The city began to see a decline during the 1960s and 1970s which was due to several factors. One, many industries during this time began moving to the Midwest, at the same time, many African Americans were moving into the city from the south. Factories were closing at the same time African Americans moving in looking for employment. Many white residents began leaving the city due to the declining economy. The opening of malls in nearby Paramus and Wayne also took away significant business from the city's downtown shopping district.
With a crippling economy and high unemployment rate, Paterson was becoming a ghetto. During the 1980s, crime increased significantly in the city. Crime rates dropped in the 1990s, but still remains high. There are many current efforts underway to help revive the city. Despite the city's bad reputation, high crime rates, and poverty, there are a lot of places and things to do in this city. The city is very diverse and contains a very high population of Hispanics of all nationalities, African Americans, Italian Americans, and Arabs. There are numerous parks, ethnic places to eat, shop, hang out, and to see.
There are also a numerous number of night clubs in Paterson catering to the hip hop and latino communities. Though some of these clubs run illegally. It is best to stay with legitimate clubs in Downtown Paterson. Like many large cities, Paterson is broken into many sections.
'''Great Falls District''' These is the district in which the Great Falls and Paterson Museum is located. This section is just west of Downtown and is near I-80. Though the area has fallen on to hard times as jobs from the mills moved out, The falls is now a State Park, and there are many plans to revive the area.
'''Downtown Paterson''' This is the main commercial area of the city. The Paterson Bus Station is located on Broadway. The Paterson Train Station is located on Market St. Through this isn't the shopping mecca that it once was, many people still flock to the Downtown Area to buy clothes, items, and various goods. Paterson City Hall, The Passaic County Court House Annex, and various buildings are architectural landmarks that are relics of Paterson's Golden Age. There is a Little Italy subsection on and near Cianci St. That have many Italian shops, clubs, and food store. Also, a "Little Lima" subsection is on Market St., just west of City Hall. It is home to one of the largest Peruvian sections in the nation. Many Peruvian restaurants that serve cebiche (Peruvian sushi) and chifa (Chinese Peruvian food) are located on Market. The City Center Project is underway, and is planned for commercial space, shopping mall, and first movie theatre in years. Center City will be completed in about 2 years.
'''EastSide Park''' Located in the city's 3rd Ward, EastSide Park is known for it's mansions and colonial style homes. The park it self is where many Patersonians come to enjoy the nature and large homes that were once home to Paterson's rich and political leaders. Due to Paterson's population turn, This area was once home to many Jewish families. There is still a massive synagogue on E. 33rd St., that is also a landmark in the city.
'''Manor Section''' Is a quiet tree line area of Paterson, that is located near Eastside Park. North of Broadway and Southwest of Route 22. This is in the city's 3rd Ward.
'''South Paterson''' Located in the city's 6th ward, South Paterson is just south of 1-80 and North of the city of Clifton. This is a thriving Arab area that is said to be home to the second largest percentage of Arab population in the country, behind Dearborn, Mich. Many restaurants that offer falafel, gyros, pitas, and many other types of Arab cuisine. Shops, and retail stores are located on Main Street. There is also a large Spanish population in that area along Main Street, and Railroad Ave. St. Joseph's Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the state, is one Main St.
'''LakeView''' Located in the cities 6th ward, this is a quiet middle class area that is east of South Paterson and south of the Eastside. Paterson's Farmers Market, one of the largest in New Jersey, is located on and near Railroad Ave. It is an area where residents and visitors alike buy fresh produce and meat from the many shops and markets.
'''Hillcrest''' located in the 2nd ward, This is a middle class to lower middle-class area near Totowa, NJ. Union Ave., and Chamberland Ave., are main streets for this area. West Side Park is located in this area.
'''People's Park''' Located near 21st Ave (South of Market St. North of 23rd Ave) is a major Spanish and Italian neighborhood. Restaurants, shops and all types of business are located in this section. One can enjoy Columbian, Peruvian, Dominican, or Italian foods by simply walking down or near 21st Ave.
'''Wrigley Park''' A mostly African-American section that is known to many Patersonians as simply "Fourth Ward" this is one of the poorest areas in Paterson. Broadway, Madison Ave, 12th Ave, Hamilton Ave, have been known to be not safe at times, crime and drugs are known are frequent through out this section. Crime has dropped in recent years, but it is still one of the most dangerous sections of an already quiet dangerous city.
'''Sandy Hill''' Located in the cities 5th ward, this is a mostly Dominican section of Paterson. Le Fe Restaurant is one of the most popular through out the city.
'''North Side''' A mostly African-American and Latino section, The North Side suffer from the same effects as Wrigly Park. This section has many hills that offer views of Manhattan on a clear sunny day. This area is located on the city's 1st Ward.
'''Totowa Section''' Located on and near Union Ave., near the North Side, this a mostly Spanish area with a rising Bengali population. Shops and restaurants are located on Union Ave. This section is in the city's 1st and 2nd ward.
'''Stoney Road''' Located near the falls and downtown, this is Paterson's most south-west section. It is home to the Lou Costello Pool which is packed during the summer. Also, Pennington Park and Hayden Heights. Murry Ave, and McBride Ave, are main streets in this section. This area still retains a strong Italian presence. This section is in the city's 2nd Ward.
'''Riverside''' One of Paterson's largest section by area, This area is bound by the Passaic River which separates the city from Fair Lawn and Hawthorne. This area can go from being quiet and middle class, to urban and industrial in some parts. Madison Ave is the main street for this area. This area is home to many Spanish and African-Americans. As well as a sizable white community. This area is in the city's 3rd and 4th Ward.
'''EastSide''' Is another large area of Paterson. Mostly made up of smaller districts (One will call Wrigly Park, Sandy Hill or parts of Riverside, and Eastside Park "Eastside") Eastside is a section to itself. Located north of South Paterson and Lakeview, east of downtown and west of the Passaic River. This is mostly a working class to middle class section of the city.