Why Hackensack, NJ?
Hackensack is a city in motion — the seat of Bergen County government, home to Hackensack University Medical Center (the largest employer in Bergen County with over 10,000 employees), and undergoing the most dramatic downtown transformation in the county. Over 3,000 new residential units have been completed or are under construction downtown, with another 2,000 in planning. Founded in 1693 as New Barbadoes Township (making it one of the oldest communities in the state), the city was reincorporated as Hackensack in 1921. Bergen County Academies — the number one ranked magnet school in New Jersey — is located here on the Bergen Community College campus. At $450K median, Hackensack is the most affordable entry into Bergen County with the fastest appreciation rate in the county at 7.8%.
Hackensack Real Estate Market in 2026
Hackensack homes sell in 30 days at a $450K median, appreciating at 7.8% — the fastest in Bergen County from the most accessible base. Single-family homes in Fairmount run $450K to $650K. Condos and co-ops downtown $250K to $500K. The medical center campus drives steady rental demand. Downtown redevelopment has added thousands of luxury rental units attracting young professionals. Strong investor interest with one-bedrooms averaging $1,800 to $2,400.
Best Neighborhoods in Hackensack
6 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Fairmount
$450,000 to $700,000Hackensack's most recognizable residential neighborhood. Tree-lined streets with gracious colonials, quiet blocks, and a suburban feel within the city. Fairmount Park anchors the area. This is where Hackensack families buy. All schools in the neighborhood hold Digital Schools Star recognition.
Main Street / Downtown
$300,000 to $500,000Revitalized commercial core with new restaurants, shops, and thousands of new residential units in mixed-use buildings. Main Street was converted to two-way traffic with sidewalk improvements, street furniture, and upgraded lighting. Near the County Courthouse and Bergen County government offices. The most walkable section of the city.
Prospect Avenue Corridor
$350,000 to $550,000High-rise corridor with condos and medical offices adjacent to Hackensack University Medical Center. Popular with healthcare workers — walking distance to the largest hospital in Bergen County. Mix of residential towers and established blocks.
River Street / Hackensack River
$400,000 to $600,000Near the Hackensack River with newer development, riverfront access, and kayak launches. Home to White Manna (legendary sliders since 1946). International dining corridor with Korean, Colombian, and Cuban restaurants. Growing residential neighborhood with river views.
Anderson Street
$350,000 to $475,000Experiencing active new development with residential and commercial construction. Near the NJ Transit bus terminal. Mix of new apartments and established homes. Emerging neighborhood benefiting from the downtown redevelopment wave.
The Shops at Riverside Area
$400,000 to $600,000Near the upscale Shops at Riverside mall featuring luxury retailers, restaurants, and an upscale theater. More suburban commercial character. Residential pockets with newer townhomes and condos.
Commuting from Hackensack to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Hackensack
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Hackensack?
Hackensack Schools and Ratings
Hackensack Public Schools serves approximately 5,800 students across 6 schools. Hackensack High School (the Comets) has a diverse student body with over 40 languages spoken. Four schools have earned Digital Schools Star recognition (HHS, Middle School, Fairmount School, Jackson Avenue). All schools hold Bronze-level Sustainable Jersey certification. Bergen County Academies — the number one ranked public magnet school in NJ — is located in Hackensack on the Bergen Community College campus and is accessible to qualified Bergen County students.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Bergen County Academies
Fanny Meyer Hillers
Jackson Avenue
Nellie K. Parker
Fairmount
Hackensack Middle School
Hackensack High School
Hackensack vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
Where to Eat in Hackensack
Main Street Revival
The revitalized downtown is adding new restaurants monthly. White Manna (legendary slider burgers since 1946 at 358 River Street — featured on Guy Fieri's Diners Drive-Ins and Dives), Solari's (Italian deli since 1938), and growing Korean, Latin American, and Japanese options.
International (River Street and Beyond)
Casual Habana Cafe (125 Main Street — Cuban food with mojitos and weekday lunch buffet), Korean BBQ restaurants, Colombian bakeries, and Middle Eastern dining. The diversity of Hackensack's population (36% Hispanic, 12% Asian) drives authentic international cuisine at accessible prices.
