Bergen County · Pascack Valley · Historic Station · Downtown · Demarest Farms · Stonybrook
Hillsdale, New Jersey
Hillsdale is a well-established Pascack Valley borough with a true commuter-rail downtown, a strong Broadway and Hillsdale Avenue business district, established residential neighborhoods, a working farm destination and a broad recreation network.
The railroad shaped Hillsdale's growth, and the historic station still anchors a walkable center with restaurants, coffee, shopping, municipal services and direct NJ Transit rail access.
Hillsdale at a glance
Hillsdale combines residential stability with a larger-than-expected local commercial base. Broadway, Hillsdale Avenue, Washington Avenue and Park Avenue form the core business area, while the train station and surrounding municipal parking reinforce the downtown's commuter role.
Railroad roots & borough history
The first train reached Hillsdale around Christmas 1869, with passenger service beginning in 1870. Hillsdale initially served as the end of the line.
Hillsdale separated from Washington Township and was incorporated as a township on March 25, 1898.
Hillsdale adopted the borough form of government, establishing the Mayor-and-Council structure used today.
The historic station remains an active NJ Transit stop and a visual anchor for downtown Hillsdale.
Downtown Hillsdale
Restaurants, banks, hardware, salons, bakeries, coffee and professional businesses line the north-south corridor around the station.
Municipal offices, library services, grocery, convenience retail and food businesses extend east and west from the station area.
Additional restaurants, coffee, grocery, banking and commuter parking support the central business district.
Parks, recreation & outdoor life
Major borough park and community-event location with current nature-trail improvements and the annual Hillsdale Fall Festival.
A 12-acre municipal swim club at 183 Cedar Lane with five pools, diving, a large slide, basketball, playgrounds, lessons, teams, camps and seasonal events.
Hillsdale Recreation runs sports, camps, concerts, adult programs and special events throughout the year.
The Patterson Street facility supports classes, programs and community gatherings.
Schools
Hillsdale Public Schools operates three local K–8 schools, while high-school students attend Pascack Valley High School, which is located in the borough.
1000 Hillsdale Ave · 201-664-1188.
50 Piermont Ave · 201-664-8088.
120 Magnolia Ave · 201-664-0286.
200 Piermont Ave · 201-358-7060. Serves Hillsdale and River Vale.
Hillsdale Free Public Library
509 Hillsdale Avenue · 201-358-5072. The BCCLS library offers books and media, Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, museum passes, adult literacy services, a seed library, exhibits and community programming.
Transportation & commuting
Active NJ Transit station on the Pascack Valley Line with service toward Hoboken/Secaucus and north toward New York State.
Municipal lots around Washington Avenue and the station include permit and daily options, with current weekend/evening provisions published by NJ Transit.
Local Pascack Valley roads and nearby Garden State Parkway access connect Hillsdale with central Bergen County.
Borough government
Borough Hall · 380 Hillsdale Avenue · 201-666-4800. Hillsdale uses the New Jersey Borough form of government. Mayor Michael Sheinfield serves with a six-member Borough Council in 2026.
Public meetings follow the borough's published annual calendar.
A standing 2026 Council committee focuses on economic growth and development.
The borough maintains a cross-department committee focused on flood and emergency preparedness.
Explore Hillsdale on NJTGO
Use the full seven-page guide for shopping, dining, housing, visitor planning, community classifieds and employment.
Advertising & Enhanced ListingsHillsdale information was reviewed September 4, 2026 using current Borough of Hillsdale, U.S. Census, school, library and NJ Transit sources. Time-sensitive details can change.