Living in Bloomfield 2026 Guide

An Insider's Guide to Bloomfield, NJ

Nestled right alongside Montclair, Glen Ridge, and Nutley, Bloomfield offers a suburban rhythm without giving up metropolitan convenience. Well-built houses, abundant parks, a well-attended library, and a bustling walkable downtown - all at a price that's more accessible than its neighbors, while still delivering strong value appreciation. The Bloomfield Center Alliance's $150K Transformation Grant from the state is fueling downtown improvements, and the township adopted a comprehensive 2025 Master Plan in April 2025 with improvements to Bloomfield Center, community facilities, and road safety policies. The Royal at Bloomfield Station - a 224-unit mixed-use development with retail and a municipal parking garage - is now open and leasing, bringing new energy and foot traffic to the downtown core. Rombiolo Bakery earned a spot on the "Best Bakery in Each State" list, and new dining spots continue to arrive on Broad Street and Glenwood Avenue. Single-family homes in good condition consistently attract strong demand and routinely sell at or above list price (Redfin's 07003 sale-to-list ratio reads near 106%, hot homes about 13% above list). The township entered a partnership with the Main Street New Jersey Program in 2026 to bolster local business development, and The Salty Cow Sandwich Society (73 Park Avenue) is among the newest arrivals. Recent dining additions include Manouche + Co (Mediterranean and Lebanese, 176 Broad Street) and Mambo Cuban Restaurant + Lounge (412 Bloomfield Avenue), which held its grand opening September 17, 2026 with Cuban plates and cocktails. Varitage Brew Works (58 Washington Street), the township's first microbrewery, keeps the craft-beer scene local, and a new apartment building at 110 Washington Street adds to the residential wave downtown. The well-reviewed Bukhara Grill, an Indian restaurant with over 40 years of history known for tandoori and North-West Frontier-style cooking, is coming to 380 Broad Street in Bloomfield (opening date not yet confirmed). Ladyfinger's Bakery + Bar (1109 Broad Street) has closed, joining sister spot The Brookdale (1099 Broad Street), which closed in April 2026. Median sale prices settled near ~$619K on Redfin's 07003 ZIP page (September 2025 reporting period, down 3.6% year over year), with a more recent market-trends snapshot holding the median nearer ~$665K-$668K, a reminder that the exact number depends on the window and property mix. Over-list selling is still the throughline: Redfin's sale-to-list ratio reads near 106% (homes averaging about 6% above list, hot homes about 13% above list; the more recent read is 108.7%-110%). Average days on market runs about 60 days (up from 23 a year earlier), with roughly 7 offers per home, and Redfin counted 108 homes sold in the ZIP in September (up from 104 a year earlier). Budget for the sale price, not the list price.

Architectural styles range from classic craftsman bungalows and early-twentieth-century colonials to Dutch split-levels and new-construction apartments near the train stations. With Brookdale Park and Watsessing Park right in town, this town has a sense of place that's hard to replicate.

Bloomfield's Neighborhoods

What Homes Actually Sell For

List prices are a strategy, not a ceiling. The Bloomfield market remains competitive. Per Redfin's 07003 ZIP page, the median sale price reads about $619K (down 3.6% year over year, September 2025 reporting period; median price per square foot around $403), with average days on market around 60 days (up from 23 a year earlier), roughly 7 offers per home, and a sale-to-list ratio near 106% (homes typically selling about 6% above asking, with hot homes running about 13% above list). A more recent Redfin market-trends snapshot holds the median nearer $665K-$668K with a sale-to-list ratio around 108.7%-110%, so the exact number moves with the reporting window and property mix. Redfin counted 108 homes sold in the 07003 ZIP in September (up from 104 a year earlier). Inventory: Movoto lists about 122 active 07003 listings with 12 new arrivals (May 2025), and Zillow shows roughly 82-92 active homes for sale. The 07003 market stays competitive, and well-priced, move-in-ready single-family homes near the train and parks routinely attract multiple offers and sell at or above asking. The broader Essex County condo and townhome market offers a more accessible entry point for first-time buyers, but Bloomfield's single-family segment rewards prepared, decisive buyers.

Source: Redfin 07003 ZIP housing market, Zillow 07003 homes for sale, and Movoto 07003 market trends, accessed October 26, 2026. Figures reflect public market data as reported by each source and change frequently.

