Living in Ho-Ho-Kus: A Real Estate and Lifestyle Guide to Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey

Where is Ho-Ho-Kus Located in New Jersey?

Surrounded by neighboring Waldwick, Ridgewood, and the Township of Washington, Ho-Ho-Kus is bisected by Route 17, a major route connecting northeast New Jersey to New York City. The Garden State Parkway is easily accessible as well as Route 507.

New York City is some 20 miles away and it’s an easy commute via NJ Transit from Ho-Ho-Kus station, located one block from the Franklin Turnpike. The train journey to Manhattan, either via Secaucus for New York Penn Station or directly to Hoboken to connect to the PATH or ferry service to Lower Manhattan, takes about an hour. The Short Line Bus to Port Authority in Midtown Manhattan makes stops at Franklin Avenue, Maple Avenue, Route 17, and Hollywood Avenue. And a nearby park-and-ride is available in Ridgewood. The journey by bus or car takes from 30 minutes (off peak) to just under an hour.

What is the Architecture of Ho-Ho-Kus?

Neighborhoods are a mix of Colonials and Cape Cods. Tudor-style properties can be found in a small section of town called Cheelcroft, between Sheridan Avenue and Franklin Turnpike, which was named after architect Harold W. Cheel, who designed the homes during and after the Great Depression.

What Schools are in Ho-Ho-Kus?

Ho-Ho-Kus Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It is the only public school in the district, with an estimated 612 students (in 2016-2017) and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Students in ninth through twelfth grades attend Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, as part of a sending/receiving contract between the two towns. In 2016, the districts extended the agreement through 2026. The school also serves students from Saddle River and Upper Saddle River.

Ho-Ho-Kus Waldwick Cooperative Nursery School is located in town and allows parents to help guide their child’s education through collective interaction with teachers in the classroom, once or twice a month. Programs are available for children 18 months to 4 years old. Also in Ho-Ho-Kus is ECLC, which stands for Education, Careers, and Lifelong Community. It’s an accredited, non-profit school educating students ages 5 through 21 with special needs. Eligibility for placement is determined by the local sending district and ECLC Child Study Team.

Things to Do and See in Ho-Ho-Kus

The Hermitage

This Gothic Revival house, built between 1847 and 1848, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now a museum, it’s maintained by the non-profit organization Friends of the Hermitage. Visitors can tour the home, which—according to the borough—was used to entertain George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr during the American Revolutionary War. The museum hosts lecture series and various historical exhibitions.

Residents can also visit nearby Demarest Farms in Hillsdale to pick apples, pumpkins, and peaches; shop the farm store for apple cider doughnuts and freshly baked pies; or visit the petting zoo. Seasonal events include haunted orchards and Christmas light displays with pictures with Santa.

What Clubs are Available to Residents?

Ho-Ho-Kus Contemporary Club

Open to new and current residents, this club helps the community through philanthropic and social events that benefit local organizations. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from September through June.

Ho-Ho-Kus Garden Club

Learn and share gardening tips and techniques with other horticulturists. The club meets the last Monday of the month from September through June. Its annual plant sale takes place in May.

Youth Activities Council

This non-profit organization offers extra-curricular activities during the school year to children from preschool through eighth grade. YAC is run by volunteers and mostly funded by the Contemporary Club of Ho-Ho-Kus. Programs include horseback riding, musical theater, sports

Where to Eat in Ho-Ho-Kus?

Popular dining options in Ho-Ho-Kus include:

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern

This restaurant, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1796 and previously used as a tavern, back in the 1890s, and was frequented by former President Richard Nixon when he resided in the area. Today, the tavern has a bar, three interior dining rooms, and an outdoor patio. The American-style menu features everything from steaks to seafood and lighter fare, such as sandwiches and salads.

St. Eve’s

Chef Steven Christianson uses fresh organic ingredients to create dishes that range from diver sea scallops and gulf shrimp with confit fennel, confetti tomato, and lobster gratinée to slow-braised lamb shank with parsnip mash, gremolata, and roasted Brussel sprouts. Menu items change seasonally, and pasta is made in house.

Albert’s Cafe Amici

Executive Chef Victor Guallpa combines classic American dishes with Italian favorites at this local favorite BYO restaurant. His Sunday brunch menu has breakfast staples like pancakes, French toast, and plenty of egg options.

The Sicilian Sun

This family-run Italian restaurant is known for its freshly made pasta dishes and homemade pizza. Its extensive menu offers a variety of antipasti, salads, and specialty dishes.

Just Janice

Featuring an Italian-American menu and daily specials, this BYO bistro offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a popular brunch menu.

How Many People Living in Ho-Ho-Kus?

Population: 4,107 [2018 estimate: United States Census Bureau.

What is the Average Home Value in Ho-Ho-Kus?

Price: $727,900

What Are the Property Taxes in Ho-Ho-Kus?

Median Cost: $16,529

Explore our luxury properties for sale in Ho Ho Kus, New Jersey.

Ho Ho Kus Map: Homes on the Market