Closter is a quiet and relaxed suburban town located about 30 minutes from New York Manhattan, on the western hills of the Hudson River.

The name itself is unique. It is derived from the Dutch word 'Klooster', meaning 'monastery'. This reflects the calm and tidy atmosphere of the town. Upon your first visit, you will feel as if you have entered a small forest village, with many trees and clear air. Closter is a place that feels like living in nature, far from the noise of the city, yet close to New York.

This area is particularly known for its good residential environment within Bergen County. Most homes are single-family houses with large, well-maintained gardens. The houses, with evenly laid lawns, red bricks, and white columns, give a typical American suburban feel.

According to Zillow, as of 2025, the average home value in Closter is around $1.1 to $1.3 million, which is relatively stable considering the school district and living environment. While luxury new homes or those with good views on the hills can exceed $2 million, the overall real estate market remains steadily rising. Rentals are not abundant, but when available, they trade between $3,000 and $4,000 per month, indicating consistent demand.

The biggest charm of Closter is the 'convenience of living and harmony with nature'. At the center of the town is a large shopping mall called Closter Plaza. It houses stores like Whole Foods, HomeGoods, Target, and Starbucks, so there is no need to go far for grocery shopping or shopping.

Just a block away, there are small cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and fitness centers, making it quite well-equipped for suburban living. Additionally, it is close to neighboring towns like Tenafly and Cresskill, allowing access to large H Mart or Korean restaurants within a 5-minute drive. There are also many Korean churches and hospitals nearby, making it particularly convenient for Koreans.

The school district is among the top in Bergen County. Closter Public Schools are systematically managed from elementary to middle school, and high school students advance to the nearby Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest. This school is regarded as one of the top public high schools in New Jersey. With a smaller student population, communication between teachers and students is active, and parental involvement is high. Many families move here for the high educational standards.

The population is diverse, but generally, there are many middle to upper-class families. As of 2020, the population is about 8,500, with approximately 60% white and about 30% Asian, a significant portion of which is Korean. In fact, you can often see Korean families on the streets, and Korean is frequently heard at community events and schools, creating a friendly atmosphere. The Korean network naturally connects with neighboring towns like Fort Lee, Palisades Park, and Tenafly, facilitating active information exchange. For this reason, Closter is often cited as a 'comfortable suburban town for Koreans'.

The town atmosphere is calm and orderly. Each residential area is well-maintained with street trees, and on weekends, you can easily see residents jogging or walking with their families. In particular, the Closter Nature Center is a gem of this town. It is a nature reserve with forest trails and a small lake, changing its scenery with the seasons.

Many commuters to New York use cars, although there are some bus routes, the intervals are long, making driving much more convenient. The roads are well-maintained, and traffic congestion is not severe, making travel pleasant.

The weather is typical of the Northeast, with particularly beautiful springs and autumns. Summers are warm with plenty of sunshine, and the many forests provide a cool breeze. Winters often see snow, but the sight of the entire town covered in white is quite peaceful. The city does a good job with snow removal, so there is hardly any inconvenience.

Ultimately, living in Closter means enjoying a life that does not miss the convenience of the city while savoring the tranquility of nature. It is a well-rounded suburban town that offers proximity to New York, a clean and safe environment, excellent school districts, and a familiar living area for Koreans.