Elmwood Park, NJ
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities and Services
Elmwood Park is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey. It is a residential suburb located 14 miles from New York City, known for its diverse community, local parks, and strict Sunday blue laws.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Elmwood Park (officially the Borough of Elmwood Park) .
- Administrative Role: Elmwood Park is a borough, a form of local government in New Jersey. It is not a capital or county seat.
- Country and Region: It is located in Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Bergen County is the most populous county in New Jersey and is known for being a part of the New York City metropolitan area, featuring a mix of dense urban hubs and quiet residential suburbs, as well as having some of the strictest "blue laws" in the nation that prohibit most retail sales on Sundays .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Historical Name: Prior to 1916, the area was known as Dundee Lake, a part of Saddle River Township. The borough was incorporated as the Borough of East Paterson on April 18, 1916 .
- Name Change: In November 1972, residents voted to change the name from East Paterson to Elmwood Park. The new name became official on January 1, 1973, chosen to reflect the community's green, wooded character and to give it a distinct identity separate from the nearby city of Paterson .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Date of Incorporation: Elmwood Park was officially incorporated as the Borough of East Paterson on April 18, 1916 .
- Age: As of 2026, the borough is 110 years old under its original incorporation. It has been known as Elmwood Park since 1973.
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 40°54′16″N 74°07′10″W .
- Location: The borough is located in northeastern New Jersey, approximately 14 miles (23 km) from New York City. It is situated on the western bank of the Passaic River, which forms its border with the cities of Paterson and Clifton in Passaic County .
- Elevation: The elevation in the center of town is approximately 14-16 meters (46-50 feet) above sea level .
- Geographic Type: Elmwood Park is a suburban borough, part of the densely populated New York metropolitan area.
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Primary Function: Elmwood Park is primarily a residential suburb and a bedroom community for commuters working in New York City and other commercial centers in northern New Jersey . Its economy is locally focused, serving its residents with retail, dining, and services .
Population and Demographics
- Population: According to the 2020 United States Census, the borough's population was 21,422 .
- Population Class: Based on its population, Elmwood Park is classified as a small city or large town. It is the 14th most populous municipality out of 70 in Bergen County .
- Demographic Note: The borough is characterized by increasing diversity. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 51.0% White (non-Hispanic), 27.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, and 7.0% Black or African American, reflecting its role as a multicultural "melting pot" within the region .
"The City's Calling Card" (Briefly)
Elmwood Park is a quiet, family-oriented suburban borough in Bergen County, offering a convenient commute to New York City. It is known for its blend of residential neighborhoods, local parks, and a diverse dining scene, all operating under the county's historic Sunday blue laws.
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- Passaic River: The most significant geographical feature is the Passaic River, which forms the entire western border of Elmwood Park, separating it from the cities of Paterson and Clifton . While not used for swimming in this area, the river is a dominant natural landmark. Just north of the borough, in Paterson, the river plunges over the Great Falls of the Passaic River, a stunning natural wonder and National Historical Park located only minutes away .
- Dundee Lake: The area was historically known as Dundee Lake, a section of Saddle River Township before incorporation. This name refers to a area along the Passaic River, though the specific lake itself is no longer a prominent feature .
Parks and Recreation
- Saddle River County Park: This popular multi-jurisdictional park runs along the Saddle River and is located near Elmwood Park. It provides residents and visitors with opportunities for biking, hiking, and walking along its well-maintained paths amidst beautiful landscapes .
- Elmwood Park (Borough Park): The namesake park of the borough features walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields, serving as a central spot for family picnics and local youth sports events .
- Memorial Park: Another key green space in town, Memorial Park offers scenic views and well-maintained paths ideal for jogging or dog walking. It becomes vibrant in warmer months with families enjoying BBQs and children playing .
Mountains and Ridges (Nearby)
- Garret Mountain Reservation: Located just minutes away in the city of Paterson, this mountainous region offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline on clear days .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Elmwood Park has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), characteristic of the greater New York City area. It experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cool to cold winters. Precipitation is abundant and evenly distributed throughout the year .
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. The figures below are based on average daily maximum and minimum temperatures .
- January: Max 2°C (36°F), Min -6°C (21°F) - the coldest month.
- February: Max 3°C (37°F), Min -5°C (23°F).
- March: Max 8°C (46°F), Min -1°C (30°F).
- April: Max 15°C (59°F), Min 4°C (39°F).
- May: Max 21°C (70°F), Min 11°C (52°F).
- June: Max 26°C (79°F), Min 16°C (61°F).
- July: Max 30°C (86°F), Min 19°C (66°F) - the warmest month.
- August: Max 29°C (84°F), Min 18°C (64°F).
- September: Max 26°C (79°F), Min 15°C (59°F).
