Tenafly/ Cresskill
Overall: Though different towns, Tenafly and Cresskill are bordering one another and share many similarities - housing options, well-rated school districts, means of commute to NYC, life style, and demographics. Both towns offer residents sparse suburban feel, yet has easy access to shopping centers in Paramus, NJ. If you want to enjoy a charming downtown, head down to Englewood's downtown where there are many coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants. Both towns' schools are highly rated. Most of residents in Tenafly and Cresskill are single family home owners. The areas also have relatively new duplex development.
Transportation*:
Public Transportation: The 166T(Local) and 166X (Express) buses by NJ Transit operate a distance of 17 miles between Cresskill and NYC. With local buses, the journey can take as long as about 1h 15 min. With express buses, the journey can take as short as 41 min. (166 Bus Schedule). 166X runs about every 10 minutes during rush hours. On weekends, bus 166 frequency is around 9-15 minutes, taking about an hour to reach NYC. Schedules will be subject to change after COVID period.
Private Transportation:
Coaches: Route 20 and Route 14 takes people from Tenafly Bus Shelter to Port Authority every 15-30 minutes during peak hours during the pre-pandemic period. Service is running on a reduced schedule - Route 20 is about every 45 minutes during peak hours while Route 14 has been paused. Total travel time is about 45 minutes to Port Authority. There are designated lots for commuters where permits are required. Fare is between $6-7 as of 2021. Check out downtown Tenafly parking areas near bus stops here.
Ferry: Tenafly/ Cresskill residents can take NJ Transit bus line 9W to connect to Port Imperial Ferry (parking available) and Edgewater Ferry Landing (pickup/Drop-off only). Free ferry shuttles also run from Fort Lee to Port Imperial Ferry. See shuttle schedule here.
Hip: Hip is a privately owned company that provides app-based bus service between NJ suburban areas (Cresskill, Demarest, Englewood, Teaneck, Tenafly) and Port Authority in NYC. It is known for being the most reliable, convenient and comfortable way to commute by providing more pick up locations, real-time bus tracking, reserved seating, yet no need to sacrifice the commute time. A 10-ticket pass averages the fare to $8.95 per ride. Learn more about Hip here. For Android, download Hip App here. For iOS, download Hip App here.
Drive: Many residents in Tenafly also choose to drive to NYC for work. Typical driving time to Port Authority is approximately 30 minutes via George Washington Bridge (GWB) or Lincoln Tunnel on weekdays. Toll to cross the river is around $14 during peak hours. Monthly parking in Manhattan ranges between $450 to $600.
Schools:
Tenafly Public School District ranks top 5% overall in New Jersey. Tenafly High School was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School Award by the US Department of Education in 2005. Niche gave the school district an A+ rating, ranked it as the No.6 best school district in New Jersey, and granted the Niche Best Schools of 2022 Badge to Tenafly. The district is served by five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Note that Alpine township has a sending/receiving relationship with the Tenafly Public schools. Public school students in Alpine attend Tenafly High School from ninth through twelfth grades. See Tenafly's Public School Reviews.
Cresskill Public School District ranks top 20% in New Jersey. Niche gave the school district an A+ rating, ranked it as the No.27 best school district in New Jersey, and granted the Niche Best Schools of 2022 Badge to Cresskill. The district is served by three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. See Cresskill's Public School Reviews.
Tenafly Schools:
J Spencer Smith (Elementary School) View Report
Malcolm S Mackay (Elementary School) View Report
Ralph S Maugham (Elementary School) View Report
Tenafly High (Secondary School) View Report
Tenafly Middle (Elementary School) View Report
Walter Stillman (Elementary School) View Report
Cresskill Schools
Cresskill High School (Secondary School) View Report
Cresskill Middle School (Elementary School) View Report
Edward H. Bryan (Elementary School) View Report
Merritt Memorial (Elementary School) View Report
Transportation methods to Manhattan: NJ Transit, Ferry, Car, Hip, Coach
Tenafly/Cresskill areas are best for home buyers desiring a well-rated school district, spacious yards and outdoor space, quiet suburban life style, a diverse community, an easy commute to Manhattan, and quick access to inner New Jersey. In turn, home buyers will be paying a premium for the location and the space.
*Transportation information is subject to change due to COVID. Visit NJ Transit, NY Waterway Ferry, Coach, Hip websites to get the latest bus schedules and fares.