Passaic County, NJ

Living in Passaic, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

72% Hispanic. Passaic River City. Most Walkable in Passaic County.

Last updated: September 2026

$420,000
Median Home Price
30 min
To Penn Station
72,019
Population
1873
Founded
7.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Passaic, NJ?

Passaic is a dense urban city on the Passaic River with the highest Hispanic percentage in Passaic County at 72%. Third Ward is the heart of the Latin commercial district. At $420K with a Walk Score of 82, it offers affordable, transit-connected urban living. Strong appreciation at 7.8% reflects growing demand.

Passaic Real Estate Market in 2026

Passaic homes sell in 22 days at a $420K median. Multi-family properties dominate. Strong investor interest.

$420,000
Median Price
$280/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
22 days
Avg Days on Market
+7.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Passaic

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

Third Ward

$375,000 to $475,000

The Latin commercial heart. Restaurants, shops, and services.

Best for: Hispanic community, entrepreneurs

Dundee Island

$400,000 to $525,000

Passaic River waterfront area with nature access.

Best for: Waterfront seekers

Passaic Park

$425,000 to $550,000

More residential section. Established homes.

Best for: Families

Commuting from Passaic to NYC

30
Minutes to Penn Station
Bus to Port Authority
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 Passaic

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

82
Walk Score
Very Walkable
30 min
NYC Commute
3.12%
Property Tax Rate
$7,234/year avg
72.4%
Hispanic/Latino
48.8% foreign-born

Passaic Schools and Ratings

Passaic Public Schools serves approximately 14,000 students. Passaic High School serves the community.

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

Hope Academy

PASSAIC, NJ · High · Grades 6-12
C
6.8:1 ratio 75 students Score: 70/100

Passaic Academy for Science and Engineering

Passaic, NJ · High · Grades 6-12
D
13.1:1 ratio 694 students Score: 62/100

Etta Gero School No. 9

Passaic, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-6
F
11.4:1 ratio 352 students Score: 59/100

Passaic Gifted and Talented Academy School No. 20

Passaic, NJ · Middle · Grades 2-8
F
12.9:1 ratio 710 students Score: 59/100

Sallie D. Gamble School No. 7

Passaic, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-K
F
11.3:1 ratio 282 students Score: 59/100

Vincent Capuana School No. 15

Passaic, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-K
F
12.6:1 ratio 151 students Score: 53/100

Passaic Arts and Science Charter School

Passaic, NJ · Other · Grades K-12
F
15.2:1 ratio 2058 students Score: 43/100

Passaic Preparatory Academy

Passaic, NJ · High · Grades 6-12
F
13.5:1 ratio 727 students Score: 43/100
View all Passaic schools with full ratings →

Passaic vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Passaic $420,000 3.12% $7,234 30 min
Clifton $500,000 2.78% $9,456 30 min
Paterson $380,000 3.34% $6,789 40 min

Where to Eat in Passaic

Latin American

One of the most authentic Latin dining corridors in NJ. Colombian, Mexican, Peruvian, and Dominican restaurants.

Parks and Recreation in Passaic

Dundee Island Park

Passaic River island park with nature trails and river access.

Pulaski Park

City park with recreation facilities.

New Development and Growth in Passaic

Waterfront Development

Passaic River waterfront improvements and mixed-use development.

History of Passaic, NJ

Incorporated in 1873. Named after the Passaic River.

Passaic was a major textile manufacturing center in the early 1900s.

The 1926 Passaic Textile Strike was one of the largest labor actions in NJ history.

Safety in Passaic

Safety varies by neighborhood. Active community policing programs.

Notable Residents

Paul Rudd, actor Zoe Saldana, Academy Award-winning actress (Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy) Donald Fagen, co-founder of Steely Dan Sherwood Schwartz (1916-2011), creator of Gilligan's Island and The Brady Bunch Joe Piscopo, comedian and SNL star Diane Guerrero, actress (Orange Is the New Black) Mitch Albom, author of Tuesdays with Morrie Dick Vitale, iconic basketball sportscaster

Annual Events and Festivals

Hispanic Heritage Festival Passaic Day

Frequently Asked Questions About Passaic, NJ

What is the median home price in Passaic, NJ?

The median home price is $420,000 as of 2026, with 7.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $280/sqft, selling in 22 days.

How long is the commute from Passaic to NYC?

30 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Bus to Port Authority. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Passaic, NJ?

Tax rate is 3.12%. Average homeowner pays $7,234/year. At the median price of $420,000, expect about $13,104/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Passaic?

Third Ward ($375,000 to $475,000). Dundee Island ($400,000 to $525,000). Passaic Park ($425,000 to $550,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Passaic safe?

Safety varies by neighborhood. Active community policing programs.

How walkable is Passaic, NJ?

Walk Score of 82, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $48,000, median age 32.8. 72% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Passaic?

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

Explore Nearby Communities

Clifton $500,000 30 min Paterson $380,000 40 min