Essex County, NJ

Living in West Caldwell, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

James Caldwell HS. Hatfield Swamp Nature. Affordable Premium.

Last updated: September 2026

$650,000
Median Home Price
48 min
To Penn Station
10,973
Population
1904
Founded
5.6%
YoY Appreciation

Why West Caldwell, NJ?

West Caldwell is a quiet, family-oriented township sharing the Caldwell-West Caldwell school district with neighboring Caldwell. James Caldwell High School is well-regarded. The Hatfield Swamp near the Passaic River provides nature. At $650K, it offers larger lots and more space than Caldwell proper at a moderate premium.

West Caldwell Real Estate Market in 2026

West Caldwell homes sell in 20 days at a $650K median. Colonials and split-levels on quarter to half acre lots. Prices range from $475K to $1M+.

$650,000
Median Price
$330/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
20 days
Avg Days on Market
+5.6%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in West Caldwell

3 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Westville Avenue Area

$600,000 to $850,000

Central residential area near James Caldwell High School. Established colonials.

Best for: Families, school-focused buyers

Bloomfield Avenue

$525,000 to $700,000

Near the commercial corridor shared with Caldwell. More walkable section.

Best for: Convenience seekers

Passaic River Area

$550,000 to $750,000

Near Hatfield Swamp and the Passaic River. Nature access.

Best for: Nature lovers

Commuting from West Caldwell to NYC

48
Minutes to Penn Station
Bus to Newark
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in West Caldwell

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in West Caldwell?

28
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
48 min
NYC Commute
2.23%
Property Tax Rate
$14,234/year avg
7.2%
Hispanic/Latino
16.4% foreign-born

West Caldwell Schools and Ratings

West Caldwell students attend James Caldwell High School (shared with Caldwell), well-regarded for academics and athletics.

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

James Caldwell High School

WEST CALDWELL, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
C
10.0:1 ratio 772 students Score: 76/100

Wilson Elementary School

WEST CALDWELL, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
C
11.3:1 ratio 226 students Score: 73/100

Harrison School

West Caldwell, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-1
C
37 students Score: 70/100

Jefferson Elementary School

WEST CALDWELL, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
D
11.1:1 ratio 256 students Score: 68/100

Washington Elementary School

WEST CALDWELL, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
D
13.9:1 ratio 402 students Score: 66/100

Essex County West Caldwell Tech

West Caldwell, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
F
9.4:1 ratio 349 students Score: 53/100
View all West Caldwell schools with full ratings →

West Caldwell vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
West Caldwell $650,000 2.23% $14,234 48 min
Caldwell $575,000 2.45% $13,456 45 min
North Caldwell $850,000 2.01% $16,789 48 min

Where to Eat in West Caldwell

Bloomfield Avenue

Shared dining corridor with Caldwell. Italian restaurants, delis, and casual American options.

Parks and Recreation in West Caldwell

Hatfield Swamp

Passaic River wetlands with nature trails and wildlife observation.

West Caldwell Community Park

Township park with sports fields and recreation.

New Development and Growth in West Caldwell

History of West Caldwell, NJ

Incorporated in 1904 from Caldwell Township.

Named after Reverend James Caldwell, the Fighting Parson of the Revolutionary War, same as Caldwell borough.

The Hatfield Swamp is part of the Great Swamp watershed, one of the most significant natural areas in Essex County.

Safety in West Caldwell

West Caldwell is a safe community with low crime rates.

Notable Residents

Samuel Alito, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court (grew up in West Caldwell) Tommy Page, singer (I'll Be Your Everything, number 1 Billboard Hot 100 in 1990) Andrew E. Svenson, children's author and publisher (wrote Hardy Boys and Bobbsey Twins series, 70-plus books)

Annual Events and Festivals

West Caldwell Day Holiday Tree Lighting

Frequently Asked Questions About West Caldwell, NJ

What is the median home price in West Caldwell, NJ?

The median home price is $650,000 as of 2026, with 5.6% year-over-year appreciation. Average $330/sqft, selling in 20 days.

How long is the commute from West Caldwell to NYC?

48 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Bus to Newark. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in West Caldwell, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.23%. Average homeowner pays $14,234/year. At the median price of $650,000, expect about $14,495/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in West Caldwell?

Westville Avenue Area ($600,000 to $850,000). Bloomfield Avenue ($525,000 to $700,000). Passaic River Area ($550,000 to $750,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is West Caldwell safe?

West Caldwell is a safe community with low crime rates.

How walkable is West Caldwell, NJ?

Walk Score of 28, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $128,000, median age 44.2. 12% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in West Caldwell?

Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows West Caldwell inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.

Explore Nearby Communities

Caldwell $575,000 45 min North Caldwell $850,000 48 min