Totowa, NJ
Totowa is a borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, located about 15 miles from New York City. It's a residential community with a rich history, known for its parks, convenient transportation, and unique local landmark, the Chapel of the Droopy Crosses.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
Totowa is officially organized as a borough, a common type of municipal corporation in New Jersey. Its full official name is the Borough of Totowa. The borough is part of Passaic County, located in the northern region of the state. Passaic County is known for its blend of urban and suburban communities, historic industrial cities like Paterson, and natural areas like the Garret Mountain Reservation .
Founding Date and Age
The area that is now Totowa was first settled by European colonists around 1750 . However, it was officially incorporated as a borough on March 15, 1898, formed from portions of Wayne Township and the now-defunct Manchester Township . This makes the borough 128 years old as of 2026. The name "Totowa" is derived from a Native American word, likely from the Lenape language, meaning "sinking or falling water" or "between mountains and water," referring to the Great Falls of the Passaic River in nearby Paterson .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Totowa is located in Passaic County, New Jersey, at the coordinates 40.9039° N, 74.2214° W . It lies approximately 15 miles (24 km) northwest of New York City . The borough's terrain features gentle hills and valleys, typical of the region . The elevation of the center of town is around 260-280 feet (79-80 meters) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Totowa is primarily a residential and commercial community . Its economy includes a significant commercial and industrial sector, with the Totowa Industrial Park hosting a variety of businesses. Major employers include local utilities, retail, and professional services . Its location near major highways and New York City makes it a desirable suburb for commuters.
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population of Totowa was 11,065 . The population was estimated at 10,785 in 2023 . With a population density of roughly 2,700 people per square mile, it is classified as a suburban community . The median age is around 44 years . Totowa is known for its high percentage of residents with Italian ancestry, at one point ranking seventh-highest in the United States .
City's "Business Card" (Briefly)
Totowa is a quiet, family-oriented borough that offers a suburban lifestyle within easy reach of New York City. It provides its residents with local parks, convenient transportation, and a touch of unique charm with its surprising roadside attraction, the Chapel of the Droopy Crosses.
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
While there are no mountains within Totowa's borders, the borough is nestled at the base of a significant geological feature. Garret Mountain forms a scenic highland along its border with Paterson. The area is part of the Watchung Mountains, a series of three parallel ridges known as the First, Second, and Third Watchung Mountain. The nearby Garret Mountain Reservation is a park located on this high ground, offering expansive views of the surrounding area and the New York City skyline in the distance .
Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
The most significant water feature in the area is the Passaic River. The borough's name itself is a tribute to the Great Falls of the Passaic River in neighboring Paterson . While the Great Falls are just outside Totowa's limits, the river and its history are central to the region's identity. Within Totowa, there are no major lakes, but the Preakness Valley Brook runs through the area, flowing into the Passaic River.
National and Natural Parks
Totowa is in close proximity to two important Passaic County parks:
- Garret Mountain Reservation: This park, located just east of Totowa, is a 568-acre woodland park on First Watchung Mountain. It features hiking and bridle trails, a scenic overlook, a boathouse, a historic water tower, and picnic areas .
- Preakness Valley Park: This park is partially located within Totowa and extends into neighboring Wayne . It is a major recreational area that includes the Preakness Valley Golf Course, athletic fields, and walking paths.
Cemeteries as Green Spaces
Large cemeteries often function as significant green and park-like spaces within a community.
- Holy Sepulchre Cemetery: This large Roman Catholic cemetery is a notable green space in Totowa. It is named after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem .
- Laurel Grove Cemetery: Located within Totowa, this cemetery is home to a unique and memorable landmark, the Chapel of the Droopy Crosses .
Climate and Weather
Type of Climate and General Characteristics
Totowa has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), typical of northern New Jersey, which features four distinct seasons. It is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. The area experiences a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year.
Average Temperatures by Month
- The coldest month is typically January, with average highs around 38°F (3°C) and lows around 20°F (-6°C) .
- The warmest month is typically July, with average highs in the mid-80s°F (around 29-30°C) and lows in the mid-60s°F (around 18-19°C) .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Totowa for pleasant weather and outdoor activities is during the shoulder seasons:
- Spring (April-May): This season brings warming temperatures and blooming flowers. It is an ideal time for hiking in Garret Mountain Reservation.
- Summer (June-August): Summers are warm and humid, perfect for enjoying local parks, golfing, and pool time.
- Fall (September-October): This is arguably the most beautiful time of year, with crisp air and vibrant fall foliage.
- Winter (November-March): Winters are cold, with occasional snow and ice. This is a quiet time for visitors, though it's perfect for exploring indoor attractions and enjoying the local atmosphere.
Specific Weather Phenomena
Being in a region with four seasons, the weather in Totowa can be variable. The area can experience occasional strong thunderstorms in the summer and Nor'easters in the winter and spring, which can bring heavy rain, wind, or snow.
Landmarks
[Name of the most famous monument 1: Chapel of the Droopy Crosses]
Totowa is home to one of New Jersey's most unusual and poignant roadside attractions, the Chapel of the Droopy Crosses. This unique open-air chapel was built in 2000 and is officially a memorial "to the Holy Syriac Martyrs of 1895-1918," commemorating the Assyrian Christians who perished in the waning years of the Ottoman Empire .
The chapel's most striking feature is the set of three large, stylized crosses set into its walls. Each cross has three buds that appear to melt or "droop" downwards, as if wilting in the heat, creating a powerful and melancholic visual effect . Benches are arranged in front of the crosses for quiet reflection. Located within the Laurel Grove Cemetery on Totowa Road, it is a place of remembrance that has become a point of curiosity for visitors from all over .
Transport
Main Highways and Roads
Totowa is a well-connected community, situated at a strategic point for commuters and travelers. It is directly accessible via Interstate 80, one of the major cross-country highways, and U.S. Route 46, a primary thoroughfare in northern New Jersey . These roads provide direct routes to New York City and other parts of the state. State Route 23 is also nearby, further enhancing the borough's connectivity .
Public Transportation System (Bus and Train)
Public transportation in Totowa is provided by NJ Transit:
- Bus: The borough is served by an extensive network of NJ Transit bus routes, with over 80 stops, providing service to Paterson, Wayne, and connections to the region . Buses from Totowa also offer direct service into the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, making it a convenient option for commuters working in New York City .
- Train: While there is a "Totowa Train Station" mentioned historically, current NJ Transit rail service is most accessible from the nearby Little Falls or Paterson stations on the Main Line and Bergen County Line, which offer service to Hoboken and Secaucus Junction for connections to New York Penn Station .
Main Airports
Totowa is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) , one of the major airports serving the New York metropolitan area . This proximity makes air travel exceptionally convenient for residents and visitors. Uber, taxi, and other car services are readily available for trips to and from the airport .