Parsippany-Troy Hills is a vibrant township in Morris County, NJ with a small town feel just minutes from New York City. This family-friendly community blends top-notch schools, diverse neighborhoods, bucolic parks, and abundant amenities into a beloved place to call home.
Population
According to the 2020 census, Parsippany-Troy Hills has a population of 53,238 residents. The population density is 2,719 people per square mile.
Parsippany has grown rapidly since the 1960s, transforming from a rural farming area into a commuter suburb. The population is ethnically diverse, with 62% white, 9% Black, 22% Asian, and 24% Hispanic residents.
Over 20% of the population is under 18 years old, while seniors over 65 make up just 15% of residents. The median age is 40.5 years old.
History
Parsippany takes its name from the Lenape Native American sub-tribe that inhabited the area. Parsippany means “the place where the river winds through the valley.”
Europeans first settled the area in 1722. By the late 1800s, Parsippany was home to several successful dairy farms supplying milk to nearby NYC.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township was incorporated in 1958 through the merger of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and Parsippany-Troy Hills Borough. It adopted the slogan “The Crossroads of New Jersey.”
Historic sites include the Parsippany Methodist Church, Dey Mansion, and several old farmhouses. Lake Parsippany covers the footprint of a former mining town called Beverwyck.
Quality of Life
Parsippany offers residents an outstanding quality of life. Abundant parks and preserved open space give it a peaceful, small town feel despite the proximity to NYC. The Morris County Park System maintains over 3,000 acres of parkland in Parsippany.
Air pollution averages 9% lower than statewide levels. Commute times clock in around 30 minutes. The violent crime rate is less than 1 incident per 1,000 residents.
Parsippany frequently tops rankings of the best places to live in New Jersey thanks to its beautiful setting, low taxes, and family-friendly vibe.
Healthcare
Parsippany residents have excellent access to high quality healthcare. Morristown Medical Center, a 649-bed regional hospital, provides comprehensive services from the ER to cancer treatment.
Outpatient care abounds with urgent care centers, imaging centers, private practices, and medical specialists conveniently located throughout the township.
Key health metrics demonstrate the community’s wellness. Life expectancy averages 79.5 years. Just 63% of adults are overweight or obese, compared to 65% statewide.
However, Parsippany fares worse when it comes to excessive drinking, with 21% of adults reporting binge or heavy drinking versus 18% statewide.
Safety
Parsippany-Troy Hills is consistently ranked one of the safest places in New Jersey. The total crime rate is just 8% of the national average. Violent crimes are rare at just 79 incidents per 100,000 people annually.
The Parsippany Police Department helps maintain the low crime rate through community policing initiatives. Neighborhood watches supplement the police presence.
Traffic safety is also superb – the rate of motor vehicle crash deaths is less than half the national average. Pedestrian safety initiatives further protect residents.
Transportation
Parsippany enjoys excellent transportation connectivity. Interstate 80, 287, and Route 46 pass through the township, enabling convenient regional access by car.
NJ Transit’s Morristown Line stops at the Parsippany station, with direct train service to NYC’s Penn Station. Lakeland Bus Lines connects to NYC as well.
Local roads are well maintained. Sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes promote safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Lake Parsippany hosts public docks for boaters. Nearby Morristown Airport offers charter flights and aviation services.
Shopping and Dining
Parsippany gives shoppers over 4 million square feet of retail space in shopping centers and along commercial corridors. Notable areas include Route 46, Littleton Road, and Smith Road.
National chains mix with independent boutiques and restaurants. The area boasts over 200 eateries ranging from diners to high-end dining. Nearby Morris County offers even more shopping and restaurants.
For outdoor markets, don’t miss the Parsippany Farmers’ Market and Flea Market. Asian and international grocery stores cater to the diverse population.
Education
The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District provides quality public education from pre-K through 12th grade. Over 9,000 students are enrolled across 16 schools. Parsippany High School is ranked among the top 20 NJ high schools.
Higher education options include County College of Morris, a renowned community college, and Seton Hall University’s nearby campus.
Adult residents can also take advantage of the Parsippany Library System’s two branches and diverse programming for all ages. Museums like the Morris County Historical Society educate through exhibits and events.
Points of Interest
- Lake Parsippany – This 200-acre lake offers swimming, boating, fishing, and pleasant lakefront trails.
- Morristown National Historical Park – Parsippany is right next to Morristown, home to this Revolutionary War site with museum exhibits and reenactments.
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge – Excellent birdwatching and hiking can be found at this 8,000+ acre wetland preserve nearby.
- TD Bank Ballpark – The home field of the New Jersey Jackals minor league baseball team provides family-friendly entertainment.
- Bowcraft Amusement Park – Rides, games, go-karts, and entertainment make Bowcraft a beloved local institution since 1946.
- Hunan Taste Chinese Restaurant – This critically acclaimed Parsippany mainstay serves incredible Szechuan fare that draws diners from around the state.
With excellent schools, amenities, safety, natural beauty and convenience, Parsippany offers an outstanding quality of life sure to delight residents. It’s easy to see why this North Jersey township remains much-loved by generations of families.