- October: Max 19°C (66°F), Min 9°C (48°F).
- November: Max 11°C (52°F), Min 2°C (36°F).
- December: Max 6°C (43°F), Min -2°C (28°F).
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Elmwood Park receives significant precipitation, averaging about 1,470 mm (58 inches) per year, which includes rain and snow .
- Wettest and Driest Months: The wettest month is October, with an average of 143 mm of precipitation. The driest month is September, with an average of 98 mm .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with the highest percentages of precipitation falling as snow in January (26%) and February (31%) .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Elmwood Park for pleasant weather are spring and fall .
- Spring (April-May): Temperatures warm up nicely from cool to warm, with nature coming back to life. It's an excellent time for outdoor activities in nearby parks.
- Summer (June-August): Weather is hot and humid, with average highs reaching 30°C (86°F) in July. This is the peak season for local events like the Summer Concert Series .
- Fall (September-November): Characterized by mild to cool temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. It's a great time for hiking and enjoying harvest festivals at nearby farms like Demarest Farms .
- Winter (December-February): Cold with occasional snow. The borough holds winter holiday celebrations, including tree lighting ceremonies .
Landmarks
[Van Houten-Hillman House]
- Full Name: Van Houten-Hillman House .
- Status: This historic house is the only property in Elmwood Park listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) .
- Significance: It stands as a testament to the area's early history and architectural heritage.
[The Old Stone House]
- Full Name: The Old Stone House .
- Era: Built in the late 1700s .
- Significance: This house is one of the oldest structures in the area. It served not only as a private residence but also as a meeting point for local elections in its early days, showcasing early American craftsmanship with its sturdy stone construction .
[Veterans Memorial]
- Full Name: The Veterans Memorial .
- Significance: Dedicated to the men and women who have served in the armed forces, this memorial honors both local heroes and national sacrifices. It serves as a focal point for commemorative events and community gatherings throughout the year .
[St. Joseph's Church]
- Full Name: St. Joseph's Church .
- Significance: Established over a century ago, this church is both an active place of worship and a key historical landmark. Its architecture is notable for featuring stunning stained glass windows and intricate woodwork that reflect the craftsmanship of its era .
[First Presbyterian Church]
- Full Name: The First Presbyterian Church .
- Year Established: 1873 .
- Significance: An essential part of community life for generations, its traditional design and stained glass windows make it not just a spiritual center but also an architectural highlight within Elmwood Park .
[The Elmwood Park Historical Society Museum]
- Full Name: Elmwood Park Historical Society Museum .
- Significance: This small but informative museum is a cultural gem dedicated to preserving the town's history. It showcases artifacts from the town's early days, including photographs, documents, and household items from different periods, offering visitors a deep dive into the community's past .
Transport
Main Airports and Region
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): The closest major international airport, located approximately 20-25 miles southwest of Elmwood Park. Travel time by car is typically 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services like Uber offer pre-scheduled rides from the airport to Elmwood Park .
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Located in New York City, approximately 25 miles east, serving many domestic and some international flights.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Also in New York City, about 30 miles southeast, it is a major international gateway.
Public Transportation
- NJ Transit Rail Service: The borough is served by the Plauderville station and the Broadway station on NJ Transit's Bergen County Line. These stations provide direct rail service to Hoboken Terminal, with connections to New York Penn Station via PATH trains or ferries .
- Bus Service: NJ Transit provides bus service along major thoroughfares like Broadway (Route 4), connecting Elmwood Park to Paterson, Paramus, and the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal in New York City.
Main Highways and Roads
- New Jersey Route 4 (Broadway): This major state highway is the primary commercial artery running east-west through the heart of Elmwood Park, connecting it to Paterson and the George Washington Bridge to New York City .
- Garden State Parkway: Located a short distance east in Saddle Brook, this is a major north-south toll road providing access throughout New Jersey.
- Interstate 80: Accessible in nearby Paterson, providing a direct route west across northern New Jersey and into Pennsylvania.
Ride-Sharing and Local Travel
- Uber and Lyft: Ride-sharing services are widely available in Elmwood Park, offering convenient transportation to local destinations, train stations, and airports. Popular local routes include trips to the Westfield Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus .
Blue Laws
A unique transportation-related note for visitors: Elmwood Park, being located in Bergen County, enforces strict blue laws. This means that most retail businesses, including shopping malls and department stores, are required by law to be closed on Sundays .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
New York-Style Pizza
Elmwood Park locals have a strong preference for New York-style pizza, a style first popularized in the U.S. in the early 1900s . This pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust, savory tomato sauce, and generous layers of bubbly mozzarella cheese. Often sold by the large, foldable slice, it's a beloved quick meal and comfort food . Many of the town's pizzerias and restaurants take pride in offering handmade pies using this traditional recipe, creating a sit-down dining experience for families after a long day .
