So, you're looking for the Fairfield NJ zip code. It's 07004. Simple, right? Well, not exactly. If you’ve ever tried to mail a package to a business on Route 46 or tried to figure out why your GPS is sending you toward West Caldwell when you clearly put in Fairfield, you know this little corner of Essex County is a logistical puzzle.
07004.
That’s the magic number. But the reality of living, working, or shipping in this area is way more chaotic than a five-digit string suggests. Fairfield is basically a giant rectangle of commerce and suburban pockets tucked into the Passaic River basin, and its identity is constantly being swallowed or confused by its neighbors.
What’s Actually Inside the 07004 Boundary?
People think Fairfield is just another Jersey suburb. It isn’t. Unlike nearby Montclair or Verona, which have those cute, walkable downtowns with overpriced lattes, Fairfield is the engine room of Essex County. We're talking about a massive industrial base. Honestly, if you look at a map of the Fairfield NJ zip code, you'll notice that a huge chunk of it is taken up by the Essex County Airport (KCDW) and endless rows of low-slung corporate parks.
It’s weirdly spread out. You have the residential side, where the houses are tucked away in quiet, leafy cul-de-sacs, and then you have the heavy-duty commercial zones. This creates a strange tax situation. Because there are so many businesses packed into 07004, the residential property taxes have historically stayed a bit more manageable than in the surrounding "Gold Coast" towns. It’s a trade-off. You get lower taxes, but you’re living in a town where the local "main drag" is essentially a highway.
Most folks don't realize that Fairfield is actually one of the least densely populated towns in Essex County. That sounds fake because of the traffic on Route 46, but it's true. Most of the land is used for industry or is part of the floodplains. When the Passaic River decides to get rowdy, 07004 is often the first place to feel it.
The Great Zip Code Identity Crisis
Here is where it gets annoying for residents. The Fairfield NJ zip code shares a lot of "vibes" with North Caldwell and West Caldwell. In fact, if you’re standing on the border, your mail might say Fairfield but your kids go to a school district shared with the Caldwells. It’s a regionalized system. The West Essex Regional School District serves Fairfield, North Caldwell, Roseland, and Essex Fells.
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This leads to the "Where do you actually live?" conversation.
If you tell someone from out of state you live in Fairfield, they think of the town in Connecticut. If you tell someone from Jersey, they ask if you mean the one near the Meadowlands (there isn't one, they're thinking of East Rutherford). Using 07004 is the only way to be specific.
And don't even get me started on the commercial addresses. A lot of businesses along the border will list their address as "Caldwell" because it sounds more "residential-prestigious," even though their taxes are going to Fairfield and their zip code is 07004. It’s a total branding move.
Logistics, Floods, and the 07004 Reality
If you are moving here or setting up a business, you have to talk about the water. The Passaic River is the lifeblood and the curse of the Fairfield NJ zip code.
Large portions of the town sit in a flood basin. This isn't just "the basement gets damp" kind of flooding. This is "Route 46 is now a lake" kind of flooding. Before you sign a lease or buy a home in 07004, you absolutely have to check the FEMA flood maps. Specifically, look at the areas near Two Bridges Road.
- Check the elevation certificate.
- Ask about the 2011 Irene levels.
- Look for high-water marks on older commercial buildings.
Seriously, the local government has spent years trying to mitigate this, but Mother Nature is stubborn. The upside? The ground is incredibly fertile, which is why you see spots like the Fairfield Garden Center thriving. The downside? You might need a kayak to get to the Willowbrook Mall once every decade.
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Why 07004 is a Business Powerhouse
Why does everyone want to be in the Fairfield NJ zip code? Location.
You’re sitting at the intersection of Route 46, Route 23, and I-80. It’s a distribution dream. That’s why companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals and various aerospace firms have set up shop here. You can get a truck to Manhattan in 30 minutes (if the Lincoln Tunnel isn't a parking lot) or out to Pennsylvania in an hour.
It's also why the Essex County Airport is such a big deal. It’s one of the busiest general aviation airports in the state. If you’re a corporate exec or a hobbyist pilot, 07004 is your home base. The noise? You get used to it. It’s the sound of industry, I guess.
Local Life Beyond the Warehouses
It’s not all trucks and planes. If you find yourself in the Fairfield NJ zip code for a day, there are spots you can't miss that define the local culture.
- The Diner Scene: You aren't in Jersey if you aren't arguing about diners. The Nevada Diner on Route 46 is a landmark. It’s massive. It’s shiny. It serves a cheesecake that could probably be used as a structural foundation.
- Cricket Hill Brewing: Tucked away in one of those industrial parks I mentioned. It’s one of the oldest craft breweries in the state. It’s the perfect example of how Fairfield hides its best spots in plain sight.
- The Parks: Believe it or not, there’s greenery. Liberty Park offers a break from the asphalt.
The lifestyle here is "productive." People in 07004 are usually doing something—moving goods, flying planes, commuting to the city. It’s a town that works.
Addressing the "Fairfield vs. The World" Confusion
A common mistake? Confusing Fairfield with "Fairfield Township" down in Cumberland County. That’s about two hours south. If you’re putting 07004 into your GPS, make sure it says "Fairfield, Essex County."
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I once saw a delivery driver try to drop off a pallet of industrial equipment at a farm in South Jersey because they just typed "Fairfield" and picked the first result. Use the zip code. Every time.
Practical Steps for Living or Working in 07004
If you're dealing with the Fairfield NJ zip code, stop treating it like a standard suburb.
First, if you're a business owner, lean into the 07004 designation for your logistics. Carriers love this zip code because it's so close to major sorting hubs.
Second, if you're a resident, get involved with the West Essex regional discussions. Since Fairfield shares so many services with the Caldwells, what happens in those towns affects your property value and your kids' education directly.
Third, monitor the Passaic River gauges. The USGS maintains a station at Little Falls, which is the best indicator for when the Fairfield floodplains are going to get swampy.
Finally, recognize that 07004 is a hybrid. It's half industrial powerhouse, half quiet residential retreat. Navigating it requires understanding that these two worlds live right next to each other. Don't be surprised when a multi-million dollar corporate HQ is just down the street from a house with a swing set. That's just Fairfield.
Check your flood insurance, enjoy the lower tax rate compared to Newark or Montclair, and always, always double-check your GPS. 07004 is a tiny zip code that punches way above its weight class.