What NJ Cities Have the Largest Latin or Hispanic Populations?
New Jersey is home to some of the most vibrant and culturally rich Hispanic communities in the country. These cities and towns reflect a deep-rooted Latin American influence, from their bustling business districts to authentic food scenes, annual cultural festivals, and strong immigrant traditions. Whether it’s Perth Amboy’s waterfront celebrations, Union City’s Cuban heritage, or Paterson’s bustling Peruvian community, each city has a unique story to tell.
Here’s a look at the cities and towns with the highest percentage of Hispanic residents in New Jersey, along with the cultural landmarks, traditions, and influences that make them special.
Top 15 Cities with Largest Latin or Hispanic Population in NJ:
- Perth Amboy
- Union City
- Dover
- West New York
- Victory Gardens
- Passaic
- Fairview
- Elizabeth
- Guttenberg
- East Newark
- Paterson
- Bridgeton
- Prospect Park
- New Brunswick
- Plainfield
Cities with the Largest Latin or Hispanic Population in NJ
Perth Amboy
Perth Amboy, known as the “City by the Bay,” has a long history of immigration and cultural diversity, with 83.2% of its population identifying as Hispanic. The city has one of the largest Puerto Rican communities in New Jersey, along with strong Dominican and Mexican influences. The waterfront along Raritan Bay is a major highlight, offering stunning views, parks, and a marina where locals gather for festivals and community events.
Real estate in Perth Amboy has seen steady growth, with a mix of historic homes, multi-family units, and waterfront condominiums. The city’s affordable housing market and proximity to NYC make it attractive for those seeking an urban-suburban blend. Perth Amboy’s downtown area is filled with Hispanic-owned businesses, traditional Latin bakeries, and restaurants serving mofongo, empanadas, and arroz con gandules.
The city hosts the Puerto Rican Festival, a major event featuring live music, cultural performances, and a parade that celebrates Puerto Rican heritage while embracing the broader Latin American community.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Puerto Rican Festival & Parade
- Waterfront District & Marina
- Historic Downtown with Latin American Cuisine & Markets
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Union City
Union City, often called “Havana on the Hudson,” is one of the most vibrant Cuban cultural hubs in the Northeast, with 82.4% of its population identifying as Hispanic. The city is a major center for Cuban, Dominican, Ecuadorian, and Colombian communities, reflected in its food, music, and cultural events.
The Bergenline Avenue commercial district is packed with Cuban cafés, cigar shops, and Dominican-owned businesses, making it one of the best places in New Jersey for authentic Latin American experiences. Union City’s real estate market has seen a surge in new apartment developments, attracting commuters looking for affordable housing near NYC.
A highlight of the city is the Cuban Day Parade of New Jersey, a massive celebration of Cuban heritage featuring salsa dancing, Latin music, and traditional Cuban dishes. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with Latin music performances and murals paying homage to its immigrant history.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Cuban Day Parade of New Jersey
- Bergenline Avenue’s Latin American Shops & Restaurants
- Thriving Latin Music & Arts Scene
Dover
Dover is a small town with a big Latin American presence, with 77.0% of its population identifying as Hispanic. The town is home to Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Colombian communities, and its downtown area is a lively hub for Latin American businesses, featuring taquerias, bakeries, and cultural shops.
The town’s real estate market is growing, with an increasing demand for multi-family homes and townhouses, particularly among young families and first-time buyers. Dover’s proximity to major highways and NJ Transit lines makes it a desirable location for commuters.
One of the most beloved events in Dover is the Festival Latinoamericano, a colorful celebration of Hispanic traditions, featuring traditional dances, live music, and food from across Latin America. The town also embraces its Mexican heritage, with local events around Cinco de Mayo and Día de los Muertos drawing visitors from surrounding communities.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Festival Latinoamericano
- Authentic Latin American Cuisine & Markets
- Mexican & Ecuadorian Cultural Celebrations
West New York
West New York is a Hudson County cultural hotspot, where 75.8% of the population identifies as Hispanic, with strong Cuban and Dominican influences. The city’s Bergenline Avenue is one of the most famous Latino business districts in the state, lined with botánicas, bakeries, and Dominican restaurants.
The real estate market in West New York has been booming, with an influx of luxury apartments and high-rise condominiums catering to professionals looking for proximity to NYC while still embracing the Latin American culture of the neighborhood.
The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, including salsa clubs, merengue dance venues, and live Latin music events. Residents and visitors enjoy attending the Dominican Independence Day Parade, which is a city-wide event filled with music, dance, and cultural pride.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Bergenline Avenue’s Latin American Shops & Restaurants
- Salsa & Merengue Clubs
- Dominican Independence Day Parade
Victory Gardens
Victory Gardens is one of New Jersey’s smallest municipalities, but it has a strong Hispanic identity, with 74.9% of its population identifying as Hispanic, predominantly of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent. Despite its small size, Victory Gardens has a vibrant Latin American presence, shaping the town’s businesses, events, and cultural traditions.
