Is Paterson, NJ dangerous? (Passaic, Wayne: city hall, hotel, safe neighborhood)

[Marc Paolella]

The schools are definitely an issue that's true. Another big issue is the quantity of homes on the market. As of today, there are 838 (!) 2-4 family and 322 single family properties listed for sale. That's just ridiculous.

-Marc

Originally Posted by TheEmissary

Marc - I lived in Paterson for 53 years and after I retired, decided to move to NC to enjoy cheaper taxes. The house I lived in, my parents' house, is now up for sale. The problem selling it, is not so much whether the neighborhood is safe, it is relatively safe. I never felt the least threatened walking around my neighborhood the entire time I lived there. But the quality of the schools is a big factor. My house is located three blocks over from the Totowa border, but it could be 2 miles away from it and the perceived educational quality gap would remain. A choice between Passaic Valley HS vs JFK HS (my old alma mater) is a stark one indeed!

[TheEmissary]

Originally Posted by Busch Boy

Back in the 1980's even Jersey City, Hoboken, and half of NYC were still undesirable. In general, crime isn't as bad in the northeast as it was in the 70's-80's.

Busch Boy - Crime in the northeast is generally lower than most people think. The crime rate tends to rise and fall with the increases and decreases in population of the main crime demographic perpetrators (16-35 year olds).

Surprisingly, there seems to be a lot more violent crime involving guns down here, than people in the northeast are ever likely to encounter. This is probably due to the ease of purchasing a gun. The Walmart Sporting Goods Departments here are unlike anything someone in NJ has ever seen! You can get your shotgun along with your 4 12-packs of Pepsi and chips. Let me not forget, a BB gun for the kids!

I am considering getting a handgun and a concealed carry permit, something that in NJ, is hard or impossible for the average person to come by. Why? Because I can, and I think there's a little "Dirty Harry" in everyone. I would not have considered a gun purchase if I was still living in Paterson. Paradoxical isn't it?

[Busch Boy]

Originally Posted by Marc Paolella

The schools are definitely an issue that's true. Another big issue is the quantity of homes on the market. As of today, there are 838 (!) 2-4 family and 322 single family properties listed for sale. That's just ridiculous.

-Marc

It's because of the taxes. There are nice and safe areas in the city. But like The Emissary mentioned, the schools aren't too good. Many other services in the city are lacking as well. So why pay $9,000 in Paterson, when you can pay like 10 or 11 thousand in a town with good schools like Wayne or Little Falls. My parents love the section of Paterson where they live, but the ever-increasing taxes are making them want to leave. Many landlords also want to sell because more and more of their profits from rent are going into taxes.

[Busch Boy]

Originally Posted by TheEmissary

Surprisingly, there seems to be a lot more violent crime involving guns down here, than people in the northeast are ever likely to encounter. This is probably due to the ease of purchasing a gun. The Walmart Sporting Goods Departments here are unlike anything someone in NJ has ever seen! You can get your shotgun along with your 4 12-packs of Pepsi and chips. Let me not forget, a BB gun for the kids!

That is scary! I can't picture guns in a normal store like Wal-Mart, LOL. The only gun I've ever seen up close in my entire life is my aunt's. She's a police officer.

[TheEmissary]

Originally Posted by Marc Paolella

The schools are definitely an issue that's true. Another big issue is the quantity of homes on the market. As of today, there are 838 (!) 2-4 family and 322 single family properties listed for sale. That's just ridiculous.

-Marc

Marc - A big factor in schools and crime down here is the structure of the school systems. There is not much of a "home rule" mentality in regards to the way school systems are run. The schools here are run not by the municipality you live in, but by the county. If you don't like the school your kid is in, or he/she is having "problems" with classmates, they can be transferred to another school, out of the town you live in. You do have to pay for busing that kid to the new school. Also, if only one school has a unique class or program, the county allows the student to go to that school to get the benefits of that program. That's like having a Dover HS kid go to Mendham HS to take advanced science courses that Dover HS will never offer. That system would go over in NJ, like a lead balloon! Home Rule costs NJ a lot of money! One of the reasons for the high NJ taxes.

Busch Boy - Most of the Walmarts across the country have guns and ammo in the Sporting Goods dept. NJ's Walmarts would be the ones looked at as being "abnormal" -"Where's the Guns?"

[nudnk]

Originally Posted by Busch Boy

Do you even know where People's Park is? It is not even dangerous. Cops patrol the business district on 21st constantly. There's another thread around here (titled "Neighborhoods in Paterson") that describes the different sections of Paterson. A couple of people, including myself, talk about the good and the bad sections of the city. I suggest you take a look at it.

I know exactly where it is and I stand by my statement. Seems we have a difference of opinion is all.

[Busch Boy]

Originally Posted by nudnk

I know exactly where it is and I stand by my statement. Seems we have a difference of opinion is all.

I guess we are entitled to our opinions. But my opinions are based on the fact that I lived in the city for a long time.

[nudnk]

Originally Posted by Busch Boy

I guess we are entitled to our opinions. But my opinions are based on the fact that I lived in the city for a long time.

And mine is from living in Hawthorne and working on both Market St and Straight St's. for over 25 years.

[Fluffire]

Hi All, I have just stumbled upon this thread and I would LOVE some feedback as soon as possible from those in the know. I have put an offer on a really neat condo in the downtown area of Paterson, but I am a little nervous since the area looks like it has potential, but I am not really familiar with it (I am from Bergen County). Before I go forward I would love to hear some opinions from people who know the downtown area. Do you think it has upside potential? Do you think it is safe enough (I know better then to take a walk at midnight in any area that seems shady). Would love to hear what people see as happening long term(five years) in the downtown area. I am crazy about those old warehouse buildings. Thanks!

[findinghope]

Originally Posted by Fluffire

Hi All, I have just stumbled upon this thread and I would LOVE some feedback as soon as possible from those in the know. I have put an offer on a really neat condo in the downtown area of Paterson, but I am a little nervous since the area looks like it has potential, but I am not really familiar with it (I am from Bergen County). Before I go forward I would love to hear some opinions from people who know the downtown area. Do you think it has upside potential? Do you think it is safe enough (I know better then to take a walk at midnight in any area that seems shady). Would love to hear what people see as happening long term(five years) in the downtown area. I am crazy about those old warehouse buildings. Thanks!

i assume you are talking about the cook condos?
honestly, that area is always busy, during the weekdays, lots of people downtown, working, the courthouse, etc. the police are always around. lots of ethnic (mostly hispanic) restaurants, and a few italian.
but as you must have seen, the falls are right there, lou castello park etc. there are sme homeless as well as some drug deals/people on drugs walking around that area.
i used to live very near there and never had a problem going to that area by myself (female) during any day. the evenings, i would not venture on my own...
i know they are trying to build center city, but it seemed last time i was up there that things have stalled, which is a shame. hopefully they will keep building it and people will start renting the retail spaces...
those are beautiful condos btw. i saw one in an article ---looks like a great view and everything.