Getting to NYC from Bloomfield

Two NJ Transit stations on the Montclair-Boonton Line put Manhattan well under 40 minutes away. NJ Transit is advancing the roughly $48 million rehabilitation of Bloomfield Station: the $4.73 million design and construction-support contract was approved by the NJ Transit Board in 2023, and the project cleared the NJ Historic Sites Council in October 2024. Planned work includes new high-level accessible platform surfaces, canopy rehabilitation, and improved pedestrian tunnel accessibility - a major long-term upgrade once construction begins, so expect periodic station-area construction and schedule adjustments. Note the upcoming ramp in disruption: NJ Transit and Amtrak confirmed the Portal North Bridge second-track cutover runs from Sunday, October 11 through Saturday, November 14, 2026, when weekday Montclair-Boonton trains (Bloomfield's line) will be diverted to Hoboken for about five weeks, so morning commuters should check NJ Transit advisories and plan PATH, ferry, or bus alternatives through mid-November. New timetables take effect November 14 and full service is expected to resume November 15 pending safety testing. The good news is the new bridge is finally here: the Portal North Bridge carried its ceremonial first train on March 12, 2026, and the first track entered passenger service the next day after the spring cutover (February 15 - March 15) wrapped on schedule, with a rider-built RerouteNJ tool helping commuters plan around the disruptions. Meanwhile, the township's first phase of the 2025 Roadway Improvement Program is underway, and Bloomfield has applied for NJDOT Safe Streets to Transit grants to improve pedestrian access to both stations.

NJ Transit and DeCamp buses also offer direct coach service to the Port Authority. See our NJ Transit & Commute Guide for the full breakdown.

Parks, Dining & Schools

What's New (2025–2026)