The borough is primarily residential, offering affordable housing options for families and professionals. Many residents are drawn to Victory Gardens’ suburban charm, strong sense of community, and access to nearby commercial and business districts.
Local culture thrives through community-led street festivals, featuring Dominican merengue, bachata, and reggaeton performances. The town’s family-run bodegas, restaurants, and bakeries provide authentic Puerto Rican and Dominican flavors, from mofongo and arroz con gandules to pastelitos and chimichurris.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Community-Led Latin Festivals & Street Fairs
- Strong Dominican & Puerto Rican Presence
- Affordable Housing & Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Passaic
Passaic is one of New Jersey’s most culturally rich Hispanic cities, with 73.1% of its population identifying as Hispanic, primarily from Dominican, Peruvian, and Mexican backgrounds.
The real estate market in Passaic has been growing, with many residents opting for multi-family homes or rentals, making it a hot spot for newcomers. The city’s downtown district is packed with Peruvian rotisseries, Dominican bakeries, and Mexican street vendors, creating a bustling, Latin American-inspired atmosphere.
Passaic is home to the Annual Peruvian Festival, one of the biggest Peruvian cultural events in the state. The festival features traditional dances, Peruvian music, and authentic food, drawing thousands each year.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Annual Peruvian Festival
- Authentic Mexican Street Food Vendors
- Dominican & Peruvian-Owned Businesses
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Fairview
Fairview has a strong and growing Latin American presence, with 66.7% of its population identifying as Hispanic, primarily from Colombian and Dominican backgrounds. Nestled in Bergen County, Fairview is a bustling residential community known for its close-knit neighborhoods, diverse small businesses, and easy access to New York City.
The borough has seen a rise in new residents, particularly among families and professionals looking for affordable housing near the urban centers of Hudson County and Manhattan. The real estate market is composed mainly of single-family homes, multi-family residences, and low-rise apartment buildings, providing a range of options for new homebuyers and renters.
Fairview’s Hispanic culture is reflected in its food, businesses, and community events. The town is home to Colombian bakeries, Dominican restaurants, and Latin supermarkets, offering authentic cuisine such as bandeja paisa, sancocho, and empanadas. Throughout the year, residents celebrate their heritage with cultural festivals and parades, bringing the community together.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Authentic Colombian & Dominican Cuisine
- Strong Small Business & Latin Entrepreneurial Community
- Affordable Housing with Proximity to NYC
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is one of New Jersey’s most diverse and vibrant cities, with 65.7% of its population identifying as Hispanic. The city has a strong Puerto Rican, Colombian, and Dominican presence, which is reflected in its culinary scene, cultural events, and thriving local economy.
The real estate market in Elizabeth has been expanding, with a mix of new high-rise developments and historic neighborhoods offering affordable housing options for families and professionals. The city is home to a lively Latin music and dance scene, with local salsa and bachata clubs drawing visitors from across the region.
One of Elizabeth’s biggest events is the Hispanic Heritage Parade, which attracts thousands of attendees to celebrate Latino culture, music, and dance.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Hispanic Heritage Parade
- Latin Dance & Music Studios
- Diverse Latin American Cuisine
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Paterson
Paterson, also known as Silk City, has a deeply rooted Peruvian community, along with a significant Dominican and Puerto Rican presence, making it one of the most culturally significant Latino cities in the state, with 61.9% of its population identifying as Hispanic.
The city’s Market Street district is famous for its Peruvian restaurants and bakeries, serving up classics like lomo saltado, ceviche, and chicha morada. Each year, Paterson hosts Peru Fest, a massive celebration of Peruvian culture, heritage, and music, attracting visitors from all over the region.
Paterson’s real estate market is growing, with a mix of historic row houses, multi-family properties, and new developments bringing in new residents.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Peru Fest & Peruvian Independence Day Celebrations
- Market Street’s Peruvian Cuisine & Bakeries
- Hispanic-Led Small Business Districts
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Guttenberg
Guttenberg, one of the smallest yet most densely populated municipalities in the country, is home to a thriving Hispanic community, with 65.5% of its residents identifying as Hispanic. The town has a significant Cuban, Dominican, and Ecuadorian presence, making it a hidden gem for authentic Latin American cuisine and cultural experiences.
Despite its small size, Guttenberg boasts a lively commercial district, with Latin-owned businesses lining Bergenline Avenue, offering everything from bakeries and restaurants to clothing stores and botánicas. The real estate market has remained strong, with a mix of high-rise apartments and traditional row houses, making it an attractive location for those who want affordability near Manhattan.
Guttenberg residents participate in the Dominican Independence Day Parade, held in neighboring towns, and celebrate Latin heritage through music, dance, and food festivals.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Bergenline Avenue’s Latin American Shops & Restaurants
- Dominican & Cuban Cultural Festivals
- Strong Latin American Business Community
East Newark
East Newark, a small yet culturally rich borough, has a Hispanic population of 62.4%, with a strong Portuguese, Ecuadorian, and Peruvian influence. The borough’s family-oriented atmosphere and tight-knit community make it an attractive place to live for those who want a small-town feel with urban access.
