Tenafly's housing stock consists primarily of single-family homes, many of them substantial older residences on tree-lined streets that reflect the borough's long history as an affluent suburb. Styles range from early twentieth-century colonials and Tudors to newer construction, with a limited supply of multifamily and rental housing. The eastern part of the borough rises toward the Palisades, where some homes enjoy Hudson River views. The market favors buyers seeking established neighborhoods, generous lots, and access to highly regarded schools, and demand is sustained by the borough's proximity to New York City.

Tenafly is a compact borough organized around a central downtown commercial district and residential streets that extend east toward the Palisades. The terrain rises sharply to the east, where homes climb the wooded slopes overlooking the Hudson River. The borough's neighborhoods are largely cohesive single-family districts, with the downtown serving as the commercial and civic center. The Tenafly Nature Center and the Palisades form the borough's eastern, natural edge, giving even central neighborhoods close access to protected open space.

Tenafly's lifestyle is quiet, family-oriented, and decidedly suburban, with a strong emphasis on education and the outdoors. The borough's downtown offers local shops, restaurants, and services, while the wooded Palisades rise just to the east. Residents value the combination of top-performing public schools, a low-key pace, and proximity to Manhattan. Community life is supported by the Tenafly Nature Center, local recreation programs, and civic organizations. The borough's setting on the Hudson River's western edge offers views toward New York City and easy access to the natural landscape of the Palisades.

Tenafly is served by the Tenafly Public Schools, a comprehensive district of approximately 3,400 students across six schools: four elementary schools, one middle school, and Tenafly High School. The district is recognized for academic excellence and high student achievement, and its reputation is a primary driver of the borough's residential appeal. Students benefit from strong programs across academics, arts, and athletics, and the schools are closely woven into community life, making education a defining feature of Tenafly for relocating families.

Tenafly's transportation story is defined by its proximity to Manhattan. NJ Transit bus routes, including the 166 line, provide local and express service to New York City, while drivers reach the George Washington Bridge in roughly five to eight minutes via Route 9W or the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The borough lies about ten miles north of Midtown Manhattan. Regional highways connect Tenafly to the rest of Bergen County and northern New Jersey, and the Palisades Parkway offers a scenic north-south route along the Hudson River's western bluffs.

Tenafly's recreation is anchored by the Tenafly Nature Center, which protects nearly 400 acres of wooded land atop the Palisades and offers hiking trails, nature programs, and seasonal events such as maple sugaring. The Palisades Interstate Park, with its scenic overlooks, trails, and riverfront paths, lies immediately adjacent and extends the outdoor options along the Hudson. The borough also maintains local parks and playing fields, and its schools host athletics and community recreation programs. The wooded Palisades setting makes walking, hiking, and birdwatching part of everyday life.