Bergen County, NJ: A County of Culture, Contrasts, and Community Power

Bergen County, NJ: A County of Contrasts, Culture, and Community Power

Stretching from the Palisades cliffs to the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, Bergen County, New Jersey is more than just New York City’s neighbor—it’s a diverse, dynamic region shaped by migration, mobility, and resilience. With 70 municipalities, multiple languages, and overlapping histories, Bergen County reflects both the promise and the pressure of suburban America. It’s a county where legacy meets movement—and where new stories are being written every day.

Origin and History

The history of Bergen County is deeply layered, rooted in Indigenous land, colonial ambition, and waves of American change.

• Lenape Homeland: The original stewards of this land were the Lenape people, whose trails, rivers, and hunting grounds shaped the region long before Dutch settlers arrived.
• Dutch & English Settlement: Bergen County was one of the first parts of New Jersey colonized by Europeans in the 1600s. The name “Bergen” comes from the Dutch word for “hill” or “place of safety.”
• Established in 1683: Bergen County is New Jersey’s oldest county and played a significant role in the Revolutionary War as a corridor for troops and supplies.
• Postwar Boom: The 20th century saw Bergen County transform from farmland to commuter suburb, fueled by highways, rail lines, and returning World War II veterans.

Demographics

Today, Bergen County is one of the most racially, linguistically, and economically diverse counties in the state—and in the Northeast.

• Population: Over 955,000 residents (2020 U.S. Census)
• Cultural Composition: Home to large Korean, Dominican, Filipino, Jewish, South Asian, African American, Turkish, and Arab communities.
• Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Korean, Tagalog, Arabic, and Hindi are widely used across homes, businesses, and schools.
• Faith & Culture: A rich mix of churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues reflect the county’s religious and cultural pluralism.

Geographic Location and Size

Bergen County is perfectly positioned—close to everything, yet full of distinct communities with their own identities.

• Size: 233 square miles, containing 70 municipalities (boroughs, townships, and cities)
• Borders: North of Hudson County, east of Passaic County, and west of the Hudson River and New York State.
• Transit & Access: NJ Transit buses and trains, the George Washington Bridge, Route 4, Route 17, and the Garden State Parkway all connect Bergen County to NYC and beyond.

Where We Thrive

From small towns to bustling business districts, Bergen County’s heartbeat is in its neighborhoods, families, and community organizations.

• Education: Dozens of high-performing public schools, regional districts, and technical academies like Bergen County Academies attract students from across the state.
• Healthcare & Services: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, and local clinics serve one of the most medically diverse populations in NJ.
• Business & Retail: From mom-and-pop markets to malls like Westfield Garden State Plaza, Bergen County blends commerce and culture.
• Parks & Nature: Saddle River County Park, Overpeck Park, Palisades Interstate Park, and Ramapo Valley offer green space, trails, and community events.

Fun Facts and Local Gems

• Film & Media Roots: Fort Lee is considered the birthplace of American film. Before Hollywood, there was Bergen County.
• Home to History: Bergen County is dotted with Revolutionary War landmarks, historic homes, and preserved Dutch colonial architecture.
• Cultural Parades: From Korean Independence Day to Caribbean festivals, the county hosts celebrations of nearly every major diaspora represented here.
• Food Scene: Whether it’s Dominican pastelón in Fairview, Korean BBQ in Palisades Park, or halal street food in Teaneck, Bergen County is a culinary passport.

Challenges and Change

Bergen County’s beauty and success often mask underlying inequities and generational gaps in power, access, and opportunity.

• Affordable Housing Shortage: Many towns struggle with zoning, gentrification, and rising costs that push out working-class families, seniors, and newcomers.
• Representation Gaps: While residents are diverse, many school boards, town councils, and civic organizations remain overwhelmingly white and affluent.
• Youth Voice: Students of color are organizing for inclusive curriculum, mental health resources, and anti-discrimination protections.
• Transportation Equity: Inner-ring suburbs have more transit access than outer towns, where car dependence isolates low-income and immigrant populations.

Community Voices

“Bergen County is layered. There’s wealth here, but also struggle. There’s power—but not always shared. That’s why our stories matter. Because we’re here. Building. Every day.”
— Marcella J., social worker and Teaneck resident

Why Bergen County Matters

Bergen County isn’t just one town—it’s 70 microcosms of American life. From Palisades Park to Hackensack, from Tenafly to Garfield, it contains multitudes: old and new, rich and striving, visible and overlooked. For African American, immigrant, and diasporic families, Bergen County offers opportunity—but also challenges that must be met with truth and storytelling.

HFYC uplifts counties like Bergen not to generalize—but to connect. Because understanding our neighbors starts with listening.

Call to Action

Live in Bergen County? Know a community leader, small business owner, youth activist, or cultural elder with a story to tell?

Let’s elevate their voice.
Submit an article, nominate a changemaker, or help us highlight the people, places, and power that make Bergen County thrive—block by block, town by town.