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Garfield, NJ

Garfield is a city in Bergen County, New Jersey, known as the "City of Champions," offering suburban tranquility with easy access to New York City via major transit routes.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the city is Garfield, City of Garfield . It is a city situated within Bergen County in the U.S. state of New Jersey . Bergen County is the most populous county in New Jersey, known for its diverse communities, affluent suburbs, and proximity to New York City.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Before its official incorporation, the area was known as East Passaic when it was first developed in 1873 . In 1881, the community was renamed Garfield in honor of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States . One story suggests the founder of East Passaic changed the name shortly after Garfield's election, saying, "call it 'Garfield' after the man who will lead this great country to prosperity" . Another theory is that a new train station was named in his honor after his assassination later that year, leading the surrounding area to adopt the name .

Garfield is also known by its official nickname, "City of Champions" .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area that is now Garfield was first developed in 1873 under the name East Passaic . It was originally incorporated as a borough on March 15, 1898, from portions of Saddle River Township and Wallington . Garfield officially became a city on April 19, 1917, following a referendum . The city is currently 107 years old (from its 1917 incorporation).

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Garfield is located in Bergen County, New Jersey, at geographic coordinates 40.8791° N, 74.1085° W . The city sits at an elevation of approximately 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level . It is situated on the banks of the Passaic River, which forms its border with Passaic and Clifton in Passaic County . The Saddle River also serves as a shared border with Wallington . Garfield has land borders with the adjacent communities of Elmwood Park, Lodi, Saddle Brook, and South Hackensack .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Garfield is primarily a residential suburb and a transportation node within the New York metropolitan area. While historically an industrial area, today it functions as a densely populated urban community with a diverse economy. Many residents commute to jobs in New York City and other parts of northern New Jersey. Local businesses and services form the backbone of its economic activity.

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population of Garfield was 32,655 . With a land area of just 2.11 square miles (5.47 km²), it has a very high population density of approximately 15,469 people per square mile, ranking it as one of the most densely populated municipalities in the state . Garfield is characterized by its diversity, with a significant Hispanic/Latino population (32.24% in 2010) and a growing Ukrainian American community, reflected by the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church of Three Saints .

City's "Visiting Card"

Garfield is a vibrant and diverse suburban city in New Jersey, offering a tight-knit community feel with the convenience of New York City nearby. Known as the "City of Champions," it provides residents and visitors with access to local parks, a rich history dating back to the 19th century, and a true cross-section of modern American suburban life.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Garfield experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) according to the Köppen climate classification, typical of the greater New York metropolitan area . This climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to mild winters with no distinct dry season.

Average Temperatures

Based on historical climate data (1961-1990), the average daily temperature in January is around -2.0°C (28.3°F) . The average daily high in July reaches about 30.0°C (86°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

The area receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of about 50 inches (1270 mm) . This consistent rainfall supports the region's lush vegetation and contributes to the humid conditions, especially during the summer months.

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Landmarks

Russian Orthodox Church of Three Saints

One of the city's most architecturally prominent landmarks is the Russian Orthodox Church of Three Saints . This distinctive church serves the growing Ukrainian American community in western Bergen County and stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural and religious diversity .

Garfield Historical Society

For those interested in local history, the Garfield Historical Society is an excellent destination . Housed in a historic building, it features exhibits on the city's early days, showcasing artifacts and documents from its founding in the 19th century . The society offers a fascinating glimpse into Garfield's evolution from East Passaic to the "City of Champions" .

Passaic River and Saddle River

The Passaic River and Saddle River are significant natural landmarks that define the city's borders . While the banks of the Passaic River aren't heavily developed for recreation, they provide a serene natural environment and are used for activities like fishing and kayaking . The Saddle River is a key feature of the nearby Saddle River County Park .

Garfield Arts District

The Garfield Arts District serves as the city's creative hub . This area is home to a mix of galleries, performance venues, and local art studios. A stroll through the district offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the city's culture, view works from local artists, and perhaps catch a live performance .

Columbus Park

Columbus Park is a local favorite for outdoor recreation . It features playgrounds, open green spaces, and sports facilities, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a picnic, play soccer, or simply relax in the shade .

