Area Code 862

Where Is Area Code 862?

Area code 862 is the area code for northern New Jersey. In 2001, area code 862 was created as an overlay of area code 973. Area code 862 is located in the Eastern Time Zone and covers Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, Passaic County, Sussex County, and Union County.

Newark is the most populous city in New Jersey and is the county seat of Essex County. Nicknamed “Gateway City,” Newark is one of the oldest European cities in the United States. Newark is a leading air, shipping, and rail hub and is the second most racially diverse city in New Jersey. With the Passaic River and the Newark Bay to the east, Newark’s waterfront is an essential part of the Port of New York and New Jersey. Newark alternates between a humid subtropical climate and a humid continental climate. Going back in history, Newark was settled in 1666 by Puritans from the New Haven Colony. They were looking to set up a Puritan theocracy, though this did not last long as new settlers came with different ideas. Newark was incorporated as a township in 1798 and then incorporated as a city in 1836. During the 19th century and early 20th century, Newark experienced tremendous industrial and population growth, however by the second half of the 20th century, Newark experienced racial tension and urban decline.

When it comes to the economy, Newark is New Jersey’s largest employment center; over 100,000 people commute to the city each workday. The majority of jobs are in insurance, finance, government, health-care, and import-export. Newark is home to over 1,000 law firms, is considered a college town, and is the third largest insurance center in the United States. Points of interest in the city include the Prudential Center, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Newark Museum, and the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Newark is home to the oldest county park in the United States, Branch Brook Park; the park contains the nation’s largest collection of cherry blossom trees. Annual festivals in the city include the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Portugal Day Festival, the McDonald’s Gospelfest, and the Lincoln Park Music Festival.

Paterson is located in northeastern New Jersey near waterfalls on the Passaic River and is the county seat of Passaic County. Paterson is nicknamed “Silk City” and is known as America’s first planned industrial city. Paterson has a humid continental climate, meaning hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. Going back in history, Paterson was founded in 1791 by the investment group known as the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures. Named for William Paterson, Paterson was incorporated as a township in 1831 and then incorporated as a city in 1851. When the industries in Paterson were first developed, they were powered by the Great Falls of the Passaic River and a system of water raceways. The end of the 19th century was Paterson’s most prosperous period because it was the time of silk production. In 1932, the city celebrated the opening of the Hinchliffe Stadium, a 10,000-seat stadium that served as the site for high school and professional athletic events. In 2011, the city was badly affected in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

Paterson has a population of 146,199 and the racial makeup of the city is 57.63% Hispanic, 34.68% White, 31.68% African American, and 3.34% Asian (2010 Census). Paterson has become a prime destination for Hispanic, Arab, and Muslim immigrants. Unfortunately Paterson’s high level of poverty, unemployment, and gang violence has led the city to be ranked among the top ten most dangerous cities in New Jersey. There are many neighborhoods in Paterson, with the most popular being the Great Falls Historic District and Downtown Paterson. Sections of Paterson are part of an urban enterprise zone; companies in this zone are free of certain taxes and restrictions. Points of interest in the city include the Great Falls National Historic Park, the Lambert Castle, and the Paterson Museum.

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