Target and Trader Joe's Are Coming to West Orange: What This Means for Home Values and Daily Life

If you're thinking about moving to West Orange, Bloomfield, or Montclair, you might be wondering what daily life actually looks like outside of the city. One of the biggest questions I get from NYC relocators is: "What's the shopping and dining scene like? Do I have to drive 20 minutes to get groceries?"

The answer is changing fast, and in a really good way. Two major retail developments in West Orange are reshaping the area and making Essex County more convenient than ever for residents. Let me walk through what's happening and why it matters for home values and your day-to-day life.

Target Opens at West Orange Plaza

A brand new 150,000-square-foot Target opened at West Orange Plaza (235 Prospect Avenue) on March 15, 2026. This is a big deal for anyone living in the area. The store took over the former Kmart space and brings the full Target experience: grocery, household essentials, clothing, electronics, and home goods all under one roof.

What makes this especially convenient is that Target offers drive-up and order pickup, so you can shop online and grab your items without getting out of your car. Same-day delivery through Shipt is also available. For NYC transplants who are used to having everything delivered, that continuity is a real plus.

Trader Joe's Is Coming to Mount Pleasant Plaza

Perhaps even more exciting for many relocators , Trader Joe's received planning board approval in February 2026 to open a new 18,767-square-foot store in Mount Pleasant Plaza, just a few minutes from West Orange Plaza. This will be one of the newest Trader Joe's locations in New Jersey, and it's a huge win for Essex County residents.

If you're moving from NYC, you already know what Trader Joe's means for grocery shopping: affordable prices on quality staples, excellent frozen food options, and that distinct Trader Joe's shopping experience. Having one within a 10-minute drive from most West Orange and Bloomfield neighborhoods is a serious quality-of-life upgrade.

More Than Just Big Box Stores

The West Orange Plaza redevelopment doesn't stop at Target and Trader Joe's. A Dogtopia pet daycare has already opened at the plaza, and Club Pilates is coming soon. These are the kinds of businesses that signal a community is growing and attracting new residents with disposable income.

Meanwhile, over in Montclair, new businesses continue to open along Bloomfield Avenue. Sardela, a Greek seafood restaurant, opened in May 2026. Hummus Republic, a Mediterranean fast-casual spot, opened at 412 Bloomfield Avenue. A new gelato shop has also opened, and Jackie's Grillette is expanding. You can find the full rundown in my summer 2026 new businesses roundup.

What I love about this is that Essex County is becoming more self-sufficient. You don't have to drive to Newark or the Mall at Short Hills for every errand. The dining, shopping, and services are increasingly right here.

What This Means for Home Values

This is the part that matters to buyers and sellers alike. Convenient retail and dining options directly impact property values. Towns with walkable or short-drive access to grocery stores, restaurants, and services tend to appreciate faster and attract more buyers.

In West Orange specifically, new retail development adds to an already strong package: good schools, Eagle Rock Reservation, the free commuter jitney to the train station, and now a modern shopping plaza. As I've written in my West Orange real estate guide, homes in West Orange typically range from $600K for a townhouse or starter home to well over $1M for single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods like Pleasantdale, Gregory, and Eagle Rock.

New retail development tends to have a ripple effect. When a Target or Trader Joe's opens in an area, it often signals that national retailers see long-term growth potential in the community. That can attract more businesses, create jobs, and increase demand for housing. For homeowners, that's generally good news for property values.

How Does This Compare to Bloomfield and Montclair?

Each of these towns has its own retail character. Montclair has the most walkable downtown with its three shopping districts , Montclair Center, Upper Montclair, and South End. You can find everything from indie bookstores to boutique clothing shops to fine dining, all within walking distance of many homes. I covered this in detail in my Montclair shopping guide.

Bloomfield has a more traditional downtown with a mix of local businesses, plus easy access to the same West Orange Plaza and nearby retail corridors. Bloomfield's affordability , with homes typically starting around $625K+ , makes it particularly attractive for first-time buyers who still want convenient access to shopping and dining.

West Orange has historically been more residential, with residents driving to nearby towns for major shopping. The Target and Trader Joe's openings change that equation significantly. Now West Orange has its own retail anchor, which makes the town even more appealing for families and professionals who want convenience close to home.

What About Traffic and Parking?

I'll be honest with you , more retail does mean more traffic. Prospect Avenue can get busy, especially during peak hours and weekends. But the West Orange Plaza has ample parking, and the drive-up and pickup options at Target mean you can avoid the crowds if you plan ahead.

For most residents, the convenience of having a Target and Trader Joe's within a 5-10 minute drive far outweighs the occasional traffic. And if you're coming from NYC, the traffic here is nothing compared to what you're used to dealing with.

The Bottom Line

West Orange is becoming an even stronger choice for NYC relocators, and the new retail developments are a big part of that story. Whether you're looking at a condo in the $500K range or a single-family home in the $800K-$1.2M range, the area's growing amenities make it an increasingly attractive place to put down roots.

If you want to explore homes near the new West Orange Plaza or anywhere else in Essex County, I'd love to help. Schedule a time to chat and I'll walk you through what's available and what you can expect in the current market.

Talk soon,

Sorelle