Paterson, NJ is a city located in Passaic County, New Jersey. It is the county seat and the third-most populous city in the state. The city was founded in 1792 by Alexander Hamilton and named after William Paterson, one of the signers of the United States Constitution.

Paterson is known for its diverse population and vibrant culture. The city has a large Hispanic population, with many immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean. There are also sizable African American, Asian American, and Middle Eastern communities in Paterson.

The city is home to several historic sites, including Lambert Castle, Great Falls National Historical Park, and Paterson Museum. The Great Falls of the Passaic River are a major tourist attraction in Paterson. The falls are 77 feet high and provide power to several factories in the area.

Paterson has a thriving economy with many businesses located in its downtown area. There are also numerous shopping centers throughout the city that offer a variety of goods and services.

The public school system in Paterson is one of the largest in New Jersey with over 30 schools serving more than 30,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. There are also several private schools located within the city limits as well as higher education institutions such as William Paterson University and Berkeley College.

Paterson has an active nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, restaurants, theaters, and music venues located throughout the city. There are also numerous parks and recreational areas for residents to enjoy including Garret Mountain Reservation which offers hiking trails and stunning views of New York City skyline from atop Garret Mountain’s summit.