• Late-October 2026 snapshot: This page was refreshed with the latest research on October 26, 2026. Redfin's 07003 ZIP page reads the median sale price about $619K (down 3.6% year over year, September 2025 reporting period), with a more recent market-trends snapshot holding the median nearer $665K-$668K. The sale-to-list ratio reads near 106% (homes averaging about 6% above list, hot homes about 13% above list; the more recent read is 108.7%-110%), average days on market runs about 60 days (up from 23 a year earlier), roughly 7 offers per home, and Redfin counted 108 homes sold in the ZIP in September (up from 104 a year earlier). Inventory: Movoto lists about 122 active 07003 listings with 12 new arrivals, and Zillow shows roughly 82-92 active homes. Over-asking selling remains the norm. NJ Transit and Amtrak confirmed the Portal North Bridge final-phase cutover runs Sunday, October 11 through Saturday, November 14, 2026; new Montclair-Boonton Line timetables take effect November 14 and regular service is slated to resume November 15 pending safety testing. NJ Transit also continues to advance the roughly $48 million rehabilitation of Bloomfield Station (the $4.7M design and construction-support contract was approved in 2023), with high-level accessible platforms, canopy rehabilitation, and pedestrian tunnel updates planned. The Broad Street bridge construction project remains on track per township officials, and NJ Transit launched its new 'Transit to Trails' program connecting riders to parks. On the schools side, the Board of Education approved its 2026-27 district goals in September 2026 and named Jennifer Coleman the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year, and alumnus Robert Longo '72 donated $100,000 to the Bloomfield Education Foundation for Bloomfield High arts programs, steady signs of a district managing a tighter budget while keeping its NJ Department of Education 'High Performing' designation. The township also received $480K to replace lead water pipes, and the Halcyon Pond restoration project is advancing to improve water quality. This weekend brought two new community events: the inaugural Bloomfield Arts Crawl debuted Friday, October 9, 2026, and the Bloomfield Center Alliance's Harvest Fest returned Saturday, October 10, 2026 on Washington Street (between Glenwood Avenue and Farrand Street) with music, food, and family activities. Downtown keeps building: in October, developer Paul Butler pitched the fourth and final phase of his Bloomfield Center apartment project at Bloomfield Avenue and Gabb Road, a five-story building with 214 apartments, a public dog park, and roughly $4 million in public road and streetscape improvements, following his earlier Heirloom Flats project that reshaped the town core. A fresh research pass on October 26, 2026 confirms the same throughline: the median sale price reads about $619K (Redfin 07003 ZIP page, September 2025 reporting period) to ~$665K-$668K (the more recent snapshot), homes average roughly 6% above list (Redfin's sale-to-list ratio near 106%, hot homes about 13% above list), and over-asking selling remains the norm. Budget for the sale price, not the list price. New on the business roster: Kitchen Tune Up (1285 Broad Street, Unit 2) opened in 2026, and Niche's current district read is B+ (3.96/5, #119 in New Jersey). Budget for the sale price, not the list price.
• Fresh research pass (October 26, 2026): A new licensed dispensary, A-Z Supply, began daily retail operations at 1283 Broad Street on October 14, 2026, open 10 AM to 10 PM daily and adding another active tenant to Bloomfield's Broad Street cannabis corridor (we covered the opening here). On the schools side, students have started publicly pushing for a later 7:45 AM start at Bloomfield High, covered by Montclair Local in August 2026, a sign of the community weighing in on the school day as the district manages a tighter budget. And the freshest Redfin 07003 trend line reads about $664.8K for September 2026, up roughly 6.6% year over year, so the throughline holds: Bloomfield homes still sell over list. Budget for the sale price, not the list price.
• 23 Skiddoo Cafe closes, Watsessing corner at a crossroads (October 2026): 23 Skiddoo Cafe, the Watsessing coffeehouse that anchored a small strip of storefronts since June 2018, closed suddenly on Wednesday, October 7, one day after the Planning Board voted 6-0 to approve a subdivision at 37-39 Carteret Street next door that clears the way to demolish the longtime one-story corner store (dating to 1926) and build two single-family homes. The cafe's owner has confirmed the permanent closure, with a farewell weekend set for Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, and neighbors held a "Watsessing Speaks" town hall on October 18, covered by News 12 NJ, to make the case for keeping the corner commercial. The good news for dessert fans: 23 Skiddoo Gelato at 27 Carteret Street remains open Wednesday through Sunday. For buyers, it is a reminder that Watsessing is a neighborhood in transition, with development decisions like this one shaping what the streets feel like over the next decade.
• New dining keeps arriving (2026): Beyond Manouche + Co, Mambo Cuban, and The Salty Cow, the downtown roster keeps growing. NJ Monthly's April 2026 restaurant roundup spotlighted Fanny's Restaurant & Bar, and recent newcomers on Broad Street and Bloomfield Avenue include Ju-Ichi Japanese Restaurant, Sardela, Clementina, Aahar, Monte Pizzeria, Hearth & Honey, and Grill Hub (per Yelp's 2026 new-restaurant listings; a few of these may sit just over the town line, so confirm the address before you go). Bukhara Grill remains confirmed at 380 Broad Street with the opening date still to be announced.
• Downtown keeps building (October 2026): Developer Paul Butler pitched the fourth and final phase of his Bloomfield Center apartment project at Bloomfield Avenue and Gabb Road: a five-story building with 214 apartments, a public dog park, and roughly $4 million in public road and streetscape improvements. It follows his earlier Heirloom Flats project that reshaped the town core, and a new apartment building at 110 Washington Street adds to the residential wave. Varitage Brew Works (58 Washington Street), Bloomfield's first microbrewery, continues to anchor the downtown scene and was highlighted in a fall 2026 downtown guide alongside the Harvest Fest street fair.
