Westwood Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Westwood is a quiet, residential neighborhood located in the northwestern corner of Paterson, New Jersey, bordering the towns of Prospect Park and Hawthorne. It is distinct from many other Paterson neighborhoods due to its topography and character; situated on the First Watchung Mountain, it offers hilly terrain, winding streets, and a more suburban feel compared to the city's dense urban core. This area was largely developed in the mid-20th century, with many homes built for returning veterans and growing families, creating a stable foundation for the community seen today.
The neighborhood's identity is closely tied to Garret Mountain Reservation, which forms its western border. This geographic feature provides not only a natural boundary but also a defining recreational asset. Westwood is often perceived as one of Paterson's more secluded and tranquil sections, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still maintaining a Paterson address. Its location provides relatively easy access to major highways like Route 80 and the Garden State Parkway, facilitating commutes to New York City and other parts of North Jersey.
Housing & Real Estate
Westwood's housing stock is predominantly composed of single-family homes from the post-World War II era, featuring Cape Cods, ranches, and split-levels on modest, well-kept lots. The hilly layout means many properties offer views or are situated on secluded, tree-lined streets. There are also some smaller multi-family homes and apartment buildings, particularly along the neighborhood's main thoroughfares like Preakness Avenue, but the overall character is decidedly residential and owner-occupied.
Real estate in Westwood is typically among the most sought-after in Paterson, with prices reflecting its suburban ambiance and proximity to Garret Mountain. While still more affordable than neighboring suburbs like Hawthorne or Fair Lawn, home values here are generally higher than in other Paterson wards. The market tends to be stable, attracting first-time homebuyers and families looking for more space and greenery within the city limits. The ownership-to-rental ratio skews heavily toward homeowners, contributing to the neighborhood's stability and sense of investment.
Schools & Education
Westwood is served by the Paterson Public Schools district, with local elementary schools including School 25 (The Alexander Hamilton Academy) and School 28. Students typically progress to Joseph A. Taub School for middle grades and then to John F. Kennedy High School or the Paterson STEAM High School for their secondary education. As with the wider district, schools face challenges, but parent involvement in local schools is often noted as a strength within this community.
Given its location, many families also explore educational options in nearby towns through choice programs or consider local private and parochial schools. The neighborhood is in close proximity to several well-regarded Catholic schools in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the presence of Passaic County Community College in downtown Paterson and the proximity to William Paterson University in Wayne provide accessible higher education and continuing education opportunities for residents.
Parks & Recreation
Westwood's greatest recreational asset is its direct adjacency to the 568-acre Garret Mountain Reservation. This county park is essentially the neighborhood's backyard, offering extensive trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks with stunning views of the New York City skyline. Lambert Castle, a historic landmark and museum within the reservation, adds cultural and historical interest. This immediate access to vast green space is a primary draw for outdoor enthusiasts living in Westwood.
Within the neighborhood itself, residents utilize local playgrounds and community spaces. The Westside Park area, though technically just outside the neighborhood's common boundaries, is also a short drive away and offers additional athletic fields and facilities. The natural environment itself, with its wooded lots and quiet streets, fosters a recreational atmosphere for walking, jogging, and community interaction, setting it apart from more densely built-up areas of the city.
Local Dining & Shopping
Westwood is not a major commercial hub, but it offers a selection of convenient local businesses catering to daily needs. Preakness Avenue serves as a primary commercial strip, featuring a mix of independent shops, pizzerias, diners, and ethnic eateries that reflect Paterson's diverse culinary landscape. Residents can find Dominican, Peruvian, and Italian restaurants alongside classic American diners, providing a variety of affordable dining options close to home.
For more comprehensive shopping, residents often take short drives to the malls and retail plazas in neighboring Wayne, Totowa, or Fair Lawn. Grocery needs are met by local independent markets and bodegas on Preakness Avenue, with larger chain supermarkets like ShopRite or Stop & Shop located just across the border in Prospect Park or Hawthorne. The convenience of nearby suburbs, combined with the essential services within the neighborhood, creates a practical balance for residents.
Who Lives Here
Westwood is home to a mix of long-term residents, many of whom have lived in the neighborhood for decades, and newer families or professionals attracted by its relative affordability and suburban feel within Paterson. The community has a strong middle-class character, with a population that is ethnically diverse, including significant Hispanic, Black, White, and Middle Eastern households. This diversity is a point of pride and contributes to the area's cultural fabric.
The community vibe is generally quiet, family-oriented, and neighborly. Residents are drawn to Westwood for its safety, its separation from the busier parts of the city, and its unique natural setting on Garret Mountain. It appeals to those who want the benefits of homeownership—a
Top Real Estate Agents in Westwood, Paterson
Merit Criteria — Agents must hold an active license verified by
New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC), maintain a minimum 4.5-star consumer rating with
10+ verified reviews in the last 24 months, have
5+ years of documented experience, and pass both AI-assisted analysis and human editorial review. Fewer than 1% of licensed agents in covered markets qualify. No agent can pay for inclusion or ranking position.
