Trying to choose between Tenafly and Englewood for your next move? You want great schools, a manageable commute, and a lifestyle that fits your family — without overextending your budget. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, side‑by‑side look at schools, commute times, housing costs, taxes, and day‑to‑day life so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Quick comparison
| Topic | Tenafly | Englewood |
|---|---|---|
| Public schools | Consistently high district reputation and AP focus. See district programs on the Tenafly Public Schools site. Statewide rankings place Tenafly near the top. Recent rankings summary. | Public district has mixed performance; the district highlights tech and equity initiatives. Academies at Englewood overview. In‑town private K–12 option: Dwight‑Englewood. |
| Commute to Manhattan | No direct rail. Express and local buses serve Port Authority. Typical door‑to‑door times are about 50–75 minutes depending on origin and time of day. Tenafly bus info. | Multiple frequent bus routes and shorter distance to the GWB. Many riders see roughly 30–50 minute bus commutes for downtown origins. |
| Median price band (late 2025 snapshots) | About $1.6–$1.9M. | About $600K–$700K. |
| 2024 property tax rate | 2.841 per $100 of assessed value. County table. | 3.073 per $100 of assessed value. County table. |
| Sample annual taxes at median | Around $47,600 using the median price example and the 2024 rate. | Around $21,360 using the median price example and the 2024 rate. |
| Typical housing types | Predominantly single‑family homes, from historic Colonials and Tudors to modern rebuilds. Active preservation in some pockets. Local preservation example. | Mix of condos, townhomes, and single‑family homes. Denser, more walkable downtown with broader rental options. |
| Lifestyle highlights | Small, walkable downtown and the nearly 400‑acre nature preserve for trails and family time. | Lively downtown dining and culture, anchored by bergenPAC. |
Schools and learning options
Tenafly Public Schools
Tenafly operates a cohesive K–12 system with multiple elementary schools, a middle school, and Tenafly High School. The district emphasizes college‑prep academics and Advanced Placement participation, as noted on the district site. Third‑party statewide lists regularly place Tenafly near the top, which is a major reason many families pay a premium to live in town. You’ll also find engaged parent communities and a wide range of clubs and activities.
Englewood public, magnet, and private
Englewood’s public district serves K–12, with Dwight Morrow High School on a shared campus with the Academies at Englewood. The district highlights technology and equity initiatives in recent updates. You can review the magnet overview on the Englewood Public Schools page. Families who want selective or private pathways often consider the Academies at Englewood or in‑town private schooling at Dwight‑Englewood. If public K–12 performance is your top criterion, plan to dig into specific school zones and programs during your search.
Commute and transportation
Tenafly commute snapshot
Tenafly does not have direct NJ Transit rail service. Most commuters ride express or local buses to Port Authority, or they drive to the George Washington Bridge or a park‑and‑ride. The borough summarizes routes and options on its transportation page. Typical door‑to‑door bus times run about 50–75 minutes depending on your exact stop, time of day, and traffic.
Englewood commute snapshot
Englewood benefits from a denser bus network and shorter distance to the George Washington Bridge. Many riders report roughly 30–50 minute door‑to‑door bus commutes for downtown origins. If you often drive, Englewood’s proximity to the GWB can reduce drive time, although traffic patterns still matter.
Rail alternatives
Neither town sits on a mainline NJ Transit rail stop. Some buyers drive to nearby stations on the Pascack Valley or Main/Bergen lines, or mix in ferry and park‑and‑ride options. Your best plan is to test a door‑to‑door route from a short list of homes during the same hours you expect to commute.
Housing, prices, and property taxes
Price and inventory
Recent late‑2025 market snapshots showed a wide gap. Tenafly’s median sale prices were roughly in the $1.6–$1.9M range. Englewood’s typical medians were around $600K–$700K, with more variety in condos and townhomes. Tenafly tends to have lower inventory and a stronger single‑family orientation, which can intensify competition in peak seasons.
Property tax method and examples
Bergen County’s 2024 municipal tax rates are listed as dollars per $100 of assessed value in the county’s official table. To estimate annual property taxes, multiply the municipal rate by each $100 of your assessed value.
- Tenafly example: using a median sale price of about $1,676,000 and the 2024 rate of 2.841 per $100 of assessed value, you get an illustrative estimate near $47,600 per year.
