2025 Census population estimate; 8,594 residents were counted in 2020.
Bergen County · Northern Valley · Historic commuter suburb
Closter, New Jersey
Closter is a residential Northern Valley borough with a surprisingly broad mix of shopping, dining, arts, parks, farms and nature. Its historic center grew around the Northern Railroad, while modern Closter Plaza has become one of northern Bergen County's best-known shopping and dining destinations.
The borough pairs suburban neighborhoods with direct Manhattan bus service, strong public schools, the 136-acre Closter Nature Center and community institutions that give it a distinct identity beyond its small geographic footprint.
Closter at a glance
Median household income, 2020–2024.
Owner-occupied housing rate, 2020–2024.
Mean commute time for workers, 2020–2024.
Tree-lined neighborhoods, established homes, newer construction and a strong owner-occupied housing base define much of the borough.
Closter Plaza, Closter Dock Road, Piermont Road and nearby shopping strips provide groceries, retail, restaurants, health services and professional offices.
Closter borders communities including Demarest, Norwood, Harrington Park, Alpine and Haworth and sits within practical reach of the George Washington Bridge.
From rural settlement to commuter suburb
The railroad was the key turning point: after service began in 1859, Closter evolved from an isolated agricultural settlement into a residential community attractive to commuters.
Closter Plaza & local commerce
Closter Plaza at 19 Vervalen Street anchors the borough's modern shopping district. Current tenants include grocery, home, apparel, beauty, fitness, banking, dining, medical and entertainment uses. Nearby Closter Dock Road and Piermont Road add independent shops, professional services and neighborhood businesses.
Whole Foods Market, Target, HomeGoods and specialty stores make the plaza a regional errand destination.
French, American, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, bakery/café and steakhouse choices give Closter a stronger dining scene than its population alone might suggest.
Movie/performing-arts uses, wellness businesses, banks, medical offices and salons broaden the plaza and downtown mix.
Nature, parks & farms
136 acres of ponds, brooks, meadows, forests and forested wetlands with more than three miles of trails. Grounds are free and open daily from dawn to dusk.
Borough recreation fields and community outdoor space.
Home of Closter's 9/11 Memorial and an important civic remembrance site.
A Borough-owned community farm where resident families can pick seasonal produce during the growing season.
A seven-acre certified-organic farm and farmers market on Closter Dock Road growing more than 70 seasonal vegetables.
Environmental and volunteer organizations help maintain trails, farms, wetlands and community programs.
Arts, library & community life
280 High Street · 201-768-4197. The library provides BCCLS borrowing, digital resources, programs and community services.
280 High Street · 201-768-0286. A local gallery presenting changing exhibitions and cultural programming.
Historical, environmental, arts, service, scouting, civic and volunteer groups contribute to Closter's active community culture.
Schools
Closter Public Schools serves local students in Pre-K through Grade 4 at Hillside.
Closter students in Grades 5–8 attend Tenakill Middle School.
Closter students continue to the regional high school in nearby Demarest for Grades 9–12.
Transportation & commuting
Runs Monday through Saturday along Schraalenburgh Road between Harrington Park and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
Serves signed stops along Harrington Avenue and Closter Dock Road with Manhattan service.
NJ Transit's Pascack Valley Line can be reached in nearby Emerson or Oradell.
Closter's Northern Valley location provides access toward Palisades Interstate Parkway, Route 9W, Route 4 and the George Washington Bridge.
Borough government & public resources
Explore Closter on NJTGO
Use the complete seven-page Closter guide for local businesses, food and drink, real estate, visitor information, community classifieds and jobs.
Advertising & Enhanced ListingsCloster government, Census, school, transportation, business and visitor information was reviewed in September 2026. Programs, schedules, business details and municipal information can change; verify time-sensitive information with the responsible organization.