The real estate market in East Newark has been steadily growing, with many young professionals and families moving in due to its affordability and accessibility to Newark and New York City. The borough features authentic Latin American and Portuguese eateries, with restaurants specializing in ceviche, picanha, and pupusas.
Annual events include Peruvian and Ecuadorian heritage celebrations, as well as local community events featuring traditional Latin music and dance.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Family-Owned Peruvian & Ecuadorian Restaurants
- Strong Portuguese & Latin American Influence
- Growing Real Estate Market for Young Families
Bridgeton
Bridgeton is a southern New Jersey city with a Hispanic population of 60.0%, largely made up of Mexican and Puerto Rican communities. Known for its rich agricultural history, the city has been a welcoming destination for Latino farmworkers and entrepreneurs who have established strong roots in the area.
The real estate market in Bridgeton remains affordable, with many residents choosing single-family homes or multi-unit properties. The city also boasts a growing small-business economy, with Latino-owned markets, bakeries, and restaurants serving dishes like tacos al pastor, tamales, and arroz con pollo.
Bridgeton hosts Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Puerto Rican parades, and cultural festivals that highlight the contributions of its Latino residents.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Cinco de Mayo & Puerto Rican Festivals
- Latin-Owned Markets & Restaurants
- Affordable Housing & Small-Business Growth
Prospect Park
Prospect Park is a diverse borough in Passaic County, with a Hispanic population of 58.9%, largely comprised of Dominican and Puerto Rican communities. The town has a small but strong economy, supported by Hispanic-owned businesses and local family-run shops.
The real estate market in Prospect Park has remained affordable, making it a popular option for first-time homebuyers and families. The borough’s community-oriented environment and safe neighborhoods make it a great place for those looking for suburban living with a Latin American flair.
Prospect Park celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with community festivals, live Latin music, and street fairs, bringing together residents to honor their cultures.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Hispanic Heritage Celebrations & Street Fairs
- Family-Owned Latin American Businesses
- Affordable Housing & Growing Latino Community
New Brunswick
New Brunswick, home to Rutgers University, has a Hispanic population of 56.8%, with strong Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican influences. The city is known for its diverse food scene, Latin American festivals, and vibrant student-led cultural events.
The real estate market in New Brunswick has been rapidly growing, with new high-rise apartments, student housing, and mixed-use developments bringing in young professionals and college students. The downtown area is filled with Latin American restaurants, mercados, and cultural hubs, making it a destination for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
One of New Brunswick’s biggest events is the Raritan River Festival, which includes Latino musical performances and celebrates the city’s diverse immigrant community. Rutgers University plays an active role in fostering Hispanic culture through Latino student organizations and outreach programs.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Raritan River Festival with Latin Music
- Diverse Latin American Restaurants & Markets
- Rutgers University’s Hispanic Heritage Initiatives
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Plainfield
Often referred to as the “Queen City,” has a Hispanic population of 54.6%, with Colombian, Puerto Rican, and Mexican communities shaping the city’s culture. Plainfield has seen significant economic growth, with new businesses, restaurants, and mixed-use developments revitalizing the downtown area.
The city has an affordable and competitive housing market, making it attractive for families and young professionals looking for suburban living with an urban vibe. The commercial district is bustling with Hispanic-owned businesses, including bakeries, dance studios, and specialty Latin American shops.
In Plainfield you’ll find Latin music and dance festivals, parades, and community celebrations, which bring residents together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Latin Music & Dance Festivals
- Hispanic-Owned Businesses & Restaurants
- Revitalized Downtown with Growing Latino Influence
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Conclusion: The Strength and Influence of New Jersey’s Latin Communities
New Jersey’s Latin-majority cities are dynamic, diverse, and deeply rooted in cultural pride, shaping the state’s social, economic, and artistic landscape. From Union City’s Cuban influence and Perth Amboy’s Puerto Rican heritage to Passaic’s thriving Peruvian community, these towns serve as vibrant cultural hubs where language, tradition, and entrepreneurship intersect. Their festivals, authentic cuisine, and family-owned businesses bring the spirit of Latin America to the heart of New Jersey, making these communities not just places to live, but places where culture thrives.
Beyond cultural contributions, these cities are economic powerhouses, with strong immigrant workforces, local businesses, and real estate markets attracting new residents and investors. Cities like Elizabeth and New Brunswick are becoming major business and transportation hubs. While smaller towns like Victory Gardens and Fairview continue to preserve their tight-knit Latin identities. The continued investment in education, community programs, and economic development ensures that these communities will flourish for generations to come. They will keep their heritage and contributions at the forefront of New Jersey’s evolving identity.