Community

Ramsey: 3 Centuries in the Making

Three centuries ago it was a convenient location, right on the "Isen Road," the only way to go directly from Paramus through the Clove of the Ramapos at Suffern to the colonial iron mines of Sterling and Ringwood.

Ramsey is still noted for its convenience today. Some 20 miles northwest of the George Washington Bridge, it's a rapid commute to New York City and a key location for residents working in major corporate headquarters and industries in northern New Jersey.

Community Feel

Yet Ramsey is far more than a handy place to live. It's a caring community, tree-shaded and blessed with ponds and streams, proud of its dedicated volunteer organizations and boasting a superior school system, an excellent library, and services which range from health care to recreation programs.

A 6-square-mile borough with a population of over 14,500, Ramsey is nestled in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains. Some 3 miles south of the New York State Thruway, Garden State Parkway and Route I-287. Ramsey is on the main Bergen Line of New Jersey Transit which serves commuters to and from New York City with an easy connection via the PATH rapid transit system. Short Line buses also offer commuter service from Northern New Jersey, Rockland and Orange counties to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.

Government & Staff

Ramsey is governed by a mayor and 6 council members. Today a borough administrator and a number of boards staffed by experienced and capable volunteers assist in the management of borough affairs.

Architecture

Architecture is varied in Ramsey. Native cobblestone structures still exist, and the choice in homes ranges from authentic Colonial and Victorian to Ranches, Cape Cods and Contemporary styles. Ramsey has single-family homes as well as condominiums and apartment complexes. As Ramsey is now almost fully developed, careful regulations are in force to maintain its rural ambience, insuring privacy and aesthetic pleasure for its residents.

Amenities

Ramsey has 3 parks and boasts 153 acres of Green Acres land. The private Ramsey Golf and Country Club includes 300 homes on the eastern end of the borough. A number of county and state parks with hiking, skiing, horseback riding and other activities may be found almost literally in the borough's backyard.

Education is important in Ramsey, with 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school and a high school, with more than 97% of its students going on to higher education. In addition, there is also St. Paul's Roman Catholic elementary school and Don Bosco Prep, secondary school.

Main Street sets the tone for the community, offering a wide variety of shops and restaurants. There are also numerous shopping centers in the local area. It is also near 2 major hospitals, Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Good Samaritan in Suffern, New York.

Yes, Ramsey is truly an ideal community for all age groups to call home.