River Vale's housing stock consists primarily of single-family homes, including many colonial-style houses and spacious suburban properties set on generously sized lots. The township's low-density, landscaped character reflects its post-war suburban development, with established neighborhoods of mid-century homes alongside some newer construction. Multi-family housing is limited, preserving a predominantly detached, single-family profile, and the community's small footprint of 4.3 square miles keeps inventory modest. The combination of larger lots, well-maintained homes, strong schools, and proximity to New York City has long made River Vale a sought-after, higher-value Bergen County market, with a stable, owner-occupied residential base.

River Vale is a single cohesive residential township rather than a collection of distinct named districts. Its neighborhoods spread across 4.3 square miles, with the Lake Tappan shoreline forming the eastern edge and Rockland County, New York, to the north. The historic "Over Kill" area recalls the township's origins across the Hackensack River from Tappan, and country clubs and parks are woven between the residential streets. Homes cluster near the township's schools and recreation facilities, with the Pascack Valley towns of Westwood and Hillsdale providing the surrounding commercial and transit hubs. The overall feel is of a continuous, leafy suburb of colonial and contemporary single-family homes.

River Vale offers a quiet, family-oriented suburban life in one of Bergen County's desirable northern corners. The township is almost entirely residential, with parks, playgrounds, and country clubs interspersed among its neighborhoods, and its "Garden Spot" nickname reflects a community proud of its landscaped, low-density character. Lake Tappan adds a scenic eastern edge, while the nearby Pascack Valley towns provide restaurants, shops, and community events. With Manhattan less than thirty miles away, River Vale blends a calm, spacious hometown feel with access to the cultural and professional life of New York City, making it a favored choice for families and commuters seeking Bergen County schools and greenery.

River Vale operates its own K-8 district, River Vale Public Schools, with two elementary schools — Roberge and Woodside — serving grades K-5 and Holdrum Middle School serving grades 6-8. High school students attend Pascack Valley High School in Hillsdale through the Pascack Valley Regional High School District. The district is classified by the New Jersey Department of Education in District Factor Group "I," the second-highest of eight socioeconomic groupings, reflecting the community's affluence and educational investment. This well-regarded K-12 pathway is a central reason families choose River Vale.

River Vale sits about thirty miles north of Midtown Manhattan, a location that anchors its commuter appeal. Residents driving to New York City use the nearby Garden State Parkway and the Palisades Interstate Parkway corridors, while the Pascack Valley's NJ Transit rail line serves neighboring towns for rail commuters. The township's position near the New York state line also gives easy access to Rockland County and the broader Bergen County road network. Within River Vale, the quiet residential streets are car-oriented, and daily errands typically mean a short drive to the surrounding Pascack Valley commercial centers rather than a walkable downtown.

River Vale offers recreation built around its parks, country clubs, and Lake Tappan. The township maintains parks, trails, sports facilities, and playgrounds for residents, and three golf courses serve the area: River Vale Country Club, the public Valley Brook County Golf Course, and Edgewood Country Club. Lake Tappan, the reservoir along the eastern border, adds scenic waterfront and passive recreation. The nearby Pascack Valley towns supply additional athletic fields, community events, and shopping, while the region's larger parks and the Hudson River Palisades lie within easy driving distance. The result is a suburban recreation profile oriented to families and outdoor leisure.