Fair Lawn offers a charming suburban atmosphere with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy easy access to parks, recreational facilities, and a variety of dining options. The area is well-connected to public transportation, making commuting to New York City a breeze. With excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods, Fair Lawn is an ideal place for those seeking a balanced lifestyle between urban convenience and suburban tranquility.
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Average Sales Price
$701,216
Median Sales Price
$699,000
Population
32,645
Total Listings
111
Fair Lawn NJ – Hyper-Local Block
Living in Fair Lawn
Radburn. Two Train Stations. Double Blue Ribbon HS. Bergen County's Most Diverse Large Borough.
Everything you need to know before making Fair Lawn, NJ home.
Fair Lawn is one of Bergen County's most genuinely distinctive boroughs — and "distinctive" is earned. Its Radburn neighborhood, designed in 1929 as "a town for the motor age," was one of America's first planned communities, with pedestrian underpasses separating foot traffic from cars, cul-de-sacs, interior park paths, and community governance structures that influenced urban planning worldwide. The rest of the borough grew around it: family neighborhoods, a former Nabisco cookie factory site, and what became one of the most culturally diverse communities in Bergen County. Fair Lawn's population of ~35,600 is among the county's largest, and its ethnic mix — the largest Russian-American community in New Jersey (10%+ of residents), the largest Israeli-American community in Bergen County, plus growing Korean, Indian, Orthodox Jewish, and Latin American communities — gives it a cosmopolitan energy that most suburbs can't match.
The practical case for Fair Lawn is equally strong: two NJ Transit Bergen County Line train stations (Radburn and Broadway), ten-plus NJ Transit bus routes to Port Authority, Route 4, I-80, and the Garden State Parkway all accessible, a high school that is the only public school in New Jersey to win two US Dept. of Education Blue Ribbon Awards, and a median home price of approximately $662K–$700K — meaningfully below Ridgewood, Glen Rock, or Wyckoff while offering comparable schools and amenities. Fair Lawn's motto — "A great place to visit and a better place to live" — turns out to be accurate.
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Two NJ Transit Train StationsRadburn + Broadway · Bergen County Line · Hoboken
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Double Blue Ribbon HSOnly NJ public HS with two US Dept. of Ed. Blue Ribbons
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Radburn — America's First Planned Community1929 · "Town for the Motor Age" · national landmark
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Bergen County's Most Diverse Large BoroughRussian · Israeli · Korean · Indian · Orthodox Jewish
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Value vs. Ridgewood/Glen RockMedian ~$662K–$700K · $150K–$250K below peers
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Highway CrossroadsRoute 4 · I-80 · GSP · 10+ bus routes to NYC
Commute & Connectivity
Getting There From Here
Fair Lawn offers some of Bergen County's best multi-modal commute options — two in-borough NJ Transit train stations plus ten-plus bus routes to Port Authority, complemented by Route 4, I-80, and the Garden State Parkway.
Hoboken Terminal (Train)
NJ Transit Bergen County Line · Radburn or Broadway Station
~45
minutes by train
NYC Port Authority (Bus)
NJ Transit Rts 144, 145, 148, 157, 162–168
~35–45
minutes by bus
George Washington Bridge
Via Route 4 E · ~8 miles
~20
minutes by car (off-peak)
Newark Liberty Airport
Via I-80 E / GSP S · ~18 miles
~25
minutes by car
Paramus / Garden State Plaza
Via Route 4 E · ~4 miles
~10
minutes by car
Public Schools
Education That Raises Property Values
Oakland runs its own K-8 district and feeds into Indian Hills High School — ranked top 100 in New Jersey and top 2,000 nationally by US News.
School
Grades
Type
Student:Teacher
Rating
Elementary Schools (6) Fair Lawn Public Schools · PreK–Grade 5/6
PreK – 6
Public
12 : 1
B+
Middle Schools (3) Fair Lawn Public Schools · Grades 6/7–8
6 – 8
Public
12 : 1
B+
Fair Lawn High School 14-00 Berdan Ave · 1,687 students · Double Blue Ribbon · Cutters
9 – 12
Public
13.5 : 1
B+
Fair Lawn HS: Only NJ public high school to win two US Dept. of Education Blue Ribbon Awards for Excellence · 1,687 students · 8/10 GreatSchools · 69–80% proficiency · 100% licensed teachers · 12:1 overall district ratio. District Factor Group GH. Bergen County Academies (Hackensack) also eligible.
