Trying to decide if Haworth, NJ is the right move for your family? You are not alone. Many buyers compare a handful of northern Bergen County towns and want clear, practical guidance, not hype. In this guide, you will get a balanced look at housing, prices, schools, commuting, taxes, and day-to-day life so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Haworth snapshot
Haworth is a small borough in northeast Bergen County, roughly 17 to 20 miles from Manhattan depending on route, with a true small-town feel and limited inventory. The 2020 Census counted about 3,343 residents, which helps explain why listings are scarce and competition can spike for well-positioned homes (Borough of Haworth and 2020 Census overview).
Data from the NCES ACS dashboard shows high median household income around $215,000 and very high owner occupancy at about 89 percent. Housing is overwhelmingly detached single-family, roughly 98 percent of the stock, and most homes were built before 1970, about 82 percent. These figures point to established neighborhoods, older building systems, and fewer new-construction options (NCES ACS dashboard).
Housing and prices
Most Haworth homes are single-family on modest to medium lots, with many early to mid-20th-century houses that have been renovated or expanded over time. Because the borough is small and almost entirely single-family, resale inventory is limited and entry-level options are rare (NCES ACS dashboard).
For pricing context, recent market snapshots show Haworth in the upper tier of Bergen County suburbs. Redfin reported a median sale price near $979,020 in January 2026, based on MLS median-sale data. Zillow’s Home Value Index for January 31, 2026 showed an average home value of about $1,139,860. The gap reflects different methods and the reality that a small town can have wide swings month to month. Expect many listings in the high six to low seven figure range, with standout properties trading higher.
What this means for your search
- Budget for older-home due diligence. Many homes predate 1970, so plan to review roof age, electrical, HVAC, drainage, and permit history.
- Give yourself time. Scarcity can stretch search timelines and shorten decision windows when the right home appears.
- Be strategic on offers. Well-priced homes in move-in condition can still draw competition.
Schools and youth programs
Haworth Public School serves grades PK–8 with a small enrollment and a student–teacher ratio around 9 to 1 in recent data. High school students attend Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest, a regional school shared with Demarest and Closter. Bergen County Technical Schools and other selective regional programs are available for eligible students. Always review the most recent school performance and boundary details to confirm fit and assignment (NCES district detail).
Commute options
Haworth does not have a rail station within its borders. Nearby Pascack Valley Line stations, such as Oradell and Demarest, are a short drive and connect to Secaucus and Hoboken with transfers into Manhattan. Typical total rail times to Midtown often land around 50 to 65 minutes depending on connection timing and final destination (Moovit Oradell station context).
NJ Transit bus routes that serve nearby corridors, including the 167, 186, and 177, offer direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal or the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Peak-hour travel can range from about 45 to 70 minutes based on traffic and pickup pattern. For precision, test your route at your typical commute time using NJ Transit and a trip planner (Moovit Haworth transit page and NJ Transit).
Driving to the George Washington Bridge can be about 25 to 35 minutes off-peak, though rush-hour conditions vary. If you plan to park at a nearby station, check permit rules in advance since many towns manage allocation by permit (Bergen to Manhattan commuting guide).
Taxes and municipal services
Bergen County towns carry some of New Jersey’s higher property tax burdens. Local reporting that references the state’s DCA data lists Haworth’s average residential property tax bill at about $20,090 in 2024. Your specific bill depends on assessed value and any special assessments, so verify the parcel history before you commit (Bergen County property tax ranking).
Haworth operates as a borough with local police, volunteer fire and EMS elements, DPW, and small-town services. Review which services are included in your taxes and which are billed separately, and confirm any stormwater or special district fees with the borough (Borough of Haworth).
Lifestyle and recreation
For a small footprint, Haworth offers a nice mix of outdoor and club experiences. You will find a municipal Recreation Commission, a seasonal Haworth Swim Club, neighborhood parks, and trails near the reservoir. Golf and racquet sports are a big part of local life through private clubs, including White Beeches and Haworth Country Club, which run golf and junior programming (Borough of Haworth and Haworth Country Club).
Nearby comparisons to know
- Demarest. Often the higher-priced neighbor, with median sale prices reported substantially above Haworth in early 2026 snapshots. It is highly residential and shares the regional high school at Demarest.
