Westwood, NJ
- About the City
- Landmarks
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Athletic Life
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities and Services
Westwood is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, known as the "Hub of the Pascack Valley." It is a suburban community within the New York metropolitan area with a charming, historic downtown.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Westwood (Borough of Westwood) .
- Administrative Role: Westwood is a borough governed under the Borough form of New Jersey municipal government .
- Location: It is located in Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The borough is part of the New York metropolitan area, with many residents commuting to New York City for work and leisure . Bergen County is known for its dense population, affluent communities, and proximity to Manhattan.
Founding Date and Age
- Date of Incorporation: Westwood was officially incorporated as a borough on May 8, 1894 .
- Age: The town is 130 years old as of 2024.
- Founding Context: Its incorporation occurred during the "Boroughitis" phenomenon, a period when 26 boroughs were formed in Bergen County in 1894 alone. Isaac D. Bogert served as the borough's first mayor . The area's development was significantly spurred by the arrival of the Hackensack and New York Railroad in 1870 .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 40°59′21″N 74°01′55″W .
- Location: Westwood is situated in the Pascack Valley region of Bergen County. The Hackensack River historically served as a dividing line for the townships from which it was formed .
- Elevation: The elevation of the borough's center is approximately 66 feet (20 meters) above sea level .
- Settlement Type: Westwood is a suburban bedroom community and railroad suburb, characterized by residential housing and a developed downtown commercial district .
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Economic Role: Westwood is primarily a residential suburb and a regional commercial hub for the Pascack Valley, a role reflected in its motto, "Hub of the Pascack Valley" . Its economy is centered on local retail, dining, and services in its historic downtown .
- Commuter Town: A significant portion of its workforce commutes to jobs in New York City, utilizing the town's train and bus services .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 11,282 .
- Population Class: Westwood is a small city. It ranks 221st of 565 municipalities in New Jersey and 33rd of 70 in Bergen County by population .
- Demographic Note: It is a diverse and largely affluent community with a median household income of $169,026 as of 2023 . Many residents are professionals who commute to New York City .
"Visiting Card" (Brief)
Westwood is a charming and vibrant suburban town in Bergen County, known as the "Hub of the Pascack Valley." With a walkable, historic downtown full of unique shops and restaurants, a strong sense of community, and excellent rail and bus connections to New York City, it offers a quintessential small-town experience within the New York metropolitan area.
Landmarks
Downtown Westwood Historic District
The heart of Westwood is its picturesque downtown, centered along Broadway and Westwood Avenue. It features a mix of architectural styles, including Renaissance Revival structures, housing boutique retail shops, art galleries, and a wide variety of restaurants offering Italian, American, and global cuisines . The area is a popular destination for shopping and dining in the region .
Westwood Heritage Society Museum
Located in the town's historic old train station, this museum showcases intriguing displays on Westwood's development, prominent local figures, and its important railroad history. It is an ideal stop for history enthusiasts .
Westwood Movie House
This local cinema on Center Avenue merges art deco charm with modern digital projection. It is a beloved community institution, known for showing new releases every day until midnight and offering a nostalgic atmosphere with low-cost tickets .
Veterans Memorial Park
This park features a gazebo used for community concerts and performances, well-maintained walking paths, and spacious lawns perfect for relaxation . It is a central gathering spot for community events throughout the year.
The Downtown Gazebo
The gazebo located in the triangular park at the town's center is a key community landmark. This open space has played an important role in community gatherings since the 19th century . Today, it hosts summer concerts where people bring chairs and blankets to enjoy music .
Fritz Deitl Ice Rink
Opened in 1958, this is a popular local recreational facility offering ice skating, lessons, hockey programs, and rentals for birthday parties .
Geography
Parks and Natural Areas
Westwood values its green spaces, which offer residents and visitors a variety of outdoor experiences .
- Pascack Brook County Park: Located on Emerson Road, this Bergen County park is a key natural asset. It offers a mix of active recreation (playground, ball fields) and a significant natural area with a riparian forest ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing in the pond or the brook (which is stocked with trout), and observing diverse wildlife, including birds, turtles, and other animals .
- Veterans Memorial Park: Another important community park featuring a gazebo, walking trails, and open lawns for leisure and community events .
Water Bodies
- Musquapsink Brook: A stream that runs through the area, it was historically significant as the site of an 18th-century mill near what is today the intersection of Mill Street and First Avenue .
- Pascack Brook: This brook flows through Pascack Brook County Park, creating a valuable streamside habitat and offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Westwood has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification, typical of the New York metropolitan area. It features warm to hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters, with moderate precipitation spread relatively evenly throughout the year.
Average Temperatures
- Summer: Average high temperatures in July are around 85°F (29°C), with lows near 67°F (19°C). Humidity can be high.
- Winter: Average high temperatures in January are around 38°F (3°C), with lows dipping to around 22°F (-5°C).
- Spring and Fall: These are transitional seasons with mild to warm temperatures and lower humidity, making them particularly pleasant.
Precipitation
- Annual Rainfall: The area receives about 45-50 inches of precipitation annually, distributed fairly evenly across the year.
