Maywood, NJ
Maywood is a small, historic borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, known for its charming downtown, community events, and the unique Maywood Station Museum.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is the Borough of Maywood. It is a borough located within Bergen County in the state of New Jersey, which is part of the New York metropolitan area in the United States. Bergen County is known as the most populous county in New Jersey and is characterized by its dense suburban communities, significant commercial centers like the Garden State Plaza , and its role as a major bedroom community for New York City .
Date of Foundation and Age
Maywood was officially incorporated as a borough on June 29, 1894 . Its formation was a result of the "Boroughitis" phenomenon, a period in the mid-1890s when numerous municipalities were formed in Bergen County . As of 2026, the borough is 132 years old. The borough's name is believed to have originated from a station established in the area by the New Jersey Midland Railroad .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
The borough is located at the geographic coordinates 40.9025° N, -74.0634° W . It is situated in the busy hub of central Bergen County, untouched by the whirring traffic of nearby Interstates, giving it a distinct small-town feel . The center of the borough sits at an elevation of approximately 89 feet (27 meters) above sea level . Geographically, Maywood is a suburban residential borough .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Maywood is primarily a residential suburban community and an administrative center for its local borough government . Its economy is centered around local small businesses, with a charming downtown shopping district located primarily on West Pleasant Avenue . It is also home to the headquarters of Myron Corp, a manufacturer of personalized business gifts, and historically significant as the location of the Maywood Chemical Works (now a Stepan Company plant), which is famously the only commercial entity in the U.S. authorized to import coca leaves for processing, with the non-narcotic extract being sold to the Coca-Cola Company .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population of Maywood was 10,080 . This places it as a small suburban borough, ranking 242nd out of 565 municipalities in the state . The borough has seen slow, steady growth over the decades. Demographically, it is a diverse community, with the 2020 census showing a population that is 74.78% White, 10.98% Asian, 5.34% Black or African American, and 18.68% Hispanic or Latino of any race . The median age is 41.7 years, reflecting a mix of families and established residents .
City's "Business Card"
Maywood is a tight-knit suburban community in Bergen County that offers a charming "main street on a side street" with local shops and restaurants on Pleasant Avenue . Known for its beautifully restored historic train station museum, fantastic youth sports programs, and beloved community events like the Fourth of July Fireworks and Fall Festival, Maywood provides a quintessential small-town feel just minutes from the bustling commercial centers of North Jersey .
Landmarks
Maywood Station Museum
The Maywood Station Museum is the borough's premier historic landmark and a source of local pride . It is housed in the former New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway station, which was originally built in 1872 . The station was added to the National Register of Historic Places and has been meticulously restored by the community to serve as a museum . Located on Maywood Avenue, the museum preserves the history of the railroad and the town, and is one of three buildings in Maywood listed on the NRHP .
Maywood Memorial Park
Memorial Park is the town's largest and most active public space . It features a variety of recreational facilities including baseball fields, tennis courts, a children's playground, shaded walking paths, and open green space for community events . The park serves as the central hub for outdoor activity and is the primary venue for town gatherings. Located next to Memorial Park is the Maywood Dog Park, a leash-free area for residents' pets to socialize and run .
Historic Downtown Pleasant Avenue
The central business district, located on West Pleasant Avenue from Maywood Avenue to Lincoln Avenue, is considered a local landmark in its own right . It is a well-preserved example of a traditional American "main street," lined with local restaurants, shops, and services, many of which are owned and operated by Maywood residents. The area was renovated through a "Streetscapes" grant, which enhanced the sidewalks, street, and lighting to maintain its historic charm and walkability .
Climate and Weather
Type of Climate and General Characteristics
Maywood has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters . It is a region with four distinct seasons, with weather that is partly cloudy year-round .
Average Temperatures by Month
- Hottest Months: The warmest time of year is from late May to mid-September. The hottest month is July, with an average daytime high of 85°F (30°C) and a night-time low of 68°F (19°C) .
- Coldest Months: The cold season lasts from early December to mid-March. The coldest month is January, with an average daytime high of 39°F (2°C) and a night-time low of 25°F (-6°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
Maywood receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with an average of 1467 mm (57.8 inches) annually .
- Wettest Month: October is the wettest, with an average of 142.5 mm (5.6 inches) of precipitation .
- Driest Month: September is the driest, with an average of 97 mm (3.8 inches) .
- Humidity: The summers are notably humid, which can make the warm temperatures feel warmer .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, accounting for a significant portion of precipitation from December to March. The most snow falls in February, with an average accumulation of 7.3 inches .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March - May): Temperatures warm up quickly from cool to warm. This is a period of significant rainfall and blooming landscapes. It is a pleasant time for walking tours of the downtown and parks.
- Summer (June - August): Summers are warm to hot, humid, and wet. July is the peak of summer with long daylight hours . This is the best time to enjoy the Maywood Pool and attend the annual Independence Day Fireworks celebration at Memorial Park .
- Autumn (September - November): Autumn brings cooler, comfortable temperatures and decreasing humidity. September is the sunniest month and the best time for outdoor activities . This season is highlighted by the annual Maywood Food Truck Festival .
- Winter (December - February): Winters are cold, snowy, and cloudy. For those who enjoy winter activities, the nearby areas offer seasonal options, but the best time to visit for general tourism would be outside of this period .
Transport
Major Highways
While Maywood itself is described as being "untouched by the whirring traffic" of major interstates, it is strategically located for commuters with immediate access to several state highways . It is situated near Route 17, Route 4, and Interstate 80, providing direct routes to the region's commercial hubs and other parts of New Jersey .
Public Transportation (Bus)
Maywood is well-served by NJ Transit buses, making it an accessible community for both locals and commuters .
- Bus 144: Provides service to the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal in New York City, as well as local stops in Hackensack and other Bergen County towns .
- Bus 164: Offers service to Midtown Manhattan in New York City .
- Bus 712: Provides local service to Paterson, Hackensack, and other area towns .
Rail Transportation
For rail commuters, residents have indirect but convenient access to the region's rail network. There is direct access to the Secaucus Junction rail station via connections from the NJ Transit Main Line, which can take passengers into New York City's Penn Station within about an hour . The historic Maywood station is now a museum and no longer an active stop .
Commuter Patterns
The average one-way commute time for Maywood residents is 26.5 minutes, which is in line with the national average . The vast majority of residents, 71.1%, drive alone to work, while a significant portion, 9.8%, use mass transit, highlighting the borough's role as a commuter town .