Saddle River is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City situated just over 25 miles northwest of Manhattan. It is home to roughly 3,400 residents and is widely recognized for its bucolic, low-density character, shaped by natural fields, farmland, horse farms, forests, and the Saddle River itself. The borough's defining feature is its residential scale. A minimum zoning requirement of two acres per home has preserved an estate-like landscape uncommon in densely populated Bergen County. The borough contains both stately historic homes and large contemporary estates, set along winding roads amid preserved open land. This zoning, along with a history of equestrian and agricultural use, gives Saddle River a rural feel within easy reach of the region's urban core. Saddle River's schools reflect its status as one of the state's most desirable communities. Students attend the Wandell School for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, then Eric S. Smith Middle School in Ramsey. For high school, Saddle River maintains a dual send-receive relationship, with the majority of students attending Northern Highlands Regional High School and others attending Ramsey High School. The private Saddle River Day School is also located in the borough. Commuting is oriented toward New York City and Bergen County's employment centers. Residents typically drive or use nearby NJ Transit rail stations, with Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway providing highway access. Saddle River appeals to those seeking privacy, large properties, and top-rated schools while remaining within commuting distance of Manhattan. Despite its proximity to the city, the borough retains a quiet, semi-rural rhythm centered on its estates and preserved landscape.