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Mahwah, NJ is a sprawling suburban township in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, right on the New Jersey-New York border, and home to Ramapo College of New Jersey. The college sits in a green, hilly setting, and because Mahwah is more leafy township than dense city, students often live across a cluster of nearby Bergen County towns as much as in Mahwah itself. The setting is genuinely scenic: the Ramapo Mountain State Forest and Ramapo Valley County Reservation offer trails, lakes, and quiet woods minutes from campus. The big upside is New York City, a short train or bus ride away, putting the country's biggest cultural hub within reach for a day trip.
On-campus-adjacent complexes, including the larger purpose-built apartment communities, are the most convenient, and several offer shuttle service to campus.
Just south, a walkable little downtown with a train station, popular with students who want a town center and an easy NYC commute.
Just over the New York line, offering more apartments and its own rail connection, a solid pick for a manageable commute.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Mahwah.
New Jersey Transit runs commuter rail on the Main/Bergen County Line and Port Jervis Line through nearby stations, plus bus service, connecting the area toward Hoboken and onward to New York City for an easy day trip without driving in. Ramapo College sits back from town, so off-campus students typically use shuttle service that some apartment complexes provide. For students without a car, picking a place with a campus shuttle or near a train station matters most. Check shuttle and rail schedules before committing to a location.
The township is spread out and built around Route 17 and I-287, so walking between destinations isn't really practical. Biking is similarly limited by the suburban layout and major roads. Within campus-adjacent complexes you can get around on foot for the basics. For most trips, though, you'll rely on a shuttle, a car, or the train.
Mahwah is a car-friendly suburb, and a vehicle is the easiest way to get around day to day. The township's spread-out layout makes a car the default for groceries and errands. Parking is generally easy in this suburban setting. Confirm permit and parking rules with your complex or the college before move-in.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Rents here run high for the region: studios in Mahwah average around $1,450 a month, one-bedrooms near $2,070, and two-bedrooms about $2,445, so splitting a unit with roommates is how most students manage. Looking in Suffern or farther out can run somewhat lower.
Browse student housing near each Mahwah-area university.