Why Westfield, NJ?
Westfield is the crown jewel of Union County and one of the most sought-after suburban communities in New Jersey. With nationally ranked schools, a vibrant walkable downtown featuring over 200 shops and restaurants, and NJ Transit service to Penn Station, it consistently ranks among the top places to live in the state. The town's colonial and Victorian architecture, mature tree canopy, and community traditions like the annual 4th of July parade (drawing 50,000 spectators) create a classic American small-town feel 25 miles from Times Square.
Westfield Real Estate Market in 2026
The Westfield market is ultra-competitive with homes selling in a median 21 days at above asking price. The median home price of $1.4M makes it the most expensive market in Union County. Colonial-style homes in the Gardens neighborhood can exceed $2M while more modest capes and ranches in the south side start around $800K. Inventory is chronically low with fewer than 50 homes on the market at any time. Multi-generational families and out-of-state relocations drive consistent demand. The price gap between Westfield and neighboring Cranford ($795K) or Garwood ($571K) on the same train line creates a clear upgrade path for growing families.
Best Neighborhoods in Westfield
7 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
The Gardens
$1,500,000 to $3,500,000Westfield's most prestigious neighborhood. Tree-lined streets with Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Georgian homes on large lots. Named for the garden-like setting. Walking distance to downtown and Franklin Elementary. The highest concentration of luxury homes in Union County.
Wychwood
$1,200,000 to $2,500,000English village-inspired enclave with winding roads and Tudor-style homes. Developed in the 1930s by Arthur Rule. Tamaques Park adjacent. Wilson Elementary district. Highly private with a secluded character rare in suburban NJ.
Indian Forest
$1,300,000 to $2,800,000Large lots with mid-century and colonial homes set back from quiet streets. Near Echo Lake Country Club. Jefferson Elementary district. One of Westfield's most spacious neighborhoods with deep setbacks and mature landscaping.
Stonehenge
$900,000 to $1,400,000Ranch-style and split-level homes from the 1950s-60s on generous lots. Near Tamaques Park. Popular with families wanting Westfield schools at a more accessible price. Jefferson Elementary. Good value relative to the Gardens.
Manor Park
$800,000 to $1,200,000Southern Westfield neighborhood with smaller lots and more modest homes. Washington Elementary district. Walking distance to Westfield train station. Popular with young families entering the Westfield market. Charming colonials and capes.
Downtown Core
$600,000 to $1,000,000Condos, townhomes, and apartments above retail along East Broad Street and Elm Street. Walking distance to everything including the train station. Rental options available. The most urban living in Westfield.
Northside
$900,000 to $1,600,000North of the train tracks with a mix of colonials and Victorians. Wilson and McKinley Elementary districts. Quiet residential streets with easy access to downtown. Strong appreciation due to proximity to schools and station.
Commuting from Westfield to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Westfield
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Westfield?
Westfield Schools and Ratings
Westfield Public Schools is one of the top-ranked districts in New Jersey. Westfield High School (WHS) consistently appears in state and national rankings with a 97% graduation rate and average SAT scores well above state and national medians. The district operates 6 elementary schools (Franklin, Jefferson, McKinley, Tamaques, Washington, Wilson), 2 intermediate schools (Edison and Roosevelt), and one comprehensive high school. AP participation exceeds 70%. The district's flagship programs include award-winning music, debate, and athletics.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Crossroads School
Westlake
Work Readiness Academy
Wilson Elementary School
Lamberts Mill Academy
Washington Elementary School
Franklin Elementary School
Thomas Edison Intermediate School
Westfield vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield | $1,400,000 | 2.18% | $17,890 | 48 min |
| Cranford | $795,000 | 2.45% | $12,890 | 57 min |
| Scotch Plains | $725,000 | 2.39% | $13,456 | 55 min |
| Garwood | $571,000 | 2.79% | $9,876 | 55 min |
Where to Eat in Westfield
Fine Dining & American
16 Prospect Wine Bar and Bistro (farm-to-table), Addams Tavern (craft cocktails in a historic building), Chez Catherine (French, one of NJ's most celebrated), Limani Seafood Grill (upscale Greek). Downtown Westfield has one of the highest restaurant densities in Union County.
Italian
Ferraro's (Southern Italian, Westfield staple since 1960s), Acquaviva delle Fonti (wood-fired pizza and pasta), Theresa's (casual Italian, family-owned), Cosimo's (Sicilian, generous portions). Italian dining is the backbone of Westfield's food scene.
Asian & International
Nagoya (sushi and hibachi), Kenko (Japanese, Elm Street), Mojave Grille (Southwestern fusion), Westfield Diner (classic NJ diner, 24 hours). Growing diversity in dining options along North Avenue and South Avenue.
Cafes & Bakeries
Ahrre's Coffee Roastery (artisan roaster), Bovella's (Italian pastries since 1952), Rockn' Joe (local chain born in Westfield), Town & Country Bagel. The cafe culture on Elm Street and Quimby Street draws weekend crowds from surrounding towns.
