A Neighborhood Guide to Demarest, NJ
By Risa Corson | Coldwell Banker Realty
"Unlike nearby towns, Demarest remains a community whose residents still prefer its quiet treed streets and varied terrain — a town built for people, not for industry."
— Demarest Nature Center Association, Borough Historian
A TOWN THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ITSELF
Tucked into the northeastern corner of Bergen County, Demarest is the kind of borough that New Jersey does especially well: a walkable, leafy, deeply rooted community that manages to feel genuinely apart from the metropolitan sprawl that surrounds it — even as Midtown Manhattan sits less than 25 miles away.
The town traces its identity all the way back to the Demarest family, Huguenot settlers who arrived in the 1670s and built grist mills along the banks of the Tenakill Brook. The family's most prominent descendant, Ralph S. Demarest — State Senator and director of the Northern Railroad of New Jersey — brought rail service to the area in 1859, transforming the quiet farming settlement into a fashionable Victorian resort. A grand hotel rose on the site of today's United Methodist Church; a racetrack occupied the land where Northern Valley Regional High School now stands.
The hotel and the track are long gone, but the sensibility that drew those early resort visitors never left. Demarest became a borough in its own right on April 8, 1903, carved from portions of Harrington Township and Palisades Township. Today its roughly 1,800 homes and population of just under 5,000 make it one of Bergen County's most intimate and sought-after addresses.
The Historic Railroad Station
Demarest's 1874 railroad depot — designed by J. Cleveland Cady, the same architect behind the original Metropolitan Opera House and the American Museum of Natural History — was built of Palisades stone and still stands today. After the borough purchased it in 1978 and painstakingly restored it, the station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It is a quietly extraordinary building hiding in plain sight on a residential street.
COMMUNITY & CHARACTER
Demarest is a genuinely diverse and welcoming borough. That diversity shows up in the texture of everyday life here — in conversations on the trail, in the families gathered at the Duck Pond, and in the remarkable international flavors available at nearby restaurants.
Hardenburgh Avenue is the modest but beloved heart of downtown. It's not a destination in the way that some Bergen County main streets try to be — it's better than that. A handful of shops, a beloved deli, a nail salon, a bank — the scale stays human. Neighbors actually bump into one another here, which is precisely the point.
The Peace Site Gazebo at the Duck Pond, built in 1986 by an ecumenical group of residents committed to promoting peace in the wider world, is perhaps the most Demarest thing in Demarest: a community-built gathering place, maintained by volunteers, quietly idealistic, surrounded by the sound of water and ducks.
NATURE & THE OUTDOORS
For a borough of barely two square miles, Demarest holds a remarkable amount of green space — and it treats that space as something sacred.
The Duck Pond sits at the heart of town along County Road, a serene stretch of the Tenakill Brook that has been a community gathering place for generations. It is stroller-friendly, beautiful in every season, and absolutely spectacular in October when the foliage lights up in the water's reflection. The Peace Site Gazebo here hosts small social events throughout the year.
The Demarest Nature Center is a 55-acre preserve incorporated in 1977, run entirely by volunteers and open to all — residents and non-residents alike — every single day of the year. Bordered by Columbus Road to the west and County Road to the east, it protects woods, vernal ponds, meadows, and a section of the Tenakill Brook. Walking trails meander through diverse habitats; the Tenakill Brook is stocked annually with trout by the State of NJ (a fishing license is required). In winter, two low-lying areas flood naturally to form ponds perfect for ice skating. The Nature Center sponsors an impressive calendar of programs: lectures on native plants, maple syrup making, mushroom foraging walks, birdhouse building workshops, bird counts, and children's scavenger hunts. Its annual Oktoberfest/Fall Festival at the Duck Pond — featuring a craft show, canoeing, and food — draws families from across Bergen County.
Wakelee Field is the town's main athletic hub, home to baseball diamonds, ball fields, and the beloved Demarest Imagination Playground — an adventure-style play space that rewards creative, child-directed play. The field also serves as the central entrance to the Nature Center trail system.
The Demarest Swim Club is another cornerstone of summer life in the borough. A beloved community institution, the swim club provides residents with a welcoming seasonal destination for swimming, relaxation, and socializing — the kind of place where neighbors become friends and kids spend entire summers. Its location adjacent to the Nature Center and Wakelee Field makes this entire corridor the true recreational heart of Demarest.
The Nature Center trails connect seamlessly with the Closter Nature Center trails next door, effectively expanding your hiking range considerably. Birdwatchers will find the habitat excellent — Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Baltimore Orioles, Belted Kingfishers, and Wood Ducks have all been spotted along the brook.
SCHOOLS
Education is one of Demarest's most compelling draws, and the system here is genuinely exceptional from the earliest grades through high school graduation.
County Road School (PreK–Grade 1) is home to a gifted program and is highly rated as the entry point into the Demarest system.
Luther Lee Emerson Elementary (Grades 2–4) has been named a "Best Elementary School" by U.S. News and builds strong academic foundations.
Demarest Middle School (Grades 5–8) bridges elementary and the nationally recognized high school with a full arts and athletics program.
Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest (Grades 9–12) is consistently one of New Jersey's top-ranked public high schools. Ranked 18th in NJ by U.S. News, it boasts an AP participation rate of 86% and a student-to-teacher ratio of just 11:1. The school has earned the U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence and offers over 23 varsity sports and 60 co-curricular activities. The Northern Valley Regional High School District was ranked the #1 school district in New Jersey by Niche in 2025.
