Paramus, NJ

Paramus is widely known as North Jersey's premier shopping destination, anchored by major hubs like Westfield Garden State Plaza and Bergen Town Center along Routes 4 and 17. The first thing newcomers notice, however, is the local blue laws. Almost all retail stores are legally required to close on Sundays. You can still dine out, pick up groceries, fill up on gas, or catch a movie, but the retail shutdown turns Sundays into a surprisingly quiet break from the usual traffic.

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Before the retail boom, Paramus was a quiet farming town known for its vast celery fields and dirt roads. Its name comes from the Lenape word meaning "land of the wild turkeys," a piece of local lore still commemorated with public art around the borough. George Washington also spent time here, setting up headquarters several times during the Revolutionary War along what is now Paramus Road. You can still find remnants of that earlier era, such as the 1876 one-room schoolhouse on Midland Avenue that now houses the Reid Branch Library, original bell included.

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Day-to-day life in the borough is heavily shaped by strong education and healthcare networks. Bergen Community College maintains its primary campus along Paramus Road, offering academic programs, sports facilities, and cultural events. Healthcare is anchored by the expansive Valley Hospital campus, which recently moved here from neighboring Ridgewood to provide modern acute and outpatient care. Having major medical facilities, great municipal services, and higher education close by adds significant practical value for anyone moving to the area.

ATTRFamartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

When it is time to unwind outdoors, Van Saun County Park is the favorite spot for residents. Spanning nearly 140 acres, the park features multi-use walking paths, sports fields, picnic areas, and a busy dog park. It also houses the Bergen County Zoo, complete with family favorites like the historic carousel and the miniature train ride. Between easy access to major regional hubs and plenty of tucked-away neighborhood amenities, Paramus provides a well-rounded suburban lifestyle.