Bloomfield NJ
Ever since the midtown-direct train line gave it a 30-minute commute to Penn Station about seven years ago, Bloomfield–just to the east of Montclair–has been gaining in popularity. With about 45,000 residents, the town is somewhat more urban than Montclair or Glen Ridge, and houses here are a little closer together. But Bloomfield also comes with lower price tags and taxes than its neighbors. Prices have dropped here in the downturn, creating opportunities for buyers–a fact that has been reflected in the steady rate of sales. A spate of terrific new restaurants have been getting media attention, and a number of arts groups have taken up residence. According to a recent New York Times article, Bloomfield “has long been known as a working-class town where families stay for generations. Although it has become more diverse, it remains charming in an old-fashioned kind of way.â€
Bloomfield (which once also included the areas of Montclair and Glen Ridge) seceded from Newark in 1812, and over the course of the 19th century, it became the borough it is today. As a result of its long history, it offers many beautiful old houses and buildings, as well as post war construction. A recently approved plan is underway to bring new residential development to the business district around Bloomfield Avenue, with the goal of creating a more mixed-use and thriving downtown. For those more interested in the quiet suburban life, there are plenty of picture-perfect suburban streets and good neighborhood schools. The town is seated at the edge of the wonderful 121-acre Brookdale Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and home to playgrounds, fields, walking paths, and several summer concerts, including appearances by the New York Metropolitan Opera and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and very popular fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Schools
Public Schools
- Bloomfield School District
- Bloomfield Educational Foundation
- NJ Department of Education Report Card for Bloomfield
- High school rankings in 2008, according to NJ Monthly survey
- Results of standardized tests, published in Star-Ledger/NJ.com
Private schools in or near Bloomfield
- St. Thomas the Apostle School
- Montclair Cooperative School (Montclair)
- St. Cassian Elementary School (Montclair)
- The Montclair Kimberley Academy (Montclair)
- Lacordaire Academy Elementary and Secondary (Montclair)
- Far Brook School (Short Hills)
- Newark Academy (Livingston)
- Seton Hall Preparatory School (West Orange)
Bloomfield Preschools
- Rainbow Montessori
- Looking Glass Children’s Center
- Education Station Daycare
- St. Thomas the Apostle Pre-K
- Shoresh Pre School – Ner Tamid
- Olive Tree Child Care Center – 973-748-1984
- Precious Moments Learning Center – 973-680-1133‎
- Mt. Carmel Guild Preschool – 973-639-6622‎
- Christ Church Nursery School (Glen Ridge)
- Pilgrim Nursery School (Glen Ridge) – 973-743-5596‎
- (see Montclair for a list of preschools nearby)
Continuing Education
Community
- Township of Bloomfield
- A Brief History of Bloomfield
- Essex County Community Information
- Bloomfield Public Library
- Bloomfield Municipal Youth Council
- Bloomfield Garbage and Recycling Schedule
- “A Starter Spot for Suburbanites,” The New York Times, May 2009
Press and Media
Parks and Gardens
- Essex County Park Profiles
- Brookdale Park Conservancy
- Halcyon Park Neighborhood Association
- Watsessing Dog Park forum
Arts and Entertainment
- Bloomfield Arts
- Township of Bloomfield Cultural Commission
- Bloomfield College Westminster Arts Center
- 4th Wall Theatre
- Multi-Media Arts Center
- Mosaic Dance Theater
- MOC Musical Theater at Westminster Theater
- Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra
- Pianos Bar and Grill
Walking, Biking, and Green Living/Recreation
- Bloomfield Garbage and Recycling Schedule
- Montclair-Bloomfield Community Supported Agriculture
- Greener Bloomfield blog
- Brookdale Cycle Inc
- Township of Bloomfield Recreation Department
- Bloomfield Soccer Club
- Essex County Sports blog
Favorite Local Businesses
Favorite Restaurants & Food Shops
- “Upstart Bloomfield is nipping at the heels of über-dining-destination Montclair,” NJ Monthly, March 2009
- Holsten’s Brookdale Confectionary
- Brookside Thai
- The Town Pub
- Pandan Asian Cuisine
- Senorita’s Mexican Grill
- The Orange Squirrel
- Bohemia Restaurant
- Stamna Greek Taverna (via Mano a Vino)