• Recreation grants expand programming (July 2026): Bloomfield was awarded two state grants totaling $137,600 to expand recreational, educational, and wellness programming for older adults and residents with special needs, including free, accessible programming and food for older residents on fixed incomes. The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs department also published its Fall 2026 program guide (with a Spanish edition) and opened registration for children's nature and skill-building classes in September.
• November 3, 2026 election ahead: Bloomfield voters head to the polls November 3 for town council and school board seats. The township also continues its lead pipe replacement work (funded in part by a $480K state allocation) and the Halcyon Pond restoration project, which is advancing to improve water quality in the pond.
• Late-September 2026 market update: The freshest Redfin 07003 read holds the median sale price near $619K (down ~3.6% year over year), with the market described as 'very competitive' and homes averaging about 7 offers. Homes sell for about 6% above list on average, with hot homes reaching roughly 13% above list. Redfin recorded 108 homes sold in its latest reported month. Median days on market reads about 60 days (Redfin's method counts from original listing date; 23 days a year earlier), and Zillow counts roughly 41 single-family homes for sale in the ZIP. Single-family homes in good condition realistically start around $625K. Budget for the sale price, not the list price.
• October 2026 market read, multiple sources: Redfin's 07003 ZIP page reads the median at ~$619K (September 2025 reporting period, down 3.6% year over year) with a more recent snapshot holding ~$665K-$668K and a sale-to-list ratio near 108.7%-110%, Movoto lists about 122 active 07003 listings with 12 new arrivals, and Zillow shows roughly 82-92 active homes, so the exact number depends on the window, but the throughline holds: a single-family home in good condition in Bloomfield sells over list. Budget for the sale price, not the list price.
• BHS expands college access (2026-27): Bloomfield High School partnered with the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON) to bring top-tier college courses to students, and the district launched new aftercare offerings for the 2026-27 school year. It is one more sign of a district investing in opportunity even while managing a tighter budget.
• Portal North Bridge final-phase cutover announced (September 17, 2026): Amtrak and NJ Transit formally announced the final phase of Portal North Bridge construction, transferring the last track off the 116-year-old swing bridge. Starting around October 9-11, 2026, service is reduced for roughly five weeks, and weekday Montclair-Boonton trains (Bloomfield's line) run to and from Hoboken instead of Penn Station. Adjusted schedules were released September 18; full service is expected to resume by mid-November. The new fixed bridge itself has been carrying trains since March 2026.
• 2026-27 school year underway (September 2026): Bloomfield Public Schools opened the 2026-27 year on September 2, 2026, with a 'Welcome Back, Bloomfield' message from the district and a September Community Update from the new superintendent. The district keeps its NJ Department of Education 'High Performing' designation, and Bloomfield High remains ranked #19 in Essex County on Niche 2026 with a 95% graduation rate.
• 2026 Bloomfield Service Award (September 15, 2026): The township presented its 2026 Bloomfield Service Award to the Tice Family, recognizing years of community service, at a ceremony in mid-September as the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs department wrapped its 'Summer of Fun' season.
• Bukhara Grill confirmed at 380 Broad Street: The Indian restaurant with 40+ years of history, known for tandoori kebabs, Dal Bukhara, and North-West Frontier-inspired cooking, is coming to 380 Broad Street in Bloomfield. As of late September 2026 the opening date is still to be announced, but the address is confirmed.
• Home Improvement Program launches (September 2026): Bloomfield launched its Home Improvement Program in mid-September 2026, offering eligible homeowners up to $25,000 toward repairs, funded through the Township's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, with applications opening October 6, 2026. If you are preparing an older home for market, it is worth asking whether this program fits your timeline. I covered it in detail on the blog: Bloomfield's forgivable home improvement loans.
• Portal North Bridge opens (March 2026): The new bridge carried its ceremonial first train on March 12, 2026, and the first track entered passenger service the next day after the spring cutover (February 15 - March 15) finished on schedule. When the second-track cutover completes in November, the 116-year-old swing bridge is permanently retired and the line moves past a century of bottleneck delays. A rider-built web tool called RerouteNJ helped commuters plan around the disruptions.
• Bukhara Grill announced for Bloomfield: An Indian restaurant with more than 40 years of history, known for tandoori kebabs, dal, and North-West Frontier-inspired cooking, has been announced for Bloomfield, but as of late 2026 it has not yet opened and no opening date has been confirmed.
• Portal North Bridge cutover window confirmed: The second-track cutover is locked in for Sunday, October 11 through Saturday, November 14, 2026. For about five weeks, weekday Montclair-Boonton trains run to and from Hoboken instead of Penn Station (weekend Midtown Direct trains keep serving Penn), with extra PATH service and cross-honoring as alternatives. Service between Newark and Secaucus is cut roughly in half during the work. After the cutover, the 116-year-old swing bridge is permanently retired.
• School ratings refresh (2026): Beyond the headline rankings, Public School Review rates Bloomfield's district testing performance 5/10 for 2026, with Oak View Elementary its top school at 10/10 and Brookdale and Franklin elementaries also ranking well, while SchoolDigger scored Bloomfield High at 48.8 (3 stars, 205 of 434 NJ high schools) for 2025, up from 45.1 in 2024, a steady upward trend. The NJ Department of Education's "High Performing" designation for the district still stands.
