Clifton is fine. Lots of shops and restaurants there, two really nice libraries, and a thriving, diverse community. A lot of South Asian families have moved there, so there's some really great food options.

Passaic is fine. Very Latino, and also very Orthodox Jewish, so again, some really solid food options. Some beautiful houses, lots of great restaurants, and Third Ward Park, with its little lake, is gorgeous.

Paterson, on the whole, is also fine. Some of the best restaurants in North Jersey are in Paterson, especially if you want Middle Eastern or Caribbean food. I eat in Paterson all the time.

I'm instantly wary of anyone who says Clifton, Passaic, and even Paterson are bad. What they really mean is "not white." I've had no problem shopping and dining in these places, and I've never felt unsafe driving through them at night. Get a fucking grip.