Why Nutley, NJ?
Nutley is 3.44 square miles of fierce community pride — a township where 36% of residents claim Italian ancestry (12th highest nationally), Annie Oakley lived on Grant Avenue in 1892, Martha Stewart grew up and graduated from Nutley High School, and painter Frank Fowler founded an artists' colony on The Enclosure in the 1880s that attracted illustrators, novelists, and muralists. Hoffmann-La Roche located its U.S. headquarters here in 1929 and at its peak employed 10,000 people — the company created Valium and Librium in these labs. John Bouvier, grandfather of Jacqueline Kennedy, lived on Nutley Avenue at his estate Woodcroft. Frank Stockton wrote The Lady or the Tiger? here. The Vreeland Homestead (1751) and Kingsland Manor (National Register of Historic Places) preserve the Dutch colonial heritage. The Third River runs through the township powering the mills that built Franklinville, the village that became modern Nutley. At $545K with homes selling in 18 days, Nutley offers small-town Italian-American character, deep history, and family-oriented neighborhoods at Essex County's most competitive price point.
Nutley Real Estate Market in 2026
Nutley homes sell in 18 days at a $545K median, appreciating at 6.8%. Colonials, capes, and split-levels from the 1930s to 1960s dominate the housing stock. Prices range from $400K to $750K. The Italian-American character, walkable Franklin Avenue, and strong schools drive consistent family demand. NJ Transit bus 192 provides direct service to Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
Best Neighborhoods in Nutley
6 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
The Enclosure / Upper Nutley
$575,000 to $750,000The premium residential section where painter Frank Fowler founded an artists' colony in the 1880s. Frederick Dana Marsh, Reginald Marsh, and muralist Michael Lenson all lived and worked on The Enclosure. Larger colonials and Tudors on the most sought-after streets in the township. Annie Oakley's home on Grant Avenue was nearby.
Franklin Avenue / Downtown
$475,000 to $650,000The walkable commercial heart of the township. Queen Margherita Restaurant (fine Italian, 246 Washington Ave), the Nutley Diner (family-owned since 2003), Ralph's Pizzeria (top 25 pizza in NJ), and Italian bakeries line the corridor. The Nutley Museum at 65 Church Street preserves local history. The Nutley Little Theatre provides community productions.
Kingsland
$500,000 to $700,000Near Kingsland Park and the historic Kingsland Manor (National Register of Historic Places). Established colonials on tree-lined streets along the Third River. The most park-oriented section of the township. Joseph Kingsland was one of the original mill operators whose industry built the community.
Centre Street
$525,000 to $725,000Central residential area near schools. Premium colonials and well-maintained properties. Washington School (484 students) and Lincoln School (448) serve the area. The geographic center of the township with equal access to all amenities.
Yantacaw / Spring Garden
$450,000 to $600,000Residential section with mid-century homes near Yanticaw Park (swimming pool, sports fields, ponds, walking paths). Spring Garden School (439 students, Pre-K through 6) and Yantacaw School (480 students) serve the area. The Nutley Bike Path connects through the neighborhood. More affordable than the northern sections.
Avondale
$425,000 to $575,000Southern section with the township's industrial heritage — the brownstone quarry in Avondale was Nutley's first major industry in the early 18th century, employing Italian and Irish immigrants. Near the former Hoffmann-La Roche campus. Residential streets with colonials and multi-family homes. Most affordable entry into the Nutley school district.
Commuting from Nutley to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Nutley
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Nutley?
Nutley Schools and Ratings
Nutley Public Schools serves 4,034 students with a 12.3 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Five elementary schools (K/Pre-K through 6): Lincoln (448), Radcliffe (346), Spring Garden (439), Washington (484), and Yantacaw (480). John H. Walker Middle School (618 students, grades 7 through 8). Nutley High School (the Raiders, 1,163 students, grades 9 through 12) — where Martha Stewart graduated. Good Shepherd Academy (Catholic K through 8 with Pre-K, opened 1951) provides private school options.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Spring Garden School
Yantacaw School
John H. Walker Middle School
Radcliffe School
Washington School
Nutley High School
Lincoln School
Nutley vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutley | $545,000 | 2.67% | $10,567 | 49 min |
| Bloomfield | $485,000 | 2.78% | $9,876 | 35 min |
| Belleville | $440,000 | 2.89% | $8,765 | 30 min |
| Montclair | $850,000 | 2.89% | $16,234 | 42 min |
Where to Eat in Nutley
Italian Heritage (Franklin Ave and Washington Ave)
Queen Margherita Restaurant (fine Italian dining, 246 Washington Ave, fresh pasta, elegant atmosphere), Ralph's Pizzeria (Critics Choice top 25 pizza in New Jersey), the Nutley Diner (372 Centre St, family-owned since 2003, expansive menu), The Old Canal Inn (2 East Passaic Ave, since 1934, local events and live entertainment), Italian delis, bakeries, and pizzerias throughout. The 36% Italian ancestry — 12th highest nationally — ensures the food is generational, not trendy. Nutley Restaurant and Foodie Week is an annual celebration of the township's culinary identity.
