Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ

Ho-Ho-Kus is one of Bergen County's smallest and most charming suburbs, centered around a compact, walkable downtown along Franklin Turnpike. Local favorites like the historic Ho-Ho-Kus Inn, cozy cafes, and the town library all sit within easy walking distance of the train station. Quiet residential streets spread out from this center toward the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, offering leafy lots that feel secluded while keeping you close to Route 17. For commuters heading into New York City, the NJ Transit stop right in town is a major perk, though checking train schedules and station parking availability should be on your home-search checklist.

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The town carries a lot of history, dating back to Dutch settlers in the late 1600s and early stagecoach travel along the turnpike. Its unusual name was formally adopted by residents in 1908, giving the community an identity all its own. A classic stone viaduct still carries trains above the borough center, adding to the small-town feel. It is a quiet, friendly place where residents run into each other at the post office, youth sports games, and community events like the annual Taste of Ho-Ho-Kus food festival.

ATTRDmadeo / CC BY-SA 4.0

The borough's most famous landmark is The Hermitage, a historic Gothic Revival estate where George Washington stayed during the Revolutionary War. Today, it serves as a museum that hosts walking tours, seasonal artisan craft fairs, and educational programs. For buyers looking to move here, top considerations usually come down to daily logistics: whether you want to be close enough to walk to the station, how much yard space you need along the waterways, and whether a property backs up to Route 17. Between the strong local schools and the tight-knit village feel, Ho-Ho-Kus remains one of the area's most appealing destinations.