Incorporated in 1894, Bergenfield, New Jersey, a small community of 28,000 residents, lies approximately 15 miles northwest of New York City. Primarily a residential community, the city offers a diverse variety of housing types, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, and condominiums. There are also various parks and recreational facilities for residents to enjoy.
Bergenfield's population is diverse, representing a range of cultures and backgrounds. As of the 2020 United States Census, the city's racial makeup is predominantly White (68.6%), with significant Hispanic (21.9%), Asian (3.9%), and Black or African American (3.6%) populations.
Bergenfield offers various dining options, including restaurants serving Spanish, Italian, Mexican, and American cuisine. The city is famous for its Colombian and Dominican cuisine and several Mexican restaurants.
Some popular attractions in Bergenfield include the Bergenfield Public Library, which hosts various events and programming for both children and adults. The city also has several parks, including the Bergenfield Park, which features a playground, athletic fields, and walking trails. The city also hosts various annual events, including the Bergenfield Day Festival, which features live music, food vendors, and children's activities.
The city has a long and notable history. The first known residents were the Lenape Native Americans. In 1685 John Anderson, a Dutch settler, bought from the Lenape a large tract of land that included present-day Bergenfield. Anderson's great-grandson would later build the historic Anderson-Adams House, now a museum owned by the city.
In 1894, the residents of the then-unnamed area petitioned the New Jersey Legislature for incorporation, and on April 3, 1894, a state legislator introduced a bill that would create the Borough of Bergen in Bergen County.
In terms of education, Bergenfield Public Schools serves the city's children, with four elementary schools (grades K-5), Bergenfield Middle School, grades 6-8, and Bergenfield High School, grades 9-12. There is also a private Catholic school, St. John The Evangelist School, which serves students in preschool through eighth grade.
In summary, Bergenfield is a vibrant and diverse community that offers cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities to its residents. From its rich history and cultural attractions to its parks and restaurants, Bergenfield provides a unique and enjoyable quality of life for its residents and visitors is clear.