Comparing suburbs where your kids can thrive at school and play outside on repeat? Allendale in Bergen County checks both boxes with a clear PreK–12 pathway and everyday access to nature, fields, and a membership lake community. If you are sizing up options from NYC or Hoboken, you want simple answers on schools, parks, commute, and housing. This guide gives you the essentials so you can decide if Allendale fits your family’s routine and priorities. Let’s dive in.
Allendale at a glance
Allendale is a small borough of about 6,928 residents, with roughly 29% under 18, according to the latest Census estimate. You feel a connected, small-town rhythm with a walkable downtown, seasonal events, and strong civic groups that support the schools and parks. Parents often point to the combination of a straightforward school pathway and easy outdoor time as a difference-maker for daily life. You can review population details on the federal Census QuickFacts page for Allendale.
Schools overview
PreK–8 in town
The Allendale School District serves PreK through grade 8 across two neighborhood schools, Hillside and Brookside. The district shares program details, an integrated preschool lottery, enrichment options, and social-emotional resources on its website. For academic transparency, the district also posts annual School Performance Reports for parent review. You can find the latest reports on the Allendale School District performance page.
High school pathway
Public high school students attend Northern Highlands Regional High School, a regional district that serves Allendale and neighboring communities. Families often like the continuity of this setup, since it creates a consistent pathway from early grades through graduation. Northern Highlands highlights Advanced Placement achievements, the Seal of Biliteracy, and a broad slate of athletics, arts, and clubs. Learn more about programs and recognitions on the Northern Highlands website.
Family engagement and supports
Parent organizations, including the Allendale PTO and the Allendale Foundation for Educational Excellence (AFEE), help fund extras and enrich school life. The district communicates frequently through public board materials, program pages, and strategic planning updates that families can access at any time. These are helpful signals of strong parent-school collaboration.
Parks and outdoor life
The Celery Farm nature preserve
If you want quick, low-effort nature time with kids, the Celery Farm is a standout. This approximately 107-acre freshwater wetland and birding preserve features boardwalks, viewing platforms, and short, flat loops that work well for strollers and younger walkers. Birding groups report 200-plus species here, which makes it a fun spot for seasonal wildlife observation with school-age kids. For a helpful overview and what to expect on your first visit, see this Celery Farm profile from BirdWatching Daily.
Pro tip: Parking is limited and posted rules may restrict dogs, so check signage before you head out. Going at off-peak times can make for an easier first visit.
Crestwood Park and Crestwood Lake
Crestwood Park is a major family hub with sports fields, tennis courts, the historic Red Barn pavilion, and Crestwood Lake with three sandy beaches. The lake operates on a seasonal, members-only basis, with swim and dive teams and lessons that are a big part of summer life for many families. Membership windows typically open in spring and the borough sets resident and sponsored non-resident rules each year. Review current rules and season details on the Crestwood Lake membership page.
What this means for your routine: on warm days, you can head to the lake for a couple of hours without a long drive. On weekends, it becomes a simple anchor for playdates and meetups. The Red Barn pavilion can also be reserved for gatherings, which comes in handy for milestone birthdays or team events.
Community Center and library programs
Allendale’s Community Center supports year-round rec with an indoor gym, organized open gym time, basketball, and even pickleball. The Recreation Commission coordinates youth sports for children from pre-K through grade 8, which helps families keep activities close to home. Explore current offerings and policies on the borough’s Community Center page.
Just up the road, Lee Memorial Library runs regular children’s programming, summer reading, and a museum-pass lending program that opens up low-cost family outings across the region. Check the current pass list on the library’s museum passes page.
Commute and daily logistics
Allendale has an NJ TRANSIT rail station on the Main and Bergen County line. Many commuters board in town, transfer at Secaucus Junction, then continue to New York Penn Station, or ride to Hoboken. Typical one-way times are often in the 60 to 75 minute range, depending on transfer and timetable. For parking rules, permits, and station amenities, see the NJ TRANSIT Allendale Station page. Always confirm current schedules before planning your route.
