Passaic County, NJ

Living in Hawthorne, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Blue-Collar Pride. Goffle Brook Park. Affordable Family Town.

Last updated: September 2026

$480,000
Median Home Price
38 min
To Penn Station
19,106
Population
1898
Founded
6.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Hawthorne, NJ?

Hawthorne is a blue-collar borough with strong community pride, Goffle Brook Park, and affordable family-friendly living. At $480K, it is the affordable alternative to neighboring Glen Rock and Fair Lawn.

Hawthorne Real Estate Market in 2026

Hawthorne homes sell in 20 days at a $480K median. Capes, colonials, and split-levels. Strong family demand.

$480,000
Median Price
$295/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
20 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Hawthorne

2 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Lafayette Avenue

$450,000 to $600,000

Downtown corridor with shops. Walkable.

Best for: Walkability seekers

Goffle Brook Area

$475,000 to $625,000

Near the park. Family-oriented.

Best for: Families, nature lovers

Commuting from Hawthorne to NYC

38
Minutes to Penn Station
Bus to NYC
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Hawthorne

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Hawthorne?

55
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
38 min
NYC Commute
2.67%
Property Tax Rate
$9,234/year avg
14.2%
Hispanic/Latino
16.4% foreign-born

Hawthorne Schools and Ratings

Hawthorne Public Schools includes Hawthorne High School (the Bears). Strong athletics and community support.

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

HAWTHORNE, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
C
10.7:1 ratio 277 students Score: 71/100

Lincoln Middle School

HAWTHORNE, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
D
9.8:1 ratio 490 students Score: 67/100

Roosevelt Elementary School

HAWTHORNE, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
D
10.6:1 ratio 539 students Score: 63/100

Washington Elementary School

HAWTHORNE, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
F
10.8:1 ratio 259 students Score: 54/100

Hawthorne High School

HAWTHORNE, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
F
11.8:1 ratio 612 students Score: 45/100
View all Hawthorne schools with full ratings →

Hawthorne vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Hawthorne $480,000 2.67% $9,234 38 min
Glen Rock $875,000 2.45% $16,789 40 min
Fair Lawn $600,000 2.67% $12,678 35 min

Where to Eat in Hawthorne

Local

Lafayette Avenue has casual Italian restaurants and pizzerias.

Parks and Recreation in Hawthorne

Goffle Brook Park

Bergen County park with walking paths, sports fields, and nature areas.

Rea Park

Borough park with recreation facilities.

New Development and Growth in Hawthorne

History of Hawthorne, NJ

Incorporated in 1898 from Manchester Township. Named after Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author.

Safety in Hawthorne

Hawthorne is a safe, family-oriented community.

Notable Residents

Bennie Borgmann (1898-1978), Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Maurice Carthon, former running back for the New York Giants

Annual Events and Festivals

Hawthorne Day

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawthorne, NJ

What is the median home price in Hawthorne, NJ?

The median home price is $480,000 as of 2026, with 6.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $295/sqft, selling in 20 days.

How long is the commute from Hawthorne to NYC?

38 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Bus to NYC. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Hawthorne, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.67%. Average homeowner pays $9,234/year. At the median price of $480,000, expect about $12,816/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Hawthorne?

Lafayette Avenue ($450,000 to $600,000). Goffle Brook Area ($475,000 to $625,000). See the full guide above for all 2 neighborhoods.

Is Hawthorne safe?

Hawthorne is a safe, family-oriented community.

How walkable is Hawthorne, NJ?

Walk Score of 55, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $82,000, median age 40.8. 22% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Hawthorne?

Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Hawthorne inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.

Explore Nearby Communities

Glen Rock $875,000 40 min Fair Lawn $600,000 35 min