"Who needs a house out in Hackensack?" - (Billy Joel, "Movin Out")
Historic Hackensack dates back to the Native American Indian tribes of this region. This strategically located city was used as a headquarters for General George Washington during part of the American Revolution. Talk about historic! However, the views of the New York City skyline from Hackensack are much different today than they were in ol' George’s time. The city truly displays the diversity that is urban America. Within its boundaries are stately historic townhouses, a river, high rise buildings, industrial complexes and a picturesque nature preserve. Considered a suburb of New York City, many who live here commute for work. This northeastern community of approximately 43,000 also serves as the Bergen County seat.
Moving to Hackensack
The city prides itself on its diverse use of the land and a wide range of residents. Real estate here is more reasonably priced than in some other areas of the state. However, it is typical of this densely populated region of the country and runs higher than the national average. Hackensack residents are employed in a mixture of service related industries, technology companies and professional jobs. So don't be surprised by a higher price tag.
Whether your vision of a home for rent in Hackensack is a quaint apartment in a historic row house or a chic modern space in a high rise building, you are in luck. While there is a large quantity of rental inventory in the city, it is always wise to prepare well ahead of a move. Ensure your best chance of getting the okay from a potential landlord by having all necessary paperwork in hand. This includes proof of income, a recent credit report and references from former landlords. The city sponsors an advisory board that seeks ways to improve the quality of life for those who rent their homes so you'll be well taken care of.
Many residents utilize public transportation to get around town. There is a commuter train service that runs through Hackensack, and bus service provided by the city. Those needing to get to the regional airports including LaGuardia, Newark and Kennedy International can use the airport limo service. So if you don't fee like sitting through traffic, hop on a bus or train!
Neighborhoods
City Center: The largest and busiest neighborhood is City Center. Most of the residential properties within this area are renter occupied, and it is fairly easy to find available apartments here. Studios and other smaller housing options are the most numerous in this busy part of town. Instead of the usual mixture of real estate, the predominant source of housing in City Center is apartment buildings. No air-polluting car required to live here either with most residents taking the bus to work. A large portion of the structures in this walkable neighborhood were built during the "Happy Days" of the baby boomer era.
S Summit Avenue/Kaplan Avenue: Straddling the I-80 corridor on the west side of the city, this high demand area can be tough for those looking for apartments with paid utilities in Hackensack. While there are some single family homes located in the neighborhood, most of the real estate is inhabited by renters. A major employer in the area, The Hackensack University Medical Center is part of this locality.
1stStreet/Atlantic Street: This newer Hackensack neighborhood has plenty of rentals available and a variety of housing options. Apartment complexes as well as high rise units can be found in this portion of the city with renters being in the majority. Many residents utilize the bus service for their commute to work saving wear and tear on their personal vehicles.
Summit Avenue/Hamilton Place: Much of the real estate in this neighborhood consists of owner-occupied homes. The 3 bedroom and up single family residences in this well-established part of the city were built prior to the sixties. Occupancy rates in the few apartments here remains high making finding a rental problematic. If your heart is set on this Hackensack neighborhood, be prepared to wait for that perfect place to become available. College students are attracted to this part of the city, and it ranks highly as one of the top places for them to live in the state.
Passaic Street/Summit Avenue: This part of Hackensack consists of modest sized modern homes and many large apartment structures. This neighborhood attracts a substantial portion of residents who are single. Many of these young professionals commute to work on the bus line.
Main Street/Johnson Avenue: A wide range of real estate makes up the Main Street/Johnson Avenue region of the city. Row houses that are owner occupied sit alongside those available for home rentals. It is considered one of the sections of town that is very friendly towards college students.
S River Street/E Moonachie Road: This southern most Hackensack neighborhood stretches along the river and is split through the middle by I-80. It boasts two beautiful parks for residents to enjoy picnic areas, soccer fields and other outdoor fun. Outdoorsy people will fit right in here.
Central Avenue/1stStreet: This part of Hackensack consists of mostly complexes and high rises with reasonable rental fees. The age range is wide, but most people here rent their homes. Carver Park offers the residents their own little green space nature preserve for outdoor activities.
Summit Avenue/Essex Street: Nearby Hackensack University Medical Center and easy access to I-80 make this an appealing neighborhood. It may take longer to procure an apartment in this popular part of the city. Many workers leave the car parked and use the bus to get around town. Talk about convenience!
S River Street/E Broadway: The Hackensack River borders this neighborhood giving residents some beautiful views. Those who call this area home live in the older historical buildings found here. Many of them have been converted into condos for rent. A high percentage of the people who live here do not own a car. They walk to work or use the bus.
Living in Hackensac
KLife in Hackensack combines the comforts of living in a smaller city with the conveniences of a major metropolitan area. Residents can enjoy plays, comedy routines and concerts right at their own Cultural Arts Center, or make the quick trip to New York City to experience a Broadway show. Natural beauty is found along the river and in the many trees that have been planted by the city.
A city treasure, that is appropriately located on the river, is the New Jersey Naval Museum. Home of the USS Ling WWII submarine, the museum offers tours and a look at the maritime history of our country. For those who embrace their inner foodie, residents can find fresh produce, flowers and craft items at the Hackensack Farmers Market throughout the summer and into fall. Dining out in the city is a cultural delight whether you are looking for fresh seafood, a classic steakhouse, italian specialties or a juicy burger at the local pub. For those looking to dance the night away there are a number of clubs and lounges in Hackensack.
If you find yourself in need of retail therapy, don't fret! Upscale shopping can be enjoyed at The Shops at Riverside, and the downtown area is also known for its boutique shops found among the landmark buildings. The Metropolitan Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University and Bergen Community College in Hackensack attract many college students to the city. This area of New Jersey has always included people from many different cultural backgrounds and that continues today.