If you split time between home and office, this setup gives you options. You can also pair the train with local park-and-ride strategies or flexible hybrid schedules common with city employers.
Housing market snapshot
Families comparing northern Bergen County want context on price. Third-party data providers reported a median list price around 1.199 million dollars for Allendale in June 2025, according to the Rocket market report for Allendale. Different sources use different methods and dates, so numbers vary by snapshot and whether you look at list or sold prices.
What matters for planning is the overall picture: inventory can be limited and demand is steady, especially for homes near parks and schools. If Allendale is on your shortlist, it helps to watch new listings closely and be prepared for a quick, well-documented offer when the right home appears. A pre-approval and clear needs list can keep you decisive without feeling rushed.
How to explore Allendale in one afternoon
If you are visiting from the city, use this light plan to test daily-life fit:
- Start near downtown for coffee and a quick walk to get the small-town rhythm.
- Drive to the Celery Farm for a 30-minute loop. Look for turtles and wading birds at the viewing platforms.
- Head to Crestwood Park to see the fields, the Red Barn, and the lake beaches. If you are considering membership, note parking, drop-off flow, and where families tend to set up.
- Pass by Hillside and Brookside to understand school locations and how they relate to neighborhoods.
- Time a drive to the NJ TRANSIT station and review parking options so you can picture your weekday.
On your next visit, check the Community Center calendar, peek at the library’s kids area, and walk Main Street around school dismissal to get a feel for after-school energy.
Tips for choosing a neighborhood
- List daily priorities. Rank commute, school proximity, and park access. Knowing your top two keeps your search focused.
- Match lot and layout to your stage. Younger kids benefit from fenced yards and spaces near play areas. Tweens and teens may prefer proximity to fields and town.
- Understand seasonal rhythms. Crestwood Lake is a summer hub, while school events and rec leagues shape fall and spring.
- Watch the market cadence. In a competitive town, be ready with financing and clear offer terms when a match appears.
Ready when you are
If you want a home base where schools are straightforward and parks are part of your weekly routine, Allendale deserves a close look. From the Celery Farm to Crestwood Lake, the town offers easy, repeatable ways to get outside, plus a stable public-school pathway through Northern Highlands. When you are ready to explore listings or compare neighborhoods across northern Bergen County, reach out to a local advisor who knows the school calendars, rec sign-ups, and commute tradeoffs.
Have questions or want a pricing read on your current home before you start touring? Connect with Max Stokes for neighborhood guidance and a plan tailored to your family.
FAQs
What is the public school pathway in Allendale?
- Students attend the Allendale School District for PreK–8 and then move to Northern Highlands Regional High School for grades 9–12. The district posts details and School Performance Reports on the Allendale performance page, and high school program information is on the Northern Highlands site.
Is the Celery Farm open to the public and good for kids?
- Yes. The Celery Farm is a public nature preserve with short, flat loops, viewing platforms, and abundant wildlife. Parking is limited and posted rules may restrict dogs. For an overview, see the Celery Farm profile.
How does Crestwood Lake membership work?
- Crestwood Lake is a members-only facility within Crestwood Park. The borough sets seasonal membership rules, swim and dive team details, and sponsorship options each year. Check current information on the Crestwood Lake membership page.
What are typical train commute times from Allendale to NYC?
- Many riders board in Allendale, transfer at Secaucus Junction, and continue to New York Penn Station, or ride to Hoboken. Typical ranges are about 60 to 75 minutes depending on the timetable. See parking and station details on the NJ TRANSIT Allendale page.
What youth sports and activities are available in town?
- The Recreation Commission runs youth sports from pre-K through grade 8, the Community Center offers indoor programs like basketball and pickleball, and Crestwood Lake runs summer swim and dive teams. See the Community Center page for current offerings.
What is the current housing price context in Allendale?
- Third-party data reported a median list price near 1.199 million dollars in June 2025 for Allendale, per the Rocket market report. Pricing shifts with inventory and season, so check fresh data when you are ready to tour.
