Author Topic: New to Hackensack  (Read 5162 times)

Offline MS_Mama

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New to Hackensack
« on: May 09, 2013, 04:28:20 PM »
Greetings to you all.  My family is moving to Hackensack (hubby and three kids) and I was hoping to get a little advice. 

1.  My husband will commute into NYC (near Columbia-120th).  So we are trying to figure out if he should use the bus or train and if so, the logistics of that.  We will be living a couple of blocks from Fairmount Elementary School.

2.  It looks like television choice is between Verizon or Cablevision.  Are there others?  Any feedback on those two?

3.  We will be looking for a United Methodist Church.  Does anybody have any suggestions for ones to visit?

4.  Affordable tennis lessons for a 10 year old?

5.  Are there any public pools?

6.  Finally, any input on what to check out or places to visit.  We hope to spend several weeks just getting to know the area and really want to find ways to get involved in the community.  We are both very civic minded as well and would be interested in civic clubs or any groups that work to better the community.

Thank you all in advance we are so looking forward to living in another part of the country!!



Offline Editor

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Re: New to Hackensack
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2013, 06:13:41 PM »
Hello.  Welcome to town.

1. I'm not a Mass Transit expert, but check www.njtransit.com.  You may be able to pick up the 175 bus on Passaic Street and take that to the 175 Street Port Authority Station, NYC.  From there, I think you can take the A Train to 125th St.  From what I understand, buses can actually run faster than trains because of the HOV lanes at the Hudson River crossings.  It's also cheaper.  I'll see if I can't get better information.

2. Direct TV or other satellite service. Go to Verizon's website to see if FiOS is available for your address. FiOS may be cheaper than cable.  I like Direct TV.

3. United Methodist Church, Summit Ave Hackensack. (201) 487-0811. 

4. No public pools.  I believe you can join Maywood's pool if you have a "sponsor".  You can also try Bogota's which may not have any residency requirement.  You may also consider the YMCA on Passaic and Main, indoor.

5. Take a look:

www.bergenvolunteers.org
http://bergenleads.org/
www.bergencountyhistory.org (check our Historic New Bridge Landing)
http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Home.aspx?accountid=3481
www.hackensackriverkeeper.org
http://www.bergenswan.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey_Naval_Museum (may not be open yet)
http://www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodge=658
http://admin182.wix.com/moose-site

(I'll post more as I think of them).
« Last Edit: May 09, 2013, 06:15:53 PM by Editor »

Offline BLeafe

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Re: New to Hackensack
« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2013, 06:47:04 PM »
We are both very civic minded as well and would be interested in civic clubs or any groups that work to better the community.

Thank you all in advance we are so looking forward to living in another part of the country!!

I wonder if we can still get you two on the ballot for Tuesday's City Council election. You already sound better than some of the candidates.  :laugh:

You might also want to look for buses (beware of unlicensed jitney types) on nearby Rt 4 to take hubby over the George Washington Bridge to the 178th St Port Authority Bus Terminal. As Editor mentioned, he can take the A train (the subway is below the bus terminal) a couple of stops downtown to 125th St. Taking the bus over the GWB is a LOT more scenic than taking the train that ultimately takes you WAY south of 120th St.

On a nice day, the family might enjoy taking a walk over the GWB. It's stunning to see Manhattan and the Hudson River from that perspective - even if you've driven over the bridge a thousand times. The Fort Lee Historic Park is right by the bridge and offers yet another perspective. You may also enjoy going UNDER the bridge to the Ross Dock Picnic Area. It's right at the water's edge and at the foot of both the bridge and the mighty Palisades.

About 10 miles away is Paterson's Great Falls, which recently became a national park. They're the second-highest falls (after Niagara) east of the Mississippi.

Yankee Stadium isn't far from the GWB. It's worth seeing even if you're not a Yankee fan.

There is a LOT of information and photos on this site of most of the above and tons more. If you're interested in Hackensack history, you're already on the best possible site. Hunt around through the various forums.

May I ask what part of the country you've come from? I'm curious about what kind of culture shock this area brings to newcomers from various parts of the country.

You made the right move.
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Offline MS_Mama

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Re: New to Hackensack
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2013, 07:17:14 PM »
Thanks for all the info!  I have read a bit about the upcoming election.  Not sure I fully understand Hackensack politics but it doesn't look like you all never have a dull election!! 

We are moving from Mississippi.  I hesitate to mention it because we are not typical of most Mississippians.

I did see the Y as a possibility for a pool/workout.  We have a great Y here that we have been members of so I will sure check it out!

We will also check out the sites you mentioned.  I have heard of the place in Paterson.  Actually I will be working in Paterson. Also, I have read all about Borg's Woods on this site and I think we live near there.  Can't wait to check that out.

Please feel free to continue to make any suggestions.  We really don't know anybody in the area and can use all the advice we can get!!

Thanks again!!