Hackensack
Bergen County's seat of government and retail hub
By Scott Selleck Licensed NJ/FL Real Estate Agent | 32+ Years in Bergen & Hudson Counties | The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Last updated: June 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Hackensack, NJ?
Hackensack is the county seat of Bergen County, a dynamic and evolving city of approximately 44,000 residents with a revitalizing downtown and strategic central location. With median home values of \$380K to \$530K, it offers relative affordability with excellent highway access.
Hackensack is Bergen County's most populous city and its seat of government, with approximately 46,000 residents representing one of the most communities with distinct character in Northern New Jersey. The city serves as a major commercial, medical, and civic center for the region, anchored by the Bergen County Courthouse, Hackensack University Medical Center, and an expanding retail corridor along Main Street and State Street.
The real estate market in Hackensack offers some of the most affordable options in Bergen County, with median home prices significantly below the county average. The housing stock ranges from multi-family buildings and condos to single-family homes, making it attractive to first-time buyers, investors, and those seeking urban convenience.
Education in Hackensack is a mixed picture while the traditional public schools have room for improvement, the city is home to Bergen County Academies, a magnet high school (rated A+ on Niche.com, 10/10 on GreatSchools.org as of 2025). The school students from across Bergen County for specialized programs in STEM, arts, and business.
Schools Serving Hackensack, NJ?
Home to Bergen County Academies one of the nation's top public magnet schools (10/10 GreatSchools). Traditional schools rated B.
What Do Homes Cost in Hackensack, NJ in 2026?
Median $350K$415K. Bergen County's most affordable major city. Multi-family, condos, and single-family options.
How Long Is the Commute from Hackensack to NYC?
NJ Transit bus to Port Authority. Route 175/171 express. 4565 min. Easy highway access via Routes 4/17/80.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Hackensack, NJ?
Morton's The Steakhouse
An upscale steakhouse at Riverside Square Mall known for prime cuts, classic preparations, and an extensive wine list.
Forte Ristorante
A refined Italian restaurant on Prospect Avenue offering handmade pasta, seafood dishes, and a warm, intimate setting.
Tavern 61
A popular gastropub on River Street with craft cocktails, elevated bar fare, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of downtown.
Runway Diner
A classic diner on US-46 serving hearty breakfasts and comfort food a local favorite for casual meals.
Hackensack's dining scene reflects its variety of dining options, with options ranging from upscale steakhouses to casual ethnic eateries throughout the city.
What Parks and Recreation Does Hackensack Offer?
Hackensack River County Park
A scenic county park along the Hackensack River with walking paths, fishing areas, and natural green space.
Fitzgerald Field
A multi-use athletic complex with fields for soccer, baseball, and track home to local sports leagues and community events.
Johnson Park
A community park with playgrounds, basketball courts, and open green space for community recreation.
Mercer County Park (nearby)
A large county park with trails, sports facilities, and a lake for boating and fishing.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Hackensack, NJ?
Hackensack Farmers Market
Weekly seasonal market featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from Bergen County vendors.
Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts at various parks during summer months, bringing live music to Hackensack communities.
Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting
An annual community celebration marking the start of the winter season with festive activities and entertainment.
Bergen County events
As the county seat, Hackensack hosts numerous county-wide events, cultural programs, and community gatherings throughout the year.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Hackensack, NJ?
Hackensack is served by multiple NJ Transit bus routes providing frequent service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Express buses on Routes 171 and 175 offer faster commute times, typically 4565 minutes depending on traffic.
By car, Hackensack is centrally located near Routes 4, 17, 80, and the NJ Turnpike. Driving to Midtown Manhattan takes approximately 4060 minutes off-peak, with access to both the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors.
Nearby train stations in Spring Valley (NJT Main Line via Tappan Zee) and Secaucus Junction provide rail options for residents who prefer to board a train a few minutes from the city.
Hackensack — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Hackensack area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Hackensack Public Schools serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Fairmount School — Pre-K4
- Fanny Meyer Hillers School — Pre-K4
- Jackson Avenue School — Pre-K4
- Nellie K. Parker School — Pre-K4
Middle Schools
- Hackensack Middle School — 58
High Schools
- Hackensack High School — 912
For enrollment information and district details, visit Hackensack Public Schools.
Parochial / Religious Schools
- St. Joseph Regional High School — Catholic | 912
- Holy Trinity School — Catholic | Pre-K8
Cooperative Programs
- Bergen County Academies Magnet School — Located in Hackensack, one of the highest-rated public high schools nationally, offering specialized programs through countywide admissions. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Hackensack Early Learning — InfantPre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
School ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org as of 2026 and may change. Verify current data directly with the school district or GreatSchools.org.
How Do You Get to NYC from Hackensack?
Hackensack is served by multiple NJ Transit bus routes to the Port Authority, with express options on Routes 171 and 175. Easy highway access via Routes 4, 17, and 80 makes driving convenient.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Multiple bus routes serve Hackensack with frequent service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Express routes 171 and 175 offer faster commute times of 4565 minutes.
Driving via Routes 4 and 17
Hackensack's central location near Routes 4, 17, and 80 provides highway access to both the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors. 4060 minutes to Midtown off-peak.
Secaucus Junction Rail
The Secaucus Junction station, accessible by car or bus, provides NJ Transit rail service to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan.
