Moving to Hackensack
Everything you need to know before buying in Hackensack, Bergen County.
Why Move Here?
- ●Bergen County seat with robust government, commercial, and healthcare infrastructure
- ●Significant downtown revitalization creating a walkable, urban lifestyle in the suburbs
- ●Relative affordability compared to surrounding Bergen County towns
- ●Excellent access to Routes 4, 17, 80, and the Garden State Parkway
- ●Home to Bergen County Academies, one of NJ's top public magnet high schools
Commute to NYC
Primary Method
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal
Duration
35-55 minutes to Midtown Manhattan
Train Station
Anderson Street Station (Pascack Valley Line) or Essex Street Station
Bus Routes
144, 165, 165T
NJ Transit buses provide direct service from Hackensack to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown. The Pascack Valley Line has two stations in Hackensack (Anderson Street and Essex Street) serving Hoboken Terminal, with connections to the PATH train to Manhattan. Bus service is generally faster for Midtown destinations.
Cost of Living
Hackensack offers a more affordable entry point to Bergen County compared to many surrounding towns, while still providing urban amenities and good access to NYC.
vs. NJ State Average
5-10% above the New Jersey average
vs. National Average
25-30% above the national average
Pros
- +More affordable than many Bergen County towns with strong amenities
- +Walkable downtown with new restaurants, shops, and apartments
- +Excellent highway access to NYC, North Jersey, and the GWB
- +Bergen County Academies offers a world-class magnet school option
- +Hackensack University Medical Center provides top-tier healthcare nearby
Cons
- –Public school ratings are lower than surrounding affluent suburbs
- –Urban density and traffic can be heavy, especially near Routes 4 and 17
- –Property taxes are relatively high for the home prices
- –Some neighborhoods still in transition from revitalization efforts
- –Limited green space compared to western Bergen County towns