16 agents met the full merit gate for Westwood, Paterson, NJ, selected from over 80,000 licensed New Jersey professionals.
5.0 stars
655+ verified reviews
License: 2250814
Real Brokerage
21+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 902-1004
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesuarezteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/The%20Suarez%20Team
Why selected: Selected for her active community leadership, recognized by Sigma Kappa Sorority's 35 Under 35 program. She combines a 5-star rating from 655 reviews with 20 years of market expertise as a top-performing agent.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
138+ verified reviews
License: 1800853
Huntington Group
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 403-8230
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://huntingtongroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jack%20Holwahjian
Why selected: Selected for his extensive community leadership as CEO and Co-Owner of the Huntington Group, combined with over 20 years of expertise handling complex real estate and mortgage transactions in Los Angeles.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
116+ verified reviews
License: 1900787
The Agency
12+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (424) 233-0922
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.benbelack.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/bbelack
Why selected: Selected for his extensive community and industry leadership, highlighted by major media recognition and a Netflix series. He demonstrates elite performance with over $1 billion in sales, 500+ transactions, zero expired listings, and 116 five-star reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
108+ verified reviews
License: 1846410
The Agency
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (213) 380-8888
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.theagencyre.com/agent/george-ouzounian/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/George_Ouzounian
Why selected: Selected for his two decades of dedicated community involvement in Los Angeles. He combines a 5.0-star rating with extensive expertise in diverse real estate specialties.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
77+ verified reviews
License: 2235535
Compass
25+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 430-4842
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.michaelhaddad.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/haddad1213
Why selected: Selected for his 24 years of experience and exceptional client service, earning 77 five-star reviews. His approach prioritizes lasting relationships and personalized guidance for every transaction.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
48+ verified reviews
License: 1885132
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (707) 266-8086
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.lamperealestategroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Litle%20and%20Lampe
Why selected: Selected for her deep community engagement as a local business owner and volunteer, combined with a strong 5-star rating and over 100 transactions. Her unique interior design expertise further distinguishes her service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
4.9 stars
44+ verified reviews
License: 2233441
Real Brokerage Technologies
9+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 877-4407
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesuarezteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ronald%20Anavim
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership roles. He combines a 4.9-star rating from 44 reviews with unique CPA credentials and financial expertise for exceptional client outcomes.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
41+ verified reviews
License: 1158366
The Stephanie Younger Group at Compass
19+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (805) 705-5316
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.stephanieyounger.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Stephanie%20Singletary
Why selected: Selected for his 18 years of experience and 41 five-star reviews, demonstrating exceptional client service. His career is built on reliability and clear communication throughout the transaction process.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
40+ verified reviews
License: 1516799
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (805) 861-9210
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://alisonebbertt.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/alisonebbertrealty
Why selected: Selected for her President's Award-winning performance and top 5% sales ranking, Alison Ebbert is a 5-star agent with 40 reviews. Her career, built entirely on referrals since 2005, reflects exceptional client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
39+ verified reviews
License: 1993690
Beverly & Company
24+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (424) 272-5099
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.londynrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/bethanylondyn
Why selected: Selected for her extensive community leadership and charitable work, which is paramount to our ranking. She combines this with a strong 23-year track record, 39 five-star reviews, and a finance degree that provides unique investment insight.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
4.9 stars
32+ verified reviews
License: 1949299
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
16+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (408) 219-0030
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.gennawalsh.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/GennaWalsh
Why selected: Selected for her significant community involvement and leadership roles. She demonstrates strong performance metrics and stands out as a Certified Probate & Trust Specialist.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 2228526
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
22+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 963-7384
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.revimendelsohn.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Revi%20Mendelsohn
Why selected: Selected for his top 3% sales production, 26 five-star reviews, and over two decades of experience achieving exceptional results like 124% of asking price.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 1862237
Compass
17+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (847) 826-4885
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.instagram.com/fliplosangeles/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Liz%20Cappola
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership roles and charitable work. She combines this with top-producing performance metrics and a unique professional background in fine art and advertising.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 2090359
Sotheby’s International Realty
5+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 339-4559
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.adamkuyt.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/akuyt1
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 26 five-star reviews since 2020 and a unique professional background. He combines an artistic eye with high-stakes negotiation skills, standing out in client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
25+ verified reviews
License: 924546
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
47+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (707) 953-1798
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://carolynroberts.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/carolynrobertsnapa
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership as a Board Member of a Local Bank, combined with 46 years of expertise. She demonstrates exceptional performance with 25 five-star reviews and is a Continuous Multi-Million Dollar Producer.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
21+ verified reviews
License: 1958437
Luxe Places International
8+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 919-5341
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/tony95405
Why selected: Selected for his deep community engagement and collaborative father-son team leadership. He is further distinguished by 21 five-star reviews and a proven commitment to lasting client relationships.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.