What Separates the Two Towns That Share the Same Zip Code?
To most people living outside of the Bergen County area, they may not know there is a difference between the towns of Saddle River and Upper Saddle River NJ, but there are. Huge differences. This article will give some facts about the two towns that share a common name and share the same zip code (07458) but are different altogether.
Home Prices
The big fact that should be addressed right away is the home values in each town. While Upper Saddle River is considered one of the most affluent areas in Bergen County, NJ, it pales to its neighbor down south – Saddle River. According to Zillow, the median home value in Upper Saddle River is currently at $893,000. That is high but when compared to Saddle River’s home value’s, its almost half the price. The median home value in Saddle River is at $1,744,400.
Population
Saddle River is actually quite smaller then Upper Saddle River. According to the 2010 Census, the population of Saddle River is almost 1/3 the size of Upper Saddle River. Saddle River stands at 3,000 people while Upper Saddle River almost has 9,000 residents.
Acres of Space
The unique aspect of Saddle River is the zoning. Most homes in Saddle River has a minimum of 2-acre zoning. Some homes have even more like this one. This is amazing for the location, where Bergen County NJ is one of the condense living areas as a suburb outside of New York City. Upper Saddle River has traditional lots for the area.
Affluence and Exclusivity
While Upper Saddle River has been written up in articles and in the news as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in NJ, the truth is Saddle River is a more affluent town. And definitely more exclusive.
Upper Saddle River, according to the 2014 U.S. American Community Survey by the US Census, has the median household income at $188,750.00. This comes up higher than the equivalent Saddle River median household income but there are some factors that come up to play here. Many Saddle River residents have multiple homes and use other states as their main resident for taxes and census data.
As for exclusivity, the cost of entry to living in Saddle River is much higher than Upper Saddle River when you look at the average home sale price, and there are fewer homes (almost 2/3 fewer homes) available for purchase as well. Saddle River homes are also much grander and bigger than the homes in Upper Saddle River. While it’s common to see 1950’s ranch style homes in Upper Saddle River, it’s more common to see large square footage mansions and estates in Saddle River.
Additionally, when you add in the large open spaces that 2 acre plus lots provide to the residents, there is more private space and available space to the average Saddle River resident. Saddle River, due to the smaller footprint, smaller public services (no public middle or high school for instance) has one of the lowest property taxes in Bergen County. This has tons of appeal as well in an area that historically has very high taxes.
[EDIT: Due to the new SALT deduction laws, many NJ residents are looking for lower property taxes. The secret is out – Saddle River offers you 2 acres of land, beautiful homes with the lowest taxes in the county. Read this CNBC article to know more. ]
Hidden Celebrities
Due to the exclusivity and privacy that 2 acre plus luxury homes offer in Saddle River, it has become quite the home to many celebrities and entertainers who value their privacy above all else. Celebrities like Nick Cannon, Rev Run, Mary J Blige, Vince Carter, and others call it home, as well as former residents Russell Simmons, Ja Rule, Jason Kidd and more. They feel at home in Saddle River with the other Captain-of-Industries, C-Level Managers, private business owners, and other high-net-worth individuals.
Shared Zip Code
Unfortunately, the confusion of sharing the same name doesn’t help differentiate the two, but sharing the same zip code also makes it more confusing. Saddle River by itself would rank as one of the most expensive zip codes in the US, rivaling its nearby neighbor Alpine, NJ. Alpine has consistency has ranked as a top ten town in the US-based on home sales and zip code. Due to the sharing of the zip code with Upper Saddle River, Saddle River’s ranking has dropped due to the cheaper home prices and more abundance of homes that Upper Saddle River brings.
Conclusion
Both towns are considered great towns to live in. And while their names are similar and they share the same zip code, the character and fabric of the towns are very different. Upper Saddle River is a bigger affluent town that mixes regular homes and mansions, on a vast array of different lots.
Saddle River is a very exclusive and expensive town, home to many high wealth individuals who enjoy the scenic and natural beauty that 2 acres of property bring in a very congested suburban area, a mere 30 minutes away from New York City. A slice of bucolic heaven in North New Jersey.
To find homes in Saddle River go to our Real Estate Page
To learn more about our great schools click here
Some fun facts about Saddle River NJ