Transport

Main Highways and Roads

While no major interstate highways pass directly through Garfield, the city is strategically located for easy access to the region's primary road networks. It is just across the Passaic River from Clifton and Passaic, providing quick connections to major arteries that link to the broader New Jersey and New York metropolitan area .

Public Transit: Buses

Garfield is well-served by NJ Transit buses, providing critical connections to neighboring communities and New York City . Key bus routes include:

The main bus stops are located throughout the city, with a key stop at Outwater Lane at Wessington Avenue .

Public Transit: Trains

For rail service, the nearest train station is Clifton, located on the Main Line (MCL) and about a 25-minute walk from parts of Garfield . This station provides access to NJ Transit rail services, which can connect commuters to Hoboken and other major terminals, with connections to New York City.

Public Transit: Subway

While there is no subway system in Garfield itself, the city's robust bus network connects to lines that feed into the PATH system and the New York City Subway, offering a viable commute into Manhattan .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Garfield, New Jersey, offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that reflects its tight-knit community character. While the city may not have a single world-famous dish, it is a destination for authentic, high-quality international cuisine, particularly Polish and Latin American fare, making it a deliciously underrated spot in Bergen County .

Polish Specialties (Kielbasa & Pierogi)

Garfield is known for its authentic Eastern European food, with Piast Meats & Provisions (Piast Meats & Provisions) being the go-to Polish deli. This shop is famous for its high-quality, authentic kielbasa (smoked sausage), pierogi (dumplings), fresh breads, and imported snacks. It's a place where locals go for quality smoked meats and freshly baked goods that are staples of Polish cuisine . Smaller shops like Krakus (Krakus) , a Polish bakery, specialize in sweet pastries, poppy seed rolls, and rye breads, perfect for a traditional Sunday morning . These are not restaurants but provisions stores where you can buy the authentic ingredients or ready-to-eat items that define the local Polish culinary tradition.

Latin American Flavors

The city is rich with taquerias and Latin fusion cuisine. A lively and colorful spot, La Fortaleza (La Fortaleza) , has become a community staple known for its extensive Mexican menu, including birria tacos and margaritas, often accompanied by live mariachi nights . The area around the city also features spots like Tres Agaves (Tres Agaves) , known for tequila and street-style tacos, and Ceviche 517 (Ceviche 517) , offering coastal, seafood-focused dishes .

The Iconic Local Burger

For a classic American favorite, Steve's Burgers (Steve's Burgers) is a must-visit and one of the most talked-about burger joints in the area. It is known for its fresh-pressed patties, gooey cheese fries, and classic roadside feel, representing the best of North Jersey's smash burger culture .

Halal & Mediterranean Cuisine

Garfield is also home to diverse global flavors. Gyro Flames (Gyro Flames - Halal Fusion Restaurant) is a highly-rated halal fusion restaurant on Passaic Street, specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Reviewers rave about their rice platters with mixed chicken and lamb, salads, and pita bread, offering great food at a great price .

American Comfort Food

Huddle House (Huddle House - Garfield) on Outwater Lane is a beloved spot for American breakfast and brunch, known for its big portions, tasty food, and fair prices. With over 3,000 ratings, it's a local favorite for dishes like bacon egg and cheese platters, omelets, stuffed hashbrowns, and biscuits with gravy .

Italian-American Classics

Goodfellas Restaurant (Goodfellas Restaurant) is a local favorite for Italian-American fusion, known for its pizza, pasta, garlic knots, and cozy, family-style dining room . For a no-frills slice, Pizza Mania (Pizza Mania) on Midland Avenue is a go-to spot .

Coffee and Cafés

The local café culture is represented by spots like Cafe Gio (Cafe Gio) , a modern café with espresso drinks and a laptop-friendly space, and Aroma de Cafe (Aroma de Cafe) , a Latin-American café offering empanadas, sweet pastries, and strong brewed coffee .

A Unique Local Ingredient

While not an ingredient, a unique local product is the wide array of Polish imports found at Piast Meats & Provisions. These include various smoked sausages, pickled products, mustards, and breads that are integral to the local Polish community's cooking and are sought after by people from surrounding areas .

