Looking to leave the city?

Bloomfield, New Jersey, is increasingly popular with city dwellers seeking charm, friendly neighbors, nature-filled parks and the occasional summer concert. This town of approximately 48,000 residents is adjacent to bustling Montclair and just north of Newark. A popular suburb for growing families and busy commuters making the daily trek into New York City, it’s also home to Bloomfield College which has almost 2000 students.

If you’re considering moving to northern New Jersey, here are 5 reasons why Bloomfield, New Jersey should be on your list:

1. Bloomfield has a stop on the Midtown Direct

Perhaps the biggest factor in anyone’s mind when considering a New Jersey home is the proximity to New York City. So how does Bloomfield rank? It’s a commuter’s dream. Just 15 miles to midtown Manhattan, Bloomfield is close enough to get to the city with ease yet has enough distance to offer the advantages of a suburb. It’s also conveniently located on the NJ Transit Midtown Direct Montclair-Boonton train line with service available to New York Penn Station, Monday to Friday. On weekends, trains go to Hoboken and travelers can transfer lines to get into New York City. If you are commuting by train, Bloomfield hits the sweet spot with a 30-minute commute to New York Penn Station and two local train station options: Bloomfield Avenue and Watsessing Avenue.

By NJ Transit bus, you can expect to spend an hour traveling each morning and evening. There is a dedicated bus lane during rush hour which helps with travel time. For commuters, there is also a private bus option managed by DeCamp Bus Lines.

2. Bloomfield’s location is ideal

Bloomfield is quaint, lovely, and full of personality with quintessentially quiet suburban streets. Geographically, it’s positioned adjacent to Glen Ridge, Montclair, Nutley, Newark, West Orange and Belleville, so pretty much any and everything is at your fingertips. There’s a thriving restaurant scene and beautiful parks including Brookside Park, Brookdale Park, Clark’s Pond South and Pulaski Park. In spring, many parks have a canopy of beautiful cherry blossoms.

Families take advantage of an array of recreational facilities. There are ball fields, tennis courts, basketball and handball courts. In winter, there are areas for sledding, and by spring, children can visit the pollinator flower beds at Morris Canal Park at Oak Tree Lane.

3. Bloomfield is a nature lover’s dream

Bloomfield residents love spending their downtime in one of the many local parks, a welcome reprieve from the city bustle. The Watsessing Park is 69 acres and has ball fields, playgrounds, and a bandstand.

Another favorite nearby retreat is Brookdale Park, spanning an extensive 121 acres, with beautiful views and a formal rose garden. The Park hosts a well-known Fine Art and Crafts Show each fall and a popular canine costume contest near Halloween. Many houses are within walking distance of this lovely park, and the Brookdale area is both delightful and a very sought-after choice of residence, esteemed especially for its proximity to the Park.

4. Bloomfield is affordable

Given its proximity to New York City, Bloomfield boasts lovely Victorian and Cape Cod-style homes at great values. Houses are moderately priced and extremely affordable compared to neighboring Montclair and Glen Ridge. In fact, many young families purchase starter homes in Bloomfield.

According to Zillow, the median home value in Bloomfield is $323,600. In comparison, it is $635,600 in Montclair and $660,900 in Glen Ridge. Lower home prices and a niche.com Overall Rating of A- combine to make Bloomfield both affordable and desirable.

5. Bloomfield offers proximity to shopping and restaurants

Bloomfield makes daily life simple and accessible. Busy Bloomfield Avenue and Broad Street go through the main parts of town and provide the perfect backdrop for errands and life’s necessities. Dry cleaners, grocery stores, the bank, and bakeries line the avenue, Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionary and Gencarelli’s Bakery are local favorites. There’s a great selection of international cuisine including Greek, Japanese, Vietnamese and Italian restaurants as well as an array of steakhouses. And what’s not in Bloomfield can be found in the neighboring Montclair community, which is where residents head when they need that extra something. Montclair has a hip, culture-rich vibe, trendy restaurants, boutiques, and theatre.

If you’re thinking of moving to northern New Jersey and would be interested in learning more about Bloomfield, I would love to assist you. Contact Victoria Carter at (973) 220-3050 or email victoria@victoriacarter.com.

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photo credit: Richrockwell (Own work), Halcyon Park [CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons]