|
|
Wyckoff Township, New Jersey
Population: 16,508
Located in Bergen County
Travel through Wyckoff Township, and one's initial impression is of serenity. Tree-lined streets, expansive lawns and well-appointed homes characterize this "countrified community". This hamlet of homes is contained within 6.7 square miles (4288 acres) and provides the attractiveness of a semi-rural setting while only 25 miles from one of the greatest cities in the world...New York.
Located in northwest Bergen County, Wyckoff is tucked neatly on the fringe of the Ramapo Mountains. It is crisscrossed with a series of meandering brooks that connect 12 ponds.
Although essentially a community known for its broad range of homes, many believe the real estate term "curb appeal" could have been coined with Wyckoff in mind. This is one strength which may have contributed to Wyckoff's being declared as one of a few "hot towns" in New Jersey for real estate sales by New Jersey Monthly magazine. A strong sense of community is Wyckoff's hallmark. In 1989, three young women saw a need for a community playground. They mobilized the town through fundraisers and recruited volunteer labor to construct a $150,000 state-of-the-art playground. It is not uncommon for Wyckoff residents to provide the time and energy "to get a job done". This was most evident when parents, with an eye toward keeping a lid on taxes, volunteered to bend their backs to the task of excavating a foundation and wheelbarrowing dirt, rather than contract that job out for a classroom expansion at Coolidge Elementary School. There are many groups one can socialize in and contribute to in Wyckoff. In addition to the 28 social and service organizations there are three volunteer fire companies, a volunteer ambulance corps (the second oldest in New Jersey), a Lions Club, a Rotary Club and a Women's Club. It's these and a Newcomer's Club, Activities Unlimited (an organization for retired men), a municipal band, on-stage theatrical groups, and an organization formed to keep Wyckoff beautiful (Partners in Pride) that show the unique commitment of Wyckoff's residents.
Strolling down Wyckoff Avenue in the business district you may stop at a butcher, a bakery, a produce shop, or clothing and hardware stores. Turn the corner and find a barber, a shoemaker and an appliance store. Retailers provide more than just convenience shops: music, sporting equipment, gourmet foods, and authentic fish and chips all can be found within the limits of Wyckoff. Flanking the business area are two flagship supermarkets.
Wyckoff's Public Schools are among the best in Bergen County. There are four elementary schools servicing kindergarten through grade five. Enrollment in these schools ranges from 295 to 400 students, with an average class size of approximately 22. The middle school houses grades six, seven and eight and has an enrollment of approximately 650 students. The average class size is about 24. All five schools share an educational philosophy based on the belief that the school exists for the benefit of each student regardless of his or her capacity for learning, that each student has a unique set of needs which must be met, and that it is the purpose of the schools to help each student reach his or her potential intellectually, socially and emotionally. After elementary school students then move on to Ramapo High School, a regional school shared with Franklin Lakes.
In describing Wyckoff, many attributes come to mind. Some speak of its charm, others its tranquility. Some remark on its beauty, still others its sense of history. But many choose to describe Wyckoff as "the town where you know your neighbors." This tradition of warmth that has characterized the community for many years still serves as the Township's unofficial motto today.
Find homes for sale in Wyckoff Township New Jersey
|
