2020 Census population density.
Bergen County · Hudson Palisades · Gateway to New York City
Cliffside Park, New Jersey
Cliffside Park is a compact, highly populated borough perched atop the Hudson Palisades between Fort Lee and North Bergen, with Edgewater directly below the cliffs. Its one-square-mile footprint combines dense residential neighborhoods, high-rise and mid-rise housing, a walkable Anderson Avenue commercial corridor, international dining and unusually strong access to Manhattan.
Founded in 1895, Cliffside Park also shares the legacy of Palisades Amusement Park, which once straddled Cliffside Park and Fort Lee. Today, the borough balances that history with schools, recreation, local businesses, transit and a diverse community.
Cliffside Park at a glance
Cliffside Park is one of New Jersey's densest municipalities and one of Bergen County's most internationally connected communities.
Median household income, 2020–2024.
Foreign-born residents, 2020–2024.
Residents age 5+ speaking a language other than English at home, 2020–2024.
Borough Hall: 525 Palisade Avenue · Cliffside Park, NJ 07010 · 201-945-3456. The 2026 governing body is led by Mayor Thomas Calabrese.
Explore Cliffside Park
Business & ShoppingAnderson Avenue, Palisade Avenue, banks, personal services, automotive, professional services and local business resources.Food & DrinkTurkish, Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Balkan, Latin, bakeries, cafés and neighborhood dining.Real EstateCondos, high-rises, one- and two-family homes, rentals, taxes, zoning, permits, schools and commuting.Visiting & LodgingPalisades Amusement Park history, parks, Anderson Avenue, skyline access, nearby hotels and transportation.ClassifiedsCommunity marketplace, garage sales, local notices, lost & found, pets and resident submissions.JobsSchools, public service, retail, restaurants, healthcare, property operations, trades and regional employment.
Anderson Avenue & Palisade Avenue
The Borough itself describes Anderson Avenue as the main thoroughfare and a center for stores and restaurants. It remains Cliffside Park's most concentrated pedestrian-oriented commercial strip.
Palisade Avenue runs north-south along the eastern side of the borough and connects government, schools, residences, restaurants and areas overlooking the Hudson-side communities below.
These routes descend the Palisades toward Edgewater, linking the hilltop borough with River Road, Hudson waterfront shopping and ferry connections.
History: from farms to the Palisades
Cliffside Park was founded as a Bergen County borough.
A trolley park opened on the Palisades and developed into the famous Palisades Amusement Park.
Palisades Amusement Park closed; high-rise residential development later occupied much of the site.
Winston Towers and surrounding homes occupy the historic amusement-park area, while a memorial on Palisade Avenue preserves the story.
The Palisades Amusement Park property straddled Cliffside Park and Fort Lee. The Palisades Amusement Park Historical Society identifies the memorial near Palisade Avenue and Lafayette Avenue, in front of Winston Towers 300, as part of the former park site.
Parks, recreation & community life
A central borough green space and one of Cliffside Park's recognizable public places.
Named for brothers Anthony and Stanley Zalewski, Cliffside Park residents killed during World War II.
The Recreation Department operates adjacent to the Oakdene Avenue athletic complex and coordinates youth sports and seasonal programs.
The Recreation Department's 2026 programming includes camp, youth basketball, soccer and football activities, with registration managed through CommunityPass.
Public schools
Cliffside Park operates its own public-school district from elementary grades through high school.
School #3 · School #4 · School #5 · School #6
Grades 7–8 at the Oakdene Avenue campus.
Grades 9–12 at 64 Riverview Avenue. The high school also offers specialized academies including Culinary Arts, STEM, Business, Humanities and Visual & Performing Arts.
Getting around
Route 159 is a major Anderson Avenue service and includes trips signed for Winston Towers. Current NJ Transit alerts also identify 156 service between Cliffside Park and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
The Borough publishes a Free Ferry Shuttle resource. Service details, eligibility and schedules can change, so check the Borough before relying on it.
Cliffside Park sits between the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors, with Route 5, River Road and Bergen County streets connecting to surrounding communities.
Government & public resources
Borough of Cliffside ParkGovernment, departments, news, notices, meetings and resident services.Recreation DepartmentSports, camps, registration and recreation contacts.Cliffside Park Public LibraryLibrary information and community resources.School DistrictSchools, calendars, district information and employment.Building & ZoningPermits, inspections, planning, zoning and housing documents.Resident Quick LinksParking permits, ferry shuttle, garage-sale permit, animal control and more.
Nearby communities
Immediately north, with the George Washington Bridge, Fort Lee Historic Park, restaurants and major commercial areas.
At the base of the Palisades, with Hudson River waterfront shopping, dining, hotels and ferry access.
Neighboring Bergen County boroughs extending west and south from Cliffside Park.
Hudson County neighbor to the south, connected by Palisade/Bergenline-area bus service.
Nearby Bergen County dining and shopping destination west of Fort Lee.
Manhattan sits directly across the Hudson, shaping Cliffside Park's commuting, housing and cultural connections.
Promote a Cliffside Park Business or Organization on NJTGO
NJTGO offers enhanced paid placements for Cliffside Park businesses, restaurants, real-estate professionals, visitor services, employers and community organizations seeking stronger visibility within the guide.
Advertising & Enhanced ListingsCliffside Park government, Census, school, recreation, transit, business and visitor information was reviewed in September 2026. Programs, schedules, businesses and public information can change; verify time-sensitive information with the responsible agency or organization.