Neighborhood Life
What Makes Fair Lawn Fair Lawn
Explore Radburn's pedestrian paths, Memorial Park, Fair Lawn Avenue's international dining scene, and the community energy of one of Bergen County's largest and most diverse boroughs.
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Fair Lawn Avenue Dining
Fair Lawn Avenue — the borough's main street — hosts a diverse range of restaurants reflecting the community's international character. Russian, Israeli, Korean, Indian, Mediterranean, Italian, and American restaurants line the commercial strips, giving Fair Lawn one of Bergen County's richest everyday dining landscapes for a residential suburb.
Diverse · Main Street · International
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Israeli & Middle Eastern Dining
Fair Lawn's significant Israeli-American community (Bergen County's largest) has produced an authentic selection of Israeli and Middle Eastern restaurants, kosher markets, and bakeries — a culinary dimension that draws visitors from across Bergen County and makes Fair Lawn's dining scene genuinely distinctive among NJ suburbs.
Israeli · Kosher · Middle Eastern
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Russian, Korean & International Cuisine
The largest Russian-American community in New Jersey (10%+ of residents) has brought authentic Eastern European restaurants and specialty food stores to Fair Lawn. Korean restaurants and markets serve the growing Korean community. The cumulative international food scene is one of the most authentic in Bergen County.
Russian · Korean · Eastern European
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International Grocery & Markets
Fair Lawn's diverse communities have produced an exceptional selection of specialty grocery stores — Russian delis, kosher supermarkets, Korean markets, and international food shops that serve residents' authentic culinary needs without requiring a trip to Manhattan or Fort Lee.
Kosher · Russian Deli · Korean Market
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Community Events & Cultural Festivals
Fair Lawn's multicultural character produces a rich community events calendar — cultural festivals, holiday celebrations, and civic events reflecting the borough's Russian, Israeli, Korean, Orthodox Jewish, and Latin American communities. The borough's motto — "A great place to visit and a better place to live" — is reflected in an active year-round civic culture.
Multicultural · Annual Events · Civic
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Paramus Retail (~10 min)
Garden State Plaza and Bergen Town Center are approximately 10 minutes east on Route 4 — major retail accessible without living in the highway commercial zone. Fair Lawn's Route 4 positioning gives exceptional retail proximity for a genuinely residential borough.
~10 min · GSP · Route 4
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Memorial Park
Fair Lawn's largest park — athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, a community pool, and open green space serving the borough's large and active family population. Home base for Fair Lawn's youth sports leagues and summer recreation programs year-round.
Borough's Largest Park · Pool · Fields
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Radburn — Historic Planned Community
Radburn (1929) is not just a neighborhood — it's a National Historic Landmark and one of America's most influential planning experiments. Pedestrian underpasses separate foot traffic from cars; interior park paths connect homes; cul-de-sacs keep streets quiet; community governance maintains the design intent. The Radburn Association manages community facilities including parks, pools, and common areas. Living in Radburn means living in American planning history.
National Landmark · 1929 · Pedestrian Paths
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Saddle River & Riverside Parks
The Saddle River flows through Fair Lawn, and the Saddle River County Park provides a linear green corridor with walking, cycling, and fishing access through the borough. The river and associated parkland give Fair Lawn a natural recreational backbone that complements its urban density.
Saddle River · Cycling · Walking
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Valley Hospital (~10 min)
Valley Hospital in Ridgewood — one of NJ's top-ranked regional hospital systems — is approximately 10 minutes north. Hackensack UMC is approximately 15 minutes east. Fair Lawn residents have access to two top-tier healthcare systems at very short distances.
Healthcare · ~10 min · Valley Hospital
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Fair Lawn Public Library
Part of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System — Fair Lawn's library serves one of Bergen County's most internationally diverse communities with multilingual collections and programming in Russian, Hebrew, Korean, and other languages. A genuinely cosmopolitan community library for a genuinely cosmopolitan borough.
Civic · BCCLS · Multilingual
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NJ's Largest Russian-American Community
More than 10% of Fair Lawn's population is Russian-American — the largest such concentration in New Jersey. Alongside the largest Israeli-American community in Bergen County (2.5%), a significant Orthodox Jewish population, growing Korean and Indian communities, and established Latino communities, Fair Lawn has built genuine multicultural depth that distinguishes it from every other Bergen County borough of comparable size.
