History

The Lenni Lenape Indians gave this land its name. One of the earliest written versions of the name in 1708 called it Parames. Later it was referred to as Perampsus. Experts on the Lenni Lenape language say that Perampsus means literally "where there is worthwhile or fertile land". Where there was fertile land, maize or corn was grown and wild turkeys were also found in abundance. Thus, the meaning of Paramus . . . "A fertile land where corn was grown attracting wild turkeys".

On April 4, 1922, the Borough was incorporated. It is a residential community and a retail center for the surrounding region. Located here are several large retail shopping malls and a community college.

Paramus occupies 10.573 square miles, 6,767 acres. It is the second largest among 70 municipalities in Bergen County.

There are over 7,892 homes in Paramus, of which 401 + are two or more unit structures. Minimum lot size is 75' x 125'. Homes range from $150,000 to $750,000. The population of Paramus is approximately 25,100. Median household income as of 1989 is $58,995 compared to the county average of $49,249. Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990.

Paramus is in the center of Bergen County and lies astride Rt. 4, Rt. 17 and the Garden State Parkway; Exits 165 and 163 South; Exits 161,163 and 165 North. Surrounding towns are Ridgewood, Washington Twp., Rochelle Park, Maywood, Emerson, Oradell, River Edge and Fair Lawn. New York City is approximately 13 1/2 miles away.

Total businesses in Paramus is approximately 2,200.