Carlstadt
NJ
Average Sales Price
$597,492
Median Sales Price
$649,000
Population
6,466
Total Listings
19
Living in Carlstadt
3rd Lowest Tax Bill in Bergen County.
8 Miles to NYC. Meadowlands Address.
Everything you need to know before making Carlstadt, NJ home.
Browse Listings
Active homes for sale in Carlstadt
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Market Insights
Prices, trends & sold data
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Home Valuation
What's your Carlstadt home worth?
→Carlstadt is one of Bergen County's best-kept secrets — a small, tight-knit borough of about 6,300 residents, approximately 8 miles northwest of New York City, with one of the lowest residential tax bills in the entire county. Its location in the Meadowlands region puts MetLife Stadium, the American Dream Mall, and major highway access at the doorstep, while quiet neighborhood streets, well-kept homes, and a genuinely community-oriented police department keep the residential character intact.
The borough's strong commercial and industrial tax base — anchored by Route 17 warehousing, logistics, and the Meadowlands corridor — distributes the tax burden broadly, keeping the average residential bill at approximately $8,763, the third-lowest in Bergen County. With direct bus service to Manhattan, nearby train stations in Rutherford and Wood-Ridge, and I-95/NJ Turnpike access, Carlstadt delivers urban convenience at a tax rate that most Bergen County towns would envy.
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3rd Lowest Tax Bill in Bergen Co.
Avg ~$8,763 · commercial base keeps rates low
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Direct NYC Bus + Train Nearby
Bus to Midtown · Rutherford & Wood-Ridge stations
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Meadowlands Address
MetLife Stadium · American Dream Mall · minutes away
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Appreciating Market
Avg home ~$743K · ~22 sales/yr · tight inventory
🛣️
I-95 / NJ Turnpike / Rt-17
~8 miles to NYC · every highway within reach
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Highly Rated Schools
Becton Regional HS · career internship program
Commute & Connectivity
Getting There From Here
Carlstadt sits at one of Bergen County's best highway intersections — I-95, Rt-17, and the NJ Turnpike all close by, with direct bus service to Manhattan and nearby train stations.
Midtown Manhattan
Direct NJ Transit bus · Lincoln Tunnel via I-95
~30–40
minutes by bus or car
NYC via Train
Drive to Rutherford or Wood-Ridge Station · NJ Transit
~45
minutes to Hoboken/Penn
Newark Liberty Airport
Via NJ Turnpike S · 7 miles
~15
minutes by car
Hackensack (County Seat)
Via Rt-17 N · ~5 miles
~10
minutes by car
American Dream / MetLife
Via Rt-17 S or NJ Tpk · ~2–3 miles
~5
minutes by car
Public Schools
Education That Raises Property Values
Carlstadt runs its own K–8 district — highly rated by Niche with small class sizes — then sends students to Henry P. Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford, known for academics and a career exploration internship program.
| School | Grades | Type | Student:Teacher | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlstadt Public School (Elementary) Small class sizes · supportive environment |
K – 4 | Public | 12 : 1 | A- |
| Carlstadt Public School (Middle) Carlstadt Public School District |
5 – 8 | Public | 12 : 1 | A- |
| Henry P. Becton Regional High School East Rutherford · career internship program for seniors |
9 – 12 | Public | 12 : 1 | A- |
Carlstadt Public Schools and Becton Regional HS rated highly by Niche. Becton Regional offers a career exploration internship program for seniors. Students also eligible for Bergen County Technical Schools programs. Shared district with East Rutherford.
Neighborhood Life
What Makes Carlstadt Carlstadt
Explore the dining, parks, and Meadowlands-adjacent lifestyle that make this small borough punch well above its size.
Steve's Sizzling Steaks
A Carlstadt institution — no-frills, big flavor, and a loyal following from across the Meadowlands region. The kind of steakhouse where locals have been celebrating birthdays for decades.
Local Landmark · Steakhouse
Biggie's
A beloved local favorite for casual American food — a neighborhood spot where regulars are known by name. Exactly the kind of place that gives a small borough its character.