• 2025 Master Plan adopted (April 2025): Bloomfield Planning Board adopted a comprehensive master plan covering improvements to Bloomfield Center, community facility upgrades, and road safety policies - a roadmap for the township's next decade. The plan won the 2025 Achievement in Planning Award from New Jersey Planning Officials in October 2025, recognizing the extensive community engagement process including public sessions, surveys, and stakeholder meetings.
• 2025-2029 Township Strategic Plan adopted: Bloomfield adopted its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan in early 2026, focusing on vibrant lifestyle improvements, stronger relationships with local businesses, enhanced community and cultural events, and improved senior services - nearly 600 new customers at Senior Services in 2025 and the relaunch of the Friendship Club.
• The Royal at Bloomfield Station now open: The 224-unit mixed-use development (210 rental apartments + 14 townhomes) with 7,000 sq ft of retail space and a municipal parking garage opened in 2024 and is actively leasing. It's the third phase of a major downtown redevelopment plan, bringing new residents and foot traffic to the train station area.
• Bloomfield Center Alliance earns $150K grant: The NJ Department of Community Affairs awarded a Transformation Grant in summer 2025 for downtown improvements - website enhancements, pedestrian accessibility, and mixed-use development support.
• New dining & coffee: Bacchanal Junction (Caribbean fusion), Grill & Greens (Mediterranean on Glenwood Ave, formerly Rumi), Forum Coffee (300 Glenwood Ave, opened December 2025), Every Day Grind Coffee Company (59 Washington St.), and WNB Factory (Washington St.) have added to the downtown dining scene since 2024.
• Rombiolo Bakery named best in NJ: Broughton Avenue's own Rombiolo Bakery Café was named one of the "Absolute Best Bakeries in Each State" (November 2025) - a proud local distinction.
• Station renovation progressing: The $4.73M Bloomfield Station upgrade cleared its historic review hurdle in October 2024. The project will modernize platforms, canopies, and the pedestrian tunnel once construction begins.
• Pitt Street Parking Lot renovated (Sept 2025): Ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated lot featuring sustainable infrastructure - part of broader downtown improvements.
• Oakeside Cultural Center expands: New senior programming launched in December 2024 at the Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center, adding to the township's community offerings.
• Roadway improvements underway: The first phase of Bloomfield's 2025 Roadway Improvement Program began in 2025, with additional projects planned through fall.
• The Brookdale closes after six years: The modern American restaurant at 1099 Broad Street announced its closure in April 2026. The space is expected to draw new interest from restaurateurs.
• Watsessing Park renovation completed: Essex County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 12, 2026, reopening the ~$2.7M upgraded park with new aquatic-themed playground equipment, an improved spray park, and synthetic turf for the soccer/lacrosse field. The project (which broke ground in October 2025) was funded through Green Acres Program grants, with additional improvements continuing through 2026. In November 2025, the Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy planted 20 new trees in the park, continuing community-driven beautification efforts.
• Essex County Free Summer Music Series fills the parks (2026): Brookdale Park hosted the county's free summer concert series through July and August, with a July 1 season opener and fireworks spectacular, plus jazz, classic-rock tributes, and Motown nights. Watsessing Park added its own free soul-music concert on July 8, keeping the town's outdoor programming alive through the warm months.
• Bloomfield partners with Greener Bloomfield & PSEG for sustainability: In summer 2025, Bloomfield partnered with Greener Bloomfield and the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies at Montclair State University on an innovative community sustainability project, aligning with the township's Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification achievement highlighted in Mayor Mundell's 2026 State of the Township address.
• New businesses & dining: Every Day Grind Coffee Company (59 Washington St) opened in 2025, offering a locally owned coffee shop option. WNB Factory also opened on Washington Street. Bacio Nero Bloomfield (Italian café at 302 Glenwood Ave) opened as the chain's first US location but has since closed. The downtown dining scene continues to diversify.
• School improvements and budget updates: Bond-funded wellness center, expanded preschool (Bloomin' West), and infrastructure upgrades across the district. Bloomfield High School ranked #19 in Best Public High Schools in Essex County on Niche 2026, with a 3.87/5 rating and a 95% graduation rate. BHS also jumped nearly 100 spots in statewide NJ rankings over two years, now ranked #209 Best Public High Schools in NJ on Niche 2026 (up from #209/#147 range, now in the top 10% statewide). District rated B+ on Niche (3.96/5 district-wide, #12 in Essex County, #119 in New Jersey). The 2026–2027 budget was approved in April 2026 with a tax increase and staff reductions. New superintendent Joseph Fleres was announced in March 2026.
• Essex-Hudson Greenway: Bloomfield is one of eight towns along the nine-mile Essex-Hudson Greenway that broke ground in July 2025. The linear park will convert an abandoned rail line into a recreational trail connecting Montclair to Jersey City, with the first ~1-mile stretch in Newark expected to open by end of 2026. An Action + Vision Plan was shared in February 2026. Full completion is planned over 8–10 years.
• Essex County parks investment: Bloomfield is among the Essex County towns receiving part of a $108 million state allocation for parks and playgrounds in densely populated areas.
• Q2 2026 market update: The Garden State MLS Q2 2026 report shows Bloomfield's sale-to-list ratio rose from 104% to 113% (13% over asking). Nancy Chu Homes Q2 2026 report puts the Bloomfield single-family median at $725K. Correctly priced listings now go under contract in as few as 17 days. The median list is ~$582K–$589K with a median sale around $619K across all property types. The spring buyer pool came off the sidelines in force. Individual sales have reached 27–34% above list price.
