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
This free family-friendly wellness event at a historic Paterson landmark offers fitness demonstrations, health resources, and community engagement—perfect for local residents looking to stay active and informed.
An artist reception and Q&A at the Paterson Museum celebrating a new exhibit that honors local stories—valuable cultural enrichment right in town for residents interested in art and community history.
A unique hands-on workshop exploring Victorian-era mournful art practices, offering a creative and historical activity conveniently nearby for families or art lovers in Hillcrest.
A free outdoor program led by park rangers teaching nature safety and exploration—great for families in Hillcrest seeking enriching, local outdoor activities.
An online workshop in Spanish about NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid updates—highly relevant to local residents needing accessible healthcare info, especially for Spanish-speaking families.
Stories, updates, and things to know in Hillcrest
Local characteristics and demographics for Hillcrest
