The Best Cities in Bergen County, NJ for Building a Custom Home

Thinking of building a home in Bergen County? Learn about the best cities from Bergen County home builder, White Maple Construction.

Ryan Brining -

January 16, 2026

Bergen County has long been one of New Jersey’s most desirable regions for building a custom home. Its towns offer a blend of top-rated schools, high-end neighborhoods, scenic natural landscapes, and commuter convenience to New York City. Whether you’re looking to create a luxury home in Bergen County, NJ, build a family-focused residence, or design a second vacation home, each municipality provides unique advantages for homeowners who want quality, comfort, and long-term value.

Why Bergen County Is Ideal for Custom Home Building

Bergen County offers an impressive mix of prestige and practicality. Many of its municipalities are known for spacious properties, architectural diversity, and established residential neighborhoods that support new construction. Because New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code governs all building activity, you’ll encounter a consistent baseline of requirements. However, each town has its own zoning nuances, review timelines, and local procedures. This is why partnering with an experienced Bergen County home builder makes a substantial difference. Builders familiar with local officials, permitting expectations, and neighborhood standards can streamline the process and prevent unnecessary delays, especially for large-scale or detailed custom home projects.

Ridgewood: A Premier Choice for Families and Long-Term Living 

Ridgewood is one of New Jersey’s most celebrated family towns, offering top-tier schools, charming neighborhoods, and a vibrant downtown. For homeowners who want a strong sense of community paired with architectural appeal, Ridgewood is hard to beat. It’s also a community well-served by experienced local builders, making it easier for homeowners to plan and complete a custom home with confidence. The town’s thoughtful planning and strong property values make it an ideal place to design a custom home meant for long-term living, whether you’re envisioning something modern, traditional, or a full teardown and rebuild on an existing lot.

Wyckoff: Spacious Properties and Quiet Luxury

Wyckoff offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with excellent schools and large, beautifully maintained neighborhoods. Many properties sit on generous lots perfect for luxury new builds, expansive additions, and outdoor amenities. For families seeking both privacy and community, Wyckoff remains a top destination for luxury homes in New Jersey and is a preferred area for those working with custom home builders in Bergen County, NJ.

Franklin Lakes: Estate Living and Architectural Freedom

Franklin Lakes is synonymous with luxury. With its wooded landscapes, large estates, and private lake communities, it offers some of Bergen County’s most desirable settings for a luxury custom home. Builders and architects have the freedom to incorporate expansive layouts, multi-level outdoor living areas, and premium design features. For homeowners looking to make a statement, Franklin Lakes is a natural fit.

Mahwah: Nature, Relaxation, and a Strong Sense of Space

Mahwah is one of Bergen County’s best options for those wanting a serene, nature-focused environment. The town borders mountains, hiking paths, and preserved open space, making it ideal for vacation homes or primary residences with a peaceful feel. Despite this tranquility, Mahwah still offers strong schools, shopping, and commuter access. It’s a versatile location for anyone seeking a New Jersey custom home surrounded by natural beauty.

Englewood Cliffs: The Ultimate NYC Commuter Luxury Haven

For those who want quick access to Manhattan without sacrificing the benefits of suburban living, Englewood Cliffs stands out. It is one of the closest high-end residential areas to the George Washington Bridge, making it ideal for professionals and frequent travelers. Many homes here lean morelv contemporary, high-end, and architecturally distinctive. If you value convenience and a luxury feel, Englewood Cliffs is an ideal match.

Allendale: Small-Town Charm with Strong Schools

Allendale offers a warm community atmosphere, excellent schools, and a more intimate suburban feel. With a mix of established neighborhoods and buildable lots, it appeals to families wanting an approachable town with plenty of character. Commuter rail access further strengthens its appeal for NYC-bound homeowners. Allendale is an excellent place for a thoughtfully designed custom home tailored to modern family living.

Bergenfield and Nearby Boroughs: Practical, Convenient, Community-Driven

Bergenfield and similar nearby boroughs offer strong neighborhoods and excellent accessibility with more moderate price points than some of the county’s luxury towns. These areas work well for smaller custom homes, rebuilds, or modern updates on existing lots. Homeowners who want affordability paired with convenience often find these boroughs to be a smart, strategic choice.

Oakland: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers and Custom Home Flexibility

Oakland combines scenic wooded landscapes with approachable neighborhoods and excellent recreational amenities. With its lakes, forested areas, and proximity to the

Ramapo Mountains, the town feels like a peaceful retreat while still offering strong schools and suburban convenience. Oakland provides flexible opportunities for both cozy and large-scale custom home projects, making it appealing for families, retirees, and second-home buyers alike. When working with an experienced custom home builder New Jersey team familiar with local processes, Oakland becomes an especially smooth and rewarding place to build.

Navigating Permits and Building Processes in Bergen County

While all towns follow state regulations, the ease of your building experience depends heavily on the municipality and the familiarity of your builder with local requirements. Custom homes typically require full architectural plans, zoning review, engineering documents, and sometimes environmental or grading studies, depending on the lot.

Towns with larger single-family zones, such as Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Mahwah, Saddle River, Alpine, Old Tappan, Demarest, and Rivervale, often offer smoother pathways for new construction. Those with more compact borough layouts may require additional zoning review or variances. A seasoned custom home builder in New Jersey helps anticipate these considerations early.

Why Choose White Maple Construction for Your Bergen County Custom Home

Selecting the right builder can make or break the experience of creating your dream home. White Maple Construction is proud to be one of the premier custom home builders that New Jersey residents rely on. With deep experience throughout Bergen County, we provide a client-first approach rooted in communication, transparency, and craftsmanship. Are you considering a whole home remodel? We specialize in turning your home into a space that works for your lifestyle. As a locally-owned and operated general contractor, we know the area and how to get the best value for your home remodel.

The team’s knowledge of local zoning, permitting, and architectural expectations helps streamline approvals and avoids delays—an invaluable asset when building a custom home in a detail-oriented region like Bergen County. Their work blends modern efficiency with timeless craftsmanship, making them an ideal partner for homeowners designing luxury homes in Bergen County, NJ or family-centered residences tailored to everyday living.

Partnering with the Right Bergen County Home Builder

From Ridgewood’s charm to Franklin Lakes’ luxury estates, Bergen County offers an exceptional range of options for anyone ready to build a custom home. With top-tier schools, upscale neighborhoods, natural landscapes, and proximity to New York City, it remains one of the most compelling places in the state for custom new construction. Partnering with the right Bergen County home builder who understands the nuances of each town ensures that your experience is smooth, efficient, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re looking to build a high-end family home, a peaceful retreat, or a modern luxury residence, Bergen County has the perfect location waiting for your vision. More Bergen County cities served by our team:

  • Cliffside Park
  • Closter
  • Cresskill
  • Fair Lawn
  • Fort Lee
  • Haworth
  • Midland Park
  • Montvale
  • Old Tappan
  • Oradell
  • Paramus
  • Park Ridge
  • Ramsey
  • Teaneck
  • Tenafly
  • Upper Saddle River
  • Waldwick
  • Washington Township
  • Westwood

Whether you already have plans or need help developing your vision, our experienced team is here to create a one-of-a-kind home tailored to you. Learn more about our custom home building services in Bergen County, New Jersey.

Author

Ryan Brining

Ryan is a co-founder of White Maple Construction and writes about all things home renovation and remodeling.

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