidl and Food Bazaar.
Local Convenience
Small delis and convenience stores serve daily needs within the township.
Everyday Errands
Paramus and Hackensack provide banks, dry cleaners, pharmacies, and all daily services within a 5-minute drive.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Rochelle Park Offer?
Rochelle Park offers its own municipal park and playgrounds, plus easy access to the Saddle River County Park system and Garden State Plaza attractions.
Rochelle Park Municipal Park
Borough park with playgrounds, athletic fields, basketball courts, and picnic areas.
Saddle River County Park
A scenic county park system along the Saddle River with walking paths, fishing, and open green space.
Garden State Plaza (nearby)
One of America's largest shopping malls with retail, dining, and entertainment.
Van Saun County Park (nearby)
A 146-acre Bergen County park with a carousel, train ride, and Bergen County Zoo.
Walking & Biking
Saddle River County Park provides paved paths for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Interested in Rochelle Park?
I know central Bergen County inside and out. Let's talk about whether Rochelle Park is right for you.
All the best,
Scott Selleck
Broker / Sales Associate
The Selleck Group | KW City Views Realty
SRES, e-PRO | AI-Enabled Listing and NJ to FL Transition Specialist
Licensed since 1993 | Over 500 transactions closed
2200 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 502, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Cell: (201) 970-3960 | Office: (201) 592-8900
scott@sellecksellsnj.com | SelleckSellsNJ.com
Book a call: https://tidycal.com/slselleck
NJ Real Estate Broker / Sales Associate License #9236275
Keller Williams City Views Realty. Each office is independently owned and operated.
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Sources & Learn More — Rochelle Park
- Township of Rochelle Park — Official Website
- Rochelle Park School District
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- Pascack Valley Regional High School District
- Hackensack Meridian Health
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors — Market Data
- GreatSchools.org — School Ratings & Reviews