- Tenafly. Tends to run higher in price, with strong access to New York City and many private school options. It is a frequent alternative for buyers who want more direct transit.
- Closter, Oradell, Harrington Park, Old Tappan. These nearby towns can be comparable, a bit higher, or a bit lower in price depending on micro-location, lot size, commute preferences, and tax bills. Use current MLS comparables for an apples-to-apples view.
The goal is not to pick a “best” town on paper. It is to balance commute tolerance, school fit, monthly cost, and home style so your day-to-day life works.
Five-factor decision framework
Use this simple framework to decide if Haworth is a match:
Commute tolerance. Are you comfortable with a rail or bus trip that often runs 50 to 65 minutes door to door, or a variable drive across the GWB? If you need an ultra-fast rail hub, consider testing Ridgewood or Hoboken for comparison.
School fit. Confirm PK–8 at Haworth Public School and high school at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest, and review the most recent performance reports. Look at class sizes, programs, and commute to activities.
Taxes and monthly cost. Add the likely property tax bill to your monthly payment and consider utilities in an older home. Verify the parcel’s assessments and any special charges before you write an offer.
House type and expansion potential. Many homes were built before 1970. Plan for inspections and permits if you intend to expand or reconfigure. Orientation near the reservoir or club edges can affect value and use.
Resale and liquidity. Small-town size plus single-family dominance often support price stability but limit inventory. Think about how many future buyers could want your home style and location.
Buyer checklist: verify before you buy
- Confirm school assignment. Review Haworth Public School PK–8 and the Northern Valley at Demarest arrangement, and pull the latest state or NCES data for class sizes and ratios (NCES district detail).
- Verify taxes. Pull the property’s last two to three years of tax bills and assessments, and ask the borough about any special fees or stormwater charges (Borough of Haworth).
- Test the commute. Do a morning and evening test drive. Also ride the bus or train you plan to use at your actual hours to see real timing and variability (NJ Transit and Moovit Haworth).
- Inspect for age-related issues. Focus on roof, HVAC, electrical capacity, drainage, and evidence of permitted renovations given the town’s older housing stock (NCES ACS dashboard).
- Use fresh comparables. In a small borough, monthly stats can swing. Ask your agent for 12-month neighborhood comps rather than relying on a single index.
Bottom line
Haworth offers a calm, close-knit setting with strong PK–8 attention, access to a regional high school at Demarest, good commuter options, and a healthy mix of outdoor and club amenities. You trade ultra-fast transit for small-town scale, and you should plan for older-home due diligence and higher New Jersey tax levels. If that balance fits your priorities, Haworth can be an excellent long-term move.
If you want a private, data-driven plan for your move, request a confidential consultation with Rebecca Day. You will get clear guidance, vetted local resources, and a calm process built around your timeline.
FAQs
How far is Haworth from New York City and what are typical commute times?
- Haworth is roughly 17 to 20 miles from Manhattan; many residents use nearby Pascack Valley Line stations or NJ Transit buses, with typical peak commutes often around 50 to 65 minutes door to door depending on route and timing (Moovit and NJ Transit).
What do homes in Haworth typically cost and look like in 2026?
- Expect mostly detached single-family homes, many built before 1970. Recent snapshots showed a median sale price near $979,020 in Jan 2026 and an average value around $1,139,860 at the end of Jan 2026, with variation by location, condition, and lot.
How high are property taxes in Haworth, NJ?
- The average residential property tax bill reported for 2024 was about $20,090, though your specific bill depends on assessed value and any special charges. Always verify the parcel’s recent tax history before you buy (Bergen County tax overview).
Which public schools serve Haworth residents?
- Haworth Public School covers PK–8 with a recent student–teacher ratio near 9 to 1, and high school students attend Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest. Confirm boundaries and the latest performance data before finalizing your plans (NCES district detail).
What family amenities and recreation does Haworth offer?
- You will find a municipal Recreation Commission, a public Swim Club, neighborhood parks, trails near the reservoir, and private club options like Haworth Country Club and White Beeches, all of which support golf, swim, and junior programs (Borough of Haworth and Haworth Country Club).