- Snowfall: Average annual snowfall is around 25-30 inches, with the majority falling from December to March.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Westwood is during the spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) . These months offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the walkable downtown, dining at outdoor cafes, and enjoying the town's parks. The summer (June-August) is warm to hot and humid, but also the season for community events like concerts in the park . Winter (December-February) is cold, but the "Home for the Holidays" parade and festive downtown decorations create a charming holiday atmosphere .
Transport
Nearest Major Airports
Westwood does not have its own commercial airport, but it is conveniently located near several major airports serving the New York metropolitan area, accessible via local taxi and car services .
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Located approximately 25-30 miles southwest, this is a major international airport and a primary gateway for the region.
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Situated in Queens, NY, about 20-25 miles east, it handles numerous domestic and some international flights.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Also in Queens, NY, about 30-35 miles east, it is a major international hub.
- Teterboro Airport (TEB): A general aviation and corporate airport located nearby in Teterboro, NJ, serving private and charter flights.
Main Railway Stations
- Westwood Train Station: Located at Broadway and Westwood Avenue, this station is a vital transportation link for the community . It is served by NJ Transit's Pascack Valley Line, providing rail service to Hoboken Terminal. From Hoboken, passengers can connect to PATH trains, NY Waterway ferries to Manhattan, and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail .
Public Transportation System
- Bus Service: NJ Transit bus route 165 serves Westwood, providing direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan . Westwood is the last stop for this bus route. Additionally, Rockland Coaches offers bus service to the Port Authority on routes 11 and 47 .
- Local Taxi Services: For getting around town and to nearby attractions, several local taxi and car services operate, offering 24/7 rides, airport transfers, and local insight .
Major Highways
- County Routes: The main roads through Westwood are County Route 503 (Kinderkamack Road) and County Route 502 .
- Nearby Highways: The closest major highway is the Garden State Parkway, accessible via Exit 168 in nearby Washington Township, providing north-south connectivity throughout New Jersey .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Westwood's dining scene is a delightful reflection of New Jersey's diverse suburban landscape, offering a mix of classic American comfort food and rich international flavors, with a particularly strong presence of Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.
A Local Rivalry: Pizza in Westwood
For a small town, Westwood boasts a notable pizza rivalry that is a point of local pride. Two pizzerias, Lisa's Pizza and Tony D's Pizza, offer distinct takes on the classic pie. Lisa's Pizza, located at 417 Broadway Ave., is a lunchtime favorite known for its authentic New York-style slice. In contrast, Tony D's Pizza at 271 Center Ave. prides itself on using different ingredients to create a unique pizza, striving to stray from the norm and offering an extended dining room for a proper dinner experience .
The Pride of Pascack Valley: Lamb Gyros
Westwood is recognized as the home of some of the best lamb gyros in New Jersey. The go-to spot for this iconic dish is It's Greek to Me, a restaurant at 487 Broadway Ave. with a Greek-infused menu and an open, inviting feel. Their lamb gyros are so renowned that they are considered a must-try, even if they get a little messy . The town's affinity for Mediterranean flavors is further solidified by the popularity of Cedar Tree Mediterranean Cuisine, located nearby on Westwood Avenue, which is highly rated for its quality and generous portions .
A Taste of Turkey
Westwood also offers authentic Turkish cuisine. The Kebabci West (formerly at 417 Broadway) offered a traditional menu featuring staples like Hummus, pureed chickpeas with sesame oil and garlic; Baba Ganoush, pureed smoked eggplant; and Cacik, diced cucumber in yogurt with garlic. Heartier options included Kibbeh, which are bulgur balls stuffed with sautéed ground beef and nuts .
Bagels and More
No culinary tour of a New Jersey town is complete without bagels. Goldberg's Famous Bagels is a family-owned institution where all bagels are hand-made on location. The quality has earned them a fiercely loyal customer base and a new location in the heart of downtown . For a heartier meal, locals frequent The Iron Horse at 20 Washington Ave., a premier dining destination and pub located near the train station. With its railway-inspired décor, it has a long history in the community and is a local favorite for both food and drink . Another community staple is PJ Finnegan's, a family-owned pub at 274 Fairview Ave. where you might even find the owner joining you for a conversation .
Museums
Westwood Heritage Society Museum
The primary museum in Westwood is the Westwood Heritage Society Museum, which is uniquely housed within the active Westwood Train Station at the intersection of Broadway and Westwood Avenue .
The museum serves as an exhibit gallery for the town's history. It features displays of memorabilia, old photographs of the town, and artifacts documenting the growth of Westwood from a farming community into a railroad suburb . Visitors can learn about the prominent founding families of Bergen County, such as the Demerest, Blauvelt, and Wortendyke families, and their impact on the town's development . Exhibits cover family life, the history of local businesses, schools, the fire and police departments, and tributes to veterans . A particularly unique feature is the on-site bomb shelter located beneath the train station, which is open for tours . The museum is typically open on the second Saturday of every month, and the main room of the train station, which houses the displays, is accessible during business hours .
