Lainek

Your Guide to the World

Paramus, NJ

Paramus is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, a suburban retail hub known for its massive shopping malls and strict blue laws.

About Paramus

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The Borough of Paramus (pə-RAM-əs) is a borough located in Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey . It is a suburban community situated approximately 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 km) northwest of Midtown Manhattan and is part of the New York metropolitan area . Bergen County is known as the most populous county in New Jersey, characterized by its affluent communities and significant commercial centers.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Date of Foundation and Age

Paramus was formally incorporated as a borough on April 4, 1922, following a referendum where the vote was 238 in favor and 10 against . This makes the borough over 100 years old. The area's recorded history with European settlers, however, dates back much further, to the Paramus Patent granted in the late 17th century .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Paramus is located at the coordinates 40.9455° N, 74.0712° W . It is situated in the Piedmont region of northern New Jersey, characterized by gently rolling hills. The center of the borough sits at an elevation of approximately 15 to 20 meters (49-66 feet) above sea level . The borough is strategically positioned at the intersection of two major highways, Routes 4 and 17, which has been crucial to its development .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Paramus is a premier example of a retail and commercial hub . Its economy is overwhelmingly dominated by retail trade, generating over $5 billion in annual retail sales, a figure higher than any other ZIP code in the United States . The borough is lined with major shopping malls, including Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus Park Mall, and Bergen Town Center, attracting shoppers from across the New York metropolitan area . This is further fueled by New Jersey's policy of not levying a sales tax on most clothing . Despite this retail focus, Paramus is also a residential suburb, having been ranked as one of the best places to live in New Jersey .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Paramus was 26,698 . According to the 2010 Census, the borough had a population density of 2,516.0 per square mile, classifying it as a suburban community . It is characterized by a high median household income, ranking in the top 20 places with populations over 25,000 in the U.S. by CNNMoney . The racial makeup in 2010 was predominantly White (73.1%), with a significant Asian population (19.2%) .

City's "Business Card" (Brief)

Paramus is known as the undisputed retail capital of New Jersey, a suburban borough where massive shopping malls and big-box stores line the highways, drawing millions of shoppers annually with its unparalleled selection and tax-free clothing. It's a place defined by the unique paradox of being a top shopping destination with some of the nation's most restrictive Sunday shopping laws, known as blue laws .

Geography

Mountains and Hills

While Paramus itself is relatively flat, the highest point in the borough is on Farview Avenue, which is situated on a ridge. From this elevated spot, on clear days, there is a clear view of the New York City skyline . Further west, the Watchung Mountains rise, with the highest peak reaching approximately 269 meters (883 feet) above sea level, located about 10.7 km from Paramus .

Parks and Unique Landscapes

Paramus and its immediate surroundings offer several parklands for recreation.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Paramus has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen classification, bordering on a humid continental climate. It is characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, wet winters . The city experiences consistent precipitation throughout the year and significant seasonal temperature variations .

Average Temperatures by Month

The table below shows the average daily maximum and minimum temperatures in Paramus throughout the year, measured in degrees Celsius (°C) .

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Avg. High (°C) 2 3 8 15 21 26 30 29 26 19 11 6
Avg. Low (°C) -6 -5 -1 4 11 16 19 18 15 9 2 -2

The warmest month is July, with an average high of 30°C and a low of 19°C. The coldest month is January, with an average high of 2°C and a low of -6°C .

Precipitation and Humidity

Paramus receives significant precipitation year-round, with a mean annual total of approximately 1,471 mm (58 inches) . The wettest month is October, with around 143 mm of precipitation, while the driest is September, with about 98 mm .

Sunny Days and Daylight

The length of the day varies significantly. The longest day is around June 17, with approximately 15 hours and 6 minutes of daylight. The shortest day is around December 18, with only about 9 hours and 12 minutes of daylight . The clearest and sunniest skies are typically from late June through September .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Specific Weather Phenomena

Landmarks and Attractions

[Westfield Garden State Plaza]

[Paramus Park Mall]

[The Terhune House]

[Van Saun County Park / Zoo]

[Saddle River County Park Bike Path]

Transport

Main Airports in the City and Region

Paramus itself has no commercial airport, but it is located within a short drive of several major airports that serve the New York metropolitan area. The nearest airport is Teterboro Airport (TEB), located just 7 miles (11.3 km) away, though it primarily serves general aviation and private jets .

For commercial travelers, the most convenient major airports are :

Main Highways

Paramus is a major transportation hub in Bergen County due to its location at the crossroads of two primary state highways :

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Indian Flavors at Hocco

Paramus offers a taste of contemporary Indian cuisine at Hocco, a restaurant inspired by the culinary legacy of the Chona family, which began in Ahmedabad in 1944 . Hocco describes its concept as a "home away from home," blending traditional recipes with modern, innovative flavors . The menu features popular Indian dishes with a contemporary twist, including signature items like Dum Biryani and Lamb Galouti . The restaurant operates on a quick, self-serve model where guests order at the counter, making it a convenient spot for experiencing both classic and modern Indian dishes in a bright, modern setting .

