Bergen County · Passaic River · Two Rail Stations · Garfield Commons
Garfield, New Jersey
Garfield is one of Bergen County’s most densely populated cities, combining tightly built residential neighborhoods, multifamily housing, two NJ Transit rail stations, traditional commercial streets and major redevelopment along former industrial properties.
Passaic Street, River Drive, Midland Avenue, Outwater Lane and Plauderville Avenue form a diverse local-business network, while Garfield Commons adds large-format retail to a city with strong immigrant, food and neighborhood traditions.
Garfield at a glance
A compact profile using current Census and municipal information.
Housing snapshot: Median owner-occupied home value $475,500; median gross rent $1,688; mean travel time to work 28.0 min. Census values represent the 2020–2024 reporting period and are not live market prices.
History & identity
Garfield developed rapidly around textile and manufacturing activity along the Passaic River and rail lines. It became a borough in the late 1800s and has operated as a city since 1917; today former industrial sites continue to evolve through redevelopment.
Dense Bergen County borough immediately east with Route 46 access.
Suburban township north of Garfield with major highway connections.
Passaic River neighbor to the north and west.
Business & community life
Garfield has its own local commercial pattern rather than a generic suburban mix.
Major retail and redevelopment corridor anchored by Garfield Commons on former industrial land.
Dense neighborhood corridor with restaurants, markets, services, apartments and access toward the Passaic River.
Local restaurants, stores, schools and service businesses tied closely to residential neighborhoods.
Municipal center and nearby shopping/service activity, including the Mill Shoppes area.
Parks, recreation & things to do
Bergen County park in Garfield with lake scenery, recreation and neighborhood green space.
Major city recreation and community-event site used for sports and public programming.
BCCLS member library at 500 Midland Avenue with books, digital resources and community events.
Garfield and Plauderville stations provide direct rail access on NJ Transit’s Bergen County Line.
The river shaped Garfield’s industrial history and continues to define the western edge of the city.
Reused industrial buildings and redevelopment sites reflect Garfield’s transition from manufacturing center to mixed residential-commercial city.
Schools & library
Garfield residents are served by local public-school and library systems with current calendars, programs and employment information available from official sources.
Getting around
Garfield has two NJ Transit Bergen County Line stations—Garfield and Plauderville—plus local/regional bus service. The combination gives a dense city unusually strong transit access for both commuting and local trips.
Transit reminder: Routes, platforms and schedules can change. Verify time-sensitive trips directly with NJ Transit.
Official resources
City of GarfieldGovernment, departments, meetings, forms, notices and resident services.Garfield Public SchoolsDistrict information, calendars, schools and employment resources.Garfield Public LibraryLibrary hours, BCCLS resources, programs and community services.Recreation & ParksMunicipal recreation, facilities, programs and seasonal information.
Nearby communities
Dense Bergen County borough immediately east with Route 46 access.
Suburban township north of Garfield with major highway connections.
Passaic River neighbor to the north and west.
Large Passaic County city directly across the river.
Dense Passaic County city south of Garfield.
Small Bergen borough immediately south.
Explore Garfield on NJTGO
Use the full seven-page guide for businesses, restaurants, real estate, visitor planning, community classifieds and employment.
Advertising & Enhanced ListingsGarfield government, Census, school, library, recreation, transit, business and community information was reviewed in September 2026. Programs, schedules, businesses and public information can change; verify time-sensitive details with the responsible organization.