Historical Sites
Just outside the museum, Westwood offers other points of historical interest. The 18th Century Mill at Bogart's Pond, located at the intersection of Mill St. and First Ave., operated for two centuries before being destroyed by an arson fire. It has since been renovated into a scenic waterfall with a bridge, incorporating repaired remnants of the original mill . Nearby, the Gazebo at Veteran's Park, adjacent to the train station, serves as a community hub for gatherings, flea markets, antique shows, and concerts .
Sport and Athletic Life
Westwood offers a variety of recreational sports opportunities, with a strong emphasis on youth athletics and community park facilities.
Parks and Recreation Facilities
The Borough of Westwood maintains several parks with sports facilities. In September 2024, the Westwood Recreation Department completed a major renovation of the basketball courts at Voorhis Park, adding two new, modern courts for public use. This project, funded by the Borough and a Bergen County Open Space Grant, provides residents on the west side of town with easy access to quality sports facilities . The town also has a renovated basketball court at Brookside Park .
Youth Sports Associations
The heart of Westwood's sports culture lies in its robust network of youth athletic leagues, managed and promoted by the Westwood Recreation Department. These programs, run by dedicated volunteers, offer young residents a chance to engage in a wide variety of sports .
- Recreation Basketball and Basketball Travel League
- Junior Cardinals Wrestling
- Junior Cardinals Field Hockey
- Dragons Soccer
- Westwood Youth Football and Cheerleading (Jr. Cardinals)
- Westwood Cross Country (fall) and Track and Field (spring)
- Westwood Baseball Association
- Westwood Softball Association
In addition to these town-run programs, local leagues like the Washington Township Falcons Lacrosse also utilize Westwood's community spirit to organize their teams .
Nearby Attractions for Outdoor Enthusiasts
For cycling and ski enthusiasts, Westwood is home to two well-known specialty retailers. Mount Everest is recognized as one of the best ski and snowboard distributors in New Jersey, while Westwood Cycle is a go-to destination for all things cycling .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Westwood itself is a small borough and does not host any major university campuses. However, its location in Bergen County places it within a reasonable distance of several prominent institutions of higher education. Residents and students in the area have access to a variety of colleges and universities.
Nearby Universities and Colleges
The closest higher education options include public research universities and private colleges in northern New Jersey and nearby New York.
- Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU): The closest major university, with its Metropolitan Campus located in nearby Teaneck and Hackensack, just a short drive from Westwood. FDU is the largest private university in New Jersey and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Bergen Community College: Located in Paramus, this is the county's primary two-year public community college, offering associate degrees and certificate programs, and serving as a stepping stone for many local students before transferring to four-year institutions.
- Pace University: With a campus in downtown Manhattan and another in Pleasantville, NY, Pace is accessible from Westwood via the George Washington Bridge or the Pascack Valley Line train line.
- Ramapo College of New Jersey: Located in nearby Mahwah, this public liberal arts college is known for its strong academic programs and beautiful suburban campus.
- Dominican University New York: Located across the state line in Orangeburg, NY, this private university is also in close proximity to Westwood.
Elementary and Secondary Education
Students in Westwood are served by the Westwood Regional School District, which is known for its strong academic reputation. The district includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Westwood Regional High School, which serves students from Westwood and the neighboring township of Washington Township.
Healthcare Facilities and Services
Westwood is well-served by a network of local medical practices and is in close proximity to major regional hospitals, providing residents with comprehensive healthcare options.
Major Regional Medical Centers
While Westwood itself does not have a large hospital, it is part of the Valley Health System region, one of the premier healthcare networks in northern New Jersey. The system's flagship hospital, The Valley Hospital, is located just a few miles away in Ridgewood, NJ. Valley Hospital is consistently recognized for its excellence, particularly in cardiology, oncology, and women's and children's services.
Local Medical Practices
Westwood hosts numerous specialist practices that are part of the larger Valley Medical Group (VMG). For instance, VMG Cardiac Services has a location at 333 Old Hook Road, Suite 200, in Westwood, where cardiologists like Dr. Joel Landzberg provide care to patients . This allows residents to access high-level specialist care within their own community.
Public Health and Community Clinics
The Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission (NWBRHC) , which serves Westwood and several surrounding towns, provides public health services to the community. The NWBRHC hosts regular Blood Pressure Clinics at the Westwood Community Center (55 Jefferson Ave.), offering free and accessible health screenings to residents . The commission also organizes Child Health Conferences for uninsured children or those with Medicaid in nearby Waldwick, providing essential physical exams . For regulatory health matters, local Boards of Health, such as those in neighboring Hillsdale and Waldwick, hold public meetings, ensuring community health oversight .
Additional Local Services
For everyday health and wellness needs, Westwood's downtown offers a variety of businesses. One unique local shop is The Gem Mine, which sells rare and hard-to-find minerals, rocks, and metals, catering to collectors and those interested in the geological side of health and wellness . Additionally, for entertainment and mental well-being, residents can visit the Pascack 6 movie theater at 182 Center St. .