Hawthorne

About Hawthorne

Hawthorne is a small borough in New Jersey's Passaic County. Though it has a small geographical footprint at just over 3 square miles, it's home to plenty of amenities and a vibrant, growing population.

The History of Hawthorne

Hawthorne was originally settled by Dutch immigrants in the 1700s. In 1898, the municipality of Hawthorne was incorporated. One of 16 present-day municipalities in Passaic County, Hawthorne grew rapidly during the first half of the 20th century. In 1910, the population was just 3,400, but it increased dramatically to more than 19,000 by 1970.

The community is believed to have been named for American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of classics like "The Scarlet Letter." However, an alternate theory suggests that it may have been named after the hawthorn bush, a pesky plant that had to be cleared from the town's early cow pastures.

Living in Hawthorne

Hawthorne offers residents the charm and comfort of living in a small city while still providing convenient access to major metropolitan amenities. Train and bus routes offer transportation to New York City, and other nearby destinations are easily accessible by car via the Garden State Parkway and a number of local highways.

Though a relatively small community, Hawthorne has its own local access television station, post officem and several volunteer organizations including the Hawthorne Fire Department, a Domestic Violence Response Team and a Community Emergency Response Team. The borough also has several youth sports teams, a historical society, veterans organizations and several houses of worship.

Hawthorne Schools

Hawthorne Public School District serves students in Hawthorne. There are also a few private schools in Hawthorne, including St. Anthony School and Hawthorne Christian Academy.

Resources for Moving to Hawthorne

As you get ready for your move to Hawthorne, the following information may be helpful:

• Utilities: Hawthorne's major energy providers include Public Service Gas & Electric, the Hawthorne Water Department and the Hawthorne Sewer Department.
• Garbage and Recycling: You can expect regular collection of your trash and recyclables, provided by B&B Disposal and Gaeta.
• Transportation: New Jersey Transit provides both bus and train service in Hawthorne.

Hawthorne Housing

The median home price in Hawthorne is considerably higher than the national average, but mid-priced when compared to many other East Coast neighborhoods. Many single-family homes in the community are situated on green, tree-filled lots, often with traditional shutters, brick siding and other colonial-style features. Rent prices are high, but many of the area's apartment communities offer amenities and landscaped grounds.