Paterson,NJ Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Paterson, NJ – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Exploring the Best Neighborhoods in Paterson, NJ: A Friendly Guide
Paterson, NJ, is a vibrant city filled with diverse neighborhoods that each have their own unique charm and character. Whether you're looking for affordable housing, rich cultural experiences, or easy access to transit, Paterson has something to offer everyone. With a Paterson neighborhoods map in hand, you’ll discover areas buzzing with energy alongside quieter residential streets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best neighborhoods in Paterson and what makes them special.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
The housing market in Paterson is known for its affordability compared to nearby urban centers like New York City and Newark. Neighborhoods such as Eastside and South Paterson offer a mix of single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and apartments that cater to a variety of budgets. Many homes here are historic, showcasing early 20th-century architecture. With ongoing revitalization efforts, prices are gradually increasing but remain reasonable, making Paterson an attractive option for first-time homebuyers and families looking for value without sacrificing city amenities.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Like many urban areas, Paterson has neighborhoods with varying levels of safety, so it’s important to research specific areas on a Paterson neighborhoods map. Neighborhoods such as Hillcrest and Riverside have seen improvements in community policing and neighborhood watch programs, contributing to a stronger sense of security. Meanwhile, areas closer to downtown are more active and bustling, which sometimes means a busier street scene. Residents often emphasize the importance of community involvement in maintaining neighborhood stability and safety.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Paterson boasts excellent transit options, making it a commuter-friendly city. The Paterson Transit Center serves as a hub for NJ Transit buses and trains, connecting residents to Manhattan and other parts of New Jersey. Neighborhoods like Downtown Paterson and the Great Falls district are particularly well served by public transportation. Additionally, the city is bike-friendly and walkable in many areas, especially near shopping districts and parks. This accessibility makes it easy to explore the best neighborhoods in Paterson without needing a car.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
Paterson is rich in cultural and historical attractions. The Great Falls National Historical Park is a standout, offering stunning views of one of the largest waterfalls in the United States and a glimpse into the city’s industrial past. Food lovers will enjoy the diverse culinary scene in neighborhoods like South Paterson, known for its Middle Eastern and Latin American restaurants, including popular spots like Al-Bawadi Grill and Mamoun’s Falafel. For family fun, Eastside Park offers green space, a playground, and sports facilities, making it a neighborhood favorite for outdoor activities.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
Paterson is home to Passaic County Community College, which has a campus located in the Downtown area. This neighborhood benefits from the energy and vibrancy that students bring, including coffee shops, bookstores, and affordable eateries. The proximity to higher education institutions adds a youthful vibe and creates educational opportunities for residents. Nearby neighborhoods also include several vocational and technical schools that contribute to the city’s diverse educational landscape.
What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?
Many people aren’t aware that Paterson has a thriving arts scene, especially in neighborhoods like Downtown and the Great Falls district, where local galleries and street art are becoming more prominent. The city also hosts annual cultural festivals that celebrate its rich immigrant heritage, bringing together communities from Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond. Another hidden gem is the Paterson Public Library’s extensive historical archives, which provide fascinating insights into the city’s role in America’s industrial revolution.
Paterson Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeview | 36.9 | 37.4% | $312,080 | $78,952 | 3.9 |
| Stoney Road | 33.3 | 34.9% | $302,050 | $68,131 | 3.9 |
| Hillcrest | 38.4 | 38.3% | $354,553 | $97,847 | 3.9 |
| Totowa | 35.1 | 37.5% | $314,459 | $71,540 | 4.5 |
| Riverside | 34.3 | 37.6% | $328,515 | $75,409 | 4.5 |
| Eastside Park Historic District | 40.9 | 29% | $373,800 | $87,524 | 4.6 |
| Manor Section | 42 | 32.6% | $320,575 | $72,903 | 4.8 |
| People's Park | 35.4 | 40.6% | $343,400 | $68,682 | 5.0 |
| Eastside | 36 | 34.5% | $341,993 | $72,447 | 5.2 |
| Bunker Hill | 35.9 | 29.2% | $333,363 | $59,759 | 5.9 |
Paterson neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Paterson—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Paterson, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Paterson
| Crime |
Reported |
Paterson /100k |
NJ /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 10 | 6.3 | 2.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 59 | 37.1 | 17.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 393 | 247.3 | 49.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,093 | 687.8 | 148.8 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 1,555 | 979 | 218 | 359 |
| Burglary | 572 | 360.0 | 145.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,353 | 1,480.8 | 1,119.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 811 | 510.4 | 162.6 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 3,736 | 2,351 | 1,427 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 5,291 | 3,330 | 1,645 | 2,119 |