Why We Love Closter

Closter, NJ is a vibrant, safe, and welcoming community. Here's why we're proud to call it home — and why we'll fight to keep it that way.

What Makes Closter Special

Quality of Life

  • Premiere continuing community education & enrichment programs
  • Inclusive and diverse
  • Open Space & Green Acres
  • Clean Streets
  • Well-maintained neighborhoods
  • Community programs and events year-round
  • Low property crime rate compared to state average

Active Volunteer Involvement

  • Boy & Girl Scouts active presence
  • Volunteers at Town Events (Harvest Fest, Movies in the Park, etc.)
  • First Responders — local volunteer organizations
  • Mentor programs for students
  • Community gardening initiatives

Schools

  • Excellent schools (Tenakill & Hillside)
  • Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest
  • Strong PTO community involvement
  • Award-winning academic programs
  • Arts & music programs

Recreation Commission

  • Youth sports leagues: soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse
  • Adult fitness programs
  • After-school enrichment activities
  • Summer camp programs
  • Tennis & pickleball courts

Nature Center

  • Hiking and nature trails
  • Wildlife education programs
  • Seasonal events and nature walks
  • Environmental conservation efforts

Public Works Department

  • Efficient road maintenance and snow removal
  • Reliable waste management services
  • Green infrastructure improvements
  • Responsive to community requests

Library

  • Free access to books, digital resources & media
  • Story time for children
  • Computer & technology programs
  • Community meeting space
  • Author talks and cultural events

Belsky Art & Science Museum

  • Rotating art exhibitions
  • STEM-focused science programs
  • Educational field trips for local schools
  • Community art classes

Closter Police Department — CalEA Certified

  • Community-oriented policing
  • High professional standards and training
  • Neighborhood Watch partnerships
  • School safety liaison programs
  • CalEA certification for excellence in law enforcement

Parks — Active Parks

  • Memorial Park
  • Tenakill Park
  • Knickerbocker Park
  • Edge Park
  • Huyler Park
  • Schauble Park

Parks — Passive Parks

  • Closter Nature Center
  • Brookside Park
  • Woods Park
  • Railroad Trail

Historic Sites

  • Closter Dock Road Historic District
  • Historic houses along Closter Dock Road
  • Sites associated with the American Revolution
  • Local farmsteads and heritage buildings

Organizations

  • Rotary Club of Closter
  • Closter Lions Club
  • Closter Business Association
  • Northern Valley Interfaith Council
  • American Legion Post
  • Veterans' groups

Houses of Worship

  • Aahes Jewish Center
  • Closter Reformed Church
  • Korean Presbyterian Church of NJ
  • Closter Bible Church
  • St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
  • Multiple faith communities welcoming all

Closter Ranks #8 on New Jersey's Best Suburbs to Raise a Family for 2026

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