Vito's Pizzeria Restaurant is a family-owned spot known for its ultra-thin crust pizza, loaded with high-quality Italian ingredients. Their menu features creative options like the Cheese Steak Pizza, made with Philly steak, green peppers, onions, and cheese, alongside traditional favorites like the Vito's Special Pizza topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives . Another local favorite is Francesca Pizza & Pasta, a family-run, mom-and-pop operation open since 2008. They are known for their wood-fired pizza, which can be ordered by the slice or as a whole custom-made pie. Popular choices here include the Buffalo Chicken Pizza and the vegetarian-friendly Eggplant & Ricotta Pizza .
Diverse International Cuisine
The dining scene in Elmwood Park reflects its multicultural community. For authentic Italian cuisine beyond pizza, Pasta e Vino is highly recommended by locals for its homemade pasta dishes and warm, family-friendly atmosphere . Those craving Caribbean flavors can visit La Casa del Mofongo, a restaurant celebrated for its authentic Puerto Rican dishes, particularly its generous portions of mofongo and lechón .
Local Delis and Cafes
The area is also home to several beloved delis and cafes. Ted's Deli and Catering in nearby Rochelle Park offers classic deli sandwiches, a staple of New Jersey cuisine . For breakfast and brunch, residents enjoy Sammy's Bagels in Teaneck and The Happy Belly Cafe in Clifton, which serves healthy sandwiches and American fare .
Sport and Sports Legends
High School Sports: The Elmwood Park Crusaders
The focal point of sports in Elmwood Park is Elmwood Park High School, whose teams are known as the Crusaders . The school has a proud athletic tradition, particularly in football.
The Crusaders football team, coached by Tom Mulligan, has a rich history. The program won four consecutive sectional state titles from 1969 to 1972, a period when the town was known as East Paterson. These remain the school's only sectional championships . In recent years, the team has been competitive, achieving a 17-11 record between 2020 and 2023. The 2024 season marked a significant step up as the team moved to the more competitive NJIC Colonial division, renewing old rivalries with neighboring towns like Garfield and Lodi. The annual game against Garfield is contested for the "Mayor's Trophy," a game that holds significant meaning for the community .
The Elmwood Park Crusaders also field teams in other sports, including boys' basketball, where they compete in the Bergen/Passaic-King league .
Nearby Recreational Opportunities
For residents and visitors looking to engage in sports and outdoor activities, several parks offer excellent facilities. Within Elmwood Park itself, the town's main park features sports fields for soccer and basketball . A short drive away, Darlington County Park in Mahwah offers amenities like basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, as well as a swimming area and a playground . The nearby Saddle River County Park provides a scenic route for biking, running, and hiking .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Higher Education in the Region
While there are no universities located directly within Elmwood Park's borders, the town is situated in a region rich with higher education opportunities. It is within a few miles of several colleges and universities, and over 180 institutions are located within a 50-mile radius .
The closest colleges to Elmwood Park include:
- Felician College (3 miles): A private 4-year institution in Lodi .
- Bergen Community College (4 miles): A public 2-year college in Paramus, offering a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs .
- Passaic County Community College (3 miles): Another public 2-year college with locations in Paterson and other parts of the county .
- Berkeley College Woodland Park (4 miles): A private 4-year college .
- Fairleigh Dickinson University's Metropolitan Campus (5 miles): A private university located in nearby Teaneck .
- Montclair State University (5 miles): A large public university in Montclair .
- William Paterson University of New Jersey (5 miles): A public university in Wayne .
For students seeking prestigious institutions, Columbia University in New York City and Princeton University in Princeton are both accessible, though they are a longer commute from Elmwood Park .
Healthcare Facilities and Services
St. Joseph's Health Network
Healthcare services for Elmwood Park residents are primarily provided through the extensive St. Joseph's Health network. While the search results do not list a major hospital within Elmwood Park itself, the town is home to several specialist offices affiliated with St. Joseph's University Medical Center, a major hospital located in nearby Paterson . This affiliation ensures that residents have access to a comprehensive range of medical services, including specialized care, close to home. For instance, Pediatric Cardiology Associates has an office located right in Elmwood Park on Broadway . Numerous other pediatric and specialist offices are situated just a short drive away in Paterson and Clifton .
Other Healthcare Access
In addition to the St. Joseph's network, residents can find various healthcare options in the surrounding communities. The Uber Eats listing also indicates the presence of pharmacies like 7-Eleven, which offer basic retail and personal care items . For more specialized or urgent care needs, the proximity to larger towns like Hackensack, home to the renowned Hackensack University Medical Center, provides additional world-class medical resources, though it is not detailed in the provided search results.