Hazelton, Woodbridge, NJ

Hazelton, Woodbridge, NJ, is a township in northern New Jersey. The township was established by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 17, 1903, from portions of Woodbridge Township. As of the 2010 census, the township’s population was 26,567, reflecting an increase of 678 (+2.6%) from the 26,989 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 5,175 (+24.1%) from the 21,814 counted in the 1990 Census.

Hazleton is a typical American suburb with mostly single-family homes and some businesses. The township is home to public schools that are well above the state average in terms of students’ test scores, two private liberal arts colleges, Centenary University of the National Episcopal Church and Felician University a private Roman Catholic university, a state-run psychiatric hospital, a county park system and a minor league baseball stadium.

Hazleton is part of the New York metropolitan area but retains a somewhat rural character. The two cities closest to it are Newark (a 25-minute drive away) and Paterson (a 35-minute drive away) which lie 22.4 miles (36.1 kilometers) and 27.7 miles (44.3 kilometers) away, respectively, via routes 21 and 80, yet Woodbridge Township is closer to New York City than Hazleton is by ten minutes due to its location directly west of Manhattan.

It is a major transportation center, at the crossing point of several major roadways including Routes 3 and 21 and Route 46.

Hazelton is part of Woodbridgege Township. The Township of Woodbridge is divided into 18 different municipalities including Hazleton.

Hazelton was formed on March 17, 1903, from portions of both Hillsborough Township and Washington Township, but the name has its origin in hazel trees that grew there. That same year, St Joseph’s Episcopal Church moved to Hazelton from Port Reading, and two years later, the church was used for all Hazelton’s governmental business.

Local Features of Hazeltown include The High School, The Senior Center, Library, Hazleton Nursing Home, St Joseph’s Church & Cemetery. It’s known for its bus service, local sports teams and a variety of food.

OVERVIEW

Population: 26,567

Area: 15.3 square miles (40 km)

Government: Mayor / Council system