Why Irvington, NJ?
Irvington is a township of 62,000 residents in Essex County named after Washington Irving, America's first internationally acclaimed author. Settled in 1692 and renamed from Camptown in 1852 after residents feared association with Stephen Foster's Camptown Races, it has deep roots in American history and culture. Today Irvington is one of the most affordable communities in the NYC metro area with a median home price of $399,000 and 9.3% year over year appreciation. The township sits at the crossroads of I-78 and the Garden State Parkway, just 6 miles from Newark Liberty Airport and a 40 minute bus ride to Manhattan. With 35.5% of residents born outside the United States, Irvington is home to thriving Haitian, Jamaican, Nigerian, and African American communities whose restaurants, cultural events, and entrepreneurial energy define the character of Springfield Avenue and Chancellor Avenue.
Irvington Real Estate Market in 2026
The Irvington real estate market is one of the most active and affordable in the NYC metro area. The median home price stands at $399,000 with an average price of $323 per square foot, up 41% year over year. Homes sell in an average of 50 days with 77.8% of properties selling above asking price. Year over year appreciation reached 9.3% as buyers from Newark, Jersey City, and Brooklyn discover the value proposition. The rental market is dominant at 70% of occupied housing, with one bedroom apartments averaging $1,300 to $1,500 per month. Active inventory ranges from 165 to 299 listings, providing options across every price point from $215,000 studio condos to $550,000 single family homes on Springfield Avenue.
Best Neighborhoods in Irvington
10 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Upper Irvington
$450,000 to $490,000Residential area in northern Irvington with single family homes and multi family buildings. More established than other parts of the township with tree lined streets and mature landscaping. The most stable residential neighborhood in Irvington.
Springfield Avenue Corridor
$500,000 to $550,000The main commercial and residential spine of the township. Mixed use corridor with specialty shops, neighborhood eateries, and international businesses. 46.8% of residents in this area were born outside the United States. The highest home values in Irvington.
Irvington North
$380,000 to $400,000Densely urban neighborhood with small to medium apartment complexes. Among the most walkable communities in the country, ranking in the top 5% nationally. Local shops and services within walking distance of most residences.
Stuyvesant Village
$215,000 to $400,000Residential area along Lyons Avenue with Felicia Village apartments and multi unit buildings. Wide price variation makes it accessible to multiple income levels. Known for cleanliness and walkability. Adjacent to Irvington Park at the Grove and Lyons intersection.
Chancellor Avenue
$300,000 to $400,000Developing residential corridor with active redevelopment including 55 affordable units and 96 senior housing units. Transit accessible with moderate pricing. The hub of Jamaican dining in Irvington with Top Taste and PT Just Jerk on the same block.
Irvington South
$320,000 to $400,000Middle income diverse residential neighborhood dominated by small 2 to 4 unit apartment buildings. 23.6% of residents speak French at home, the highest concentration in the township, reflecting the large Haitian community. Highly walkable with strong neighborhood identity.
Ivy Hill
$350,000 to $450,000Diverse neighborhood bordering Maplewood and South Orange. Known for Ivy Hill Park Apartments with over 1,000 units across 10 fifteen story buildings. Well kept residential streets near Seton Hall University. One of the more established areas in the township.
East Ward
$280,000 to $380,000Primarily residential area covering 173 acres with diverse languages including Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Igbo. The Garden State Parkway bisects the ward. Mixed income with both lower and middle income residents. Redevelopment potential as older housing stock turns over.
Clinton Hill
$280,000 to $380,000Neighborhood on the Newark border with a mix of single family and attached homes. Upper Clinton Hill toward Irvington is residential with professional offices. Affordable real estate with diverse housing options and development potential.
Grove Street
$240,000 to $260,000The most affordable neighborhood in Irvington with small apartment buildings and modest residential properties. Very walkable with shopping within a 4 minute walk. Entry level pricing for the NYC metro area at a median of $244,000.
Commuting from Irvington to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Irvington
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Irvington?