• September 2026 market update: The Redfin 07003 read for August 2026 shows a median sale price near $668K with a sale-to-list ratio of roughly 110% - homes are selling about 10% above asking. Recent monthly medians have ranged from ~$635K (July) to ~$690K (June) to ~$668K (August), so the exact number moves month to month but over-list selling does not. Movoto counts roughly 96-128 active listings in town with about 20 new listings each month. Median days on market for sold homes runs about 22 days (17-21 per Movoto). The market remains 'very competitive' (73/100, 7 offers average). Bloomfield continues to reward prepared buyers - budget for the sale price, not the list price.
• Bloomfield High School climbs nearly 100 spots in NJ rankings: Bloomfield High School jumped nearly 100 spots in statewide NJ rankings over the past two years, now ranked #209 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey on Niche 2026. Joseph Fleres was named the district's next superintendent in March 2026.
• Traffic signal safety upgrades: Two busy intersections Franklin St./Berkeley Ave. and Franklin St./Watsessing Ave. received new traffic signals, LED lights, GPS-synced equipment, and improved signage as part of Essex County upgrades completed by July 2026.
• Ampere Parkway Improvement Program authorized: Bloomfield Township authorized the Ampere Parkway Improvement Program (Resolution R26 03-1) in 2026, funded by a 2025 NJDOT Local Aid Grant (Resolution R26 03-2). The project includes traffic signal upgrades, stormwater improvements, and drainage work on this key corridor.
• Arbor Day tree planting & Earth Day cleanup: The township launched an Arbor Day Tree Planting Initiative in May 2026, alongside a township-wide Earth Day cleanup that drew 125+ volunteers. Mayor Mundell's 2026 State of the Township highlighted expanded parks maintenance including Historic Town Green, Brookside Park, Millbank Park, and Lion Gate Park.
• Adaptive fitness & expanded recreation programming: Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs expanded programming in 2026 to include adaptive fitness, creative arts programs, and social activities with reduced financial barriers for families, broadening access to community recreation.
• Transit survey results published: Bloomfield's 2026 Resident Transit Survey highlighted strong demand for ADA-accessible train stations, restored weekend bus/train service, more late-night trains, and fewer cancellations. The survey results are informing the township's transit advocacy priorities.
• Sweet Bliss by Liss opens: A new nut-free bakery, Sweet Bliss by Liss, opened at 5 Sunset Avenue on October 25, 2025 (TAPinto covered the opening in November 2025), a welcome addition for families with food allergies and anyone with a sweet tooth.
• Bloomfield shuttle adjusted for Portal North Bridge construction: The township's shuttle bus schedule was adjusted in February 2026 to align with NJ Transit's modified train schedule during the Portal North Bridge construction project.
• $137,600 in state grants awarded (July 2026): Bloomfield secured two state grants from the NJ Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities and the NJ Department of Community Affairs to expand recreational, educational, and wellness programs for older adults and residents with special needs strengthening the community's support infrastructure.
• Lackawanna Transit Station Improvement Project advancing: Bloomfield passed Resolution R26 1-15 in early 2026 to advance the broader Lackawanna Transit Station Improvement Project, targeting the historic station and twelve surrounding roadway intersections in the Bloomfield Center District. NJ Transit continues to advance design and construction of the $4.73M Bloomfield Station modernization, which cleared Historical Sites Council approval in October 2024.
• Bloomfield Center Sidewalk Sale returns April 2026: The annual downtown event returned featuring over 20 existing businesses with sidewalk deals, family activities, and community gathering highlighting a thriving local business district despite some restaurant transitions.
• State of the Township 2026: Mayor Jenny Mundell highlighted progress on public spaces, the Municipal Youth Advisory Committee, and Bloomfield achieving Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification in her May 2026 address.
• Downtown redevelopment plan: A new plan envisions a 6-story, 80-foot building with up to 180 residential units near the Six Points intersection. As of August 2026, the township is seeking a developer for its Town Center, with conceptual plans for hundreds of homes, retail, restaurants, and roughly 825 parking spaces. Bloomfield also partnered with Main Street New Jersey for downtown support.
• Mambo Cuban Restaurant + Lounge opens: The Cuban restaurant and lounge at 412 Bloomfield Avenue celebrated its grand opening in 2026, adding Cuban plates, cocktails, and music to the growing Bloomfield dining scene.
• PSE&G Phase Two underway: PSE&G infrastructure project Phase Two began on Jersey Street and Park Avenue in January 2026, continuing utility upgrades.
• Community Garden program expands: The 2026 Community Garden season opened with February registration part of the township's growing recreational programming.
• Volunteer Greenway cleanup: 50 volunteers participated in a cleanup event at the future Essex-Hudson Greenway site in Bloomfield, as the public voted on a new official name for the state park in June 2026.
• Bloomfield's 2026 'Summer of Fun': The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department launched its 2026 programming with events at Foley Field and across the township.
• Mid-2026 market update: The July 2026 median sold price settled around $577K (seasonal summer cooling), while June 2026 was ~$617K. The Q1 2026 median sale-to-list ratio was ~104%, with homes selling 4-12% above asking. The market scores 73/100 on Redfin's competitiveness scale with 7 offers average per home. Median days on market runs 17-21 days per Movoto (down from 24 the prior year), though Redfin's average across all property types shows ~60 days. More inventory in summer 2026 gives buyers slightly more selection than a year ago.
• Bus stop eliminated on Route 72 (May 2026): NJ Transit eliminated a bus stop on Route 72 at Broad Street southbound at Carol Place, effective May 20, 2026. Commuters relying on that stop should check NJ Transit's updated route maps.
• NJ Transit fares rise 3% (July 1, 2026): NJ Transit implemented its second straight annual 3% system-wide fare increase, affecting rail and bus connections from Bloomfield for local commuters.
