The community was originally incorporated as the borough ofRiverside by an act of theNew Jersey Legislature on June 30, 1894, from portions ofMidland Township, based on the results of a referendum held the previous day. On December 1, 1930, the borough's name was changed to River Edge.[23] The borough was formed during the "Boroughitis" phenomenon then sweeping through Bergen County, in which 26 boroughs were formed in the county in 1894 alone.[24] The borough was named for its location along theHackensack River.[25]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.88 square miles (4.86 km2), including 1.83 square miles (4.75 km2) of land and 0.05 square miles (0.12 km2) of water (2.39%).[1][2]
River Edge borough, New Jersey – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Of the 4,134 households, 38.8% had children under the age of 18; 64.8% were married couples living together; 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present and 23.5% were non-families. Of all households, 20.6% were made up of individuals and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.21.[20]
26.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.4 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.8 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 88.4 males.[20]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010American Community Survey showed that (in 2010inflation-adjusted dollars)median household income was $97,816 (with a margin of error of +/− $7,136) and the median family income was $109,335 (+/− $12,278). Males had a median income of $71,219 (+/− $6,936) versus $63,305 (+/− $12,071) for females. Theper capita income for the borough was $38,772 (+/− $2,392). About 3.0% of families and 4.2% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.[40]
Same-sex couples headed 19 households in 2010, a decrease from the 24 counted in 2000.[41]
As of the2000 United States census[17] there were 10,946 people, 4,165 households, and 3,102 families residing in the borough. The population density was 5,804.5 inhabitants per square mile (2,241.1/km2). There were 4,210 housing units at an average density of 2,232.5 per square mile (862.0/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 84.12%White, 1.06%African American, 0.08% American Indian, 12.60%Asian, 0.01%Pacific Islander, 0.81% fromother races, and 1.32% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 5.31% of the population.[35][36]
There were 4,165 households, out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% weremarried couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.5% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.11.[35][36]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.[35][36]
The median income for a household in the borough was $71,792, and the median income for a family was $80,422. Males had a median income of $62,044 versus $41,085 for females. Theper capita income for the borough was $33,188. About 2.5% of families and 3.1% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 2.6% of those age 65 or over.[35][36]
River Edge is governed under theborough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey.[42] The governing body is comprised of a mayor and a borough council, with all positions electedat-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[7] The borough form of government used by River Edge is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor canveto ordinances subject to anoverride by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[43][44]
As of 2025[update], themayor of the Borough of River Edge isDemocrat Thomas R. Papaleo, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027.[3] The members of the Borough Council are Council President Lissa Montisano-Koen (D, 2025), Barry Benson (D, 2025), Priti Dhariwal (D, 2027), David Glass (D, 2026), Indira Kinsella (D, 2026) and Klodiana Malellari (D, 2027).[45][46][47][48][49][50]
In January 2020, the borough council selected Indira Kinsella from three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2020 that had been held by Thomas Papaleo until he resigned to take office as mayor.[51]
In February 2016, the borough council selected Mary Davis from a list of three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2016 that was vacated by Edward Mignone when he took office as mayor.[52]
In October 2015, council member Anthony Cappola resigned from office and left the race for an Assembly seat in the38th Legislative District, following disclosures that he had written and published a 2003 book titledOutrageous that was described as "full of racial slurs, rants and stereotypes".[53]
First Democratic mayor. First mayor elected to a four-year term. Resigned upon election to the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders in December 1978.
