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.
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.