Local character 1
Paterson was founded in 1792 as a planned industrial city centered on the power of the Great Falls of the Passaic River.
City · Passaic County · New Jersey
Paterson
Paterson is Passaic County’s largest city and one of New Jersey’s most historically important urban centers, combining the Great Falls, a powerful industrial story, exceptionally diverse dining, neighborhood commerce and major civic institutions.
Paterson at a glance
This NJTGO guide is built around the municipality itself. Businesses, restaurants and civic references are checked against Paterson addresses rather than padded with nearby-town listings.
Today the city
Today the city is defined by many distinct commercial corridors and communities rather than one single downtown experience.
Local character 3
The Great Falls National Historical Park, Paterson Museum and Garret Mountain/Lambert Castle area make Paterson one of Passaic County’s most significant visitor destinations.
Local anchors
Great Falls National Historical Park
Paterson’s signature destination and the center of its industrial-history story.
Paterson Museum
A city museum near the Great Falls focused on Paterson’s industrial, cultural and technological history.
Garret Mountain area
A major county recreation landscape overlooking Paterson; Lambert Castle is a historic landmark within the area.
Business areas
- Main Street
- Broadway
- Market Street
- 21st Avenue
- Union Avenue
- Crooks Avenue / South Paterson
- Downtown Paterson
Getting around
Paterson is served by NJ TRANSIT rail and a large bus network, with road connections to Route 20, I-80 and other North Jersey corridors. Confirm current schedules, station details and parking before travel.
Municipal services
Paterson City Hall · 155 Market Street · Paterson, NJ 07505 · 973-321-1600
For current municipal notices, meeting information, permits and department contacts, use the municipality’s official website.
Municipal boundary check
Paterson borders or meets the following communities. Cross-river neighbors are identified where relevant.
Clifton
Haledon
Hawthorne
Prospect Park
Totowa
Woodland Park
Elmwood Park
Fair Lawn
Explore the full Paterson guide
Use the navigation above for the local business directory, food and drink, real estate, visiting, classifieds and jobs pages.