Hillside is a township in Union County, New Jersey, beside Newark and the Essex County line.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Confusion starts because Hillside sits beside Newark and touches the Essex County boundary. For anyone checking what county Hillside, NJ is in, the correct answer is Union County, not Essex County.
That distinction matters when searching property records, choosing county offices, completing forms, or sorting local travel plans. Hillside is a separate New Jersey township with its own municipal government, while Union County handles county-level functions and regional records.
Where Is Hillside Within Union County?
Hillside occupies the northeastern edge of Union County. Essex County lies to its north and east, Elizabeth is southeast, and Union Township is southwest.
Hillside’s position explains why Newark often appears in nearby searches. Newark sits across the county line in Essex County, while Hillside remains under Union County jurisdiction. The two communities meet along the border, so a short local trip can cross from one county into another without a clear visual break.
A County of Union municipal profile states that U.S. Route 22 passes through Hillside. The road links local streets with Newark and other parts of northern New Jersey, which is another reason maps and business listings may mix nearby place names.
Hillside County And Location Facts
Hillside’s official county is Union County, and the township covers 2.77 square miles. The facts below separate the municipality, county, postal area, and nearby boundaries.
| Location Detail | Hillside Fact | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Government form | Township | Hillside runs its own municipal services |
| County | Union County | Use for county records and offices |
| County seat | Elizabeth | Many county offices are based there |
| ZIP code | 07205 | Standard Hillside postal code |
| County position | Northeastern Union County | Beside the Essex County line |
| Land area | 2.77 square miles | A compact, densely settled township |
| 2020 Census count | 22,456 residents | The official decennial population |
| 2025 Census estimate | 22,860 residents | The latest annual federal estimate |
| Main regional road | U.S. Route 22 | Connects Hillside with nearby cities |
Is Hillside Part Of Newark?
No. Hillside is not a neighborhood of Newark; Hillside is an incorporated township in Union County, while Newark is a city in Essex County.
Hillside and Newark share a municipal border, and Route 22 runs through both communities. That geography can cause hotel, business, delivery, and map results to group the places together. A Hillside street address should still use Hillside, NJ 07205 unless the address owner or postal record gives a different approved format.
The same distinction applies to public records. Searches for Hillside deeds, county offices, or county court information should start with Union County rather than Essex County. Routine Newark city services are not the municipal provider for Hillside addresses.
Why Union County Matters For Records And Services
The county name tells you which county-level agencies and databases to use. Hillside municipal matters stay with the township, while county functions run through Union County.
The official Hillside government overview identifies the township as part of Union County and explains its municipal structure. That description is a reliable source when a form, directory, or map creates doubt about the county.
A useful division of responsibilities is:
- Property deeds and recorded land documents generally point to the Union County Clerk.
- County election, human-service, and public-safety programs point to the relevant Union County office.
- Permits, local taxes, municipal bills, police, recreation, and township meetings point to the Township of Hillside.
- Court matters depend on the case type, so use the named court or agency on the notice rather than guessing from the mailing address.
A Hillside mailing address does not decide which office handles every task. The county answer narrows the search, then the subject of the request determines whether the township, county, state, or federal government is responsible.
Getting To Hillside And Nearby Areas
Hillside’s road position makes Newark, Elizabeth, and Union Township close by, but drivers may cross a county line during an ordinary local trip. U.S. Route 22 is the main regional road through the township.
Interstate 78 and Newark Liberty International Airport are nearby, while the most practical route depends on traffic and the exact Hillside address. Visitors using public transit should search the full street address rather than only the town name, since stops and walking distances vary across the township.
For a taxi or rideshare, enter the full address and 07205 ZIP code. Selecting a nearby Newark business with a similar name can send the driver to Essex County instead of Union County.
A Base Near Hillside For A Visit
Overnight visitors should compare Hillside with nearby Newark and Elizabeth because the closest room may sit outside the township. Choose by exact address, parking needs, airport access, and the side of Route 22 you need.
A map makes the municipal boundaries and nearby lodging choices easier to compare:
Read the city line before paying. A listing described as near Hillside may be located in Newark, Elizabeth, or Union Township, which can change the drive, parking arrangement, and county shown on the address.
Use The Correct County On Forms And Searches
Use Union County whenever a form, database, or office asks for the county attached to a Hillside, New Jersey address. Use Hillside as the municipality and 07205 as the standard ZIP code for the township.
- Mailing or application form: Hillside, NJ 07205, Union County.
- Property or deed search: Start with Union County records.
- Local permit or municipal bill: Start with the Township of Hillside.
- County program or county office: Choose the matching Union County department.
- Newark search result: Verify the street, municipality, ZIP code, and county before acting.
The practical rule is direct: Hillside borders Essex County and Newark, but Hillside belongs to Union County.
References & Sources
- Township of Hillside.“Our Government.”Confirms that Hillside is a township in Union County and describes its municipal government.