• Bloomfield approves $152M school budget with 24 staff cuts (2026-27): The Board of Education approved a $152M total budget (local levy $89.4M) for the 2026-27 school year after losing $1.5M in state aid. The budget cuts 24 staff positions through a reduction in force and freezes salaries for non-unionized staff. The local school tax levy rose 4.97%. The 2026-2027 school year starts September 2 with 180 instructional days. The district also faces a 3% funding cut under the 2026-27 state budget proposed by Governor Sherrill.
• Municipal budget passes with 12.1% tax increase (July 31, 2026): The Township Council approved a $114.5M municipal budget with a 12.1% increase in the municipal portion of the property tax levy - approximately $589 more per household annually (about $49/month for the average home assessed at $355,263). The budget passed 5-2 (yes: Mundell, Gonzalez, Cruz, Charris Tabares, Fischman; no: Toler-Phillips, Joanow). The township reduced operating expenses by approximately $1.04M through non-layoff cost controls. It's a significant increase that buyers and current homeowners should factor into their monthly planning.
• Mayor Mundell announces re-election campaign: Mayor Jenny Mundell announced her campaign for re-election in summer 2026, highlighting progress on public spaces, the Municipal Youth Advisory Committee, Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification, and the township's strategic plan achievements.
• Watsessing Park $1.7M upgrades continue: Additional improvements at Watsessing Park include new shade structures, benches, and walking paths, building on the major renovation completed in May 2026.
• Greenway naming vote: Residents were invited to vote on the official name for New Jersey's newest state park the nine-mile Greenway along the former rail corridor that passes through Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, and Belleville.
• The Salty Cow Sandwich Society opens: A new sandwich shop, The Salty Cow Sandwich Society, held its grand opening on April 9, 2026, at 73 Park Avenue, offering breakfast wraps, signature sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
• Leo's Footprint opens: A high-end sneaker and streetwear shop opened in Bloomfield in spring 2026, adding a fresh retail option for collectors and sneakerheads in the downtown corridor (Patch, April 2026).
• Portal North Bridge second-track cutover (October 2026): Starting Sunday, October 11, 2026, crews shift the second and final track onto the new fixed span, triggering about five weeks of NJ Transit schedule reductions. Weekday Montclair-Boonton trains (Bloomfield's line) will be diverted to Hoboken instead of Penn Station, so riders should plan around PATH, ferry, or bus alternatives and watch NJ Transit advisories through mid-November. The old swing bridge is then permanently retired.
• $2M state appropriation for Bloomfield programs: The FY2026 state budget signed in July 2025 delivered $2 million to Bloomfield for a comprehensive pedestrian safety initiative, public health programming, expanded senior transportation and social services, and youth mental health programs in schools.
• Manouche + Co opens on Broad Street: The Mediterranean and Lebanese eatery at 176 Broad Street is now open Tuesday-Sunday (11am-9pm), adding halal Mediterranean fare to the downtown dining roster.
• Ladyfinger's Bakery + Bar closes: Ladyfinger's Bakery + Bar (1109 Broad Street) has closed its doors, following sister concept The Brookdale, which closed in April 2026 after six years.
• New superintendent named: Joseph Fleres was announced as the next Bloomfield Schools superintendent in March 2026, taking the mantle for the district's leadership.
• Bloomfield High School Class of 2026 graduates: The district celebrated the BHS Class of 2026 graduation on June 16, 2026, and held its annual Education Celebration on June 10, 2026 honoring dedicated staff.
• State aid cut looms: Bloomfield schools face a 3% funding cut under the 2026-27 state budget proposed by Governor Mikie Sherrill, adding to the district's financial pressures as it manages costs.
• Shuttle adjusted for Portal North Bridge construction: The township's shuttle bus schedule was adjusted in February 2026 to align with NJ Transit's modified train schedule during the Portal North Bridge construction project, ensuring continued service connections.
• Class of 2026 celebrates graduation: Bloomfield High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 on June 16, the culmination of a year that saw BHS jump in statewide rankings.
• Hometown Arcade opens: A new arcade bar, Hometown Arcade, opened at 85 Washington Street in November 2024, adding a fun nightlife and social destination to the downtown corridor for all ages.
• Bloomfield leads Essex County in cannabis retail: Bloomfield now has six cannabis dispensaries operating as of May 2026, more than any other Essex County town. The growing retail cannabis sector is generating significant tax revenue for the township while drawing visitors from neighboring communities.
• 23 Skiddoo Cafe Gelato opens: The team behind the popular 23 Skiddoo Cafe opened a new gelato shop in Bloomfield with a soft opening in early September 2025, adding to the town's growing dessert scene.
• Food Truck Wednesdays & church clock restoration (2026): Food Truck Wednesdays returned to Bloomfield Center in spring 2026, and restoration work continues on the historic Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green's clock and chimes, keeping the downtown humming through the summer.
• Mid-2026 market update: The July 2026 median sold price settled around $577K (reflecting seasonal summer cooling), while June 2026 was ~$617K. The Q1 2026 median sale-to-list ratio was ~104%, with homes selling 4-12% above asking. Median days on market dropped to 17-21 days (down from 24 the year prior). Individual sales show a wide range -- 46 Summit Ave sold 30% above list, 3 Collins Ave sold 27% above list, and 95 Parkway E sold 18% above list. The market scores 73/100 on Redfin's competitiveness scale with 7 offers average per home. The summer of 2026 brought more inventory than the prior year, giving buyers slightly more breathing room, but move-in-ready single-family homes in good condition still command premiums above $625K+.
• Bloomfield High School ranked #209 Best Public High Schools in NJ: BHS jumped nearly 100 spots in statewide NJ rankings over two years and is now ranked #209 Best Public High Schools in New Jersey on Niche 2026, and ranked #19 in Essex County with a 95% graduation rate. The district overall is rated B+ on Niche (3.96/5, #12 in Essex County).
