New Milford is a Bergen County borough of about 16,900 residents as of the 2020 Census, set on roughly 2.3 square miles along the east bank of the Hackensack River. It was incorporated in 1922 from what remained of Palisades Township, and it shares Historic New Bridge Landing, a Revolutionary War site, with River Edge and Teaneck. Compact, mostly residential and bordered by Bergenfield, Dumont, Oradell, River Edge and Teaneck, it puts buyers and renters in the middle of central Bergen County. Here's what to know before you buy, sell or rent in New Milford.

Why People Choose New Milford

New Milford's appeal starts with its location. Two Pascack Valley Line stations sit just across the river in River Edge, a direct bus to Midtown runs through town, and the neighboring downtowns of Oradell, River Edge, Teaneck and Bergenfield are a short drive away. The borough is small enough that most errands stay local, with Borough Hall, the public library and a large supermarket all on or near River Road.

History is part of the draw too. The borough calls itself the "Birthplace of Bergen County," and the old settlements of New Bridge, Old Bridge and Peetzburgh, which merged into New Milford in 1922, still exist as place names within its borders.

Getting Around: Commuting from New Milford

• Train: NJ Transit's Pascack Valley Line stops at River Edge and New Bridge Landing stations, both just over the Hackensack River in River Edge. Trains run to Hoboken Terminal, with a transfer at Secaucus Junction for New York Penn Station.
• Bus to NYC: NJ Transit Route 167 connects New Milford with the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Select trips serve the borough, so check the current schedule for your stop.
• Local bus: NJ Transit local routes 753, 756, 762 and 772 also serve the borough for trips around Bergen County.
• Local roads: River Road, Madison Avenue, Milford Avenue, Henley Avenue and Boulevard are the main streets for getting through town and out to the surrounding boroughs.

Housing in New Milford

New Milford had about 6,400 housing units in the 2020 Census, and Census estimates put the owner-occupancy rate at a little over 60 percent. Most homes are owned, but roughly four in ten are rented. For you, that means a mix of options:

• Single-family homes: The choice for buyers who want a yard and more space.
• Multi-family homes: Small multi-unit properties can work for owner-occupants who want rental income, and for investors.
• Apartments and rentals: The sizable rental share gives renters choices in apartment buildings and in units within multi-family homes.

New Milford is also changing. In 2017 a developer bought a 13.6-acre former water company tract bounded by Main Street, River Road and Madison Avenue. The plan called for a new ShopRite, athletic fields for New Milford High School, and redevelopment of the old supermarket site at 841 River Road into multifamily housing with an affordable component. A new ShopRite opened at 250 River Road in 2019. We track redevelopment like this because it can affect values and supply nearby.

Buying a Home in New Milford

Whether you're a first-time buyer, moving up or paying cash, New Milford's size makes it easy to learn quickly. If you're using an FHA loan, a two-to-four family property can be bought with a low down payment as long as you live in one of the units. That is one way to bring rental income into your budget from the start.

A few things we help buyers check:

• Flood exposure: The borough borders the Hackensack River and has a history of flooding. After Hurricane Irene in 2011, the borough used FEMA and state Blue Acres funds to buy out flood-damaged homes. We check FEMA flood maps, elevation and flood insurance costs before you make an offer, not after.
• Home condition: Get a full inspection covering the roof, heating system, electrical, plumbing and basement water. Ask about sewer line scoping and oil tank sweeps when they apply.
• Property taxes: Taxes are a big part of any New Jersey housing budget. We pull the current tax figure for every home you're considering so there are no surprises.
• Financing: We can connect you with a lender for pre-approval before you start touring, which makes your offer stronger.

Selling Your New Milford Home

New Milford sellers can market to buyers who want rail access without a long commute to Midtown, to people moving from nearby Bergen County towns, and to investors looking at income properties. The right price depends on your home's type, condition and location, including whether it sits in a flood zone, which buyers will ask about. We'll prepare a free comparative market analysis using recent sales of homes like yours. Then we'll market your property across the MLS and major online channels and help you get it ready to show.

Renting and Investing in New Milford

With roughly four in ten homes rented, New Milford has steady rental demand, helped by its commuter bus and nearby rail. Renters can count on us to find units that fit their budget and commute. For landlords, we price, market and screen tenants. For investors weighing a multi-family purchase, we look at realistic rents, taxes, insurance, flood risk and condition so the numbers work from day one.

Local Landmarks and Amenities

• Historic New Bridge Landing, the Revolutionary War site shared with River Edge and Teaneck, where Washington's troops retreated in 1776
• The Hackensack River, which forms the borough's western edge
• New Milford Public Library, 200 Dahlia Avenue, in the former Williams School
• Borough Hall, 930 River Road
• Kennedy Field, improved with a state Green Acres grant
• The Art Center of Northern New Jersey
• ShopRite of New Milford, 250 River Road
• Public schools: New Milford School District, including New Milford High School

Talk to a Local Broker

The Thompson Realty Group is a licensed New Jersey real estate brokerage based at 20 MacArthur Ave in Garfield, serving buyers, sellers, renters and investors across Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. Whether you're a first-time FHA buyer, a cash investor, or a homeowner wondering what your place is worth, we'll give you straight answers about New Milford.

Call or text 201-928-5562 or book a free 15-minute consultation. You can also search every active New Jersey listing on our website.

Information on this page is provided for general guidance and is believed accurate as of October 2026. Programs, ordinances, taxes and transit schedules change, so please verify details for any specific property. Equal Housing Opportunity.