Carli Clesmere Bergen County has earned a reputation for being filled with great towns, each with its own personality and close-knit community feel. That reputation is now backed by national recognition, as AARP released new rankings using its livability index to highlight the best midsized places for older adults, evaluating factors like walkability, job markets, and housing affordability. Two familiar Bergen County towns made the list: Fort Lee and Cliffside Park. Located side by side, the neighboring towns may be known for school rivalries, but they share something far more meaningful in common: thoughtfully built communities that feel comfortable, connected, and realistic for today’s lifestyle. While both earned praise, Cliffside Park stands out for its walkable streets, convenient access to daily needs, and strong neighborhood feel, making it worthy of a closer look. Read on for a more intimate look at Cliffside Park.
What is the AARP Livability Index™
AARP created the Livability Index™, an online tool that evaluates communities across the U.S. and scores them on factors that affect quality of life for all ages, including housing, transportation, neighborhoods, health, environment, opportunities to connect with others, education, and job opportunities. The Livability Index draws on data from over 50 sources and 61 indicators—from housing costs to pollution to age-friendly programs, and ranks cities, towns, and neighborhoods by livability.
According to the Livability Index, Cliffside Park, New Jersey, has a score of 68, ranking it above the middle compared to communities across the country.
Cliffside Park at a Glance
Founded in 1895, Cliffside Park is a small Bergen County borough conveniently located between the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln Tunnel, making it a popular home base for many New York City professionals thanks to its easy commute. Just one square mile in size, the town is home to roughly 24,000 residents, creating a close-knit feel without sacrificing everyday convenience. Despite its compact footprint, Cliffside Park is loaded with shops, restaurants, + local businesses, and its streets reflect a diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds that contribute to the town’s welcoming atmosphere.
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Anderson Avenue, the Heart of Cliffside Park
Anderson Avenue is the central hub of Cliffside Park. It’s lined with restaurants, shops, and essential services, making it a prime example of the borough’s walkable lifestyle. Residents appreciate how much is concentrated on this single street, with everything conveniently within walking distance. Food alone makes Anderson Avenue a destination. The area is especially known for its Turkish cuisine, with local favorites like Beyoglu Grill and Dayi’nin Yeri standing out for their traditional flavors. Pizza lovers have no shortage of options either, with staples like Pizza Amore and Napoli Wood Fired Pizza and Bakery lining the strip. When it’s time for something sweet, longtime favorite Miller’s Bakery delivers classic pastries, while Juan Dolce Desserts is a go-to for some unique sweet treats.
Beyond dining, Anderson Avenue is filled with beauty and self-care stops that locals frequent, from Krazy Nails to New Place Organic Day Spa. It’s the kind of street where errands, appointments, + meals can all happen within the same walk.
A stroll down Anderson Avenue also brings you to The Centre in Cliffside Park, a large mixed-use development at 1 Towne Center that opened in 2017. Built after years of planning, the complex blends apartments with street-level retail, adding even more life to the area. Inside, one can find spots like Anytime Fitness, The Lash Lounge, and a neighborhood favorite for food and drinks, Sedona Tap House (BG insider tip: the goat cheese + tomato jam bruschetta appetizer at STH is seriously unreal). Put simply, Anderson Avenue brings everything together, and there is truly something for everyone, all in one strip.
A Local Perspective
Carli from team BG spoke to David Clesmere, who has lived in the borough for the past three years and says moving there was a big win. David, 70, shared that Cliffside Park offers a level of convenience that makes everyday life easy and enjoyable. “Everything is right at your feet,” he explained, noting that no matter the weather, he can step outside and choose from multiple places to eat, run into the pharmacy for a quick errand, or stop by a local market for fresh vegetables and meat. “If I didn’t work, I’d probably let go of my car. Everything I need is here,” he shared with us. David is also the father of BG contributor Carli Clesmere, who loves visiting him and exploring the area.
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Beyond convenience, David emphasized the strong neighborhood feel that keeps him rooted in Cliffside Park. After growing up across the bridge in Washington Heights, he says the town gives him that same sense of community, where neighbors recognize one another and simple routines, like Sunday morning bagel runs, come with friendly hellos and familiar faces.
A Business Owner’s Perspective
To understand Cliffside Park from a business standpoint, Carli from team BG also had a chat with Adam Orecchio, owner of Anytime Fitness, a 24-hour gym located in the heart of town. Adam shared that Cliffside Park’s location and density play a major role in his gym’s success. “Between Cliffside Park and the neighboring towns, you basically have one of the highest population densities in the country,” he explained. “That creates a constant flow of customers, and it’s incredibly diverse. You’re seeing just about every demographic.” With close proximity to New York City, Adam noted that the commuter population trends younger and more affluent, adding another layer to the local customer base.
Beyond foot traffic, Adam highlighted how supportive the town is toward small businesses. He described Cliffside Park as welcoming and easy to work with, with a strong mom-and-pop feel that allows local businesses to grow and stay rooted in the community. From a gym owner’s perspective, the steady influx of residents makes a meaningful difference, especially in an industry known for high membership turnover. With new faces always moving through town, Adam shared that building and maintaining a client base feels far more sustainable in Cliffside Park than in many other areas.
Why Cliffside Park Ranks High
One of the biggest strengths of Cliffside Park is the way daily life flows with ease. From grocery shopping and grabbing a meal to commuting to work or fitting in a workout, most daily needs are close by. This convenience makes the town appealing to people of all ages, including families, commuters, and older residents who appreciate having essentials within easy reach. Whether you’re thinking about moving or just exploring Bergen County, Cliffside Park stands out as a place that works well for every stage of life.
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