Bloomfield, New Jersey
An energetic, diverse town pairing highly walkable neighborhoods and direct-to-Manhattan rail with historic homes, real community, and some of the best value in Essex County.
Best value in Essex County – charming single-family homes from $625K+ with direct NYC train access (30–35 min to Penn Station). Condos and townhomes from ~$385K.
Diverse & walkable – vibrant downtown, two major parks (Brookdale & Watsessing), and a real community feel.
Pricing reality – Homes sell above list (median list ~$582K–$589K, per Movoto July 2026; Nancy Chu Q2 2026 SF median $725K). Single-family in good condition start at $625K+. Bloomfield's Q2 2026 sale-to-list ratio rose to 112% (12% over asking), with 7 offers average. Downtown homes sell at 5.3%+ over list, reaching 11–13% over asking. Correctly priced listings go under contract in as few as 17 days (Q2 2026). Budget for the sale price, not the list price.
Ideal for – first-time buyers, NYC relocators, and young families wanting community without stretching the budget.
An Insider's Guide to Bloomfield, NJ
Nestled right alongside Montclair, Glen Ridge, and Nutley, Bloomfield offers a genuine, community-centric suburban rhythm without giving up metropolitan convenience. Charming 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 sell above list price – expect to pay $625K+ with homes routinely selling 8%+ over asking.
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
Brookdale
The crown jewel. Tree-shaded streets, craftsman bungalows, and colonials beside the 121-acre Brookdale Park. Strong neighborhood pride, quiet residential feel, and easy highway access.
Watsessing
Anchored by the 69-acre Olmsted-designed Watsessing Park with playground, bandstand, and walking trails. Tight-knit, family-forward vibe with a direct-line train station to Penn Station.
Bloomfield Center
The heartbeat. Coffee houses, international dining, craft breweries, and independent shops line Broad Street and Bloomfield Avenue. Real small-town-main-street energy.
Upper Bloomfield & Demarest
Quieter streets, slightly larger lots, and well-maintained mid-century colonials. Great for buyers who want Bloomfield's schools with a more suburban feel.
Silver Lake
An under-the-radar pocket with more affordable entry points – ideal for first-time buyers watching their budget while accessing Bloomfield's services and schools.
What Homes Actually Sell For
List prices are a strategy, not a ceiling. The Bloomfield market has intensified significantly through 2026. The median list price ranges from $582K–$589K (Movoto, July 2026), with a median sale price of about $619K (Redfin). However, the Nancy Chu Homes Q2 2026 Essex County Market Report pegs the Bloomfield single-family median at $725K – a sharp upward trend reflecting growing competition for move-in-ready homes. The Q2 2026 market report shows Bloomfield's sale-to-list ratio rose from 104% to 112% (12% over asking on average) a significant increase in competition. Downtown Bloomfield homes sell at a median of 5.3%+ over list price, with standout properties near Brookdale and Watsessing drawing competitive bids and reaching 11–13% over asking. Recent sales confirm this trend with individual properties selling 8–12% above list 50 Summit Ave sold 12% above list, 66 Broughton Ave at 8% above. Correctly priced listings now go under contract in as few as 17 days (Q2 2026), though broader averages sit around 26 days (Movoto, July 2026). Homes receive an average of 7 offers. The broader Essex County condo and townhome market offers a more accessible entry point around $385K, but Bloomfield's single-family segment rewards prepared, decisive buyers.
The Bloomfield reality: Single-family homes in good condition consistently sell above list price – the Q2 2026 sale-to-list ratio jumped to 113% (13% over asking on average), up from 104% in Q1. The Nancy Chu Homes Q2 2026 report shows a single-family median of $725K in Bloomfield. Homes in the downtown area sell at a median of 5.3%+ over list price with individual properties reaching 11–13% over asking. Recent examples include 50 Summit Ave selling 12% above list and 111 Willow St at 11% above. Correctly priced listings go under contract in as few as 17 days down sharply from the 45–60 day average of 2025. Even condos and townhomes are competitive – county-wide, condos and townhomes have a ~$385K median, the most accessible entry point for first-time buyers. With the median list at ~$585K and homes receiving an average of 7 offers, well-priced properties go fast. Budget for the sale price, not the list price – and come pre-approved and ready to move.
Data: 2025–2026 Essex County MLS, Garden State MLS Q2 2026 Report (Nancy Chu Homes), Redfin, Movoto, Homes.com, Niche & NJ Living Group · Last updated July 27, 2026
Getting to NYC from Bloomfield
Two NJ Transit stations on the Montclair-Boonton Line put Manhattan well under 40 minutes away. The $4.73 million station renovation at Bloomfield Station was approved by the NJ Transit Board (2023) and cleared by the NJ Historic Sites Council in October 2024. The project includes new platform surfaces, canopy rehabilitation, and improved pedestrian tunnel accessibility – a major long-term upgrade once construction begins. 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.
Downtown core near Lackawanna Plaza. Direct service to Penn Station in ~30–35 minutes.