Parks and Recreation in Westfield
Mindowaskin Park
Downtown Westfield's signature park surrounding Mindowaskin Pond. Gazebo, walking paths, playground, and memorial gardens. Hosts summer concerts, the annual Spring Fling festival, and community events. The heart of Westfield's public life since 1918.
Tamaques Park
110-acre county park with tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails. Home to Westfield's youth baseball and softball leagues. Cross-country running course. The largest green space within Westfield's borders.
Echo Lake Park
Shared with Mountainside. 142-acre Union County park with the Upper and Lower Echo Lake, walking trails, fitness course, and picnic areas. Dog park. Part of the Lenape Trail system. Popular for jogging and nature walks.
Brightwood Park
44-acre nature preserve in north Westfield with hiking trails through old-growth forest. Part of the Rahway River watershed. One of the last unmanaged natural areas in central Union County. Birdwatching destination.
New Development and Growth in Westfield
One Westfield Place
Mixed-use redevelopment of the former Lord & Taylor site on North Avenue. 218 luxury apartments, 20,000 sq ft retail, public plaza. Walking distance to the train station. The largest residential development in downtown Westfield in decades.
South Avenue Corridor
Multiple infill developments along South Avenue between the train station and Central Avenue. Townhomes and apartments bringing new housing stock to the downtown walkable core.
Westfield 2030 Master Plan
Town-wide planning initiative focused on downtown vitality, sustainable development, pedestrian safety, and preservation of neighborhood character. Includes zoning updates for mixed-use along transit corridors.
History of Westfield, NJ
Settled in 1720 as part of Elizabethtown. Incorporated as the Town of Westfield in 1903.
Named for its position in the western fields of the Elizabethtown tract. The original settlers were English Puritans and Quakers.
Westfield was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Miller-Cory House Museum (built 1740) preserves colonial-era life and hosts living history demonstrations.
The Rialto Theatre on East Broad Street (1922) was one of NJ's first movie palaces. The building still stands and has been repurposed as retail.
Westfield High School has produced multiple NFL players, Olympic athletes, and notable alumni across business, media, and politics.
The annual 4th of July parade, running since the early 1900s, is one of the largest in New Jersey, drawing an estimated 50,000 spectators along Broad Street.
Downtown Westfield was one of the first communities in NJ to adopt a Special Improvement District (SID) to manage and promote its commercial core, a model now used statewide.
Safety in Westfield
Westfield is one of the safest communities in Union County with crime rates well below state and national averages. The Westfield Police Department maintains high visibility in the downtown core and residential neighborhoods. Community policing programs include the Citizens Police Academy and a dedicated School Resource Officer at Westfield High School. The walkable downtown with active foot traffic provides natural surveillance throughout the day and evening.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Recently Sold Homes in Westfield, NJ
Public record data from NJ Division of Taxation SR1A filings.
| Address | Sale Price | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 6 BREEZE KNOLL DR | $5,200,000 | 260625 |
| 818 SUMMIT AVE | $930,000 | 260625 |
| 21 SANDRA CIRCLE | $1,700,000 | 260625 |
| 301 JOHN ST | $1,050,000 | 260622 |
| 563 PIERSON ST | $660,000 | 260619 |
| 407 CAYUGA WAY | $1,175,000 | 260619 |
| 515 WOODLAND AVE | $1,750,000 | 260618 |
| 424 ST MARKS AVE | $1,049,000 | 260618 |
| 204 MYRTLE AVE | $515,000 | 260617 |
| 1420 BOULEVARD | $1,660,000 | 260616 |
| 506 CODDING RD | $1,605,000 | 260612 |
| 401 POE AVE | $1,460,000 | 260612 |
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, SR1A 2024-2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westfield, NJ
What is the median home price in Westfield, NJ?
The median home price is $1,400,000 as of 2026, with 6.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average $475/sqft, selling in 21 days.
How long is the commute from Westfield to NYC?
48 minutes via NJ Transit from Westfield Station on the Raritan Valley. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Westfield, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.18%. Average homeowner pays $17,890/year. At the median price of $1,400,000, expect about $30,520/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Westfield?
The Gardens ($1,500,000 to $3,500,000). Wychwood ($1,200,000 to $2,500,000). Indian Forest ($1,300,000 to $2,800,000). Stonehenge ($900,000 to $1,400,000). Manor Park ($800,000 to $1,200,000). See the full guide above for all 7 neighborhoods.
Is Westfield safe?
Westfield is one of the safest communities in Union County with crime rates well below state and national averages. The Westfield Police Department maintains high visibility in the downtown core and residential neighborhoods. Community policing programs include the Citizens Police Academy and a dedicated School Resource Officer at Westfield High School. The walkable downtown with active foot traffic provides natural surveillance throughout the day and evening.
How walkable is Westfield, NJ?
Walk Score of 72, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $198,000, median age 40.1. 12% renter-occupied.
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