Two neighboring towns. Two distinct weekend rhythms. If you are comparing Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus, you are really choosing how you want your Saturdays and Sundays to feel. Maybe you want coffee lines and restaurant buzz, or maybe you want a quiet stroll and dinner close to home. In this guide, you will see what a typical weekend looks like in both places, how people get around, and how the vibe translates into day-to-day life. Let’s dive in.
Ridgewood vs. Ho-Ho-Kus at a glance
Ridgewood is larger, with a compact, active downtown that acts like a suburban main street. You will find a broad mix of restaurants, shops, and services clustered near the train station. Street life tends to be busy on weekends, especially around mealtimes and events.
Ho-Ho-Kus is smaller and more residential, with a village-like center and a quieter pace. The business district is tight and locally focused. Most errands are simple and close to home, and many residents drive to nearby towns for bigger outings.
Both communities are part of affluent Bergen County, and both are popular with commuters. Ridgewood’s housing stock is more varied, including options near downtown, while Ho-Ho-Kus leans toward single-family neighborhoods and a close-knit feel. Population scale differs too, with Ridgewood in the mid-tens of thousands and Ho-Ho-Kus in the low thousands, according to general U.S. Census QuickFacts.
Mornings
Ridgewood mornings
Expect a strong café and brunch culture. Saturday mornings often bring commuter-style energy to downtown, with coffee shops and bakeries drawing early crowds. Seasonal markets and community events pop up during warmer months, so it is smart to check the Ridgewood Borough website for current schedules. Nearby trails and parks make it easy to start the day with a walk or bike ride before lunch.
Ho-Ho-Kus mornings
Mornings in Ho-Ho-Kus are calm and neighborly. You will see people walking village sidewalks, heading to local breakfast spots, or easing into the day at home. Community groups and civic organizations host occasional weekend gatherings. Garage sales and small-scale events add to the low-key weekend rhythm.
Afternoons
Ridgewood afternoons
Ridgewood shines midday. Specialty boutiques, independent shops, and services make downtown a go-to stop for errands and browsing. Families head to parks, playgrounds, and fields, or plan a picnic before an afternoon event. Seasonal street fairs, outdoor concerts, and arts programming add variety throughout the year, often promoted by the borough and local business groups.
Ho-Ho-Kus afternoons
Afternoons are relaxed and residential. You can enjoy neighborhood green spaces and playgrounds, or take a quick drive for bigger activities in nearby towns. Village traditions and civic events, such as parades or holiday festivities, bring neighbors together and keep weekends community focused.
Evenings
Ridgewood evenings
Dinner and drinks are an easy plan in Ridgewood thanks to the wider selection of restaurants and bars. You will find more late-evening activity than in neighboring towns, especially on nice-weather weekends. Seasonal community events and restaurant-driven specials can add a bit of buzz after dark.
Ho-Ho-Kus evenings
Evenings in Ho-Ho-Kus are low-key. Neighborhood restaurants and taverns tend to run earlier hours, which suits early dinners and unrushed conversation. Many residents choose small gatherings with friends or community events tied to school, church, or local clubs.
Parks, trails, and family time
One of the biggest weekend perks here is access to Bergen County’s park network. The multi-municipality Saddle River County Park is a favorite for family walks, biking, and dog walking. It offers long trail segments, playgrounds, and fields within a short drive of both towns. Explore programming and amenities through the Bergen County Parks pages.
Both communities support youth recreation and seasonal programs through local departments and partners. If you are planning a weekend around sports or classes, confirm current offerings through each borough’s recreation pages or the county site.
Getting around on weekends
Rail access
Ridgewood and Ho-Ho-Kus both have NJ Transit commuter rail stations on northern lines that run to Hoboken, with connections toward Manhattan via Secaucus or other transfer points. Depending on the schedule, riders often see total travel times to midtown Manhattan in roughly 30 to 60 minutes. Always check NJ Transit schedules for weekend service and updates.
