Why Bloomfield, NJ?
Bloomfield is 5.36 square miles where the final scene of The Sopranos was filmed — Tony Soprano sat down at Holsten's Brookdale Confectionery, Don't Stop Believin' played, and the screen cut to black. That diner is still open and still serving ice cream. The township has two NJ Transit stations (Bloomfield and Watsessing Avenue) on the Montclair-Boonton Line, a Newark Light Rail station at Grove Street, four Garden State Parkway interchanges, and the 121-acre Brookdale Park (established 1928, shared with Montclair). During World War II, the Westinghouse Lamp Plant in Bloomfield produced uranium for Chicago Pile-1 — the reactor that proved nuclear chain reaction was possible and launched the Manhattan Project. Dickey Dee's has served its legendary Italian hot dogs since 1958. The Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House operates from a building first constructed in 1676 where George Washington is believed to have dined. Bloomfield College was founded in 1868. At $485K with homes selling in 17 days, Bloomfield is the affordable alternative to neighboring Montclair ($850K) with increasingly comparable dining and the same Brookdale Park access. The demographics — 37% White, 30.5% Hispanic, 18.7% Black, 8.5% Asian — make it one of the most diverse townships in Essex County.
Bloomfield Real Estate Market in 2026
Bloomfield homes sell in just 17 days at a $485K median, appreciating at 7.2% year over year. The Brookdale section commands a $715K median (up 10% year over year) with larger Victorians and colonials near the park. The housing stock includes Victorians, colonials, multi-family properties, and newer condo developments. Prices range from $325K condos to $750K renovated single-family homes. Buyers priced out of Montclair are the primary demand driver — same park, same transit line, nearly half the price.
Best Neighborhoods in Bloomfield
6 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Brookdale / Upper Bloomfield
$550,000 to $750,000The most sought-after section with a $715K median, up 10% year over year. Adjacent to the 121-acre Brookdale Park with its archery range, dog park, baseball fields, tennis courts, and walking trails. Larger Victorians and colonials on tree-lined streets. Brookdale Elementary School (Niche A-minus rating) serves the area. Holsten's Brookdale Confectionery — where The Sopranos finale was filmed — is the neighborhood's most famous landmark. The most Montclair-adjacent section of Bloomfield.
Bloomfield Center / Station
$400,000 to $575,000The walkable commercial heart centered around Bloomfield Station (Montclair-Boonton Line to Hoboken and Penn Station in 30 minutes) and the Bloomfield Avenue corridor. The Bloomfield Green Historic District (National Register since 1978) and the Presbyterian Church on the Green (founded 1794) anchor the historic core. Gencarelli's Bakery has served Italian desserts since 1975. Bloomfield College (founded 1868) adds campus energy. Six Points intersection is the social hub.
Watsessing
$375,000 to $525,000Southern section with its own NJ Transit station (Watsessing Avenue, underground) and the 69.67-acre Watsessing Park where Second River and Toney's Brook converge. Watsessing Elementary serves the area. Playground, spray park, and community gathering space. More affordable than Brookdale while offering its own transit and park access.
Silver Lake
$400,000 to $550,000Northeastern section shared with Belleville, home to approximately 4,243 residents. Named after the lake that was once the area's centerpiece. Residential streets with colonials and multi-family homes. Near the Garden State Parkway for highway commuters.
Ampere / North Center
$350,000 to $500,000Central-northern section near the Nutley and Belleville borders. Mix of housing types and price points. Carteret Elementary and Demarest Elementary serve the area. Near the Grove Street Newark Light Rail station for connections to downtown Newark. Growing immigrant community adding cultural diversity.
South Bloomfield
$325,000 to $450,000Southern section near the East Orange and Newark borders. The most affordable entry into the Bloomfield school district. Fairview Elementary and Oak View Elementary serve the area. Multi-family properties and smaller single-family homes. Strong investor interest with rental demand from the Newark Light Rail connection.
Commuting from Bloomfield to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Bloomfield
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Bloomfield?
Bloomfield Schools and Ratings
Bloomfield Public Schools serves 6,191 students across 11 schools with an 11.5 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Nine elementary schools (Pre-K/K through 6): the Early Childhood Center at Forest Glen (165, Pre-K), Berkeley (446), Brookdale (320, Niche A-minus), Carteret (375), Demarest (480), Fairview (452), Franklin (343), Oak View (314), and Watsessing (270). Bloomfield Middle School (971 students, grades 7 through 8) and Bloomfield High School (the Bengals, 1,986 students, grades 9 through 12, consistently top quarter in the state). Private: Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish School (K through 8). Bloomfield Tech is an Essex County magnet vocational school. Bloomfield College (liberal arts, founded 1868, approximately 2,000 students, Presbyterian-affiliated) provides higher education.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Brookdale Elementary School
Oak View Elementary School
Franklin Elementary School
Demarest Elementary School
Bloomfield High School
Bloomfield Middle School
Carteret Elementary School
Fairview Elementary School
Bloomfield vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomfield | $485,000 | 2.78% | $9,876 | 35 min |
| Montclair | $850,000 | 2.89% | $16,234 | 42 min |
| Nutley | $530,000 | 2.67% | $10,567 | 49 min |
| Glen Ridge | $800,000 | 2.56% | $17,890 | 40 min |
Where to Eat in Bloomfield
Bloomfield Avenue and Broad Street
Holsten's Brookdale Confectionery (the diner where the final scene of The Sopranos was filmed — Tony, Carmela, A.J., Don't Stop Believin', cut to black — still open and still serving ice cream and homemade candy), Dickey Dee's (legendary Italian hot dogs since 1958, founded by Dominick D'Innocenzio and Enrico Bruno — a Bloomfield institution for over 60 years), Gencarelli's Bakery (Italian desserts and pastries since 1975), Fascino (upscale Italian fine dining), Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House (operating from a building first constructed in 1676 where George Washington is believed to have dined). The restaurant scene is growing rapidly with options that increasingly rival neighboring Montclair at significantly lower prices.
