Passaic is a compact city in southeastern Passaic County along the Passaic River. It developed as a major textile and manufacturing center, and former industrial buildings remain part of the city’s landscape. Main Avenue is the principal commercial corridor, serving dense residential neighborhoods and a diverse collection of local businesses. Route 21 runs along the river and connects Passaic with Paterson, Newark, and other communities, while Routes 3 and 46 provide access to the broader region. The city borders Clifton, Garfield, Wallington, and East Rutherford, placing it close to Bergen County and the Meadowlands. Passaic contains numerous apartment buildings, schools, parks, houses of worship, and neighborhood shopping districts within a relatively small area, giving it a distinctly urban character. Local institutions remain closely woven into neighborhood life.