Bergen County is governed by a directly electedCounty Executive, with legislative functions performed by aBoard of County Commissioners comprised of seven members who are electedat-large to three-year terms in partisan elections on a staggered basis, with either two or three seats coming up for election each November; a Chairman and Vice Chairman are selected from among its seven members at a reorganization meeting held every January. As of 2025[update], the county executive is James J. Tedesco III (D,Paramus), whose four-year term of office ends December 31, 2026.[61]
As of March 2011, there were a total of 6,776 registered voters in River Edge, of which 1,961 (28.9% vs. 31.7% countywide) were registered asDemocrats, 1,329 (19.6% vs. 21.1%) were registered asRepublicans and 3,485 (51.4% vs. 47.1%) were registered asUnaffiliated. There was one voter registered to another party.[88] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 59.8% (vs. 57.1% in Bergen County) were registered to vote, including 80.7% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 73.7% countywide).[88][89]
United States Gubernatorial election results for River Edge[90]
In the2016 presidential election, DemocratHillary Clinton received 3,107 votes (55.3% vs. 54.2% countywide), ahead of RepublicanDonald Trump with 5,618 votes (40.5% vs. 41.1%) and other candidates with 235 votes (4.2% vs. 4.6%), among the 5,690 ballots cast by the borough's 7,477 registered voters, for a turnout of 76.1% (vs. 72.5% in Bergen County).[91] In the2012 presidential election, DemocratBarack Obama received 2,723 votes here (53.0% vs. 54.8% countywide), ahead of RepublicanMitt Romney with 2,337 votes (45.5% vs. 43.5%) and other candidates with 58 votes (1.1% vs. 0.9%), among the 5,134 ballots cast by the borough's 7,065 registered voters, for a turnout of 72.7% (vs. 70.4% in Bergen County).[92][93] In the2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 2,965 votes here (52.6% vs. 53.9% countywide), ahead of RepublicanJohn McCain with 2,577 votes (45.7% vs. 44.5%) and other candidates with 45 votes (0.8% vs. 0.8%), among the 5,633 ballots cast by the borough's 7,100 registered voters, for a turnout of 79.3% (vs. 76.8% in Bergen County).[94][95]
In the2013 gubernatorial election, RepublicanChris Christie received 58.3% of the vote (2,007 cast), ahead of DemocratBarbara Buono with 40.7% (1,400 votes), and other candidates with 1.0% (35 votes), among the 3,522 ballots cast by the borough's 6,801 registered voters (80 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 51.8%.[96][97] In the2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 1,714 votes here (46.2% vs. 45.8% countywide), ahead of DemocratJon Corzine with 1,702 votes (45.9% vs. 48.0%), IndependentChris Daggett with 230 votes (6.2% vs. 4.7%) and other candidates with 11 votes (0.3% vs. 0.5%), among the 3,707 ballots cast by the borough's 6,921 registered voters, yielding a 53.6% turnout (vs. 50.0% in the county).[98]
United States Senate election results for River Edge1[99]
TheRiver Edge Elementary School District served students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. As of the 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 1,189 students and 101.0 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 11.8:1.[101] Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from theNational Center for Education Statistics[102]) are Cherry Hill School / New Bridge Center[103] (with 713 students in grades PreK-6) which is on the south side of the borough and Roosevelt School[104] (with 478 students in grades 1-6) which is located on the north side of the borough.[105][106]
River Edge and neighboringOradell share a combined public school district forseventh throughtwelfth grades,River Dell Regional School District which was established in 1958.[107][108][109] As of the 2022–23 school year, the high school district, comprised of two schools, had an enrollment of 1,613 students and 138.4 classroom teachers (on anFTE basis), for astudent–teacher ratio of 11.7:1.[110] Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from theNational Center for Education Statistics[111]) are River Dell Regional Middle School[112] in River Edge (with 589 students in grades 7-8) andRiver Dell High School[113] in Oradell (with 982 students in grades 9-12).[114][115] Seats on the regional school district's nine-memberboard of education are allocated based on the population of the constituent municipalities, with five seats assigned to River Edge.[116]
Public school students from the borough, and all of Bergen County, are eligible to attend the secondary education programs offered by theBergen County Technical Schools, which include theBergen County Academies inHackensack, and theBergen Tech campus in Teterboro orParamus. The district offers programs on a shared-time or full-time basis, with admission based on a selective application process and tuition covered by the student's home school district.[117][118]
The Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, which served 1,040 students in nursery through eighth grade as of the start of the September 2013 school year, was founded as the Yeshiva of Hudson County, and was re-established in Bergen County in 1979.[121]
