Known for its silk production in the late-19th Century, Paterson, New Jersey, is often referred to as the “Silk City.” It is the third-most-populous city in New Jersey with a population of about 150,000, and serves as the county seat of Passaic County. Paterson is ethnically and racially diverse and is home to a growing Hispanic and Muslim immigrant population. There are more than 50 ethnic groups represented in Paterson with the Peruvian American community among the most established, partly due to the location of the Consulate of Peru in the city. The Muslim population is the second-largest by percentage found in the United States with immigrants from many Middle Eastern Arab nations.
Paterson packs a lot of people into a small area. In fact, among cities with a population of over 100,000, it is the second-highest density city in the United States behind New York City, which is located less than an hour’s drive away. Those relocating will surely find the best places in Paterson as there are many neighborhoods, some offering a distinct ethnic vibe and featuring the historic charm of Tudor, Victorian and Colonial architecture. Its close proximity to New York City have made it an economical alternative for those who work or play in the Big Apple. While Paterson offers economical housing, home values have been steadily rising and may be a good investment for those wishing to relocate here.
Some areas of Paterson have been economically affected by businesses moving to the suburbs; however, the local economy is boosted in areas where there is an Urban Enterprise Zone to encourage shopping and patronage with merchants eligible to offer a greatly reduced sales tax. The local economy is diverse and includes employment in health care, manufacturing, retail, transportation services, education, and many more.
There is an expansive city parks and recreation system and the Great Falls of the Passaic are among the national park system. The Lambert Castle includes a museum and observation tower from where the New York City skyline can be viewed. The public transportation system offers full coverage of Paterson on the NJ Transit Main and Passaic-Bergen Rail Lines. With bus service to many nearby areas, the city is a main terminal for the NJ Transit bus line. Additionally, the Port Authority Bus Terminal offers service to and from New York City.
Patterson offers a wide variety of neighborhoods with family-friendly amenities and easy access to other cities, making it a perfect place to live and relax. To find the best places to live in Paterson for your relocation, customize your search by criterion most important to you, such as home/rent budget, nearby amenities and services, education, employment, and safety.