American · Casual
Stop & Shop
Carlstadt's primary grocery anchor — convenient, in-borough access for everyday needs. Route 17 brings additional chain retail and dining immediately adjacent to the borough.
Grocery · In-Borough
Sofive Indoor Soccer
Year-round indoor soccer in Carlstadt — a popular recreational destination for families and adult leagues. Part of the borough's active sports culture that draws residents from across the Meadowlands.
Sports · Year-Round
American Dream Mall (~5 min)
North America's largest indoor entertainment and retail complex is minutes away — Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, DreamWorks Water Park, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center, indoor ski park, and full retail. A borderline surreal amenity to have within a 5-minute drive.
~5 min · World-Class
East Rutherford & Rutherford Dining
Both neighboring boroughs are minutes away and offer a full range of restaurants, bars, and casual dining — Rutherford's walkable downtown is a particularly strong option for evening dining.
~5 min · Neighboring Towns
Carlstadt Recreation Center Complex
Multi-use turf fields, a walking path, and a playground — the borough's primary outdoor recreation hub. A well-maintained community facility that reflects Carlstadt's pride in its public spaces.
Turf Fields · Walking Path
Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation Area
The Meadowlands' preserved wetlands and wildlife areas offer kayaking through marshy channels — a unique, surprisingly peaceful outdoor experience minutes from the borough's doorstep.
Kayaking · Wildlife · Wetlands
MetLife Stadium (~5 min)
Home of the NY Giants and NY Jets — and major concerts, events, and the FIFA World Cup. Carlstadt residents are genuinely among the closest to the stadium of any residential community in Bergen County.
NFL · Concerts · Events
Local Parks & Gardens
Carlstadt residents consistently note the borough's well-tended parks, community gardens, and green spaces — a reflection of the local government's emphasis on keeping the residential environment pleasant and livable.
Community Parks · Gardens
Carlstadt Public Library
A community library serving 6,300 residents with regular programming and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere — one of the civic anchors of a borough that takes its small-town character seriously.
Civic
Community-Oriented Police Dept.
Carlstadt's police department is specifically noted by residents for being community-oriented, with most officers living within the town — a mark of the borough's small, tight-knit character that distinguishes it from larger municipalities.
Safety · Community
Local Business Culture
Carlstadt has a strong respect for its local business community — residents note the emphasis on local parks, gardens, and making the borough as pleasant as possible to live and do business in. Route 17's commercial corridor creates jobs and tax revenue that benefits residents directly.
Local Business · Civic Pride
Community Events
Despite its small size, Carlstadt maintains an active civic calendar — seasonal events, community programs, and the kind of neighborhood engagement that makes residents feel genuinely at home year-round.
Year-Round
American Dream Mall (~5 min)
North America's largest entertainment and retail complex — with hundreds of stores, world-class dining, and entertainment anchors including DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe, and a full department store lineup. Carlstadt's location makes this a legitimate in-neighborhood amenity.
~5 min · North America's Largest
Route 17 Retail Corridor
Route 17 along Carlstadt's eastern border is one of Bergen County's densest commercial strips — Home Depot, major chains, restaurant clusters, and service businesses all accessible within minutes without entering highway traffic.
In-Borough Border · Full Retail
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of NJ's top-ranked hospital systems — approximately 10 minutes north in Hackensack. HUMC is also one of the region's largest employers, making it a meaningful draw for healthcare professionals living in Carlstadt.
Healthcare · ~10 min
By the Numbers
Carlstadt at a Glance
Municipality Type
Borough
Bergen County · Meadowlands
Population
~6,333
Small · tight-knit
Avg Home Price
~$743K
~22 sales/yr · tight inventory
Avg Tax Bill
~$8,763
3rd lowest in Bergen County
Miles to NYC
~8 mi
Lincoln Tunnel via I-95
American Dream
~5 min
MetLife Stadium · Meadowlands
Zip Code
07072
Single zip borough
Tax Rate (General)
1.705%
Commercial base keeps rates low
Explore the Area
Similar Towns Near Carlstadt
Buyers considering Carlstadt often explore these nearby Meadowlands-area communities — each with its own character, price point, and NYC commute profile.
