Oradell is a compact Bergen County borough of about 8,200 residents as of the 2020 Census, covering roughly two and a half square miles along the Hackensack River. It was formed in 1894 as the borough of Delford and took the name Oradell in 1920. Today it pairs a walkable business district on Kinderkamack Road with a historic train station, a county park on a man-made river island and the reservoir that shares its name. Here's what buyers, sellers, renters and investors should know about Oradell.

Why People Choose Oradell

Much of Oradell's appeal comes down to scale. The borough's Central Business District runs along Kinderkamack Road and holds the Municipal Building, the public library, the fire station and the train station, so daily errands and the commute can start from the same few blocks. Many of the commercial buildings have apartments on their upper floors, and the borough's master plan notes the district's "interesting architectural image."

The other draw is open space. The Hackensack River and the Oradell Reservoir shape the east side of town, and Van Buskirk Island County Park gives residents a place to paddle, walk and watch birds without leaving the borough.

Getting Around: Commuting from Oradell

• Train: Oradell station, at 400 Maple Avenue, sits on NJ Transit's Pascack Valley Line between Emerson and River Edge. Trains run directly to Hoboken, and riders bound for New York Penn Station transfer at Secaucus Junction. The borough operates three permit parking lots at the station; resident permits are handled through the Oradell Police Department.
• Bus: NJ Transit's 165 runs from Westwood to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, with stops at Oradell Avenue and Kinderkamack Road. Local routes include the 762 (Hackensack to Paramus) and the 772 (New Milford to the Meadowlands).
• Car: Kinderkamack Road (County Route 503) is the main north-south road through the middle of the borough. Oradell Avenue (County Route 80) leads west into Paramus, toward the Garden State Parkway and Route 17.

Neighborhoods and Housing Types

According to Oradell's master plan, the borough's housing is primarily detached single-family homes, with some townhouse and multi-family units. Lot sizes vary noticeably from one part of town to another:

• Northwest Oradell: The borough's lowest-density residential area, about 155 acres in the northwest corner, where lots run around 18,750 square feet.
• Single-family sections: Most of the rest of the borough is single-family zoning, with lots that range from about 12,000 square feet down to 7,500 square feet or less.
• Garden apartments and townhouses: The master plan places Oradell's higher-density housing on the east side of Kinderkamack Road, from Saw Mill Lane to New Milford Avenue.
• Two-family homes: The master plan identifies a two-family area on Meyerhoff Place. Elsewhere they are rare.
• Downtown apartments: Upper-floor units above shops in the Central Business District add to the rental supply.

Zoning in the business district is changing. In 2026 the borough introduced an ordinance expanding the B-1 Central Business District zone, eliminating the B-3 Business and Apartment zone, and applying a court-approved affordable housing overlay. It is part of Oradell's plan to meet its Round 4 affordable housing obligation. We keep an eye on these changes for clients buying or selling near Kinderkamack Road.

Buying a Home in Oradell

With mostly single-family housing, buyers here compare lot size, layout and condition. We help you review:

• Inspections on older homes: Ask the seller for the home's age and its renovation and permit history, and plan a thorough inspection covering roof, electrical, plumbing, heating systems and drainage.
• Flood risk near the river: Homes along the Hackensack River flooded during Hurricane Ida in 2021 and again in April 2022. For any property in the eastern part of town, we check FEMA flood maps, elevation and flood insurance costs before you make an offer.
• Townhouses and garden apartments: For attached homes, we review association fees, reserves, rules and any planned assessments.
• Two-family purchases: When a two-family does come up, an FHA loan lets you buy it with a low down payment as long as you live in one of the units.
• 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.

Need financing? We can connect you with a lender for pre-approval before you start touring.

Selling Your Oradell Home

Oradell's selling points are easy to put in front of buyers: a historic train station with service to Hoboken, a direct bus to Midtown, a walkable Kinderkamack Road business district and a riverfront county park. Values still differ by lot size, location and flood exposure. We'll prepare a free comparative market analysis using recent sales of homes like yours, then market your home across the MLS and every major online channel.

Renting and Investing in Oradell

Oradell's rental supply is small. It's mostly garden apartments, townhouses and upper-floor units in the business district, plus single-family homes offered for lease. Renters should start early. Investors should watch the changing downtown zoning. We can help you estimate realistic rents, taxes, insurance and repairs before you commit, and we help landlords price, market and screen tenants.

Local Landmarks and Amenities

• Oradell station, a Queen Anne-style depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Van Buskirk Island County Park, home to the former Hackensack Water Works buildings, and the Van Buskirk Island Paddling Center, run by the Hackensack Riverkeeper
• Oradell Reservoir and the reservoir pathway in neighboring Haworth
• Bergen County Players at the Little Firehouse Theatre, 298 Kinderkamack Road
• Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, a wildlife art museum at 705 Kinderkamack Road
• Oradell Free Public Library, 375 Kinderkamack Road
• Borough parks including Memorial Field, the Doug Parcells Athletic Complex, Grant Field, Hoffman Field and Schirra Park
• Hackensack Golf Club, a private 18-hole course on Soldier Hill Road
• Public schools: Oradell Public School (grades K–6) and the River Dell Regional School District, shared with River Edge, including River Dell 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 Oradell.

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.