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 hands-on workshop offers a distinctive local cultural outing just minutes from Hillcrest in Paterson. Participants can learn about Victorian mourning traditions and create a wire-and-hairwork keepsake, making it a good choice for adults interested in history, crafts, and Lambert Castle’s unusual collections.
View event details →Paterson children ages 5–10 can learn beginner skateboarding skills during this free three-week program. The sessions are especially convenient for Hillcrest families because they take place in the city, provide structured after-school-style recreation, and introduce children to a positive, active community environment.
View event details →Expectant parents and families in Hillcrest and throughout Paterson can attend this free community event for baby-care demonstrations, maternal and child-health information, giveaways, raffles, and maternity-unit tours. It is a practical, family-focused event hosted at a major Paterson medical center on Main Street.
View event details →Residents looking for a relaxed evening activity near Paterson can enjoy an art-centered social event in nearby Hawthorne. The monthly program celebrates influential artists while giving participants a chance to paint, meet other local creatives, and spend a November night outside the usual restaurant or movie routine.
View event details →This nearby artist talk provides Hillcrest residents with an accessible cultural evening featuring author, poet, journalist, and consultant Felicia Sherelle. It is a strong local option for adults who enjoy literature, creative discussion, and meeting artists without traveling far outside the Paterson area.
View event details →Paterson boys ages 13–18 can take part in this recurring Saturday youth program at the Islamic Center of Passaic County. Each gathering combines halaqas, discussion, food, and peer connection, offering Hillcrest-area families a nearby, structured weekend activity rooted in community and positive social engagement.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Hillcrest
Local characteristics and demographics for Hillcrest