Nearby Bus Terminals
Hackensack serves as a transit hub with multiple bus routes connecting to surrounding towns and the Port Authority.
Average Commute
Hackensack residents average approximately 4565 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan, with express bus riders often achieving faster times.
What Are the Schools Like in Hackensack?
Hackensack is home to Bergen County Academies, one of the nation's top-rated public magnet schools (10/10 GreatSchools), while the traditional public schools serve the multicultural community.
Bergen County Academies
A magnet high school (rated A+ on Niche.com, 10/10 on GreatSchools.org as of 2025). accommodates students from across Bergen County for specialized STEM, arts, and business programs.
Hackensack Public Schools
The district serves approximately 46,000 residents with multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. Schools reflect the city's multicultural community.
Hackensack High School
The city's traditional public high school offering a range of academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
Nearby Private Schools
Several private and parochial options in neighboring communities provide additional educational choices.
Hackensack Public Library
The county's main library on Main Street offering extensive programs, collections, and community resources.
School ratings, when cited, are sourced from GreatSchools.org or Niche.com and are provided for informational purposes only. Verify current ratings directly with the relevant school district or rating source.
Where Are the Best Coffee Shops in Hackensack?
Hackensack's Main Street and State Street corridors feature eclectic caf�s and bakeries reflecting the city's multicultural population, from Colombian coffee shops to Italian bakeries.
Iconic Coffee (Main Street)
A specialty coffee shop on Main Street serving handcrafted coffee drinks in a modern setting. Popular with downtown workers and locals.
Forte Ristorante Caf�
The caf� portion of this Prospect Avenue restaurant serves excellent Italian coffee and pastries during daytime hours.
Main Street Bakeries
Hackensack's eclectic Main Street features bakeries and caf�s reflecting the city's multicultural community, from Latin American to Eastern European influences.
Tavern 61 Coffee
While primarily a gastropub, Tavern 61 on River Street serves quality coffee during daytime hours in a stylish downtown setting.
Is Hackensack Good for Pet Owners?
Hackensack offers veterinary services including Hackensack University Medical Center's veterinary programs, plus nearby parks and the Hackensack River County Park.
Veterinary Clinics in Hackensack
Multiple veterinary practices operate throughout the city, providing wellness exams, surgery, and emergency services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.
Hackensack River County Park
A scenic county park along the Hackensack River with walking paths and natural green space pleasant for leashed dog walks.
Bergen County Parks (nearby)
Van Saun County Park and other Bergen County facilities offer extensive trails and green spaces for dog walking.
Pet Supply Shopping
PetSmart, Petco, and other pet supply retailers are accessible along the Route 17 and Route 4 corridors near Hackensack.
Urban Dog Walking
Hackensack's residential neighborhoods and park system provide varied options for daily dog walks, from urban sidewalks to nature trails.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Hackensack?
Hackensack University Medical Center is one of New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive hospitals, located right in the city. As a Level I Trauma Center, it serves the entire region.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals with 780+ beds, located on Prospect Avenue. A Level I Trauma Center with nationally ranked programs in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and more.
Bergen County's Hackensack Medical Campus
The medical campus includes multiple specialty centers, ambulatory care facilities, and medical offices throughout the city.
Urgent Care & Primary Care
Numerous primary care practices and urgent care centers operate throughout Hackensack, reflecting its role as a medical hub.
Specialty Medical Centers
Hackensack's medical infrastructure includes dialysis centers, imaging facilities, rehabilitation centers, and specialty clinics.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and independent pharmacies throughout the city provide convenient prescription access.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Hackensack?
Hackensack offers wide grocery options including Lidl, Food Bazaar, and international markets, reflecting the city's multicultural population.
Lidl (River Street)
European discount supermarket offering quality groceries at competitive prices. Popular for budget-conscious shoppers.
Food Bazaar (nearby)
International supermarket chain with wide grocery selections reflecting the community's multicultural needs.
ACME Markets (nearby)
Full-service supermarket options in the broader Hackensack area for conventional grocery shopping.
International Markets
Hackensack's multicultural population supports specialty markets offering Latin American, Asian, and Eastern European groceries.
Everyday Errands
Main Street and State Street corridors provide dry cleaners, pharmacies, banks, and specialty shops for daily needs.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Hackensack Offer?
Hackensack offers the Hackensack River County Park, Fitzgerald Field athletic complex, and proximity to Van Saun County Park with the Bergen County Zoo.
Hackensack River County Park
A scenic county park along the Hackensack River with walking paths, fishing areas, and natural green space.
Fitzgerald Field
A multi-use athletic complex with fields for soccer, baseball, and track home to local sports leagues and community events.
Van Saun County Park (nearby)
A 146-acre Bergen County park with a carousel, train ride, playgrounds, athletic fields, and the Bergen County Zoo.
Johnson Park
A community park with playgrounds, basketball courts, and open green space for community recreation.
Walking & Biking
Hackensack's park system and river walkways provide walking and cycling opportunities throughout the city.
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Sources & Learn More — Hackensack
- Town of Hackensack Official Website
- Hackensack Public Schools NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- NY Waterway Ferry Service
- Hackensack University Medical Center Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors Market Data
- GreatSchools.org School Ratings & Reviews