Irvington Schools and Ratings
Irvington Public School District serves approximately 7,770 students across 12 schools. Irvington High School enrolls 1,913 students and offers dual enrollment with NJIT and Essex County College plus a culinary arts program where seniors earn 7 transferable college credits. The district was the only New Jersey school system to receive a $7.5 million federal Renew America's Schools clean energy grant in 2024, funding infrastructure modernization across all 13 buildings. Premier School Scores are calculated from real NJSLA 2024 to 2025 test data published by the New Jersey Department of Education.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
University Elementary School
Grove Street Elementary School
Chancellor Avenue Elementary School
Union Avenue Middle School
Mt. Vernon Avenue Elementary School
Berkeley Terrace Elementary School
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
University Middle School
Irvington vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irvington | $399,000 | 2.18% | $8,715 | 40 min |
| Newark | $615,000 | 1.24% | $7,640 | 22 min |
| East Orange | $350,000 | 2.57% | $9,000 | 35 min |
| Maplewood | $650,000 | 2.46% | $16,000 | 35 min |
Where to Eat in Irvington
Haitian (Springfield Avenue)
C'est Mon Etoile Restaurant at 1179 Springfield Avenue serves authentic Haitian cuisine made fresh daily. Known for Griot (fried pork), Tassot, Soup Joumou, and Pikliz with rice and beans and plantains. Open until 10 PM weekdays. Part of the Springfield Avenue corridor that serves Irvington's large French speaking Haitian community.
Jamaican (Chancellor Avenue)
Top Taste at 559 Chancellor Avenue is a 12 year old black owned establishment whose oxtails are called the best in Jersey. PT Just Jerk at 551 Chancellor Avenue specializes in jerk chicken, jerk pork, curry goat, and red snapper with sweet plantains and rice and peas. The Chancellor Avenue corridor is the heart of Jamaican dining in Essex County.
Nigerian and African (Union Avenue)
Eatwell African Cuisine at 36 Union Avenue serves traditional Nigerian dishes including Jollof Rice with Grilled Suya Soft Chicken. Authentic West African preparation reflecting the growing Nigerian community in Irvington and neighboring towns.
Soul Food (Clinton Avenue)
Imani Soul Food at 1480 Clinton Avenue serves fried chicken platters with stuffed broccoli and cheese potatoes, corn on the cob, and butter garlic rolls. House made banana pudding for dessert. Open Tuesday through Saturday until 9 PM. A neighborhood anchor on the Clinton Avenue corridor.
Parks and Recreation in Irvington
Irvington Park
24.38 acres designed by the Olmsted Brothers and opened in summer 1913. Features a 1.65 acre fishing pond fed by an artesian well, a one fifth mile jogging path, a one sixth mile running track, tennis courts, ballfields, and broad lawns. The park was built using a distinctive three tier grading design with specifically selected red oak, mulberry, dogwood, elm, and ash trees framing the lawn areas. Part of the Essex County Park System.
Garden State Chancellor Park
Historic park on Chancellor Avenue that received major Works Progress Administration improvements in 1936 including new bridges, bleachers, and a regraded baseball diamond. The WPA reconstruction replaced bridges that had been washed away by storms. Continues to serve as an active recreation space for youth sports and community events.
Chris Gatling Recreation Center
Full community recreation facility at 285 Union Avenue offering programs for children ages 6 to 13 during summer and year round youth sports and fitness activities. Named after NBA player Chris Gatling who grew up in Irvington. Serves as a hub for senior programming and community events throughout the year.
Former Olympic Park Site
The 40 acre site straddling the Irvington and Maplewood border was once known as Newark's Coney Island, operating from 1887 to 1965. It featured the nation's largest fresh water swimming pool, a horse track, circus, and amusement rides. Originally called Becker's Woods, a German style beer garden, it was renamed Olympic Park after the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. The land is now a light industrial park.
New Development and Growth in Irvington
The Sankofa Enclave (21st Street)
$100 million mixed use development with 260 plus units including 15 two family homes, 240 affordable rental units, and 5 supportive housing units for foster care youth aging out. Includes a 30,000 square foot community center with wellness center, business hub, art studios, and commercial kitchen. Groundbreaking October 2024. Among the first Black woman led real estate projects of this magnitude in New Jersey.
Springfield Avenue Mixed Use (734-748)
156 rental units across 6 stories with 10,000 square feet of ground floor retail, fitness center, game room, coworking space, and community kitchen. Planning Board approved March 2025. Located in the Transit Village designated area adjacent to Irvington Bus Terminal. Benefits from State Urban Enterprise Zone and federal Opportunity Zone incentives.
I-78 Port Logistics Center (460 Coit Street)
75,000 square foot warehouse facility with 40 foot clear ceiling height, 15 tailboards, and parking for 20 trailers. Developed by Longpoint on what they call one of the most strategic logistics corridors on the East Coast. Replaced outdated tire and manufacturing facilities with modern e-commerce logistics infrastructure.
Former Pabst Brewery Redevelopment (Grove Street)
400 plus residential units planned for the long vacant Pabst brewery site that spans the Newark and Irvington border. The brewery operated from 1945 to 1986 and was demolished in 2008. Ongoing redevelopment requiring inter municipal coordination and environmental remediation.
