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Edgewater is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, set on the Hudson River directly across from Manhattan, beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Palisades. Incorporated in 1894, the borough was shaped first by industry and later by a sweeping residential transformation that turned its waterfront into one of New Jersey's most recognizable high-rise corridors. The population is about 14,800. For much of the twentieth century, Edgewater's riverfront was devoted to heavy industry. Beginning in the late twentieth century, that industrial land was redeveloped into condominiums, rental apartments, and townhouses, a change so pronounced that the borough is now widely grouped with the Hudson River "Gold Coast." The shift brought new residents, lower crime, and a distinctly urban-suburban character, with newer riverfront buildings on the east side of River Road and older single-family streets toward the Palisades on the west. The borough's geography is compact and linear: Edgewater runs along roughly 1.5 miles of waterfront, with River Road as its main artery and the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway threading along the shore. Views of the Manhattan skyline define the setting, and the Palisades rise immediately behind the town. Transportation is a central reason people choose Edgewater. The NY Waterway ferry landing at 989 River Road offers direct service to Midtown Manhattan, and NJ Transit bus routes provide additional commuter links. The commute across the river is among the shortest in Bergen County, and the borough's location also offers quick access to the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln Tunnel approaches. Shopping and dining are concentrated along River Road and at landmark destinations such as Mitsuwa Marketplace, a large Japanese food hall and market that draws visitors from across the region. Local schools are part of the Edgewater School District, which operates George Washington School and Eleanor Van Gelder School for elementary grades, with older students continuing in the neighboring Leonia district. Recreation runs along the water. The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway provides walking and cycling with skyline views, and the Palisades Interstate Park — a 2,500-acre preserve with cliffs, trails, and shoreline — lies immediately north. Edgewater is a Tree City USA community, and its parks and riverfront promenades anchor the borough's outdoor life.

Population 14,759

County Bergen

Active Listings 250

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Edgewater, New Jersey?

Edgewater is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, on the west bank of the Hudson River directly across from Manhattan. It sits beneath the cliffs of the Palisades and is part of the Hudson River Gold Coast.

How do people commute from Edgewater to Manhattan?

Commuters use the NY Waterway ferry from the Edgewater Ferry Landing at 989 River Road, which runs to Midtown West and downtown Manhattan, along with NJ Transit bus routes. The borough is also close to the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel approaches.

What school district serves Edgewater?

Edgewater's own school district operates George Washington School for pre-K through grade 2 and Eleanor Van Gelder School for grades 3 through 6. Older students continue their education through a sending/receiving relationship with the neighboring Leonia school district.

What is Mitsuwa Marketplace?

Mitsuwa Marketplace is a large Japanese supermarket and food hall located in Edgewater. It is a well-known regional destination for Japanese groceries, prepared food, and specialty shops, drawing visitors from across the New York metro area.

What is there to do in Edgewater?

The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway runs along the borough's roughly 1.5 miles of shoreline with Manhattan skyline views, and the Palisades Interstate Park offers cliffs, trails, and picnicking just north of town. Edgewater also maintains local parks and is a Tree City USA community.

City Guide

About Edgewater

Real Estate & Housing

Edgewater's housing is defined by its Hudson River waterfront redevelopment. The east side of River Road is lined with high-rise condominiums and rental apartment buildings — many with Manhattan views — while the west side retains older single-family homes and townhouses near the Palisades. The result is a two-sided market: dense, contemporary riverfront living alongside more traditional suburban streets. The housing stock spans pre-war buildings and newer towers, reflecting the borough's industrial past and its more recent Gold Coast transformation.

Neighborhoods

Edgewater is a small, linear borough rather than a collection of distinct neighborhoods. Its character divides along River Road: to the east, newer high-rise condominiums and rentals line the Hudson River waterfront, while to the west, older single-family homes and smaller multifamily buildings climb toward the Palisades. The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway links the riverfront, and the borough's compact geography means nearly every home is within a short walk of the water and its views of the Manhattan skyline.

Lifestyle in Edgewater

Edgewater offers an urban-suburban Gold Coast lifestyle with Manhattan as a constant backdrop. High-rise riverfront living, waterfront dining, and skyline views define daily life, while the ferry and bus put midtown within a short commute. River Road is the commercial spine, anchored by destinations such as Mitsuwa Marketplace, a large Japanese market and food hall. The borough's population is notably diverse, and its combination of convenience, views, and access to New York gives it a distinct appeal among Bergen County's Hudson River communities.

Schools & Education

Edgewater is served by the Edgewater School District, which operates two local elementary campuses: George Washington School for pre-K through grade 2 and Eleanor Van Gelder School for grades 3 through 6. For middle and high school, Edgewater students continue through a sending/receiving relationship with the neighboring Leonia school district. This arrangement keeps younger students close to home while connecting older students to Leonia's secondary programs a short distance away.

Getting Around

Edgewater's commute to Manhattan is among its biggest draws. The NY Waterway ferry from the Edgewater Ferry Landing at 989 River Road runs directly to Midtown West and downtown Manhattan, and NJ Transit bus routes such as the 156R, 158, and 159R provide additional service. River Road is the borough's main artery, and the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel approaches are both nearby for drivers. The combination gives residents multiple fast options into New York City.

Parks & Recreation

Edgewater's recreation is organized around the Hudson River. The Waterfront Walkway runs along the borough's roughly 1.5 miles of shoreline, offering walking and cycling with Manhattan skyline views, and the Palisades Interstate Park lies just north, with 2,500 acres of cliffs, hiking trails, and picnicking. The borough maintains local parks and holds a Tree City USA designation, and its proximity to the river supports boating and ferry-adjacent waterfront activity. Weekend recreation is easy to reach without leaving the immediate area.

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