You’re driving up Route 17, stuck behind a truck hauling God-knows-what toward the George Washington Bridge, and you see it. The neon. The chrome. The Bendix Diner. For decades, that silver capsule has been the unofficial welcome mat for Hasbrouck Heights, a town that somehow feels like a 1950s time capsule and a high-speed commuter hub all at once.
People call it "The Heights." Simple.
Honestly, most people just fly past it on their way to Westfield Garden State Plaza or Teterboro Airport. But if you actually pull off the highway and climb the hill—and it is a steep hill—you find a place that’s aggressively charming. It’s one of those Bergen County spots where the crossing guards know your kid's name and the property taxes make you want to cry, but you stay because the pizza is just that good.
The Bendix is Back (Sorta)
Let’s address the elephant on Route 17. The Bendix Diner closed in 2024, and for a minute, everyone thought a piece of Jersey soul was gone forever. It wasn't just a place for eggs; it was a movie star. We’re talking The Many Saints of Newark, Jersey Girls, even a Beyoncé commercial.
The good news? The Meskouris family, who owns the Jackson Hole diner in Englewood, bought it. They’re currently gutting the place to restore that 1947 "Wolf Box" jukebox vibe. Word on the street is a mid-2026 reopening. It’s a big deal. Local history isn't just in books here; it's in the cracked leather of a diner booth.
What It’s Really Like Living in Hasbrouck Heights
Living here is a workout. If you buy a house on the "slopes," you’re going to have calves of steel just from walking the dog. The borough is basically one giant ridge overlooking the Hackensack River marshes and the NYC skyline.
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The Vibe Check:
It’s a "boroughitis" town—one of those tiny municipalities created back in 1894 when everyone in Bergen County decided they wanted their own mayor. It’s small. About 12,000 people packed into 1.5 square miles. That creates a specific kind of density. Neighbors are close.
You've got The Boulevard, which is the heartbeat of the town. It’s not like those sterile outdoor malls. It’s narrow, it’s hilly, and it’s lined with businesses that have been there since the Mesozoic era.
- Heights Pizza: Everyone has a favorite, but this one is a heavy hitter.
- Fisher’s Cafe: Go here for the "old school" breakfast. It feels like 1985 in the best way possible.
- Ivy Inn: This is where you go when you want to feel fancy without driving to Manhattan. Their garden patio is a hidden gem.
The Commuter’s Gamble
Here’s the thing about Hasbrouck Heights: you’re 13 miles from Midtown. That sounds amazing on paper.
But you’re also boxed in by Route 17, Route 46, and I-80. It’s a transportation island. The 163 and 164 NJ Transit buses are the lifelines. They’ll get you to Port Authority in about 35-45 minutes, assuming the Lincoln Tunnel isn't a parking lot. There's no train station in the town limits—you have to hop over to Wood-Ridge for the Bergen County Line.
Is it worth the traffic?
For many, yeah. The schools are consistently solid. The Hasbrouck Heights School District is small enough that kids don't get lost in the shuffle. They’ve got four schools: Lincoln and Euclid for the little ones, then the Middle and High School. It’s a "tight-knit" environment, which is code for "everyone knows your business," but also "everyone watches out for your kids."
The Teterboro Connection
You can’t talk about this town without mentioning the planes. Teterboro Airport is right there at the bottom of the hill. If you live on the south side of town, you’re going to hear the private jets.
Surprisingly, most residents just tune it out. It’s part of the soundtrack. Plus, it gives the town a unique claim to fame with the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey. If you have kids who like helicopters or old Martin 2-0-2 planes, it’s a mandatory Saturday visit.
Real Estate Reality
Don't expect bargains. The median home price is hovering around $675,000 to $750,000, and the market is competitive.
One quirk you need to know: No overnight street parking.
None. Zero. If you have three cars and a two-car driveway, you’re going to be playing musical chairs every single night. The police actually enforce this. It keeps the streets looking clean, sure, but it’s a massive headache for anyone hosting a party or moving in with a fleet of vehicles.
The "Townie" Factor
There’s a lot of "old Hasbrouck Heights" still around. Multi-generational families who haven't left since the 50s. While the town is diversifying—the Hispanic and Asian populations have grown significantly over the last decade—the culture still leans heavily on tradition. Think Fourth of July parades and lighting the Christmas tree on the Boulevard.
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Some people find it a little "clicky." If you didn't go to HH High, it might take a minute to break into the inner circles at the local bars like The Heights Bar & Grill. But once you’re in, you’re in.
Why You Should Care About 07604
If you’re looking for a town that feels like a real neighborhood rather than a collection of McMansions, Hasbrouck Heights hits the mark. It’s walkable (if you don't mind the inclines), it’s safe, and it has a weird, stubborn character that’s hard to find in the suburbs anymore.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Check the Bendix Progress: If it’s mid-2026, go see if the neon is back on. It’s a Jersey rite of passage.
- Park on the Side Streets: If you're hitting the Boulevard, don't just circle for a spot. Tuck into the residential blocks (during the day!) and walk a block.
- Visit Woodland Park: It’s the best spot in town for a breather. Great playground and a decent pavilion for shade.
- Look at the Views: Go to the top of Terrace Ave at sunset. You can see the NYC skyline shimmering over the Meadowlands. It’s the "Height" in Hasbrouck Heights, and it’s free.
The town isn't trying to be Hoboken or Ridgewood. It’s just Hasbrouck Heights. And honestly? That’s plenty.