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 33.73 miles (54.28 km) of roadways, of which 29.50 miles (47.48 km) were maintained by the municipality, 3.85 miles (6.20 km) by Bergen County and 0.38 miles (0.61 km) by theNew Jersey Department of Transportation.[122]
Route 4 is the primary highway serving River Edge, running along the borough's southern edge.[123]County Route 503 (Kinderkamack Road) passes north-south through the borough, alongside theHackensack River.[124] In January 2025, the New Jersey Department of Transportation announced the commencement of the Route 4 Hackensack River Bridge Replacement Project. This aims to improve both the transportation infrastructure and safety for commuters in the River Edge area.[125]"
There are parking lots at both the River Edge and New Bridge Landing stations that are available for River Edge residents. Permits are required to use the lots and can be obtained from the borough.[129]
New Bridge Landing is the site ofThe Bridge That Saved A Nation crossed by the Continental Army and General Washington as they retreated from the British attack on New York City on November 20, 1776.[134]
Steuben House was used by George Washington as his headquarters for 16 days in September 1780.[136]
Demarest House is a historic house near the Van Steuben and Campbell Christie house. It is known for its stove chimney which was a technological advance at the time it was built in 1794. It was originally in New Milford, but then moved to River Edge. It was renovated in 2009 and is open to the public as a museum.[137]
Van Saun County Park covers 146 acres (59 ha) in River Edge andParamus. While the train ride, zoo, carousel, and pony rides are on the Paramus side of the park, the playground, dog park, baseball fields, some walking paths, and Walden Pond are on the River Edge side.[139]
Veterans Memorial Park – located on Continental Avenue that has a playground, a picnic area, a ball court/roller hockey rink, and a baseball field.
Brookside Park – located on Greenway Terrace that has a walking path, playground, and a basketball court.
River Edge Bird Sanctuary and Nature Trail – located on the River Edge/Paramus border, this park has a bird sanctuary and a walking nature trail. It is located behind The Shoppes on IV shopping center in Paramus.
River Edge Arboretum – located on Elm Avenue next to the River Edge Public Library that has a walking path and tennis courts.
Cherry Blossom Park – located on Bogert Road next to Cherry Hill Elementary School. It features a variety of flowers and plantings with a walking path and seating areas.[140]
Kiddie Wonderland was a children's amusement park that operated from 1951 to 1958. It featured rides such as a train ride, carousel, and a small roller coaster. It was located at the end of Main Street where the Hackensack River intersects with Coles Brook. It was later converted into apartments.[141]
Joanna Angel (born 1980), alternative pornographic and mainstream actress, director, and writer of adult films[143]
Bonnie August (1947–2003), fashion designer who innovated the disco-era look of unitards under wrap skirts[144]
Robert O. Becker (1923–2008), orthopedic surgeon and researcher inelectrophysiology/electromedicine who co-authoredThe Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life[145]
^Harvey, Cornelius Burnham.Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, New Jersey, p. 11, New Jersey Genealogical Publishing Company, 1900. Accessed September 1, 2013. "For a period of sixteen years following the passage of this act few boroughs were organized in the State, only three of them being in Bergen County.... As it was twenty-six boroughs were created in the county from January 23, 1894, to December 18, of the same year."
^Regular Meeting Minutes for January 21, 2020, Borough of River Edge. Accessed March 4, 2020. "The River Edge Democratic Political Party would like to submit the following three names to be considered for replacement of the council seat of Thomas Papaleo.... On motion by Councilman Chinigo, seconded by Councilwoman Busteed to nominate Indira Kinsella to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Papaleo’s Council seat through 12/31/20 was unanimously approved."
^Krulish, Mark."Mary Davis tapped to fill council seat in River Edge",The Record, February 11, 2016. Accessed June 16, 2016. "The Borough of River Edge added the missing piece to its governing body when it appointed long-time resident Mary Davis to its vacant council seat on Feb. 1. Davis was approved unanimously to fill the open seat vacated by Mayor Edward Mignone, who had a year left on his council term prior to taking the mayor's seat in January."
^Ensslin, John C.; and Pugliese, Nicholas."Outrageous author quits council seat in River Edge",The Record, October 2, 2015. Accessed October 7, 2015. "Embattled Republican Anthony Cappola resigned as a River Edge councilman Friday, one day after stepping down as a GOP Assembly candidate following disclosures that he had authored a book full of racial slurs, rants and stereotypes."
^Board of County Commissioners, Bergen County, New Jersey. Accessed December 9, 2025. "The seven members of the Bergen County Board of County Commissioners are elected at-large to three-year, staggered terms. They take office early in January, following the November election."
