South Hackensack
An affordable township near Hackensack with highway access and mixed character
By Scott Selleck \u2014 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 South Hackensack, NJ?
South Hackensack is a small township of approximately 2,700 residents in central Bergen County, adjacent to the city of Hackensack. With median home values of $550K\u2013$750K and excellent highway access via I-80 and Route 4, it offers an affordable entry point into Bergen County with a mix of residential and light industrial character.
South Hackensack is a compact township in the Hackensack River lowlands, bordered by Hackensack to the north and east, Lodi to the south, and Wood-Ridge to the southwest. Its location at the intersection of major transportation corridors \u2014 I-80, Route 46, and Route 4 \u2014 makes it one of the most accessible communities in Bergen County for highway commuters.
The township's housing stock includes single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family properties at price points that remain competitive within the Bergen County market. The community is diverse, with a mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals. While South Hackensack has a small commercial footprint, its adjacency to Hackensack provides access to extensive shopping, dining, and medical facilities.
The South Hackensack School District serves local students through grade 8, with high school students attending Hackensack High School as part of a sending-receiving relationship. NJ Transit bus routes provide connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and the township's central location makes it practical for commuters who rely on highway access rather than rail.
Schools Serving South Hackensack, NJ?
Rated B on Niche.com. South Hackensack Memorial School (PK\u20138) and Hackensack High School (9\u201312, sending).
What Do Homes Cost in South Hackensack, NJ in 2026?
Median $550K\u2013$750K. Single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family properties. Affordable for Bergen County.
How Long Is the Commute from South Hackensack to NYC?
NJ Transit bus or drive via I-80/GW Bridge. 40\u201360 min to Midtown Manhattan.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in South Hackensack, NJ?
Local Italian Restaurants
South Hackensack's small commercial area includes family-run Italian restaurants serving classic red-sauce dishes and pizza, reflecting the area's heritage.
Hackensack Dining (nearby)
Adjacent Hackensack offers an extensive and diverse dining scene along Main St and Anderson St, with dozens of restaurants representing multiple cuisines.
Lodi Dining (nearby)
Nearby Lodi provides Italian bakeries, delis, and casual eateries with a strong Italian-American food tradition.
Paramus Dining Options (nearby)
The Paramus area along Routes 4 and 17 offers chain and independent restaurants for every taste.
South Hackensack's limited local dining is supplemented by Hackensack's extensive restaurant scene and nearby Lodi's Italian food heritage.
What Parks and Recreation Does South Hackensack Offer?
South Hackensack Township Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open space for recreation and community activities.
Foschini Park (nearby)
A Hackensack city park with athletic facilities and green space accessible from South Hackensack.
Hackensack River Walk (nearby)
Walking paths along the Hackensack River providing natural areas for passive recreation and observation.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A large Bergen County park with a lake, sports facilities, and cultural venues accessible from the township.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in South Hackensack, NJ?
South Hackensack Community Day
An annual community celebration featuring food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Independence Day Celebration
Community Fourth of July festivities with activities and evening celebrations.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive gathering each December with seasonal refreshments and the official township tree lighting.
Cultural Community Events
Events reflecting the township's diverse community, with celebrations of multiple cultural traditions throughout the year.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from South Hackensack, NJ?
South Hackensack is served by NJ Transit bus routes connecting to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The bus commute typically takes 40\u201360 minutes depending on traffic.
By car, South Hackensack sits near the junction of I-80, Route 46, and Route 4. Driving to Midtown Manhattan takes approximately 30\u201350 minutes off-peak via the GW Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel.
Rail access is available from nearby Hackensack or Paterson stations on NJ Transit's Main/Bergen County lines, providing service to Hoboken Terminal and Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
South Hackensack — Schools & Education
Schools serving the South Hackensack area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The South Hackensack School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- South Hackensack Memorial School — PK–8
High Schools
- Hackensack High School (sending district) — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit South Hackensack School District.
Cooperative Programs
- Hackensack Public Schools (sending/receiving) — South Hackensack students attend Hackensack High School as part of a sending-receiving relationship. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- South Hackensack Early Learning — Infant–Pre-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 South Hackensack?
South Hackensack has excellent highway access via I-80, Route 46, and Route 4, with NJ Transit bus service to the Port Authority.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Bus routes serve South Hackensack with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 40–60 minutes.
Driving via I-80 and GW Bridge
I-80 provides direct access to the GW Bridge corridor. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 30–50 minutes off-peak.
NJ Transit Rail (Hackensack/Paterson, nearby)
Nearby train stations provide rail service to Hoboken Terminal and Penn Station via Secaucus Junction.
Average Commute
South Hackensack residents average approximately 45–65 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan.
What Are the Schools Like in South Hackensack?
South Hackensack's public school serves PK–8 students, with high school students attending Hackensack High School.
South Hackensack Memorial School (PK–8)
The township's public school serving approximately 2,700 residents with academics.
Hackensack High School (9–12)
Students attend Hackensack High School as part of a sending-receiving relationship.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in Hackensack, Paramus, and neighboring communities provide additional choices.
Hackensack Public Library (nearby)
The nearby Hackensack library offers programs for all ages 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 South Hackensack?
South Hackensack has limited local dining, with Hackensack's extensive restaurant scene just minutes away.
Local Establishments
Small restaurants and eateries serve the community in the township's commercial areas.
Hackensack Main St (nearby)
Adjacent Hackensack offers dozens of restaurants representing multiple cuisines.
Is South Hackensack Good for Pet Owners?
South Hackensack offers community parks and proximity to larger parks for outdoor activities with pets.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Hackensack and Paramus provide comprehensive pet care.
Township Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A large county park with extensive trails and open space for outdoor activities with pets.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Hackensack and Paramus.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near South Hackensack?
Hackensack University Medical Center is adjacent to South Hackensack, providing world-class medical care.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, directly adjacent to the township. A Level I Trauma Center.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in South Hackensack and Hackensack.
Specialty Care
The Hackensack area offers extensive specialty medical practices and urgent care centers.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in South Hackensack and Hackensack.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in South Hackensack?
South Hackensack has limited local retail and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Hackensack and Paramus.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis in the township serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (Hackensack, nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in Hackensack provide complete grocery selections.
Target & Walmart (nearby)
Major retail options in the Hackensack and Paramus shopping corridors.
Everyday Errands
South Hackensack's commercial areas and adjacent Hackensack provide banks, retail, and services.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does South Hackensack Offer?
South Hackensack offers township parks and proximity to Overpeck County Park and the Hackensack River.
Township Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space.
Overpeck County Park (nearby)
A large Bergen County park with a lake, sports facilities, and walking trails.
Hackensack River Access (nearby)
Walking paths along the Hackensack River provide natural areas for passive recreation.
Walking & Biking
South Hackensack's residential streets and parks provide walking and cycling opportunities.
Thinking About South Hackensack?
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Sources & Learn More — South Hackensack
- Township of South Hackensack — Official Website
- South Hackensack School District — NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- Hackensack Meridian Health — Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors — Market Data
- GreatSchools.org — School Ratings & Reviews