Tenafly Real Estate

Renowned for its top-tier public school system, majestic homes, and preservation of natural beauty along the Palisades, Tenafly offers an exclusive suburban lifestyle often described as a suburb for urbanites. It is a community defined by its quiet, tree-covered streets, significant open space, and deep cultural engagement, making it a prime destination for successful professionals and families seeking an unparalleled quality of life with immediate accessibility to Manhattan.

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Architectural Styles & Housing Stock

Tenafly's housing market is upscale and features a higher concentration of luxury homes and grand estates compared to many of its neighboring communities.

• Dominant Styles: The borough is characterized by a mix of elegant, traditional architecture, including impressive Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and classic Center Hall Colonials. Many of these homes are situated on generous, professionally landscaped lots.

• The East Hill: The most exclusive and expensive area is the East Hill, where the terrain rises dramatically toward the New Jersey Palisades. This section is known for its larger, architecturally significant, and newer custom-built luxury estates, many of which offer direct access to vast parklands.

• Aesthetics & Planning: The development was heavily influenced in the mid-19th century by architect Daniel Topping Atwood, contributing to the borough's distinguished, planned residential character. The street plan incorporates hilly, wooded topography to create an air of seclusion and prestige.

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The Schools: Academic Excellence & Rigor

The Tenafly Public School District (PK-12) is consistently ranked among the top districts in New Jersey and the nation, serving as the single biggest driver of local real estate value.

• District-wide Ranking: The district is routinely rated A+ and ranks among the Top 5 Best School Districts in New Jersey for its academic performance, college preparation, and high proficiency rates.

• Tenafly High School (THS): THS is nationally recognized for its strong STEM programs and exceptional SAT/ACT scores. The school maintains a near 100% graduation rate, with a very high percentage of students matriculating to Ivy League and other competitive four-year universities.

• K-8 Education: The four elementary schools—Mackay, Maugham, Smith, and Stillman—along with the Tenafly Middle School, offer a rigorous and supportive academic environment from a young age.

• Magnet Options: As Bergen County residents, students also have the opportunity to apply to the highly selective Bergen County Academies public magnet high school in Hackensack.

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Real Estate Market: Premium Prices

Tenafly’s market is highly competitive and operates at a premium due to its proximity to New York City and its world-class education system.

As of late 2025, the median sold home price in Tenafly typically ranges between 1.35 million and 1.5 million dollars. Typical home values often fluctuate between 1.21 million and 1.48 million dollars depending on the specific neighborhood. Entry-level options, such as condominiums or smaller homes, often start in the 650,000 to 800,000 dollar range. In contrast, luxury estates on the East Hill frequently sell for between 2.0 million and 5.0 million dollars or more. The rental market is equally premium, with average two-bedroom apartment rents often exceeding 3,500 to 5,400 dollars per month.

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The Commute to NYC

Tenafly offers one of the most direct and convenient commutes into Manhattan, primarily relying on robust bus service and proximity to major crossings.

• Bus (Primary Method): NJ Transit and Rockland Coaches operate frequent, direct bus services from Tenafly to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The trip typically takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes depending on traffic.

• Driving: The borough is located only minutes north of the George Washington Bridge (GWB). While the distance is short, peak-hour traffic can result in a commute ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour.

• Ferry Alternative: Some commuters choose to drive to the Port Imperial terminal in Weehawken for a swift ferry ride across the Hudson River to bypass bridge traffic.

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Safety, Nature & Community

Tenafly is prized for its balance of upscale suburban living and preserved natural areas, creating an exceptionally safe and engaged environment.

• Safety: Tenafly consistently ranks as one of the safest municipalities in New Jersey, featuring a very low crime rate typical of the affluent Northern Valley.

• Nature Focus: The borough is home to the Tenafly Nature Center, a 380-acre non-profit nature preserve with extensive trails for hiking. It is also adjacent to the magnificent Palisades Interstate Park, which overlooks the Hudson River.

• Community Vibe: The community is highly involved, centered around an active downtown with high-end boutiques and diverse dining options. It attracts a cosmopolitan and highly educated population that values both privacy and civic participation.

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Tenafly Property Value Appreciation Chart (2015-2025)

This upward trajectory reflects Tenafly's status as a premier destination for those seeking an elite suburban lifestyle near New York City. Guy Peled, Trusted Realtor in Tenafly, is available to help you navigate this high-end and competitive market. Whether you are buying or selling, make Guy Peled—your guy in Tenafly real estate—your first call.