Finding a place to live in Bergen County usually feels like a series of trade-offs. You either get the space but lose the commute, or you get the train access but end up in a shoebox. Avalon Wesmont Station Wood-Ridge NJ was designed to be the "have your cake and eat it too" solution.
It’s a massive transit-oriented development that basically built a neighborhood from scratch on top of an old aircraft engine factory site. Honestly, it’s a bit of a surreal vibe if you haven’t been there before—a self-contained little city of mid-rise apartments and townhomes that popped up in a quiet corner of Wood-Ridge.
But is it actually worth the premium rent? Or is it just a fancy dorm for New York City commuters?
The Commuter Reality Check
Let’s talk about the train. That’s why people move here. You’ve got the Wesmont Station on the Bergen County Line literally steps from your front door.
If you work in Midtown, you’re looking at a two-step dance. You take the train to Secaucus Junction (about 10–12 minutes) and then hop on a transfer to New York Penn Station (another 15 minutes). On a good day, you’re at your desk in under 45 minutes. If you miss that transfer at Secaucus, though? It's a long wait on a cold platform.
Some people prefer the bus. The 163 and 164 routes run along the Boulevard in Wood-Ridge. It’s a bit of a walk from the Avalon complex, but it takes you straight to Port Authority.
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What’s the Vibe Inside?
The units themselves are pretty much what you’d expect from an Avalon property—clean, modern, and predictable. They have high ceilings, open floor plans, and those big windows that make the space feel larger than it is.
One thing you should know: the community recently changed hands. In April 2025, AvalonBay sold the property for a staggering $161.5 million to JCMLiving, and it’s now officially being rebranded as Volair Wesmont.
Why does that matter to you?
The new owners are looking to "add value," which is real estate speak for renovations. You might see some construction noise or see older units getting updated with newer finishes. If you're touring, ask if the unit you're looking at has been renovated yet. It could make a huge difference in your monthly rent.
The Layouts
- Studios: Surprisingly big. Some are over 800 square feet, which is massive for a studio.
- 1-Bedroom: The bread and butter. Most are around 700–900 square feet.
- 3-Bedrooms: Rare but they exist. These are the ones families snatch up because they feel more like a house.
Amenities: Beyond the Gym
Everyone has a gym now. Avalon Wesmont Station Wood-Ridge NJ tries to go a bit further. The pool area is actually decent—it’s got a sundeck and grills that get pretty lively in the summer.
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The resident lounge has co-working spaces. Since 2020, these have become the most valuable part of the building. It’s much better than staring at your kitchen wall while on a Zoom call.
One thing residents rave about? The staff. Amanda in the leasing office and Jonathan in maintenance get mentioned by name in almost every positive review. Having a maintenance guy who actually shows up to fix a rattling AC within 24 hours is a luxury you don't realize you need until you're sweating in July.
The Neighborhood and What’s Nearby
You aren't just stuck in the complex. There’s about 18,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor.
The big win is having a grocery store within walking distance. There’s an Amazon Fresh nearby and a Walmart Supercenter about a 5-minute drive away in Passaic. For coffee, you’ve got a Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins right on the property at 699 Avalon Dr.
If you want actual "town" vibes, you have to head up to the Wood-Ridge Boulevard. It’s got that classic NJ small-town feel with local Italian spots and pharmacies. It’s a bit of a trek uphill from the station area, so you’ll probably end up driving if you're doing a full grocery run.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People think living next to a train station is loud.
Surprisingly, it’s not as bad as you’d think. The trains aren't screaming through at 100 mph; they’re slowing down to stop. That said, if your balcony faces the tracks, you’re going to hear the bells and the announcement "pings." You get used to it, but your guests might not.
Also, don't assume parking is included. It's usually a separate fee, and in a transit-oriented development like this, garage spots are a hot commodity.
Actionable Tips for Potential Renters
If you’re thinking about signing a lease, do these three things first:
- Visit at Night: The vibe changes when the commuters come home. See if the "quiet neighborhood" claim holds up when everyone is pulling into the garage at 6:00 PM.
- Check the Train Schedule: Don’t just look at the map. Look at the actual NJ Transit arrivals for the Bergen County Line. If you work late, you need to know how often those trains run after 7:00 PM.
- Ask About the Rebrand: Since it's now Volair Wesmont, ask about any upcoming changes to the amenity fees or lease renewal structures. New management often means new rules.
The reality is that Avalon Wesmont Station Wood-Ridge NJ is a high-end, convenient, and well-managed bubble. It’s not the cheapest option in Bergen County, but for the person who wants to walk to the train and never worry about a leaky faucet, it’s hard to beat.
To get started, you should check the current availability on the official Volair or Avalon websites to see if they are running any move-in specials, which can sometimes save you up to $1,000 on your first month.