Hackensack

Hackensack often gets overlooked in favor of its flashier neighbors across the Hudson, but those who take a closer look tend to stay. The seat of Bergen County, this city of roughly 45,700 residents sits just 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan and manages to deliver genuine urban convenience without the Manhattan price tag. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to downsize without sacrificing access to culture and commerce, Hackensack has a compelling case to make.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

Hackensack is more diverse and dynamic than its reputation suggests. The city blends long-established neighborhoods like Fairmount and Maywood-adjacent Essex Street with newer residential developments sprouting up around the revitalized downtown corridor along Main Street. That downtown stretch has seen genuine investment in recent years — local restaurants, coffee shops, and small businesses have filled in alongside established institutions, giving the area real street life without the manufactured feel of some redeveloped downtowns. The median age of 41.5 reflects a community that’s neither exclusively young nor skewing retirement-age, which tends to produce the kind of stable, engaged neighborhoods most people actually want to live in.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing in Hackensack runs significantly below what you’d pay in comparable Bergen County towns like Ridgewood or Tenafly, while still offering solid long-term value. The median home price sits around $370,300 — a figure that, in the context of the New York metro area, is genuinely competitive. You’ll find a mix of single-family homes, older colonials and capes, and a growing inventory of condos and apartment buildings, particularly near the downtown transit hub. Renters also have solid options here, which is part of why the city attracts people at different life stages. The median household income of around $82,200 suggests the city is home to middle-class stability, and most residents find the cost-to-quality ratio makes practical sense, especially given what you get in terms of location and access.

Employment and Economy

Hackensack’s own job market is surprisingly robust. Hackensack University Medical Center — one of the largest and most respected hospitals in New Jersey — is a major anchor employer and has driven significant economic activity in the surrounding area. Bergen County government offices, a busy Superior Court, and a cluster of legal and financial services firms add to the local employment base. That said, many residents commute. NJ Transit bus service connects Hackensack directly to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, putting Midtown Manhattan within a manageable 30-to-40-minute commute on a good day. For drivers, Routes 4, 17, and 80 all offer access to regional employment centers throughout New Jersey.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Day-to-day living in Hackensack is genuinely convenient. The Hackensack River Waterfront offers walking paths and a quieter side of the city that surprises many newcomers. For shopping, the nearby Riverside Square Mall and easy access to the massive retail corridors along Route 4 mean you’re rarely driving far for anything. Families appreciate the Bergen County Zoo in nearby Van Saun Park, and the city’s own parks system provides recreational outlets without requiring a car. The restaurant scene has improved meaningfully, with a particularly strong selection of Latin American and Korean dining options reflecting the city’s diverse population.

The Bottom Line

Hackensack won’t wow you with a postcard skyline or a trendy reputation, and that’s honestly part of its appeal. It’s a working city that functions well — connected, affordable by regional standards, and increasingly worth a second look for anyone who wants proximity to New York without surrendering their budget or their quality of life. Come in with realistic expectations and you may find it’s exactly what you were looking for.