Lead Service Line Replacement
$48 million infrastructure project to replace over 5,000 lead and galvanized water service lines throughout the township. Financed by Water Bank with completion targeted for end of 2026. A major public health investment addressing aging water infrastructure across all neighborhoods.
History of Irvington, NJ
Settlement tradition dates to 1692, making Irvington one of the oldest communities in Essex County. The area was initially called West Farms before becoming Camptown around 1725.
Renamed in 1852 when postmaster's wife Lydia Crawford suggested honoring Washington Irving, America's greatest living man of letters, after residents feared the name Camptown would be associated with Stephen Foster's song Camptown Races.
Olympic Park operated from 1887 to 1965 on 40 acres straddling Irvington and Maplewood. Known as Newark's Coney Island, it featured the nation's largest fresh water swimming pool, a horse track, circus, and amusement rides attracting thousands of visitors each summer.
Electric trolleys arrived in 1890, triggering explosive growth from 7,180 residents in 1905 to 56,733 by 1930, a 223% increase in 25 years as Irvington became a commuter suburb of Newark.
The Belcher family established a rule factory in 1835 producing boxwood rulers considered the finest in the United States. Manufacturing later expanded to metal products, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, and electrical equipment.
Over 7,000 Irvington residents served in World War II with 172 deaths, including Fireman Robert Wyckoff of USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.
In 2025, Irvington recorded just one homicide, the lowest in modern township history, down from 27 to 28 annually in the early 2000s. The decline reflects a sustained data driven approach to public safety.
Safety in Irvington
Irvington is experiencing a historic public safety turnaround. The township recorded just one homicide in 2025, the lowest in modern history, down from 27 to 28 annually in the early 2000s. Overall crime fell 1% in 2024 and shooting incidents dropped from 34 in 2015 to fewer than a dozen. The police department operates Border Patrol units targeting hot spots and a TACIT intelligence unit for analyzing crime patterns. Body cameras were implemented in August 2022. The safest areas are northwest Irvington, Lyons Avenue West, and Irvington West. Community policing focuses on data driven enforcement, youth outreach, and family support programs addressing root causes of crime.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Recently Sold Homes in Irvington, NJ
Public record data from NJ Division of Taxation SR1A filings.
| Address | Sale Price | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 122 ELMWOOD AVE. | $1,100,000 | 260618 |
| 315 COIT ST. | $398,000 | 260605 |
| 574 LYONS AVENUE | $700,000 | 260601 |
| 788 LYONS AVE. | $350,000 | 260521 |
| 131 HEADLEY TERR. | $485,000 | 260520 |
| 103 NESBIT TERR. | $475,000 | 260513 |
| 65 DELMAR PL. | $620,000 | 260513 |
| 53-55 STOCKMAN PL. | $750,000 | 260506 |
| 14 RUTH ST. | $490,000 | 260430 |
| 5 KROTIK PL. | $500,000 | 260430 |
| 108 WASHINGTON AVE. | $307,500 | 260430 |
| 18 FULLER PL. | $360,000 | 260428 |
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, SR1A 2024-2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irvington, NJ
What is the median home price in Irvington, NJ?
The median home price is $399,000 as of 2026, with 9.3% year-over-year appreciation. Average $323/sqft, selling in 50 days.
How long is the commute from Irvington to NYC?
40 minutes via NJ Transit from Irvington Bus Terminal on the NJ Transit Bus 25/107 to Newark Penn + Northeast Corridor. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Irvington, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.18%. Average homeowner pays $8,715/year. At the median price of $399,000, expect about $8,698/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Irvington?
Upper Irvington ($450,000 to $490,000). Springfield Avenue Corridor ($500,000 to $550,000). Irvington North ($380,000 to $400,000). Stuyvesant Village ($215,000 to $400,000). Chancellor Avenue ($300,000 to $400,000). See the full guide above for all 10 neighborhoods.
Is Irvington safe?
Irvington is experiencing a historic public safety turnaround. The township recorded just one homicide in 2025, the lowest in modern history, down from 27 to 28 annually in the early 2000s. Overall crime fell 1% in 2024 and shooting incidents dropped from 34 in 2015 to fewer than a dozen. The police department operates Border Patrol units targeting hot spots and a TACIT intelligence unit for analyzing crime patterns. Body cameras were implemented in August 2022. The safest areas are northwest Irvington, Lyons Avenue West, and Irvington West. Community policing focuses on data driven enforcement, youth outreach, and family support programs addressing root causes of crime.
How walkable is Irvington, NJ?
Walk Score of 85, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $61,609, median age 35.9. 70% renter-occupied.
Homes for Sale in Irvington, NJ
Ready to Find Your Home in Irvington?
Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Irvington inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.