Ho-Ho-Kus Real Estate

Ho-Ho-Kus is a quaint, affluent borough in the heart of Northwest Bergen County, consistently ranked among New Jersey's top residential destinations.

Known for its picturesque downtown, stately architecture, and excellent public schools, it offers a serene, small-town atmosphere despite its exceptional proximity to Manhattan. Its name, derived from a Native American term potentially meaning "the red cedar," perfectly describes the lush, wooded environment that defines this exclusive community.

Here is a comprehensive look at what makes this Bergen County borough unique, from its history to its high-end real estate market.

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Architectural Styles & Housing Stock 

Ho-Ho-Kus's housing is characterized by custom, high-end homes and historic properties, all set on well-maintained, generous lots, often with park-like settings.

• Stately & Historic: The borough has a strong commitment to preservation, featuring homes that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, including the landmark Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern (c. 1796) and The Hermitage, a historic Gothic Revival house.

• The Cheelcroft Area: A prominent neighborhood, the Cheelcroft area, is noted for its beautiful Tudor-style homes designed in the 1920s and 30s, creating an exclusive and charming architectural enclave.

• Post-War Luxury: Modern construction often consists of grand, newly built or completely renovated Colonial and European-influenced designs on sprawling, lushly landscaped lots, many of which are one acre or more.

• Density: The low population density (just 1.75 square miles) and preservation of open space, especially on the affluent east side of Route 17, contribute to a quiet, neighborhood feel.

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The Schools: Blue Ribbon Excellence 

The Ho-Ho-Kus school system is small, highly focused, and renowned for its quality, partnering with one of the state's most elite regional high schools.

• Ho-Ho-Kus Public School (K-8): This K-8 district has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, validating its strong academic performance and low student-to-teacher ratio (around 12:1).

• Northern Highlands Regional High School: Ho-Ho-Kus students attend the highly prestigious Northern Highlands Regional High School in nearby Allendale, a sending/receiving district shared with Allendale, Saddle River, and Upper Saddle River. Northern Highlands is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in New Jersey and has also been designated a Blue Ribbon School.

• Magnet Option: As a Bergen County resident, students have the option to apply to the highly competitive Bergen County Academies public magnet high school.

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Real Estate Market: Prices for Sale & Rent

Ho-Ho-Kus is one of Bergen County's premier luxury markets, characterized by high barriers to entry and strong value appreciation, with homes frequently selling above asking price.

• Median Listing Home Price (All Types): The current median listing price for homes in Ho-Ho-Kus is approximately $1.5 Million (Approx. Late 2025 Data).

• Median Sold Home Price (All Types): The median price for homes actually sold averages around $1.4 Million.

• Entry-Level/Most Affordable: The most affordable homes, generally older or smaller properties, are typically priced from $825,000 to $999,000.

• Luxury/Custom Estates: Luxury and custom-built estates frequently sell for $1.8 Million to over $3.3 Million+.

• Market Competition: The market is competitive, with a Sale-to-List Price Ratio averaging 105.87%, meaning homes sell for nearly 6% over the asking price on average.

For Rent: The rental inventory is extremely limited and costly.

• Average 3-Bedroom Rental: Rentals are scarce and often priced between $5,000 and $5,500+ per month.

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The Commute to NYC 

Ho-Ho-Kus offers highly efficient commuter options for travel to New York City, which is only about 20 miles away.

• Train: The Ho-Ho-Kus Station is centrally located and served by NJ Transit's Main and Bergen County Lines. The combined trip time to NY Penn Station takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, with a transfer at Secaucus Junction.

• Bus (Fastest Option): The Short Line private bus service offers very convenient commuter options. Express service from the nearby Route 17 Park & Ride can reach the Port Authority Bus Terminal in as little as 35 to 40 minutes during non-peak hours.

• Driving: Direct driving is fast (about 35 minutes outside of peak hours) via Route 17 to the George Washington Bridge, but peak hour traffic is heavily congested.

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Safety & Community

Ho-Ho-Kus is widely known as one of New Jersey's safest and most community-focused towns.

• Safety: The low crime rate is a major selling point, providing a safe and tranquil environment for families.

• Community Vibe: The town’s social life centers around its picturesque downtown, featuring the historic Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, Eve's, and other upscale dining spots. The community is actively engaged in family-focused events and supported by the Ho-Ho-Kus Contemporary Club.

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Real Estate Market Trend (Last 10 Years)

The exclusivity and academic excellence of this Bergen County borough ensure it remains a perennial top-tier luxury market. Guy Peled, your Trusted Realtor in Ho-Ho-Kus, is available to help you navigate this competitive market. Whether you are buying or selling, make Guy Peled – your guy in Ho-Ho-Kus real estate – your first call.