East Rutherford
Bordering · shares Becton HS · Meadowlands
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Rutherford
Bordering · NJ Transit · walkable downtown
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Wood-Ridge
Adjacent · NJ Transit · quiet
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Moonachie
Meadowlands · tiny borough · very low taxes
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South Hackensack
Tiny · Meadowlands · low taxes
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Lodi
Adjacent · affordable · transit access
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Bogota
Nearby · small borough · walkable
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Little Ferry
Meadowlands · affordable · small
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Hackensack
County seat · urban · ~10 min north
→Demographics
Data provided by Attom Data
Population
Employment
Population
6.5K
6.5K in 2020
Density
1.5K
per square mile
Households
2.5K
Total households
Gender
48% / 52%
Men Vs Women
Occupancy
56% / 44%
Owned Vs Rented
Age Median: Years
Education Level
Educational Environment
Elementary Schools (1)Middle Schools (1)
Name
Category
Grades
Library
Ratio
5/10
Carlstadt Public School
550 Washington St, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
Public
PK - 8
No
13:1 STUDENTS/TEACHERS
Amenities & Attractions
Featured Listings
For Sale (31)
For Sold (168)
New3 Beds1 Bath514 Division AVE #1, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
MLS# 26037586
Listed by Alejandra Arroyo of Prestige Property Group - Montclair
New4 Beds2 Baths310 Passaic AVE, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
MLS# 26038272
Listed by Henry Riveros of United Real Estate
New2 Beds1 Bath435 Washington ST #2nd floor, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
MLS# 26036170
Listed by Andres Ospina of Real
New3 Beds2 Baths722 7th ST, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
MLS# 26029948
Listed by Grace Settembre of Westside Realty Group, LLC
New4 Beds4 Baths617 1st ST, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
MLS# 26038654
Listed by Joseph Aziz of Prestige Property Group - Montclair
New3 Beds3 Baths635 5th #A, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
MLS# 26035717
Listed by Woo H. Choi of Alpine MC Realty LLC
Similar Neighborhood
Common Questions
Carlstadt, NJ — Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers about buying, selling, taxes, schools, and daily life in Carlstadt — Bergen County's Meadowlands borough with one of the county's lowest residential tax bills.
Carlstadt is a tight, low-inventory market — only about 22 homes sell per year in this small borough, making each listing significant. The average home price is approximately $743,000 (Homes.com), with the median assessed value around $412K. Because transaction volume is low, the market can be volatile month to month — but the directional trend is clearly upward, driven by the borough's proximity to Manhattan, exceptional tax position, and the Meadowlands' continued development as an entertainment and retail destination. Homes that are well-priced and well-presented move; those that aren't can sit in a small-pool market. Talk to us about current Carlstadt market conditions →
The average home price in Carlstadt is approximately $743,181 per Homes.com recent sales data. The range is meaningful — renovated Cape Cods with Manhattan skyline views, duplex and two-family properties, and newer townhouse developments all exist within the borough. Some homes along the Hackensack River have views that command premium prices. Entry-level properties can be found below $500K for smaller or dated homes; updated single-family homes regularly reach $700K–$900K+. As a Bergen County address just 8 miles from Manhattan with one of the county's lowest tax rates, Carlstadt's pricing reflects genuine demand that should continue to appreciate.
Carlstadt has a diverse housing stock for a small borough. You'll find renovated Cape Cods, single-family colonials, two-family duplexes, condos, and newer townhouses — spread across walkable neighborhood streets on the residential side of Route 17. Some properties have views of the Hackensack River and the Manhattan skyline — a premium feature unique to the Meadowlands corridor. The borough's character is split: quiet residential neighborhoods on one side, Route 17's commercial corridor and the Meadowlands complex on the other. Buyers should visit to understand which section suits them best. Two-family properties are popular with buyers looking for rental income to offset carrying costs.
