Fort Lee sits at the foot of the George Washington Bridge — the most direct NJ-to-Manhattan crossing. That location makes Fort Lee one of the most popular NJ towns for NYC commuters, and the 2.52% property tax rate is moderate for Bergen County.
Fort Lee Tax Rate
Effective rate: approximately 2.52% (2026)
Bergen County context: - Alpine: 1.76% - Paramus: 1.93% - Fort Lee: 2.52% - Hackensack: 2.70% - Teaneck: 3.18%
Real Dollar Examples
| Home/Condo Price | Annual Tax | Monthly | |---|---|---| | $350,000 | $8,820 | $735 | | $500,000 | $12,600 | $1,050 | | $650,000 | $16,380 | $1,365 | | $800,000 | $20,160 | $1,680 | | $1,000,000 | $25,200 | $2,100 |
Fort Lee's median home price is ~$610K ($1,365/month taxes).
Condos vs Single-Family in Fort Lee
Fort Lee has a large condo market — many high-rise buildings along Palisade Avenue and near the GWB.
Condo considerations: - Property taxes apply to your condo unit's assessed value (typically lower than single-family) - HOA fees add $300-$800/month on top of taxes - Some newer buildings may have tax abatements - A $500K Fort Lee condo = $1,050/month taxes + $500/month HOA = $1,550/month before P&I
Single-family: - Standard 2.52% applies to full assessed value - No HOA fees - Typically $550K-$900K in Fort Lee
The NYC Commuter Math
Fort Lee's proximity to the GWB makes it unique: - Drive to Midtown: 20-30 min (off-peak), 45-75 min (rush hour) - Bus to Port Authority: 30-45 min (NJ Transit 156, 158) - No train station — Fort Lee is bus-only or car
For commuters comparing Fort Lee to Hoboken ($1.52% rate) or Jersey City ($1.67%): - Fort Lee has lower home prices but higher taxes per dollar - Total monthly cost is competitive because entry prices are lower - The GWB toll ($16 peak) adds to commuting costs
NJHMFA in Fort Lee
Fort Lee is Bergen County (Blue tier NJHMFA). The $15,000 DPA ($22,000 with First Gen) works on homes within the NJHMFA purchase price limit. Fort Lee condos in the $350K-$500K range are strong NJHMFA candidates.
Bottom Line
Fort Lee's 2.52% rate is moderate for Bergen County. The GWB location commands a premium, but for NYC commuters who prefer driving over trains, Fort Lee offers a balance of access, space, and relatively reasonable taxes.
[Fort Lee pre-approval](/contact/) — condo and single-family calculations with the 2.52% rate.