Shops at Riverside
Maggiano's Little Italy (family-style Italian), upscale dining at the luxury retail center. Growing restaurant scene in the revitalized mall area.
Parks and Recreation in Hackensack
Atlantic Street Park
Outdoor stage hosting Shakespeare in the Park, summer movies, Zumba classes, concerts, and yoga. The cultural programming hub of downtown Hackensack.
Foschini Park
Multiple baseball fields and the home of Hackensack Little League. Sports fields and recreation.
Fairmount Park
Neighborhood park anchoring the Fairmount residential area.
Johnson Park
Historic Bergen County park with lake, walking paths, and picnic areas.
Hackensack River County Park
Linear park along the Hackensack River with walking paths, kayak launch, and nature areas.
USS Ling Submarine
World War II submarine formerly displayed as part of the New Jersey Naval Museum. Historic military site on the Hackensack River.
New Development and Growth in Hackensack
Downtown Redevelopment (3,000+ units)
Over 3,000 new residential units completed or under construction downtown, with another 2,000 in planning or approval. Major projects include The Current on River (254 luxury units), The Sapphire at 132-148 Main Street (7-story mixed-use with 100 rentals), The Brick (14-story rental building), and the Print House (700-unit complex where the Bergen Record newspaper once stood). The most ambitious residential construction program in Bergen County.
Hackensack Meridian Health Campus
Ongoing expansion of the medical campus — the largest employer in Bergen County with over 10,000 employees. One of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation. Driving housing demand and economic activity across the city.
History of Hackensack, NJ
Founded in 1693 by Dutch settlers as New Barbadoes Township. One of the oldest communities in New Jersey. The name Hackensack derives from the Lenni Lenape, meaning mouth of a river. Reincorporated as the City of Hackensack in 1921.
Served as Bergen County seat since 1710. The County Courthouse, Administration Building, and Superior Court remain the civic center of the county.
Hackensack University Medical Center, founded in 1888, has grown into one of the top hospitals in the nation and Bergen County's largest employer with over 10,000 staff.
White Manna opened in 1946 and has served sliders continuously for nearly 80 years — a pilgrimage site for burger enthusiasts featured on national food shows.
The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) provides cultural programming including theater, music, and community events.
Bergen Community College, founded in 1965, is located in adjacent Paramus but serves as the educational anchor of the area. Bergen County Academies, the top magnet school in NJ, operates on the BCC campus.
Safety in Hackensack
Hackensack crime rates are 36.8% below the national average. Violent crime is 231 per 100,000 versus 367 nationally. The police department employs 98 officers. Downtown and medical center areas are well-lit and actively policed. Fairmount and Prospect Avenue residential areas have low crime rates.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Hackensack, NJ
What is the median home price in Hackensack, NJ?
The median home price is $450,000 as of 2026, with 7.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $310/sqft, selling in 30 days.
How long is the commute from Hackensack to NYC?
30 minutes via NJ Transit from Hackensack Bus Terminal on the NJ Transit Bus 144/165 to Port Authority. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Hackensack, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.78%. Average homeowner pays $10,234/year. At the median price of $450,000, expect about $12,510/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Hackensack?
Fairmount ($450,000 to $700,000). Main Street / Downtown ($300,000 to $500,000). Prospect Avenue Corridor ($350,000 to $550,000). River Street / Hackensack River ($400,000 to $600,000). Anderson Street ($350,000 to $475,000). See the full guide above for all 6 neighborhoods.
Is Hackensack safe?
Hackensack crime rates are 36.8% below the national average. Violent crime is 231 per 100,000 versus 367 nationally. The police department employs 98 officers. Downtown and medical center areas are well-lit and actively policed. Fairmount and Prospect Avenue residential areas have low crime rates.
How walkable is Hackensack, NJ?
Walk Score of 72, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $68,000, median age 36.4. 62% renter-occupied.
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