The Pakistani Community in New Jersey
New Jersey’s Pakistani community is one of the oldest and most established in the US. The state has a Pakistani population estimated at 50,000–80,000, concentrated in:
Edison — The unofficial capital of South Asian New Jersey. Oak Tree Road in Edison is arguably more “desi” than many neighbourhoods in major Pakistani cities in terms of sheer density of Pakistani and Indian-owned businesses. You’ll find fabric shops, boutiques, jewellery stores, Pakistani restaurants, halal supermarkets, and more, all within walking distance of each other.
Woodbridge — Adjacent to Edison, with significant Pakistani residential communities and shopping infrastructure extending along the Route 1 corridor.
Parsippany — A large Pakistani presence, particularly among professional families. Excellent community infrastructure including mosques and Pakistani cultural associations.
Iselin — Part of the Edison–Woodbridge belt, with substantial South Asian retail and community presence.
Piscataway — A younger, university-adjacent community, often with Pakistani families connected to Rutgers University.
This is not a community tucked away in an enclave — it’s a well-established, multigenerational diaspora with significant economic and cultural infrastructure. Which is why NJ genuinely outperforms NYC for Pakistani fashion.