Clifton

Clifton is a city in Passaic County, New Jersey, located between Paterson and Passaic along the Passaic River. Residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and green spaces alternate throughout this community that covers roughly 11.4 square miles.

Dutch settlers purchased land from the Lenape people in 1679 and founded the first European settlements in the area. The region developed into a textile manufacturing center during the 19th century, drawing immigrants from many countries.

The name refers to the cliffs along the Passaic River that shaped early settlement patterns. Working farms still sell produce directly to visitors, keeping agricultural traditions alive in a densely populated region.

Several highways cross through the area, making arrival from different directions straightforward. NJ Transit buses and trains connect the community regularly with New York City and neighboring towns.

Part of the Great Falls Historic District extends into this community, linking it to the industrial heritage of the Passaic River. Old mill buildings and 19th-century canals still stand along sections of the waterfront.

Location: Passaic County

Elevation above the sea: 37 m

Shares border with: Passaic, Montclair, Nutley, Lyndhurst, Garfield, Paterson, Woodland Park, Little Falls, Bloomfield, Rutherford, Elmwood Park

Website: https://cliftonnj.org

GPS coordinates: 40.86210,-74.16040

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:28