
Fair Lawn Real Estate
The Classic Commuter Town: A Guide to Living in Fair Lawn
Fair Lawn is a diverse and well-established borough in Bergen County, celebrated for its superb school system, excellent access to New York City, and highly engaged community.

As home to one of the first planned communities in the United States—the Radburn section—Fair Lawn seamlessly blends historical significance with modern suburban convenience. It is a quintessential "bedroom community" that offers a stable, family-friendly environment with a rich cultural tapestry, making it a premier destination in North Jersey.
Architectural Styles & Housing Stock
Fair Lawn's housing is characterized by a blend of styles from the early to mid-20th century, offering a variety of options that appeal to a broad demographic of buyers.
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Dominant Styles: The housing stock is primarily composed of single-family detached homes. Residents find a consistent mix of well-maintained Cape Cods, Split-Levels, and Colonials—styles that became the standard for commuter homes during the suburban expansion of the 1940s through the 1960s.
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The Radburn Section: This area is a National Historic Landmark and remains one of the country's most significant planned communities. It features a unique street pattern and pedestrian-focused design, utilizing interior pathways and common green spaces that separate foot traffic from motor vehicles.
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Aesthetics: The borough maintains a cohesive residential feel with tree-lined streets and manicured properties, reflecting strong civic pride and a sense of permanence.
The Schools: Excellence & Diversity
The Fair Lawn School District (PK-12) is a primary draw for families and is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Bergen County.
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Overall Ranking: According to 2026 data, the district routinely ranks within the Top 50 Best School Districts in New Jersey, receiving high marks for academic performance and college preparation.
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Fair Lawn High School: The high school provides a comprehensive curriculum with strong student proficiency in core subjects and a high percentage of graduates attending four-year universities.
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Inclusive Environment: Fair Lawn is noted for its high ethnic and linguistic diversity, with over 50 languages spoken in the borough.
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Magnet Options: As Bergen County residents, students also have the opportunity to apply to the highly selective Bergen County Academies, a top-tier public magnet high school in Hackensack.
Real Estate Market: Prices for Sale & Rent
Fair Lawn’s real estate market remains highly competitive due to its balance of quality schools and prime location for New York City commuters.
As of late 2025, the median sold price for a home in Fair Lawn typically ranges between 714,000 and 718,000 dollars. Entry-level homes, such as smaller Capes or Ranches, often start in the 550,000 to 650,000 dollar range, while luxury or fully renovated properties frequently sell for 950,000 to 1.4 million dollars or more. The market is characterized by high demand, with an average sale-to-list price ratio often exceeding 102 percent. In the rental market, 2-bedroom units typically range from 2,500 to 3,500 dollars per month.
The Commute to NYC
Fair Lawn offers some of the most versatile commuting options in Bergen County, utilizing both rail and bus networks.
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Train: The borough is served by two stations—Radburn Station and Broadway Station—on NJ Transit's Bergen County Line. Commuters can reach Hoboken Terminal in approximately 40 to 45 minutes or transfer at Secaucus Junction for a total trip to New York Penn Station of roughly 50 to 55 minutes.
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Bus: NJ Transit provides direct bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic.
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Driving: Direct access to Route 4, Route 208, and Route 17 makes driving to the George Washington Bridge convenient, though peak-hour congestion is a standard factor.
Safety & Community
Fair Lawn is consistently recognized as one of the best small cities in America, known for its safety and high quality of life.
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Safety: The borough maintains a very low crime rate and is routinely listed among the safest municipalities in New Jersey.
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Demographics & Culture: The community is notably diverse. Based on recent demographic data, the population includes a significant Russian-American and Jewish community. The borough is also approximately 14 percent Asian-American and 15 percent Hispanic or Latinx.
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Community Life: Social life revolves around the public library, numerous local parks, and the historic Radburn Association’s activities.
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Local Heritage: Fair Lawn is famously remembered for the former Nabisco factory; while the plant is now closed, the "smell of cookies" remains a cherished part of the town’s industrial and suburban history.
Fair Lawn Property Value Appreciation Chart (2015-2025)

This upward trajectory reflects Fair Lawn's status as a stable and sought-after destination for families and professionals alike. Guy Peled, Trusted Realtor in Fair Lawn, is available to help you navigate this competitive and diverse market. Whether you are buying or selling, make Guy Peled—your guy in Fair Lawn real estate—your first call.
