Welcome to Glen Ridge
An idyllic enclave in the Garden State
Glen Ridge is a quaint borough roughly 20 miles west of Midtown with high-performing schools, historic homes, and architecture reminiscent of the times of yesteryear. With nearly 75% of its homes built before 1940, many have been meticulously renovated for modern life, while still respecting timeless original style.
First incorporated as a borough in 1895 (originally like Montclair, part of Bloomfield), the community’s history can actually be traced back to 1666. The establishment of railroads led to growth within the community and the construction of some of the community’s more elaborate, stately homes. Today, Glen Ridge is known for its tribute to it’s quiet past and has been named as one of the best places to live in New Jersey.
What to Love
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Transportation
Life in Glen Ridge is perfectly balanced, allowing residents close proximity to Manhattan while also offering peace and privacy not often found so close to the city. Commuting into New York is simple, thanks to the town jitney and the NYC direct train rail station.
Local Lifestyle, Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
While New York is a stone’s throw away, Glen Ridge residents need not look far to take care of errands or enjoy leisure activities. Glen Ridge’s proximity to neighboring Montclair offers dozens of eateries, boutiques, parks, and country clubs. However, for casual bar fare and brunch favorites, Fitzgerald’s 1928, a neighborhood tavern features comfort food like pork chops, craft burgers, steaks, and a weekend brunch with bottomless cocktails.
While Glen Ridge has little in the way of business districts, residents use neighboring Montclair for their dining, shopping and entertaining. Retailers like Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Lulu Lemon are a 5-minute drive up Bloomfield Ave. Raymond’s in is a retro spot serving breakfast through dinner. An airy space with booths and a bar, Raymond’s has been one of New Jersey’s more popular brunch options since 1989. French for “suburbs”, Faubourg Restaurant and Bar is a modern brasserie founded by some of New York’s most talented restaurateur professionals. Chic decor, seasonal ingredients, craft cocktails, and an impressive wine list come together to create delectable meals of grilled octopus, lamb ragout, crab Benedict, and other delicacies. Authentic Ramen that could give Momofoku competition can be found at Ani Ramen. Hand-rolled ramen noodles and craft broth accompanied by shrimp, short ribs, spicy miso, and more are served alongside pork buns, spicy Asian chicken wings.
Jayce Baudry French Pastry a new patisserie just opened up in late 2021. Jayce Baudry was born in Bordeaux, France, began his pastry career at the age of 14, and has now brought authentic creations to the people of New Jersey.
Things To Do
Glen Ridge locals are in no shortage of options for outdoor recreation. The Freeman Gardens is a small, yet historic spot of gardening history. Designed by a local resident in 1935, the Gardens are rich in variety to ensure color throughout the year, and especially beautiful in the warmer summer months. More active recreation can be enjoyed at one of the many local clubs. The Glen Ridge Country Club was established in 1894 and brings southern charm to the northeast. This exceptional golf course was recently renovated, has won awards from the PGA for its excellent programs, and also offers tennis, swimming, exercise facilities, event space, casual and formal dining, tennis, and more. The Women’s Club of Glen Ridge is another historic site for special occasions and member events, many of which serve for the betterment of the community.
Schools
Glen Ridge children attend wonderful schools, both public and private. Glen Ridge Public School District, prekindergarten-12th grade; Niche.com has ranked GRPSD teachers as some of the best in the state of New Jersey. Private School options include:
- Montclair Kimberley Academy, prekindergarten-12th grade; one of the best private schools in Essex County also boasts a staggeringly low 6:1 student-teacher ratio
- Seton Hall Prep (Boys only)
- Kent Place School, kindergarten-12th grade; this private all-girls school has been named as the best all-girls school in New Jersey, the third-best overall private school, and fourth-best private college preparatory school by Niche.com
- Newark Academy, grades 6-12; Newark Academy offers the International Baccalaureate program, several honors courses, advanced placement programs, and dozens of extracurricular options