Banquet & Event Dining

For formal occasions, The Venetian (The Venetian in Garfield NJ) is one of New Jersey's most luxurious event venues, known for its upscale weddings, grand ballroom, and high-end catering, serving as a major destination for special events in the region .

Museums

The Garfield Civil War Museum

While not located in the city of Garfield itself, there is a museum with "Garfield" in its name: The Garfield Civil War Museum (GARFIELD CIVIL WAR MUSEUM) . However, it is important to note that this museum is located in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, not in the city of Garfield detailed in this file . It is a volunteer-run non-profit dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts and history from the Civil War era. Its mission is to educate the public about this period of American history and the contributions of its soldiers to the country's unity and the establishment of racial equality . It operates as a local historical resource with a dedicated team of volunteers .

Specialty Museums Nearby

For residents of Garfield, a notable specialty museum in the broader New Jersey area is the Garden State Discovery Museum (Garden State Discovery Museum) . Located in Cherry Hill, it is a popular spot for families, described as a "must see" with an affordable, hands-on experience that children and families enjoy .

Sport and Athletic Legends

Garfield has a rich sporting tradition, particularly in high school football, and has produced several athletes who went on to play in the NFL.

High School Sports and Legendary Athletes

The city's sporting pride is centered on Garfield High School (Garfield High School) and its teams, known as the Boilermakers. The football program is one of North Jersey's "legacy" programs, with a history that includes a legendary national title in 1939, which is still talked about today . The program is currently focused on rebuilding and fostering a culture of "Better people make better Boilermakers" .

Most notably, Garfield High School has produced three eventual NFL players within the last 35 years :

In addition to football, Garfield High School also has a cross-country program, with team history and meet participation dating back to at least 2018 .

Local Sports Facilities

The primary hub for sports in the city is Garfield High School (Garfield High School) , located at 500 Palisade Ave. The school's athletic fields and gymnasiums are where the Boilermakers play their home football games and host other sports events . The address for the high school is 500 Palisade Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026-2595 .

Current High School Teams

The Garfield Boilermakers (Garfield Boilermakers) football team competes in the New Jersey high school sports leagues. Under new leadership, the program is experiencing growth, having added a freshman team with 32 players and a varsity roster of 62, signaling a strong future for the sport in the city . The school also fields a cross-country team that competes in divisional and county championships .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Garfield, NJ, is primarily a residential and commercial city and does not host any major university or college campuses within its own borders. For higher education, residents typically commute to nearby cities and towns in Bergen County and the greater New York metropolitan area. Institutions such as Fairleigh Dickinson University (Fairleigh Dickinson University) in Teaneck and Rutgers University (Rutgers University) in Newark are common destinations for local students seeking undergraduate and graduate programs.

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Garfield is well-served by a range of healthcare facilities catering to both immediate and long-term medical needs, from urgent care to specialized health centers.

North Hudson Community Action Corporation Health Center

A major provider of comprehensive healthcare in the city is the North Hudson Community Action Corporation Health Center At Garfield (North Hudson Community Action Corporation Health Center At Garfield) . Located at 535 Midland Ave, this health center offers a wide array of services across 8 specialties. Patients can access care in Dentistry, Family Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Pain Medicine, among others. The center is staffed by multiple practicing physicians and accepts a broad range of insurance plans, making it an accessible option for many families in the community .

+MEDRITE Urgent Care

For non-life-threatening emergencies and routine care that can't wait for a primary care appointment, +MEDRITE Urgent Care (+MEDRITE Garfield Urgent Care | Bergen County | New Jersey) provides a convenient solution. Located in the heart of Garfield, this facility offers high-quality healthcare with extended hours, including Sundays, and accepts walk-ins with no appointment needed. Their services go beyond urgent care to include primary care services such as annual check-ups, chronic condition management, and preventive screenings. They pride themselves on short wait times and accessibility for individuals and families across the community .

Local Primary Care and Specialists

In addition to the health center and urgent care, Garfield is home to various private practice physicians and specialists. Residents have access to a network of healthcare providers, including those listed at the North Hudson center, ensuring that most routine and specialized medical needs can be met within or very near the city limits .

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