Your Guide to Living in Bloomfield, NJ

A Local Perspective from Scott Stewart Homes | Keller Williams Prosperity

If you're exploring North Jersey and want a town that delivers community, convenience, character, and a tight connection to everyday living Bloomfield, NJ should absolutely be on your radar. As a Bloomfield resident, Scott has a front-row seat to the energy, growth, and neighborhood feel that makes this town such a standout.

Whether you’re thinking about buying, curious about selling, or simply trying to understand what makes Bloomfield special, here’s your complete, local-insider breakdown.

Commuting & Transit: One of Bloomfield’s Biggest Wins

Bloomfield has some of the best transit access in Essex County which is a huge draw for both buyers and sellers.

Here’s what locals love:

• Watsessing Avenue Station (Montclair-Boonton Line): Direct service to NYC during peak hours

• Bloomfield Station: Walkable, right near downtown

• Fast access to Garden State Parkway, Route 3, and 280

• Ride times to Midtown Manhattan can be under an hour depending on the train

If convenience is non-negotiable, Bloomfield is one of the strongest commuter towns in North Jersey.

Brookdale Park: 121 Acres of Daily Life Magic

Ask any local — Brookdale Park is one of Bloomfield’s crown jewels.

Designed by the Olmsted Brothers (the team behind Central Park), Brookdale offers:

• Miles of walking and running paths

• Tennis & pickleball courts

• Dog park

• Baseball & soccer fields

• Outdoor concerts & community events

• A beautiful rose garden

• Great spaces for picnics, biking, or morning coffee walks

Buyers love the access to green space. Sellers benefit from the increased desirability of nearby neighborhoods like Brookdale, Halcyon Park, and Oak View.

Where Locals Actually Eat, Drink & Hang Out

Bloomfield’s food scene is underrated in the best way possible — it’s diverse, casual, and full of hidden gems.

Holsten’s (1063 Broad St)

Classic American diner + one of the final filming locations of The Sopranos (yes we are talking about THAT scene) Iconic for ice cream and nostalgia.

Popolari (Broad St)

Neapolitan-style pizza with a retro, modern vibe — consistently buzzing with locals.

Bella Napoli

Old-school Italian comfort food with generous portions.

Bloomfield Steak & Seafood House

A restored historic building with great ambiance — perfect for date nights.

The Corner (near Bloomfield’s border with Montclair)

A cult-following café known for creative drinks and modern breakfast plates.

Momoya Ramen

A cozy spot on Broad Street with some of the best ramen in the area.

Varitage Brew Works

If you’re into craft beer or simply love a spot with great energy, Varitage Beer Co. is one of Bloomfield’s best hangouts. This locally loved brewery pours small-batch, creatively brewed beers with constantly rotating taps — think hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, bold stouts, fruited sours, and seasonal releases that keep things fresh every time you visit.

Bloomfield Neighborhood Breakdown

One of the best ways to understand Bloomfield is to see how different each neighborhood feels:

Brookdale

Tree-lined streets, proximity to Brookdale Park, walkable pockets of shops and cafés.
A favorite for buyers looking for comfort + access to outdoors.

Halcyon Park

Storybook homes with unique architecture, curved roads, and a residential charm that attracts those wanting something special.

Oak View

Quiet streets near top recreational amenities — great for folks looking for community-oriented living.

Bloomfield Center / Downtown

Walkable, transit-heavy, lined with restaurants and undergoing exciting revitalization. Perfect for commuters and people who want urban convenience without NYC prices.

North Center / Watsessing

Easy access to Watsessing Station, parks, and newer development pockets.

Key Takeaways

• Bloomfield offers incredible commuting options via NJ Transit and nearby highways.

• Brookdale Park is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Essex County.

• Neighborhoods like Brookdale, Oak View, and Halcyon Park each offer their own charm.

• Broad Street and Bloomfield Center provide walkable food, cafés, and retail.

From Scott, Your Bloomfield Neighbor & Local Guide

“I love calling Bloomfield home — from morning coffee runs to Brookdale Park walks, to grabbing dinner on Broad Street, this town has an energy that feels welcoming, grounded, and full of everyday life. Helping buyers and sellers here is especially meaningful because I get to share the community that I live in.”
— Scott Stewart

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Bloomfield, I’d love to help you navigate the local market with clarity, care, and confidence.

Explore Bloomfield homes for sale or reach out to schedule a private consultation.