South side of town. Similarly fast run into NYC with a quieter neighborhood platform.
NJ Transit and DeCamp buses also offer direct coach service to the Port Authority. See our NJ Transit & Commute Guide for the full breakdown.
Commute & Transit
Everything NYC relocators need to know
- Montclair-Boonton Line
- Bloomfield Station – ~5–10 min walk from downtown
- Watsessing Ave Station – ~8–12 min walk from Watsessing neighborhood
- NJ Transit Bus 29
- NJ Transit Bus 71
Bloomfield Station has a municipal lot (permit required for commuters). Street parking available near Watsessing Ave Station. Permit info available at Bloomfield Township clerk.
Parks, Dining & Schools
Parks
Brookdale Park (121 acres) – rose garden, tennis courts, running paths. Watsessing Park (69 acres) – Olmsted-designed park that completed a $1.73M renovation in May 2026. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 12, 2026, reopening the new aquatic-themed playground equipment, improved spray park, and synthetic turf field. Bandstand and walking trails also available.
Dining
Casa De Flora Bar, Rombiolo Bakery (named best bakery in NJ), Bacchanal Junction (Caribbean fusion), Forum Coffee (300 Glenwood Ave, opened Dec 2025), Rumi (sushi), Every Day Grind Coffee Company, WNB Factory, Bacio Nero (Italian café at 302 Glenwood Ave – the chain's first US location), and a growing list of international options reflecting the town's diversity – including Tenares Latin Restaurant & Tapas, Momoya Ramen, Terra Modern Cuisine, La Rocca Osteria, and Fusionista. Note: The Brookdale at 1099 Broad Street closed in April 2026 after six years – the space is expected to attract new interest.
Schools
Bloomfield Public Schools (pre-K–12), rated B+ on Niche (3.97/5 district-wide, #12 in Essex County). Bloomfield High School ranked #19 in Essex County with a 3.87/5 Niche rating and a 95% graduation rate. The district is also ranked #2 Most Diverse in Essex County. Bond-funded improvements continue – including a wellness center at the high school, preschool expansion (Bloomin' West), and campus-wide infrastructure upgrades. The 2026–2027 budget was approved in April 2026 with a tax increase and staff reductions as the district manages costs.
Community events: Cherry Blossom Festival, Juneteenth Celebration, car shows, Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra concerts, and events through the Bloomfield Center Alliance.
What's New (2025–2026)
- 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 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), Rumi (sushi on Glenwood Ave), 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 $1.73M upgraded park with new aquatic-themed playground equipment, an improved spray park, and synthetic turf for the soccer/lacrosse field. The project was funded through Green Acres Program grants.
- 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. 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. District rated B+ on Niche (3.97/5 district-wide, #12 in Essex County, #2 Most Diverse in Essex County). The 2026–2027 budget was approved in April 2026 with a tax increase and staff reductions.
- 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 report shows Bloomfield's sale-to-list ratio rose from 104% to 112% (12% over asking) in Q2 2026. 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.
- 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.
- 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 in early 2026 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. Bloomfield also partnered with Main Street New Jersey for downtown support.
- 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.
Who Buys in Bloomfield?
First-Time Buyers
More home for the money than Montclair or South Orange. Real character without stretching beyond reason.
NYC Relocators
Direct train, walkable downtown, and a price that feels manageable after years of New York rents.
Move-Up Buyers
Strong community ties, good schools, and parks within walking distance. Diverse and welcoming.
What I Love About Bloomfield
From Sorelle"Bloomfield surprises people. Clients come in thinking they'll settle here because it's more affordable than Montclair – and then they realize it's genuinely special on its own. Cherry blossom season, brunch on Broad Street, kids playing at Watsessing Park – it feels like a real neighborhood. And the train commute? One of the best in Essex County. Bloomfield doesn't try to be anything other than what it is – a warm, honest, diverse community that takes care of its people."
If You Liked...
Park Slope's community feel? Brookdale will feel like coming home – at a fraction of the price.
Crown Heights or Bed-Stuy? Bloomfield's diversity and food scene will feel immediately familiar.
Astoria or Jackson Heights? Bloomfield's downtown has that same unpretentious, lived-in energy.