- Englewood example: using a median sale price of about $695,000 and the 2024 rate of 3.073 per $100 of assessed value, you get an illustrative estimate near $21,360 per year.
These examples use market snapshots plus the county rate for a quick ballpark. Actual tax bills rely on assessed values, local levies, and any exemptions. Always confirm with the municipal tax office before you finalize a budget.
Lifestyle, amenities, and safety
Tenafly day‑to‑day
Tenafly reads as a quiet, suburban community with tree‑lined streets and a walkable downtown core. Families value access to nature, including the nearly 400‑acre preserve and local parks. Historic homes and preservation efforts add character and long‑term appeal. A preservation example is highlighted in this local landmark story.
Safety by the numbers: FBI‑derived municipal summaries show relatively low violent and property crime rates compared with many nearby municipalities. See the Tenafly data view for context and note that raw counts differ by population and neighborhood.
Englewood day‑to‑day
Englewood offers a lively downtown with restaurants, retail, and a strong performing‑arts scene led by bergenPAC. Housing is more varied, and many streets are walkable to shops and cafes. This blend of urban and suburban elements appeals to buyers who want more culture and dining close to home.
Safety by the numbers: FBI‑derived municipal data indicate higher counts and rates for certain property crimes at the citywide level than in some nearby towns. Review the Englewood trend view and pair it with on‑the‑ground context by block and time of day during your visits.
Which town fits you
- If top‑tier public K–12 is your single biggest criterion, Tenafly is the clearer choice based on third‑party rankings and long‑running district reputation. Be ready for a higher purchase price and larger tax bill on comparable value.
- If price and variety matter most, Englewood usually delivers a lower entry cost and more housing types, including condos and townhomes.
- If commute time is decisive, Englewood often yields shorter door‑to‑door bus times to Manhattan and is closer to the GWB. Tenafly still works well for many commuters using express buses.
- If you want nightlife and culture in town, Englewood’s downtown and bergenPAC stand out. If you want quiet streets and more green space, Tenafly fits that brief.
- If long‑term resale strength is a priority, Tenafly’s school premium and historically tight inventory have supported strong demand in many cycles. Always pair this with current local comps.
Buyer snapshots
Family A: Schools first
You want public schools with a long track record and broad AP options. You work hybrid, so a few extra commute minutes are fine. You target Tenafly for its district reputation and plan your budget for a seven‑figure purchase plus a higher annual tax line.
Family B: Commute and culture
You commute daily to Midtown and love being close to restaurants and shows. You focus on Englewood for its shorter bus times, active downtown, and wider condo and townhouse selection. You explore public school zones and consider the magnet or private options.
Next steps
Use this checklist to narrow your search:
- Budget range and monthly payment comfort
- Estimated taxes at your target price
- Commute door‑to‑door during peak hours
- Public, magnet, or private school plan
- Preferred lifestyle: quiet green space or active downtown
When you are ready to tour neighborhoods, compare current comps, and validate tax estimates with the municipal offices, connect with a local team that knows both markets well. Reach out to Links NJ to get tailored guidance and a plan that fits your family.
FAQs
What are the biggest differences between Tenafly and Englewood for families?
- Tenafly offers a higher‑ranked public school district and a quieter, single‑family character, while Englewood provides a lower price point on average, more housing variety, and a livelier downtown with strong arts and dining.
How do property taxes compare between Tenafly and Englewood?
- Using Bergen County’s 2024 rates, Tenafly is 2.841 and Englewood is 3.073 per $100 of assessed value; sample estimates at recent median prices come to roughly $47.6K in Tenafly vs $21.36K in Englewood. Actual bills depend on assessed value and local levies.
How long is the commute to Manhattan from each town?
- Tenafly bus commutes are commonly about 50–75 minutes door‑to‑door. Englewood’s denser bus network and proximity to the GWB often yield about 30–50 minutes for downtown origins.
What housing types are most common in Tenafly and Englewood?
- Tenafly is largely single‑family homes across historic and modern styles. Englewood offers a mix of condos, townhomes, and single‑family homes with a more urban‑suburban blend near downtown.
What school options exist beyond the public districts?
- Englewood hosts the Academies at Englewood, a selective magnet on the high‑school campus, plus the private Dwight‑Englewood School. Tenafly families often choose the public district and may also consider nearby private schools based on preference.
