Washington Township's housing stock consists almost entirely of single-family homes on established, often wooded lots. The township developed primarily across the mid-to-late 20th century, so its housing ranges from mid-century ranches and colonials to larger custom homes and more recent infill, many set back from quiet, winding streets. The prevalence of homeownership is high, and the township has a significant population of long-time residents and retirees, contributing to low turnover in parts of the market. Compared with more densely developed Bergen County towns, Washington Township offers more land and privacy per home, which is a defining feature of its appeal.

Washington Township is a small, cohesive township whose neighborhoods are organized around its residential streets rather than around distinct named districts or a commercial center. Homes spread across a rolling landscape of mature trees and sizable lots, with the township's few institutional anchors — its municipal building, community facilities, and shared school district ties to Westwood — providing structure. Because the township is predominantly residential and low-density, its neighborhoods blend into one another, and residents depend on nearby Westwood and the surrounding Bergen County towns for shopping, dining, and the train. This gives the township a calm, integrated, and decidedly suburban character.

Life in Washington Township is quiet, private, and family- or retirement-oriented, with a distinctly suburban rhythm. Residents value the space, the mature trees, and the calm of the township's streets, while looking to neighboring Westwood and the wider Pascack Valley for downtown shopping, restaurants, and community events. The close relationship between Washington Township and Westwood — especially through the shared school district — shapes daily life, with school activities and town events drawing the two communities together. Recreation happens in township parks and the valley's open spaces. For residents, the appeal is space and privacy within one of New Jersey's most convenient suburban counties.

Washington Township's students attend the Westwood Regional School District, which serves the township and neighboring Westwood through a shared system. The district's board of education is apportioned between the two communities, with seats allocated to each municipality, reflecting their long partnership. The district's schools are well regarded, and the shared arrangement gives Washington Township residents access to a strong K-12 system without maintaining separate facilities. The schools are a central part of the township's identity and a primary reason families choose the area, anchoring the community alongside its neighboring borough.

Washington Township is served by the Pascack Valley's transportation network, with NJ Transit's Pascack Valley Line stopping in nearby Westwood for commuter rail service toward Hoboken and connections into Manhattan. The Garden State Parkway and Route 17 provide highway access to the wider region, placing New York City within commuting range for residents. Daily life is car-dependent, in keeping with the township's low-density, residential layout, with most errands and school runs made by car. The combination of a nearby rail station and major highways gives the township practical access to the region's economy while preserving its quiet suburban character.

Recreation in Washington Township centers on its local parks, open space, and the natural features of the Pascack Valley. The township's residential character provides room for private yards and gardens, while community parks and athletic fields host youth sports and local events. The nearby Pascack Brook and the valley's green spaces offer walking and quiet outdoor time, and the larger county park system of Bergen County lies within a short drive. Residents also make use of the recreational and civic amenities of neighboring Westwood. For a small township, the combination of local open space and regional park access supports an active but low-key outdoor life.