Nearby
Bloomfield Spotlight
| County | Essex |
| Public Schools | B+ on Niche (3.97/5) |
| Train Stations | 2 (Bloomfield & Watsessing) |
| Transit Line | Montclair-Boonton |
| Commute to Penn | ~30-35 min |
| Key Highways | Garden State Pkwy |
| Park Highlight | Brookdale Park & Watsessing Park |
| Annual Event | Cherry Blossom Festival |
Sorelle's Bloomfield Tip
"If you love historic craftsman charm and peaceful tree-lined streets, look closely at the Brookdale section. It sits right beside the beautiful park and maintains exceptional neighborhood pride with easy highway links. The 2025 Master Plan is bringing real improvements to downtown, and The Royal at Bloomfield Station is now open – 224 new units with retail and a municipal parking garage that's already changing the energy around the train station. Don't sleep on Watsessing – the park renovation was completed in May 2026 with a new aquatic playground and synthetic turf field. The dining scene keeps evolving – Bacio Nero (Italian café) opened at 302 Glenwood Ave as the chain's first US location, Every Day Grind Coffee Company and WNB Factory are new to Washington Street, and Sweet Bliss by Liss (nut-free bakery) opened at 5 Sunset Avenue in October 2025. The Brookdale closed in spring 2026 after six years, so expect fresh interest in that Broad Street space. Schools remain a strength with a B+ district rating on Niche – Bloomfield High ranks #19 in Essex County with a 95% graduation rate. The train commute is seamless, and the market has intensified significantly – the Nancy Chu Q2 2026 report shows a single-family median of $725K, the sale-to-list ratio rose to 112% (12% over asking), and correctly priced listings go under contract in 17 days. Mayor Mundell's 2026 State of the Township highlighted Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification. Two busy intersections got new traffic signals and LED upgrades in July 2026. Bloomfield's 2026 Transit Survey showed strong demand for ADA-accessible stations and restored weekend service – the township is listening. Come pre-approved and ready to move. Every situation is different – let's talk through what makes sense for yours."
Pricing Reality in Essex County
What every buyer needs to know
In Essex County, homes routinely sell above asking price. The county-wide average sale-to-list ratio is 109.1% – the highest of any county in New Jersey. The average buyer pays about $68,000 over asking on a $750K median. This is especially true in Bloomfield, West Orange, and Montclair. List prices are a strategy, not a ceiling.
Don't let the list price fool you. Budget for what the home will actually sell for. I want you to feel informed and comfortable – not caught off guard during the offer process. Let's talk through realistic numbers before you fall in love with a listing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bloomfield
The median list price in Bloomfield ranges from $582K–$589K (Movoto, July 2026), with a median sale price around $619K (Redfin). The Nancy Chu Homes Q2 2026 Essex County report shows the Bloomfield single-family median at $725K. Single-family homes in good condition start at $625K+. The market has intensified significantly in 2026 the Q2 sale-to-list ratio rose from 104% to 112% (12% over asking on average), and correctly priced listings go under contract in as few as 17 days. Homes receive an average of 7 offers. Downtown Bloomfield homes sell at a median of 5.3%+ over list price, with individual properties reaching 11–13% over asking. Condos and townhomes county-wide start around $385K.
Bloomfield has two NJ Transit stations on the Montclair-Boonton Line Bloomfield Station and Watsessing Ave Station. Direct service to Penn Station takes approximately 30–35 minutes, making it one of the fastest commutes in Essex County.
Bloomfield is served by the Montclair-Boonton Line with two stations: Bloomfield Station (downtown near Lackawanna Plaza) and Watsessing Ave Station (south side of town). Both offer direct service to Penn Station. NJ Transit and DeCamp buses also run to the Port Authority.
Property taxes in Bloomfield vary by assessed home value, but New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country. I make sure every client understands the full monthly cost mortgage, taxes, insurance before making an offer. Reach out and I'll walk you through the specifics for your price range.
Yes Bloomfield is one of the more walkable towns in Essex County. The downtown area along Broad Street and Bloomfield Avenue has coffee shops, restaurants, and independent stores within walking distance. Brookdale Park and Watsessing Park are also accessible on foot from many neighborhoods.
Bloomfield's market has intensified significantly in 2026. The Q2 sale-to-list ratio rose from 104% to 112% (12% over asking on average). The Nancy Chu Q2 2026 report puts the single-family median at $725K. Correctly priced listings go under contract in 17 days. The median list price is ~$582K–$589K with a median sale around $619K. Downtown Bloomfield homes sell at a median of 5.3%+ over list price, with individual properties reaching 11–13% over asking. Homes receive an average of 7 offers. It remains one of the most accessible single-family entry points in Essex County.
Bloomfield offers a range of architectural styles including craftsman bungalows, early-20th-century colonials, Dutch split-levels, and newer apartments near the train stations. Neighborhoods like Brookdale and Watsessing have particularly strong character. Homes are generally on compact, walkable lots.
Bloomfield has two major parks: Brookdale Park (121 acres) with a rose garden, tennis courts, and running paths, and Watsessing Park (69 acres), an Olmsted-designed park undergoing a $1.7M+ renovation with new aquatic playground and synthetic turf. Both are beloved community gathering spots.
Have a question not listed here? I'm happy to help.
Ask SorelleRelated Reading
What NYC buyers should know about Bloomfield – property taxes, commute options, neighborhoods, and what $500K–$700K gets you.
Read the GuideWhy Bloomfield is becoming a top pick for first-time buyers – from affordability to train access to community feel.
Read the Guide"Sorelle always took the time to answer our questions and explain things until we understood. Out of all the realtors we spoke to, she was the easiest to talk to and never pushy."
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