Living in Fort Lee, NJ
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Schools and More

Thinking of moving to Fort Lee, NJ? Explore our complete guide to living in Fort Lee, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Lights! Camera! Fort Lee, NJ, is full of action! Perched atop the towering cliffs of Palisades Historic Park, with sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, Fort Lee is a high-density, highly desirable borough. Positioned directly at the foot of the George Washington Bridge in eastern Bergen County, this vibrant community of 43,094 residents effortlessly fuses cinematic history – as the birthplace of the American film industry – with sleek, modern high-rise living and charming single-family neighborhoods (median home value: $498,094!). It is a dream destination for NYC commuters, foodies and families seeking top-notch schools, diverse local culture and quick access to Manhattan without sacrificing the safety and space of suburban New Jersey.

Top Reasons to Move to Fort Lee, NJ:

• Lights, Camera, Action: Long before Hollywood, Fort Lee was the movie capital of America. In 1909, the Champion Film Company built the first permanent studio in Fort Lee and by 1918, major studios like Universal, Fox, Goldwyn and Solax (the first female-founded studio!) operated in the area. Residents and visitors can celebrate Fort Lee’s movie-making legacy at the Fort Lee Museum, local arts festivals and the Barrymore Film Center, a state-of-the-art 260-seat cinema and museum dedicated to celebrating the city’s history with classic film screenings, indie premieres and exhibits. Today, the borough has a strong local economy with thriving commercial centers, financial services and healthcare hubs, giving local professionals high-paying career options right in Bergen County.
• A+ Rated Education and Academic Excellence: Education is a major priority for families in Fort Lee. Served by the Fort Lee Public School District, local public schools consistently earn top marks for academic performance, language immersion programs, advanced STEM tracks and college readiness. Parents also love the district’s access to prestigious Bergen County magnet high schools.
• Delicious Dining Scene: Fort Lee is known across the tri-state area for its incredible foodie scene. Main Street and Lemoine Avenue are lined with an international array of dining options, featuring Korean BBQ, authentic Japanese ramen shops, Italian trattorias and artisan coffee houses. Local favorites like Prime & Beyond, So Kong Dong and Menya Sandaime sit alongside the trendy Shops at Hudson Lights, which offers upscale outdoor shopping, dining and movie theaters. Ventanas Restaurant and Lounge is a massive spot with outdoor terrace lounges, craft cocktails and an unreal American-Asian-Cuban fusion menu. Additionally, Fort Lee has one of the densest collections of Korean barbecue spots and authentic soondubu (soft tofu stew) houses.
• History Meets the Waterfront: Outdoor lovers have natural and historical landmarks right in their backyard. Explore the historic battlegrounds, museum visitor center and panoramic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline at Fort Lee Historic Park. Spend an afternoon hiking along the cliffs and enjoying the massive riverfront area at Palisades Interstate Park & Ross Dock Picnic Area. At Fort Lee Museum at Monument Park, take in the skyline views and see memorabilia from Fort Lee’s silent film era. The area also features extensive bike paths, community playgrounds and riverside recreation along the Hudson River waterfront.
• In a New York Minute: Commuting into NYC couldn’t be easier. Perched right at the George Washington Bridge, residents can walk, bike, take the bus or drive straight into Upper Manhattan in minutes. Direct NJ Transit express buses, local shuttles and nearby ferry access to Midtown mean you can leave your doorstep and be in the heart of NYC before your morning coffee gets cold. When it’s time to get out of town, there are five commercial and regional airports within a 20-mile radius of Fort Lee.