Moving to or from Paterson?
America's original planned industrial city, founded in 1791 by Alexander Hamilton — 'The Silk City' that became the 19th-century textile capital of the US. Now one of the most diverse cities in America, anchored by the Great Falls of the Passaic River.
- 160,000 City population
- 20,000,000 Metro area
- 1791 Founded
- Passaic County / North Jersey Region
Why people move to Paterson.
- Being Alexander Hamilton's 1791 vision for America's first planned industrial city
- The Great Falls of the Passaic River — 77 feet tall, the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi
- Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park — New Jersey's only national park
- Historic 'Silk City' — once the silk manufacturing capital of the US
- Extraordinary ethnic diversity — Paterson is home to major Bengali, Dominican, Peruvian, Turkish, Palestinian, and other immigrant communities
- Larry Doby (second Black MLB player), Lou Costello, and Allen Ginsberg's hometown
Paterson was founded in 1791 by Alexander Hamilton himself as America's first planned industrial city — Hamilton personally chose the site for its 77-foot Great Falls of the Passaic River, which could power silk mills. The falls and surrounding Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park are now the only national park in New Jersey, and Paterson's entire downtown was designated a National Historic Landmark District for its pioneering role in American industrialization.
Where people live in Paterson.
A quick guide to Paterson's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown / Silk City
Historic core with restored brick mills, National Park, and revitalizing commercial district
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Eastside
Dense urban neighborhood with established immigrant communities
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South Paterson
Historic Palestinian and Arab-American community — 'Little Istanbul' / 'Little Palestine'
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Northside
Residential with mix of older multi-family and single-family homes
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Riverside
Near the Passaic River with historic housing stock
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Totowa-adjacent / Haledon
Small adjacent towns with more suburban feel
Where people spend their time in Paterson.
- Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Downtown
- Paterson Museum Downtown
- Lambert Castle Garrett Mountain
- Garrett Mountain Reservation Paterson / West Paterson
- Great Falls and Overlook Park Downtown
- Hinchliffe Stadium (restored historic ballpark) Downtown
Planning a Paterson move.
- Paterson has some of the most affordable housing in the NY/NJ metro; median prices run well below state averages
- Dense urban neighborhoods with multi-family housing and narrow streets; specialized movers handle these best
- Significant ethnic communities mean culturally-aware moving services are a real plus
- NYC is 20 miles east via I-80; NJ Transit bus and rail serve the area for commuters
Moving in Paterson: FAQ.
Is Paterson safe?
Crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood. Downtown and historic Silk City areas have seen meaningful revitalization; some inner-city neighborhoods still have higher crime rates. Research specific addresses carefully and consider comprehensive renter's/homeowner's insurance coverage. Paterson has invested in community policing and neighborhood improvements in recent decades.
What's the NYC commute from Paterson?
Manageable. NYC's Port Authority Bus Terminal is 45-60 minutes via NJ Transit bus, and NJ Transit rail connects Paterson to Hoboken/Secaucus with PATH transfers to Manhattan. Many Paterson residents commute to NYC daily for work in restaurants, hospitality, construction, and other service sectors.
How diverse is Paterson really?
Extraordinarily so. Paterson has significant Bengali/Bangladeshi (one of the largest in the US), Dominican, Peruvian, Turkish, Palestinian/Arab, African-American, and Puerto Rican communities — often living in distinct neighborhoods with their own restaurants, markets, and cultural institutions. 'Little Istanbul' and 'Little Palestine' along Main Street have some of the best Middle Eastern food in the Northeast.
Is the Great Falls really worth visiting?
Yes — genuinely spectacular. At 77 feet tall and 280 feet wide, the Great Falls of the Passaic River are the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi (after Niagara). The national park designation came in 2009 under President Obama, and the park includes pedestrian bridges offering dramatic views. Many Paterson residents consider the falls an underappreciated national treasure.
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