East Rutherford, New Jersey is a small borough located in Bergen County and is part of the larger New York City metropolitan area. It is situated on the Hackensack River and has a total population of 8,913 according to the 2010 census.
East Rutherford is bordered by the towns of Secaucus and Carlstadt to the north, Lyndhurst to the east, Rutherford and Wallington to the south, and North Arlington and Kearny to the west. The borough covers an area of 2.3 square miles with 1.7 square miles being land and 0.6 square miles being water.
The town’s terrain is relatively flat with a few hills in its southern region along its border with Rutherford. The Hackensack River runs through East Rutherford and provides ample recreational opportunities for locals such as fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching and more.
The climate in East Rutherford is classified as humid subtropical with hot summers and cold winters that bring occasional snowfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from around 25 degrees Fahrenheit in January to around 83 degrees Fahrenheit in July making it an ideal location for those looking for mild weather year round.
East Rutherford offers a unique mix of urban convenience along with suburban charm which makes it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike. From its diverse population to its vibrant economy there’s something for everyone here in this small but mighty borough.
History of East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford, New Jersey is a small borough located in Bergen County and is part of the larger New York City metropolitan area. It has a total population of 8,913 according to the 2010 census.
The history of East Rutherford can be traced back to the Lenni Lenape Native Americans who were the first inhabitants of the area. The Dutch were among the first Europeans to settle in East Rutherford, naming it Boiling Springs in 1640. The land was later purchased by William Sandford and Christopher Hopperd in 1710 and became known as Boiling Springs Township.
In 1871 Boiling Springs Township split into two separate townships—Rutherford and East Rutherford—with East Rutherford becoming an independent municipality in 1895. At this time it was primarily a farming community with its main industry being dairy farming.
In 1904 East Rutherford was incorporated as a borough and its population began to grow rapidly due to an influx of immigrants looking for employment opportunities at local factories such as American Chain & Cable Company, which opened its doors that same year.
In 1910 the first fire department was established and by 1930 East Rutherford had grown significantly with new developments such as apartment buildings, stores, churches, banks and more popping up throughout town.
East Rutherford continued to grow over the following decades with new businesses opening up along Route 17 which connected it to other nearby towns such as Lyndhurst and Secaucus. In recent years, there has been new development along Route 3 near MetLife Stadium which is home to both NFL teams—the New York Giants and New York Jets—as well as concerts and other events throughout the year.
Today, East Rutherford is a vibrant community filled with diverse people from all walks of life looking for an opportunity in this small yet mighty borough.
Economy of East Rutherford, New Jersey
According to act-test-centers, the economy of East Rutherford, New Jersey is largely driven by its proximity to the larger New York City metropolitan area. It is home to a variety of businesses ranging from small retail stores to large corporate companies. The borough is also home to two professional sports teams – the New York Giants and the New York Jets – as well as MetLife Stadium which hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.
The largest employer in East Rutherford is Quest Diagnostics, which has its headquarters in the borough and employs over 3,000 people. Other major employers include American Dream Meadowlands (the former Xanadu shopping center), Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley, and MetLife Stadium.
In recent years, East Rutherford has seen an influx of new businesses in technology, finance, and other industries due to its close proximity to Manhattan. Companies such as Amazon, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Microsoft have all opened offices in the borough in recent years.
East Rutherford also has a vibrant retail sector with stores such as Target, Best Buy, Walmart Supercenter, Home Depot, and Lowe’s located throughout town. There are also many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from around the world including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese and more.
The borough’s economy is further bolstered by its close proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport which provides easy access for business travelers and tourists alike. The airport also serves as a hub for cargo operations with several major airlines having operations there including UPS Airlines and Fedex Express.
All in all East Rutherford’s economy offers something for everyone with its mix of big companies providing jobs for locals as well as small businesses catering to tourists looking for something special during their stay.
Politics in East Rutherford, New Jersey
The politics of East Rutherford, New Jersey are largely influenced by its close proximity to the larger New York City metropolitan area. The borough is governed by an elected Mayor and six Council members who serve four-year terms. In addition, there is a Municipal Court Judge who hears cases related to municipal ordinances and state statutes.
The current mayor is James L. Cassella who was elected in 2013 and reelected in 2017. He is a member of the Democratic Party and his current term expires in 2021. The six council members are also elected at-large for four-year terms with three of them up for election every two years.
East Rutherford’s politics are generally considered to be centrist with the majority of local politicians being affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican party while some prefer to remain independent or belong to minor parties such as the Green Party and Libertarian Party.
In recent years, East Rutherford has seen an increase in voter turnout due to its close proximity to Manhattan and New Jersey’s early primary voting system which allows residents from all over the state to cast their ballots in local elections prior to their own district’s primary day. This has made it easier for citizens living outside of East Rutherford’s borders to participate in local politics as well.
East Rutherford is a politically diverse community that offers something for everyone no matter what your political leanings may be.