Parks and Recreation in Bloomfield
Brookdale Park
121 acres established in 1928 (77 acres in Bloomfield, shared with Montclair). Walking and biking trails, archery range, baseball fields, tennis courts, dog park, rose garden, playground, and one of the finest tree canopies in Essex County. Part of the Essex County Parks system.
Watsessing Park
69.67 acres (60 in Bloomfield) where Second River and Toney's Brook converge. Playground, spray park, sports fields, and community gathering space. The park connects to the Watsessing Avenue NJ Transit station.
Township Parks
The Bloomfield Parks Department administers 8 additional parks covering 55.23 acres across the township, providing neighborhood-level recreation throughout.
New Development and Growth in Bloomfield
Bloomfield Center Transit-Oriented Development
Mixed-use development near Bloomfield Station adding residential units, retail, and commercial space. Transforming the downtown into a walkable transit village.
Bloomfield Avenue Corridor Growth
The commercial corridor connecting Bloomfield to Montclair is seeing new restaurants, retail, and streetscape improvements. Bloomfield's dining scene is closing the gap with Montclair.
Garden State Parkway Access Economy
Four GSP interchanges (148 through 151) make Bloomfield one of the most highway-accessible communities in Essex County, driving commercial and residential development along the corridor.
History of Bloomfield, NJ
Incorporated on March 23, 1812 from portions of Newark Township. Named after Joseph Bloomfield, brigadier commander of New Jersey troops in the Whiskey Rebellion and later Governor of New Jersey. The Presbyterian Society of Bloomfield was formed in 1794.
During World War II, the Westinghouse Lamp Plant in Bloomfield produced uranium for Chicago Pile-1 — the first nuclear reactor, built under the stands of the University of Chicago's football stadium in 1942. This reactor proved that a nuclear chain reaction was possible and launched the Manhattan Project.
The final scene of The Sopranos was filmed at Holsten's Brookdale Confectionery on Broad Street. Tony Soprano sat in a booth, Don't Stop Believin' played on the jukebox, and the screen cut to black — one of the most debated endings in television history. Holsten's is still open.
The Bloomfield Green Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. The Oakes Estate (1895) was added to the National Register in 1981. George Washington is believed to have visited at least two locations in Bloomfield, and the Continental Army retreated through the township after the Battle of Long Island.
Bloomfield established the first Fire Prevention Bureau in New Jersey in 1953. The fire department has maintained international accreditation since 2009 with 78 professional firefighters across 4 stations.
Dickey Dee's has served its legendary Italian hot dogs from the same location since 1958 — over 60 years as a Bloomfield institution. The Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House operates from a building first constructed in 1676 by Thomas Davis.
Safety in Bloomfield
Bloomfield safety varies by neighborhood. The Brookdale and Silver Lake sections are the safest. Bloomfield Center has improved significantly with transit-oriented revitalization. The southern sections near East Orange have higher property crime rates. The 78-member professional fire department maintains 24/7 coverage from 4 stations.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Bloomfield, NJ
What is the median home price in Bloomfield, NJ?
The median home price is $485,000 as of 2026, with 7.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average $310/sqft, selling in 17 days.
How long is the commute from Bloomfield to NYC?
35 minutes via NJ Transit from Bloomfield Station on the Montclair-Boonton Line. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Bloomfield, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.78%. Average homeowner pays $9,876/year. At the median price of $485,000, expect about $13,483/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Bloomfield?
Brookdale / Upper Bloomfield ($550,000 to $750,000). Bloomfield Center / Station ($400,000 to $575,000). Watsessing ($375,000 to $525,000). Silver Lake ($400,000 to $550,000). Ampere / North Center ($350,000 to $500,000). See the full guide above for all 6 neighborhoods.
Is Bloomfield safe?
Bloomfield safety varies by neighborhood. The Brookdale and Silver Lake sections are the safest. Bloomfield Center has improved significantly with transit-oriented revitalization. The southern sections near East Orange have higher property crime rates. The 78-member professional fire department maintains 24/7 coverage from 4 stations.
How walkable is Bloomfield, NJ?
Walk Score of 68, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $72,000, median age 37.4. 48% renter-occupied.
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