Russian · Israeli · Korean · Orthodox
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Radburn — National Planning Landmark
Fair Lawn's Radburn neighborhood (1929) influenced urban planning worldwide — its pedestrian-car separation system, cul-de-sac design, and community governance structure were studied and replicated across the US and internationally. The Radburn Association still manages the community today, maintaining the original design intent. For residents, it means a genuinely unique and protected neighborhood experience.
National Landmark · 1929 · Influential
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From Nabisco to Suburb — Borough History
Fair Lawn was once home to a major Nabisco cookie factory — one of the largest in the region. The factory site became part of the borough's industrial-to-residential transformation as Fair Lawn evolved from an industrial hub to the diverse family community it is today. Incorporated in 1924, the borough named itself after the Fairlawn estate built in 1865, which later became its municipal building.
History · 1924 · Nabisco · Transformation
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Fair Lawn Avenue & Plaza Road Corridors
Fair Lawn's commercial strips along Fair Lawn Avenue and Plaza Road provide everyday retail — supermarkets, pharmacies, specialty grocers (Russian deli, kosher market, Korean market), local shops, and restaurants all within the borough. The international character of the commercial strips is a direct reflection of the community's diversity.
In-Borough · International · Walkable
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Paramus Retail (~10 min via Route 4)
Garden State Plaza and Bergen Town Center — two of NJ's largest retail destinations — are approximately 10 minutes east on Route 4. Fair Lawn's Route 4 positioning delivers exceptional big-box retail proximity without requiring residents to live in the commercial corridor.
~10 min · GSP · Bergen Town Center
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Valley Hospital & Bergen Community College
Valley Hospital (Ridgewood) is approximately 10 minutes north — one of NJ's top-ranked systems. Bergen Community College is approximately 10 minutes east in Paramus. Passaic County Community College is 15 minutes west. Fair Lawn residents have excellent healthcare and higher education access in multiple directions.
Healthcare · ~10 min · Higher Ed
By the Numbers
Fair Lawn at a Glance
Municipality TypeBoroughBergen County · 5.17 sq mi
Population~35,610One of Bergen County's largest
Median Sale Price~$662K–$700KUp 8.6% YoY · 90 sales/month
Real answers about buying, selling, taxes, schools, and daily life in Fair Lawn — Bergen County's best-value high-volume market, home of Radburn (America's first planned community), two NJ Transit train stations, and one of NJ's top 10 places to live.
Fair Lawn is one of Bergen County's most active and competitive markets. Movoto reported 90 homes sold in March 2026 — extraordinary volume for a Bergen County borough — with an average of just 23–29 days on market. The median sale was $672K in March 2026 (Movoto), with Rocket Homes reporting $662.5K in June 2025 (up 8.6% YoY) and Zillow's home value index at $688K. Well-priced homes in the right neighborhoods consistently attract multiple offers. The borough's combination of two train stations, top 10 NJ ranking, solid schools, and pricing $150K–$250K below Ridgewood and Glen Rock creates structural demand that doesn't evaporate with rate cycles. Talk to us about current Fair Lawn market conditions →
Fair Lawn's median home price is approximately $662K–$700K — with multiple sources converging in this range. The practical breakdown: entry-level (smaller capes, ranches, split-levels needing updates): $425K–$575K; mid-range (updated colonials, expanded split-levels, 3–4 bedrooms): $575K–$725K (the largest inventory segment); premium (larger lots, prime locations near schools or trains, fully updated): $725K–$900K+. This positions Fair Lawn approximately $150K–$250K below Glen Rock, Ridgewood, and Wyckoff at comparable school quality — the core value proposition that attracts buyers who've done the research.
Fair Lawn's housing reflects its development across several distinct eras and neighborhoods. Radburn (1929–1930s): Tudor Revivals and distinctive Clarence Stein-designed homes on the superblock system — architecturally significant, highly sought, typically $650K–$900K+. Post-WWII residential neighborhoods: cape cods, ranches, and split-levels built in the 1940s–60s, the borough's dominant stock, ranging from $450K–$700K. Updated colonials and expanded homes throughout the borough from multiple eras. Condos and multi-family properties provide additional entry points. Fair Lawn is predominantly single-family but has enough variety — including walkable Radburn with its unique pedestrian infrastructure — to serve buyers at many different price points and lifestyle preferences.
