Cities & Towns in Passaic County, NJ

Sitting just outside of New York City, Paterson Museum and the Great Falls of the Passaic River.">Passaic County contains a blend of urban living and suburban charm across its many cities and towns. Each community provides a distinct identity despite the proximity to the Big Apple. Some of the most prominent cities in Passaic County include Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne and West Milford.

Paterson serves as the county seat and is known for its Great Falls National Historical Park. Neighboring Clifton offers premier shopping options. The city of Passaic provides accessibility to urban amenities. Wayne highlights scenic historic sites. And West Milford contains large nature areas like Ringwood State Park.

Paterson

Paterson is the largest city in Passaic County, with a population of about 145,000 people. It’s also the third-largest city in New Jersey and the county seat of Passaic County. Paterson is known as the “Silk City”, as it was once a major center of silk production in the 19th century. Paterson is also known for its rich cultural diversity and heritage, as it has been a destination for immigrants from various countries and regions.

Paterson is a historic and vibrant city with many attractions for visitors. You can visit the Great Falls National Historical Park, which features the spectacular waterfall that powered Paterson’s industrial development. You can also visit the Paterson Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to Paterson’s history and culture. For some arts and entertainment, you can visit the Lambert Castle or the Fabian 8 Cinema.

Clifton

Clifton is the second-largest city in Passaic County, with a population of about 85,000 people. It’s located south of Paterson, along the Passaic River. Clifton was incorporated as a city in 1917, from portions of Acquackanonk Township. Clifton is home to several industrial and commercial enterprises, such as Rutt’s Hut, a famous hot dog restaurant, and Styertowne Shopping Center, one of the first suburban shopping centers in the country.

Clifton is a suburban and diverse city with many attractions for visitors. You can visit the Clifton Arts Center, which features art galleries and studios in a historic barn. You can also visit the Hamilton House Museum, which is a restored 18th-century farmhouse that showcases local history. For some nature and recreation, you can visit the Weasel Brook Park or the Main Memorial Park.

Passaic

Passaic is the third-largest city in Passaic County, with a population of about 69,000 people. It’s located east of Paterson, along the Passaic River. Passaic was founded in 1678 by Dutch settlers, who called it Acquackanonk Landing. Passaic became a city in 1873, after separating from Acquackanonk Township. Passaic is known for its large Hispanic community, which makes up over 70% of the population.

Passaic is a diverse and lively city with many attractions for visitors. You can visit the Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel, which is a beautiful Roman Catholic church that dates back to 1869. You can also visit the Dundee Island Park, which is a waterfront park that offers playgrounds, sports fields and fishing areas. For some shopping and dining, you can visit the Main Avenue Business District or the Market Street Business District.

Beyond these larger municipalities, Passaic County also includes the unique suburbs of Haledon, Little Falls, and Pompton Lakes. Though often overshadowed by its connection to NYC, each city and town in Passaic County has developed into diverse communities showcasing local pride. From bustling downtowns to peaceful nature escapes, this section of New Jersey has many hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.