Totowa offers a calm and quiet neighborhood with minimal street noise and a peaceful atmosphere. It features numerous dining options and cafes, especially along Chamberlain Avenue, providing convenient choices for meals and socializing. Shopping is within easy reach, with a variety of clothing stores nearby. The area’s accessibility is enhanced by a network of bus lines and proximity to highways, allowing straightforward travel by vehicle. Cycling infrastructure supports those preferring bicycle commuting. Several well-positioned green spaces, including the nearby Paterson Great Falls, provide excellent outdoor spots for relaxation. The neighborhood mainly consists of two- and three-bedroom duplexes and homes, offering diverse housing types.
Totowa offers a slower-paced environment and will appeal to home buyers who enjoy spending time outdoors. Public green spaces, including Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and Pennington Park, are very well-situated and there are about 20 of them close by for residents to explore, which makes it easy to get to them. The noise levels in this neighborhood are also reasonably low, as the streets are usually quite peaceful.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Located on Totowa Avenue, Westside Park is a sprawling green space that serves as Hillcrest's community hub for outdoor recreation, offering playgrounds, sports fields, and scenic walking paths amid mature trees and peaceful picnic areas.
Situated on Woodruff Avenue, School 27 is a prominent elementary school serving Hillcrest families and is known for its dedicated staff and active PTO, forming a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s educational and community life.
Stretching along Union Avenue, residents enjoy a vibrant strip of local eateries—ranging from classic pizzerias to Latin American and Middle Eastern cuisine—making this a go-to spot for diverse dining close to home.
This convenient shopping plaza on Union Avenue features a variety of stores and services including grocery, pharmacy, and local businesses, providing essential shopping options right within the neighborhood.
Running adjacent to Westside Park, this scenic walking and biking trail traces the historic route of the Morris Canal, offering Hillcrest residents a unique slice of local history alongside opportunities for outdoor exercise and exploration.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
A multi-day citywide celebration combining carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors near Great Falls, and affordable baseball games plus fireworks—perfect for families and neighbors in Hillcrest to celebrate community pride.
Local sports action right in Paterson with cricket and softball leagues—great for neighbors in Hillcrest to catch games, enjoy park atmosphere, or bring a picnic and cheer on community teams.
A free theatrical adaptation of a beloved novel for ages 10 and up, offering nearby Hillcrest families an engaging cultural outing and encouragement for youth literacy this summer.
View event details →Catch a lively soccer match featuring a New Jersey club right in Paterson—a fun evening out for local residents, especially sports fans in Hillcrest looking to support pro soccer nearby.
Affordable family-friendly baseball just minutes from Hillcrest—enjoy America’s pastime under the stadium lights with friends and neighbors.
Stories, updates, and things to know in Hillcrest
Local characteristics and demographics for Hillcrest
