Why Verona, NJ?
Verona is 2.81 square miles between the First and Second Watchung Mountains where John C. Bogle — founder of The Vanguard Group and creator of the index fund — grew up. Annin and Co., the world's oldest and largest flag manufacturer, operated its main plant here from 1916 to 2013. Annin produced the flags planted at Iwo Jima, the North and South Poles, the summit of Mount Everest, and the 186 stick flags carried to the Moon on Apollo 11. Verona Park (54 acres, the 5th largest in the Essex County Park System) was designed by the Olmsted Brothers with twin lakes and a picturesque bridge that draws wedding photographers every summer. Kip's Castle Park offers 10.5 acres with a castle mansion overlooking the Passaic River valley. The 2.84-mile West Essex Trail runs through the township on a former Erie Lackawanna Railroad right-of-way. Over 30 restaurants line Bloomfield Avenue — often overshadowed by neighboring Montclair but increasingly competitive, with recent statewide recognition for best pizza in NJ. Bill Bradley (Olympic gold, Knicks, US Senator) is from here. At $575K, Verona offers Montclair-adjacent living at a significant discount with strong schools, deep parks, and a volunteer fire department that has served since 1909.
Verona Real Estate Market in 2026
Verona homes sell in 18 days at a $575K median, appreciating at 6.2%. Colonials, capes, and split-levels from the 1930s to 1960s dominate, with the former Annin flag factory now converted to apartments (opened 2018). Prices range from $425K to $900K. DeCamp Bus Lines Route 33 provides direct service to Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Buyers who want Montclair schools-quality without Montclair prices start their search here.
Best Neighborhoods in Verona
4 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Verona Park Area
$550,000 to $750,000The premium section adjacent to the 54-acre Olmsted Brothers-designed Verona Park with twin lakes, paddle boats, walking paths, and the iconic bridge. Colonials and Tudors on tree-lined streets with lake-adjacent living. Laning Avenue School (Pre-K through 4) serves the area. The most sought-after addresses in the township.
Bloomfield Avenue / Center
$475,000 to $650,000The walkable commercial heart along Bloomfield Avenue with over 30 restaurants. The Verona Inn (family-owned deli and institution for 50-plus years), The Parkside Social (contemporary American, craft cocktails, opened 2022), and Italian bakeries line the corridor. Town Hall, the library, and Whitehorne Middle School anchor the civic center. Walking distance to everything.
Hilltop / Upper Verona
$500,000 to $700,000Western section at higher elevation near the Hilltop Reservation (opened 2003 on the former Essex Mountain Sanatorium grounds) and Kip's Castle Park (10.5 acres with a castle mansion — the newest park in the Essex County system). Forest Avenue School serves the area. Near the West Essex Trail for biking and walking.
Cedar Grove Border / West Essex Trail
$450,000 to $600,000Western section near the Cedar Grove border with slightly larger lots and a quieter residential feel. The 2.84-mile West Essex Trail (former Erie Lackawanna Railroad) runs through for biking and walking. Brookdale Avenue School serves the area. More affordable entry into the Verona school district.
Commuting from Verona to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Verona
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Verona?
Verona Schools and Ratings
Verona Public Schools serves 2,211 students with a 12.1 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Four elementary schools (K/Pre-K through 4): Brookdale Avenue (131), Frederic N. Brown (274), Forest Avenue (213), and Laning Avenue (233). Henry B. Whitehorne Middle School (643 students, grades 5 through 8). Verona High School (the Hillbillies, 686 students, grades 9 through 12 — ranked 31st in New Jersey in 2020). Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School (Pre-K through 8, founded 1924, Blue Ribbon Recognition 2011, Exemplary High Performing 2017) provides private school options.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Brookdale Avenue School
Henry B. Whitehorne Middle School
Laning Avenue School
Verona High School
Forest Avenue School
Frederic N. Brown Elementary School
Verona vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verona | $575,000 | 2.56% | $13,890 | 42 min |
| Cedar Grove | $545,000 | 2.34% | $12,567 | 48 min |
| Montclair | $850,000 | 2.89% | $16,234 | 42 min |
| West Orange | $535,000 | 2.89% | $12,345 | 42 min |
Where to Eat in Verona
Bloomfield Avenue (30+ restaurants)
Over 30 restaurants line the Bloomfield Avenue corridor — often overshadowed by neighboring Montclair but increasingly competitive. The Verona Inn (family-owned institution for 50-plus years, visited by governors, congressmembers, and sports celebrities), The Parkside Social (contemporary American comfort food and craft cocktails, opened 2022, vintage-meets-industrial atmosphere). Recent statewide competition awarded Verona the best pizza in NJ. Italian, American, Asian, and Mediterranean options throughout. Verona Restaurant Week is an annual celebration. Minutes from Montclair's 150-plus restaurant scene.