Fair Lawn's commute options are exceptional for its price point — one of the key reasons it consistently outperforms expectations. The borough has two NJ Transit Bergen County Line train stations: Radburn Station (Pollitt Drive, National Register of Historic Places, 799 average weekday boardings) and Broadway Station (Route 4 at E. 55th St, 194 average weekday boardings). Both connect to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 35–45 minutes, then PATH to Manhattan. Penn Station via Secaucus Junction is approximately 50 minutes total. Extensive NJ Transit bus service (routes 144, 160, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166) runs to Port Authority in 35–45 minutes. By car, Route 4 East reaches the GWB in approximately 20–25 minutes. The borough is approximately 12 miles from NYC.
Fair Lawn's public schools are the borough's most underappreciated asset. The district runs its own PreK–12 system: 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and Fair Lawn High School. GreatSchools rates the district 8/10 — above average for Bergen County at this price point. Key metrics: 12:1 student-teacher ratio, 69–80% reading and math proficiency above NJ state averages, 100% licensed teachers, and an updated high school campus. The district is genuinely diverse, serving Jewish, Korean, Latino, South Asian, and other communities — which produces a school culture that many families specifically seek out. Private options include The Frisch School (Orthodox Jewish, highly regarded) and the Academy of Our Lady. Bergen County Academies also accessible.
Fair Lawn's general tax rate is 3.661% — one of Bergen County's higher rates. Annual property tax bills typically range from $16,000–$20,000 for homes in the $650K–$750K range, depending on assessed value. This is meaningfully higher than the Bergen County average of $13,329, reflecting the cost of running a large, comprehensive PreK–12 district with 10 elementary schools and extensive municipal services for ~32,000 residents. The saving grace: at a median home price of $662K–$700K, the total monthly carrying cost (mortgage + taxes) is still substantially lower than Glen Rock or Ridgewood, where higher home prices more than offset lower effective tax rates. Tax bills due quarterly: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
This is the comparison that drives most Fair Lawn buyers. Ridgewood: median home ~$900K–$1M+, 3.407% tax rate, top-ranked HS. Glen Rock: median home ~$850K–$950K, 3.407% rate, A+ schools. Wyckoff: median home ~$850K–$950K, strong district. Fair Lawn: median ~$662K–$700K, 3.661% rate, 8/10 schools, two train stations. While Fair Lawn's tax rate is slightly higher than some neighbors, the $150K–$250K lower home price translates to $750–$1,250/month lower mortgage payment — far exceeding the tax differential. A buyer spending $700K in Fair Lawn instead of $900K in Glen Rock saves approximately $1,000/month in mortgage costs while paying modestly more in taxes. The math consistently favors Fair Lawn for value-conscious buyers who've done the full calculation.
Yes — emphatically. Fair Lawn's 90 monthly sales and 23–29 day average DOM make it one of Bergen County's most consistently active selling environments. Prices were up 8.6% YoY (Rocket Homes, June 2025). The borough's structural demand drivers — two train stations, value positioning vs. premium Bergen County neighbors, solid schools — are not rate-sensitive. Buyers priced out of Ridgewood, Glen Rock, and Wyckoff flow consistently into Fair Lawn, keeping demand steady through market cycles. Spring (March–May) is peak season, but Fair Lawn moves homes year-round. Get a free Fair Lawn home valuation →
Fair Lawn averages just 23–29 days on market — among the fastest in Bergen County at this price tier. At 90 sales per month, the borough has consistent buyer activity year-round, not just in peak spring season. Well-priced, well-presented homes — particularly in Radburn (for its historic character), near either train station, or in updated condition — can go pending in under 2 weeks. The key variables: pricing discipline (the market is active but buyers are well-informed), condition and updates (the $575K–$725K sweet spot is crowded and condition differentiates), and marketing that leads with the value proposition vs. Ridgewood/Glen Rock. Learn how we sell homes in Fair Lawn →
Fair Lawn earns its motto — "A great place to visit and a better place to live" — through accumulation of genuine advantages rather than a single dramatic selling point. Two train stations. A Walk Score of 77. Garden State Plaza 4 miles away. 10 elementary schools. A kosher dining ecosystem that Bergen County residents drive to from other towns. Korean restaurants along Broadway. The annual Radburn Street Fair in June. Memorial Park for sports leagues. The Peter Garretson House (1719 — one of the oldest buildings in Bergen County) for historical rootedness. And Radburn itself — a neighborhood where children can walk to school, parks, and the train station on pedestrian paths that have never intersected a car since 1929, exactly as Clarence Stein designed them. For buyers who have compared Fair Lawn to its higher-priced neighbors and concluded that the $150K–$250K price difference buys very little additional quality of life — they are correct. Fair Lawn wins on value. It also wins on character.
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