Parks and Recreation in Nutley
Kingsland Park
Township park along the Third River with walking paths, playgrounds, sports fields, and the historic Kingsland Manor (National Register of Historic Places). The Third River powered the mills that built the township.
Yanticaw Park
32 acres with swimming pool, ponds, walking paths, sports fields, and nature areas. Connected to the Nutley Bike Path — a safe, scenic route through the township.
Memorial Park
Located at the site of the original mills along the Third River. Sports fields and community gathering space. Three sections (Memorial I, II, and III) provide township-wide recreation.
Nutley Museum
Located at 65 Church Street in a former schoolhouse. Preserves the township's history from the Dutch colonial period through the artists' colony, Annie Oakley, and the Hoffmann-La Roche era.
New Development and Growth in Nutley
Former Hoffmann-La Roche Campus
The pharmaceutical giant's U.S. headquarters (since 1929, peak 10,000 employees, $9M in annual local taxes — 9% of township revenue) announced closure in June 2012. The massive campus redevelopment is the defining question for Nutley's next chapter.
Franklin Avenue Streetscape
Commercial enhancements to the walkable downtown corridor, adding to the Italian dining, bakery, and retail scene that defines Nutley's character.
History of Nutley, NJ
Originally incorporated as Franklin Township on February 18, 1874, then reincorporated as the town of Nutley on March 5, 1902. The first recorded European settler was Bastian Van Giesen, a Dutch planter, in 1693. The Vreeland Homestead (1751) still stands on Chestnut Street.
Annie Oakley, America's most famous sharpshooter, took up residence on Grant Avenue in 1892. She performed at an amateur circus in Nutley in 1894 to benefit the Red Cross. Wild West legend in a New Jersey township.
Painter Frank Fowler founded an artists' colony on The Enclosure in the late 1880s, attracting illustrators Frederick Dana Marsh and his son Reginald Marsh (one of America's most celebrated painters of urban life), muralist Michael Lenson, and writer Frank R. Stockton (The Lady or the Tiger?). The Enclosure remains one of the most architecturally significant streets in the township.
John Bouvier, grandfather of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, commuted to New York and lived on Nutley Avenue at his estate Woodcroft. The Kennedy connection through the Bouvier family adds a layer of American history to the township.
Hoffmann-La Roche located its U.S. headquarters in Nutley in 1929. The Swiss pharmaceutical company created Valium and Librium in these labs and at its peak employed 10,000 people, paying $9 million in annual local taxes. The campus closure in 2012-2015 marked the end of an era.
The 2000 Census recorded 36% Italian ancestry — the 12th-highest concentration nationally and 5th in New Jersey. The Italian-American heritage dates to the brownstone quarry workers and mill employees of the early 1900s and remains the defining cultural identity of the township.
Safety in Nutley
Nutley is a safe community with crime rates well below state averages. The township's small size, strong community identity, and family orientation create natural neighborhood surveillance.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutley, NJ
What is the median home price in Nutley, NJ?
The median home price is $545,000 as of 2026, with 6.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $330/sqft, selling in 18 days.
How long is the commute from Nutley to NYC?
49 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Bus 192 to Port Authority / Bus to Newark. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Nutley, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.67%. Average homeowner pays $10,567/year. At the median price of $545,000, expect about $14,552/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Nutley?
The Enclosure / Upper Nutley ($575,000 to $750,000). Franklin Avenue / Downtown ($475,000 to $650,000). Kingsland ($500,000 to $700,000). Centre Street ($525,000 to $725,000). Yantacaw / Spring Garden ($450,000 to $600,000). See the full guide above for all 6 neighborhoods.
Is Nutley safe?
Nutley is a safe community with crime rates well below state averages. The township's small size, strong community identity, and family orientation create natural neighborhood surveillance.
How walkable is Nutley, NJ?
Walk Score of 62, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $95,000, median age 40.8. 28% renter-occupied.
Homes for Sale in Nutley, NJ
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