WHERE TO EAT
Demarest itself is a residential borough without a restaurant strip — and locals wouldn't have it any other way. The town's dining life happens in the neighboring villages of Closter, Cresskill, and Tenafly, all within a 5–10 minute drive. Together, these towns offer a dining scene that punches well above its suburban weight class.
Closter
Brasserie Memere — Authentic French cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. The cassoulet and flatbreads draw repeat visitors from across the county. A consistently beloved local gem.
Stern & Bow — One of the most popular spots in northern Bergen County. Always packed, praised for its beautifully composed menu, outstanding service, and sophisticated ambiance. Reserve ahead.
Sear House — The go-to destination for a celebratory dinner in the Northern Valley. Elegant and reliable, with an outstanding steak program and excellent service.
Country MKT Diner — A beloved local institution for breakfast and lunch. Farm-fresh eggs, great sandwiches, and honest diner cooking. The Closter Cobb is a neighborhood staple.
Rudy's — A Closter landmark. Classic Italian recipes, neighborhood warmth, and a menu that includes homemade gnocchi, eggplant rollatini, and a Margarita pizza locals have been ordering for decades.
Cresskill
MaMi — A fresh, vibrant take on Mediterranean cooking drawing from Israeli, Lebanese, Greek, and North African traditions. Bold spices, colorful salads, and slow-cooked dishes done with care.
Samdan — An exceptionally authentic menu of mezze-style small plates from the broader Mediterranean and Middle Eastern world. Exotic, fresh, and remarkably affordable for the quality. Private parking in the rear.
Tenafly
The 130 Club — An intimate supper club that transports diners to a Gatsby-era atmosphere — plush leather seating, crystal chandeliers, and live jazz. The menu centers on the highest-quality meats and seafood. The hidden private dining room behind a bookcase is one of Bergen County's best-kept secrets. Reserve well ahead, especially on weekends.
Axia Taverna — Rave reviews since 2006. A sleek, modern dining room with an exciting contemporary Greek menu organized around small and large plates. Full bar with Greek wine selections curated by a sommelier.
Sayola Restaurant & Tapas Bar — Highly rated traditional Spanish cuisine and a full tapas menu. Lively atmosphere, excellent for groups and dates alike.
Tavlin — A charming spot praised for attentive, friendly service and consistently pleasing Mediterranean plates. Works equally well for brunch, lunch, or a relaxed dinner.
Norwood
Dimora Ristorante & Bar — A beloved Northern Valley institution since 2002, Dimora's name means "warm home" in Italian — and it delivers on that promise completely. Chef Gino's cooking is artistic and ingredient-driven, with standouts including Chilean sea bass, branzino, veal chop, and housemade pastas. The European interior, valet parking, and genuinely hospitable staff make it a natural choice for celebrations and business dinners alike. Demarest residents have been regulars here for years.
SHOPPING
Demarest residents enjoy easy access to one of Bergen County's most convenient and well-curated retail destinations: Closter Plaza, located just minutes away in neighboring Closter. This thoughtfully anchored shopping center has become a genuine part of daily life for families throughout the Northern Valley.
At its center is a Whole Foods Market — a major draw for those who prioritize quality groceries, prepared foods, and specialty items. Beyond that, the plaza offers an impressive mix of lifestyle and wellness retailers including HomeGoods for home décor and furnishings, Lululemon for athletic wear, Mixology for contemporary fashion, and Blue Mercury for luxury skincare and beauty. Additional shops, restaurants and services round out the mix, making Closter Plaza a one-stop destination for everything from a quick grocery run to an afternoon of leisurely browsing.
GETTING AROUND
Demarest is essentially a driver's town for daily errands, but its commuting position is surprisingly strong. The George Washington Bridge is just 8 miles away, making it genuinely feasible for Manhattan-bound commuters who prefer a car. NJ Transit bus service provides a direct transit option into the city, and the surrounding road network — including Bergen County Routes 501 and 505 — connects residents easily to Closter, Cresskill, Tenafly, and the broader county.
The historic railroad depot is no longer in service (passenger trains stopped in 1966), but the station building's restoration stands as a testament to how much the community values its heritage. There are a talks of an American restaurant possibly going in. Again not confimed. Today, the borough feels wonderfully walkable within its own borders — from downtown Hardenburgh Avenue to the Duck Pond to Wakelee Field, most of Demarest's daily life is reachable on foot.
QUICK FACTS
Population: 4,981 (2020 U.S. Census)
Incorporated: April 8, 1903
County: Bergen
Distance to GWB: 8 miles (~20 min by car)
High School Rank: #18 in NJ (U.S. News)
Nature Preserve: 55 acres (Demarest Nature Center)
Housing Units: 1,703
Bordering Towns: Alpine, Closter, Cresskill, Dumont, Haworth
A BOROUGH WORTH KNOWING
Demarest doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a thoughtfully preserved, community-minded small town that happens to sit in one of the most desirable locations in New Jersey. The trails are open every day. The schools are outstanding. The neighbors know your name. And dinner is never more than five minutes away.
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Risa Corson | Coldwell Banker Realty
Bergen County Real Estate Agent
201.745.4490
risacorsonrealtor.com
