A family looking for a home in Bergen County recently asked, "Tenafly is nice, but how different is the neighboring Alpine?" This question arises because there is a significant gap in perception between neighborhoods even within the same county.

Tenafly is known for having a high percentage of Korean families in New Jersey's Bergen County. Thanks to its excellent public school district and its location just over 30 minutes from Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge, it has long been a popular area for Korean professionals and affluent households. According to Zillow, the median home price in Tenafly is around $1 million.

However, right next to Tenafly is a neighborhood that is considered a step up: Alpine. Alpine is frequently mentioned by Forbes and real estate media as one of the most expensive zip codes in the U.S., with median home prices well over $3 million. Large lots, private driveways, and views of the Hudson River are cited as factors driving up prices.

Nearby Englewood Cliffs and Saddle River also share similar characteristics. Englewood Cliffs is situated on the cliffs above the Hudson River, featuring many homes with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, while Saddle River is known for its country-style estates with equestrian facilities and spacious grounds. Both areas have median home prices ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million.

Several common factors have contributed to these neighborhoods becoming affluent areas. Accessibility to New York, top-tier school districts in North Jersey, and long-standing development regulations favoring large lots have all limited new supply. As a result, whenever demand increases, prices tend to rise incrementally.

When simply comparing the price difference between Tenafly and Alpine, it approaches three times. Although they do not share the same school district, both towns have high academic achievement levels, making it natural for buyers to choose Tenafly based on budget or, if they have more flexibility, to consider Alpine or Englewood Cliffs.

Among Korean affluent individuals and professionals, Tenafly is still often regarded as the top choice for residence. While it may not be at the level of Alpine homes, it offers a combination of good schools, community, and living infrastructure. However, there are also consistent observations of families moving to Alpine or Saddle River as their children grow and they find themselves with more financial resources after retirement.

When choosing a home in Bergen County, it is advisable to check not only the town's reputation but also the actual school district boundaries and the condition of available properties. Even within the same zip code, school districts can vary, and larger homes often come with significant maintenance costs and property tax burdens, so it's recommended to consider long-term living plans as well.