^Cheslow, Jerry."If You're Thinking of Living In/Oradell, N.J.; Giving an Old Downtown a New Life",The New York Times, August 20, 2000. Accessed July 26, 2020. "In seventh grade, Oradell youngsters enter the River Dell Regional School District, which is shared with neighboring River Edge. It comprises the 423-student River Dell Middle School in River Edge for grades seven and eight and the 823-student River Dell High School in Oradell."
^"Story Of Joanna Angel: I Am A Total Nerd. I Love To Read & Write", Librefashion, May 2, 2015. Accessed September 21, 2015. "Joanna was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish Israeli mother and an American father. She was raised in River Edge in Bergen County, New Jersey, where she attended Cherry Hill Elementary School and graduated from River Dell High School in 1998."
^Staff."Dr. Robert O. Becker"Archived December 15, 2018, at theWayback Machine,Watertown Daily Times, May 29, 2008. Accessed December 15, 2013. "Born May 31, 1923, in River Edge, N.J., son of Elizabeth Blanck and the Rev. Otto Julius Becker, he received a bachelor's degree in 1946 from Gettysburg (Penn.) College and his medical degree in 1948 from New York University School of Medicine, New York City."
^"A Century Ago", Bergen County Historical Society. Accessed October 9, 2008. "Walter Christie, the record-breaking automobilist, of River Edge, was nearly killed at Pittsburg on September 9, 1907, when running his machine at the rate of 70 miles per hour."
^John Donovan,Maryland Terrapins football. Accessed December 15, 2013. "A native of River Edge, N.J., Donovan married the former Stacey Spicer of Potomac, Md., in May, 2005."
^Kurland, Bob."Louise Gonnerman Enters Big Time",The Record, July 14, 1964. Accessed November 23, 2022, viaNewspapers.com. "But this time it looks as though the River Dell High School senior will break the pattern. 'I love to play tennis,' declared Louise as she prepared applications for the Pennsylvania Grass Court and Delaware tournaments at her River Edge apartment."
^Reardon, Patricia; and Collina, Helen Lippman."Bicyclists Heading for the Open Road",The New York Times, April 26, 1987. Accessed July 18, 2013. "Since 1965, says Freddie Hoffman of River Edge, he has bicycled more than 600,000 miles, or 'more than enough to go to the moon, orbit twice and come back.'"
^Rabinowitz, Nancy."At 93, harpist still is treasured teacher, mentor",South Coast Today, October 22, 2000. Accessed October 9, 2008. "Even if that means hopping a bus near her home in River Edge, N.J., and making the four-hour, 200-mile trip to her students at Boston University, where she has been on the faculty of the School for the Arts for the past 36 years."
^Staff."Mickey Mantle Comes of Age as a Slugger: A Prodigy of Power",Life, p. 102, June 25, 1956. Accessed August 29, 2011. "Two Mickey mantles practice on lawn of house in River Edge, N.J. As his father pitches, Mickey Jr. takes real Mantle swing. Ball is tied to string to save Mickey from chasing his son's hits."
^Fitzgerald, Tommy."That Youngster Sam Snead Is A Comer",The Miami News, January 28, 1967. Accessed September 23, 2015. "He was referring to 82-year-old Charles Mayo of River Edge, N.J., a student of his in 1904 when he was a young pro at Banstead Downs near the Epsom Downs race track in England."
^Skevin, Tom. "A Nets fan reminisces",The Record, January 27, 2004. "I go back to when Billy Paultz of River Edge was a rookie. I was surprised in the 1970-71 season when I saw that the 6-foot-11 Whopper didn't even jump center - the much shorter Sonny Dove did."
^Burrow, Megan."River Edge Library exhibit inspired by fictional characters",Town News, October 21, 2010. Accessed November 26, 2013. "'Arcanifacts' is a collection of 21 works taken from a larger project River Edge resident Scot Ryersson began in 2007."
^Teata Semiz, Bowling Hall of Fame. Accessed May 10, 2015.
Municipal Incorporations of the State of New Jersey (according to Counties) prepared by the Division of Local Government, Department of the Treasury (New Jersey); December 1, 1958.
United States
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