Carlstadt is approximately 8 miles from New York City — one of the closest Bergen County boroughs to Manhattan by distance. Direct NJ Transit bus lines connect to Midtown Manhattan. By car, I-95 / New Jersey Turnpike and the Lincoln Tunnel provide direct access — roughly 30–40 minutes off-peak. The borough is also within a short drive of Rutherford and Wood-Ridge NJ Transit train stations, which serve Hoboken Terminal and connect via PATH to Manhattan. The NJ Turnpike's Exit 17 area and Route 17 both run through or near the borough. Newark Liberty Airport is just 7 miles south — particularly convenient for frequent flyers.
Carlstadt's public schools are highly rated by Niche. The Carlstadt Public School District serves K–8 with small class sizes and a supportive community environment that residents consistently praise. High school students attend Henry P. Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford — a well-regarded school known for solid academics, extracurriculars, and a distinctive career exploration internship program for seniors that allows students to gain real-world work experience before graduation. Becton is shared with East Rutherford, making it a regional school with meaningful resources. Students are also eligible for Bergen County Technical Schools / Bergen County Academies programs.
Carlstadt has a 2025 general tax rate of 1.705% with an effective rate of approximately 1.69% — one of the lowest in Bergen County. The average annual residential tax bill is approximately $8,763, making Carlstadt the third-lowest average tax bill in Bergen County after Teterboro ($1,937) and East Rutherford ($7,787). This is exceptional for a borough with Bergen County schools, 8-mile proximity to Manhattan, and direct highway access. On a $700,000 home, expect roughly $10,000–$12,000 per year. Tax bills are due quarterly: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
Carlstadt's low residential tax bill is a direct result of its strong commercial and industrial tax base. Route 17's warehousing, logistics, and commercial corridor — plus Carlstadt's position in the broader Meadowlands commercial zone — generates substantial non-residential tax revenue that funds borough services and schools alongside the residential share. This distributes the tax burden broadly, keeping residential rates far lower than comparably located Bergen County towns. The Meadowlands region's commercial tax base is one of the most powerful in New Jersey, and Carlstadt residents are the direct beneficiaries. The Bergen County average is $13,329 per year; Carlstadt residents pay roughly $4,500–$5,000 less annually for the same county infrastructure and schools.
Yes — Carlstadt's combination of low taxes, Meadowlands location, and NYC proximity creates a compelling proposition that the right buyers are actively searching for. In a low-inventory market with only ~22 annual sales, well-presented listings face minimal direct competition. The American Dream Mall and continued Meadowlands development have raised the borough's profile among buyers who might not have previously considered it. The tax story — 3rd lowest average bill in Bergen County — is a specific differentiator that savvy buyers understand and respond to. Get a free Carlstadt home valuation →
Carlstadt's low transaction volume means days-on-market figures can vary significantly. In a tight month, a well-priced home can sell quickly; in a slow stretch, even a good property may sit longer while the right buyer comes to market. The key in Carlstadt is marketing specifically to the buyer profile — the tax-savvy, Meadowlands-aware, NYC-commuting buyer who has specifically identified this borough as a value proposition. Generic marketing reaches generic buyers; targeted marketing reaches the buyers who have specifically done the math on Carlstadt's tax advantage and location. That positioning makes the difference. Learn how we sell homes in Carlstadt →
Carlstadt offers a genuinely distinctive daily life for a Bergen County borough. The residential side of Route 17 feels quiet, safe, and community-oriented — "a nice little town with many friendly people," as one longtime resident put it. The proximity to the Meadowlands means MetLife Stadium for Giants and Jets games, American Dream Mall for entertainment, Sofive for indoor soccer, and the Hackensack Meadowlands conservation area for kayaking — all within five minutes. Newark Airport is 15 minutes south. Manhattan is 8 miles east. Steve's Sizzling Steaks and local favorites give the borough a neighborhood dining anchor. For buyers who want a tight-knit Bergen County community with exceptional tax value, real NYC access, and the kind of urban amenities that most suburbs require a 40-minute drive to reach, Carlstadt is genuinely hard to beat.