Parks and Recreation in Verona
Verona Park
54 acres designed by the Olmsted Brothers — the 5th largest park in the Essex County Park System. Twin lakes connected by a picturesque stone bridge (a favorite of wedding photographers). Walking paths, paddle boats, playground, and mature tree canopy. The township's signature amenity.
Kip's Castle Park
10.5 acres with a castle mansion overlooking the Passaic River valley — the newest addition to the Essex County Park System. The castle was built in 1902 and provides a stunning backdrop for events and photography.
Hilltop Reservation
Former site of the Essex Mountain Sanatorium (opened 1902 for tuberculosis treatment, closed 1977). Opened as a public reservation in spring 2003. Located at the highest point in Essex County with hiking trails and nature areas.
West Essex Trail and Recreation
2.84-mile multi-use trail on the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad right-of-way. Three artificial turf fields (Centennial 2007, Liberty 2015, Freedom 2016), Everett Field, and Veteran's Field provide athletics. The Verona Pool is Olympic-size with water slides, springboards, and a wading pool.
New Development and Growth in Verona
Annin Flag Factory Redevelopment
The former Annin and Co. flag manufacturing facility (operated 1916 to 2013, world's oldest and largest flag manufacturer) has been redeveloped as apartments (opened 2018). Annin produced flags for Iwo Jima, the Poles, Everest, the World Trade Center rubble, and the 186 stick flags carried to the Moon on Apollo 11.
Bloomfield Avenue Commercial Growth
The 30-plus restaurant corridor continues to expand with new dining concepts joining legacy businesses. Verona is emerging from Montclair's shadow as a dining destination in its own right.
History of Verona, NJ
Incorporated on April 18, 1907 after a referendum passed 224 to 77. Originally part of Caldwell Township, which was part of the Horseneck Tract purchased from the Lenape in 1702. The original name Horseneck referred to the shape of the land.
Annin and Co., the world's oldest and largest flag manufacturer, operated its main plant in Verona from 1916 to 2013. The company produced the flags planted at Iwo Jima, the North and South Poles, the summit of Mount Everest, the World Trade Center rubble, and the 186 stick flags Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin carried to the Moon on Apollo 11. Annin was the official flag manufacturer for the United Nations.
The Essex Mountain Sanatorium opened in 1902 on the highest point in Essex County for tuberculosis treatment. Known for its high recovery rate, it operated until 1977. The grounds became the Hilltop Reservation public park in 2003.
Verona Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm and is the 5th largest in the Essex County Park System. The twin lakes and stone bridge have been the township's signature amenity for nearly a century.
The volunteer fire department was founded in 1909 and maintains over 60 firefighters — one of the largest volunteer departments in Essex County. The rescue squad, formed in 1927, is one of the oldest EMS organizations in New Jersey with over 120 members.
Safety in Verona
Verona is a safe community with low crime rates. The volunteer fire department (60-plus firefighters, founded 1909) and rescue squad (120-plus members, founded 1927) provide community-based emergency services — one of the strongest volunteer safety networks in Essex County.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Verona, NJ
What is the median home price in Verona, NJ?
The median home price is $575,000 as of 2026, with 6.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average $330/sqft, selling in 18 days.
How long is the commute from Verona to NYC?
42 minutes via NJ Transit from on the DeCamp Bus 33 to Port Authority / NJ Transit bus to Newark. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Verona, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.56%. Average homeowner pays $13,890/year. At the median price of $575,000, expect about $14,720/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Verona?
Verona Park Area ($550,000 to $750,000). Bloomfield Avenue / Center ($475,000 to $650,000). Hilltop / Upper Verona ($500,000 to $700,000). Cedar Grove Border / West Essex Trail ($450,000 to $600,000). See the full guide above for all 4 neighborhoods.
Is Verona safe?
Verona is a safe community with low crime rates. The volunteer fire department (60-plus firefighters, founded 1909) and rescue squad (120-plus members, founded 1927) provide community-based emergency services — one of the strongest volunteer safety networks in Essex County.
How walkable is Verona, NJ?
Walk Score of 52, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $108,000, median age 41.4. 18% renter-occupied.
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