Classic American Bakery Fare

For a taste of a classic American snack, Paramus is home to an Auntie Anne's Pretzels location . Situated in the Paramus Park mall, this bakery-café is known for its freshly baked, soft pretzels. The menu features a variety of sweet and savory pretzel styles, along with dipping sauces and beverages, offering a familiar and popular quick bite for shoppers and visitors .

Museums

Bergen Museum of Art and Science

Paramus is home to the Bergen Museum of Art and Science, a cultural institution founded in 1956 with the mission of stimulating interest in the arts and sciences . The museum boasts over 10,000 square feet of exhibition space . Its permanent collection is notable for works by renowned American artists, including photographs by Ansel Adams, paintings by Edward Hopper, and pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe . In addition to its art galleries, which include a focus on Native American art, the museum features a Science and Technology Wing with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a paleontology lab, providing a diverse experience for visitors . The museum also hosts community events like an International Film Festival and educational programs for all ages .

Sport and Sports Legends

Cliff Gennarelli-Paramus Sports-Plex

A major hub for indoor athletics in Paramus is the Cliff Gennarelli-Paramus Sports-Plex . This state-of-the-art facility encompasses 80,000 square feet of indoor playing space, making it one of the largest complexes in the area . It was built by the Gennarelli family as a memorial to their son, a passionate athlete . The Sports-Plex offers a wide variety of sports programs, including soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, basketball, and volleyball, catering to all ages and skill levels . Key amenities include six full-size turf fields, four basketball courts, a fitness center, a pro shop, and a café for spectators . Its climate-controlled environment makes it a particularly popular destination for sports activities during the winter months .

Paramus High School Athletics

Paramus High School, located at 99 E Century Rd, is home to the Spartans and has an active athletics program . The school's track and field team, for instance, competes in high-level state events, including the NJSIAA championships, reflecting the presence of competitive youth sports in the community .

Nearby Recreation at Darlington County Park

For outdoor recreation and swimming, Bergen County residents and visitors can go to Darlington County Park, located nearby in Mahwah . This 127-acre park is a popular destination during the summer, featuring designated swimming areas in its lakes. A unique attraction is The Splash Zone, an inflatable water obstacle course that offers a fun experience for families. The park also provides facilities for fishing (catch-and-release), basketball, tennis, and volleyball, as well as picnic tables and grilling areas, making it a comprehensive spot for a day of outdoor activity .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Bergen Community College

The most prominent higher education institution in Paramus is Bergen Community College, whose main campus is located at 400 Paramus Road . Founded in 1965, it is a public, two-year college that serves as a comprehensive higher education destination for the region, enrolling nearly 17,000 students in academic degree programs . The college is ranked number one in New Jersey for associate degree graduates and offers over 100 certificate and associate degree programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into various professions .

Its main campus features significant modern facilities, including the Technology Education Center (opened 2003), the region's only Integrated Health Professions Teaching Center (opened 2016), and a nationally leading STEM Student Research Center (opened 2019) . The college also has a strong international student population and provides comprehensive support through its International Student Center .

Other Academic Institutions

In addition to the community college, Paramus hosts a campus of Berkeley College at 64 East Midland Avenue, which focuses on career-oriented bachelor's and associate's degrees . There is also a DeVry University center located on State Route 4, offering undergraduate programs in fast-growing career fields like technology and healthcare .

Healthcare and Medical Institutions

HMH Primary Care Paramus

Paramus is served by outpatient facilities within larger, renowned health networks. HMH Primary Care Paramus is a multi-specialty practice located at 277 Forest Avenue . As part of the Hackensack Meridian Health network, one of New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive health systems, this facility provides a range of essential services. These include routine physicals, wellness exams, sick visits, and immunizations, as well as diagnostic services like electrocardiograms, hearing testing, and spirometry . The practice features a team of experienced physicians, including Dr. Irina Anshelevich and Dr. Irina Zhukova in Internal Medicine, and Dr. Joseph Giangola in Endocrinology, all of whom have high patient ratings .

Nearby Major Medical Centers

For more specialized or hospital-based care, Paramus residents are in close proximity to major medical centers in neighboring Bergen County communities. This includes the Hackensack Meridian Health network, which has its flagship hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, a major teaching and research hospital, just a short distance away in Hackensack. Other nearby facilities include The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Englewood Health in Englewood, both of which are comprehensive hospitals offering a full spectrum of medical services.

Discover new destinations