Driving and parking
Outside the small cores, both towns are car-oriented. Ridgewood has a larger commuter station area and municipal lots that serve shoppers and diners. Ho-Ho-Kus has a smaller station and limited commercial parking, with residential streets just beyond the village center. Regional routes like Route 17 and connections to major corridors make short drives common for shopping and weekend outings.
Walkability
Ridgewood’s downtown is highly walkable, with sidewalks, short blocks, and a cluster of retail and dining. Ho-Ho-Kus is walkable within its village center, though most errands happen by car due to the smaller commercial footprint. For the latest walkability context, review tools like Walk Score alongside local planning resources.
Who each town fits
Every buyer and lifestyle is different. Your best fit comes down to how you want to spend your time.
- You might prefer Ridgewood if you want more dining options, a vibrant main street, and a steady slate of seasonal events within a short walk of the train.
- You might prefer Ho-Ho-Kus if you value a slower pace, quiet residential streets, and a close-knit village identity over downtown hustle.
Sample weekend itineraries
Young professional or couple
- Start with coffee and a pastry in Ridgewood’s downtown.
- Browse boutiques and grab lunch, then catch a seasonal arts or street event if one is scheduled.
- Meet friends for dinner and a drink before a quick ride or train home.
Family with young children
- Enjoy a quiet breakfast in Ho-Ho-Kus, then head to Saddle River County Park for a stroller-friendly walk or bike ride.
- Stop by a Ridgewood market or community event for lunch and playground time.
- Wrap up with an early dinner so the evening can stay relaxed at home.
Retiree or anyone seeking quiet
- Take a leisurely stroll through the Ho-Ho-Kus village center, then read in a nearby green space.
- In the afternoon, walk a trail segment or visit neighbors.
- Choose an early dinner at a neighborhood spot or host a small gathering at home.
Real estate takeaways from weekend life
Weekend rhythm says a lot about daily life. Ridgewood signals energy and choice, especially if you want a suburban small-city feel near a walkable core. Ho-Ho-Kus signals calm, privacy, and village identity, which is ideal if you want weekends that feel laid back and neighborly.
Housing stock reflects that difference. Ridgewood includes a mix of historic single-family homes with some multifamily and rentals near the train and downtown. Ho-Ho-Kus leans toward single-family neighborhoods and tree-lined streets. Pricing varies by property and market timing, and smaller, highly sought-after boroughs with larger lots can command higher per-home values. For current data, compare listings and recent sales through local market reports and municipal resources.
If you commute, keep the train in your weekend planning. Both towns have rail service that can get you to Hoboken with Manhattan connections, but actual times depend on whether you catch a local or express, plus transfer timing. Always confirm schedules on NJ Transit if you plan a day in the city.
Whether you lean lively or low-key, both towns offer reliable suburban comfort. You get access to the same regional park network, easy highway connections, and a choice of community events. The difference is scale, texture, and how your Saturday night ends, either on a bustling patio in Ridgewood or on a quiet porch in Ho-Ho-Kus.
Ready to explore homes that match your weekend style or curious what your property could sell for in today’s market? Fox & Stokes brings neighborhood expertise and Compass-level marketing to help you move with confidence. Reach out to Max Stokes to talk next steps and Request a Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
How long is the weekend train ride to Manhattan from Ridgewood or Ho-Ho-Kus?
- Most riders experience total trips in the 30 to 60 minute range depending on schedule, route, and transfers. Confirm exact times on NJ Transit schedules.
Does Ridgewood have a farmers market or street events on weekends?
- Seasonal markets and downtown events occur at various times of year. Check the Ridgewood Borough website or local business groups for current calendars.
Where can you find a family-friendly trail near both towns?
- The multi-use paths in Saddle River County Park serve several Bergen County municipalities and are popular for walking and biking. See Bergen County Parks for details.
How walkable are the downtowns after dark?
- Ridgewood’s core is more walkable due to its larger cluster of dining and retail, while Ho-Ho-Kus is village-scaled. For current context, review tools like Walk Score and local resources.
What types of homes are common in each town?
- Ridgewood offers a mix that includes historic single-family neighborhoods and some multifamily near downtown. Ho-Ho-Kus is primarily single-family with a smaller business center and quiet residential streets.