• Community Garden program expands: The 2026 Community Garden season opened with February registration, part of the township's growing recreational programming. The township also launched adaptive fitness, creative arts programs, and social activities with reduced financial barriers for families.
• Greenway active construction: The Essex-Hudson Greenway continues to take shape. The first ~1-mile stretch in Newark (Branch Brook Park Drive to Broadway) is expected to open by end of 2026. Foundations are being excavated, rebar set, and concrete poured. A public naming vote was held in June 2026. The Greenway will pass through Bloomfield as part of the Greenway West section, providing a 100-foot-wide multi-use trail with green space and improved connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Main Street New Jersey partnership: Bloomfield partnered with the Main Street New Jersey Program to support local businesses and attract new investments to the downtown corridor, strengthening the township's commitment to economic development.
• Q2 2026 TAPinto market report: According to TAPinto Bloomfield (July 25, 2026), home prices rose 5% year-over-year in Q2 2026 with 124 total home sales and a median of 34 days on market. Agency on the Ave data shows an average sale price of $706K with an average sale-to-list ratio of ~112% (12% over asking) across a rolling period.
• NJ Transit schedule changes (May 31, 2026): NJ Transit implemented system-wide schedule adjustments on the Montclair-Boonton Line affecting Bloomfield commuters, including modified departure times and added/removed stops. The Portal Bridge cutover (Feb 15 - Mar 15, 2026) caused significant service disruptions. Community discussions in May 2026 centered on expanding weekend service, though NJ Transit indicated funding constraints remain a challenge.
• Bloomfield Avenue traffic safety study (2026): Essex County selected Colliers Engineering to design safety and signal improvements along the Bloomfield Avenue (C.R. 506) corridor, targeting 12 signalized intersections through the NJTPA Highway Safety Improvement Program. The project aims to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow along this key corridor connecting Bloomfield to Montclair and Newark.
• Late August 2026 market update: NJ.com reported 13 residential sales in Bloomfield during the first half of August (Aug 3-16, 2026), with an average sale price of $636,846 and average price per square foot of $417. The median list price sits around $599K (Movoto, mid-August 2026). Median days on market stands at 21 days, a 12% decrease from August 2025 indicating continued strong demand. Bloomfield's market continues to reward prepared buyers -- the median sale price lands around $577K-$617K depending on the month, with single-family homes in good condition starting at $625K+. Sale-to-list ratios run 104-110%, and correctly priced properties still move fast. More inventory than the prior year gives some breathing room, but move-in-ready homes near the train and parks still command strong premiums. The Montclair-Boonton Line's 30-minute commute and walkable downtown make Bloomfield a steady draw for NYC-area buyers watching the budget.
• Bloomfield Children's Library renovation underway (2026): Construction is proceeding on the historic building at 90 Broad Street, which will become the Bloomfield Children's Library. The renovation will transform this community landmark into a dedicated children's literacy and programming space, further strengthening the township's already well-regarded public library system.
• Liberty Place condos at 660 Bloomfield Ave listed: New construction condominiums at Liberty Place (660 Bloomfield Ave) hit the market in mid-2026, offering a new downtown living option in Bloomfield Center. The development adds to the growing inventory of modern residences near the train station and downtown core.
• The Royal at 620 Bloomfield Ave on the market for sale: The 199-unit luxury rental building at 620 Bloomfield Ave -- a separate project from The Royal at Bloomfield Station -- was put on the market for sale by its developer in mid-2026, signaling strong investor confidence in Bloomfield's downtown rental market.
• RISE Dispensaries opens (January 2026): Green Thumb Industries opened NJ's 23rd dispensary location at 26-48 Bloomfield Ave. Bloomfield now has six operating cannabis retailers -- the most of any Essex County town -- and collected roughly $787,431 in cannabis tax revenue, a growing source of township income.
• Bloomfield schools named a 'High Performing' district: The New Jersey Department of Education recognized Bloomfield Schools as a "High Performing" School District in 2026. Bloomfield High School moved to #202 in New Jersey and #5,151 nationally on U.S. News & World Report's 2026-2027 rankings.
• New superintendent officially takes over: Joseph Fleres, formerly Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, assumed the role of superintendent on July 1, 2026 -- stepping in during a difficult budget year marked by roughly $3.1M in state aid cuts. Outgoing superintendent Salvatore Goncalves was named the 2026 NJAEL Educational Leader of the Year in April 2026.
• Bloomfield Station accessibility project advances: NJ Transit moved forward on its roughly $4.7M station modernization -- high-level accessible platforms, canopy structures, station building and pedestrian tunnel rehabilitation -- funded in part with $48M in state Debt Defeasance funds, after clearing state historic-preservation review.
• Resident Transit Survey results (February 2026): Roughly 78% of Bloomfield respondents asked for more consistent weekend, early-morning and late-night Montclair-Boonton service. Results were combined with Montclair and Glen Ridge surveys to urge NJ Transit to expand weekend trains to hourly service.
• Greenway first phase targeted for 2027: Construction is underway on the first ~1-mile section of the nine-mile Greenway state park in Newark, now expected to open in 2027. The public naming vote for the park wrapped up in June 2026, and Bloomfield's 'Greenway West' section continues to take shape.
• Bloomfield Center Master Redevelopment ('Six Points'): The township is advancing a downtown master redevelopment plan to re-envision the Six Points intersection as a pedestrian-friendly hub, building on the 2025 Master Plan and Main Street New Jersey partnership.

If You Liked...

Nearby