Old Tappan's housing market is defined by single-family homes on generously sized, landscaped lots, with a sparse, almost rural suburban feel unusual this close to Manhattan. The housing stock ranges from historic eighteenth- and nineteenth-century homes — including the National Register-listed Haring houses — to mid-century and newer construction, much of it on quiet, tree-lined streets. Homeownership predominates, and the borough's small size means limited inventory and a settled, low-turnover market. Buyers are drawn by lot size, the school system, and the borough's peaceful character rather than by new development or commercial amenities.

Old Tappan is not divided into named subdivisions in the way larger suburbs are; instead, it reads as a single, cohesive residential community of quiet streets and wooded lots. The borough's historic core centers on the eighteenth-century Haring family houses along Old Tappan Road and De Wolf Road, while surrounding streets hold mid-century and newer single-family homes. Its location near the New York state line places it close to the open space of the Rockleigh area and the wider Northern Valley. The overall pattern is of an established, low-density borough where homes sit amid mature landscaping.

Old Tappan offers a quiet, close-knit lifestyle that residents describe as a retreat from the pace of the closer-in suburbs. With little commercial development of its own, daily life centers on the schools, recreation programs, parks, and community organizations, while shopping and dining are a short drive into neighboring towns. The borough's sparse suburban feel and wooded streets appeal to families and retirees seeking privacy and calm. Its proximity to New York City and the George Washington Bridge means cultural and employment opportunities are accessible while the town itself stays unhurried.

Old Tappan's students attend the Old Tappan Public Schools for kindergarten through eighth grade before moving on to Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan. The regional high school is consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey, with strong Advanced Placement participation and college placement, and it also serves neighboring communities through the Northern Valley Regional High School District. The combination of a small K-8 district and an elite regional high school is one of the borough's principal draws for families, and school quality figures heavily in home-buying decisions.

Old Tappan sits about 25 miles northwest of Manhattan and roughly 15 miles from the George Washington Bridge, giving commuters direct access to New York City by car and bus. The Rockland Coach 14E bus provides a key transit link into the Port Authority area for daily commuters, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway and nearby New York State Thruway serve regional travel. Because the borough has no rail station of its own, most residents drive to nearby towns or use the bus for the Manhattan commute.

Old Tappan's recreation centers on its parks, open space, and community programs rather than large destination facilities. The borough maintains a recreation department with youth and adult programs, and its wooded, low-density setting offers ample backyard and neighborhood green space. Nearby golf courses and the open space of the Rockleigh and Northern Valley areas extend the outdoor options. The borough's shade-tree and open-space committees reflect the community's emphasis on preserving its leafy, park-like character.