Bloomfield
Bloomfield is one of Essex County's largest and most varied communities, combining a revitalized downtown, historic neighborhoods, two commuter-rail stations, major parks, a university campus, busy business corridors and direct access to the Garden State Parkway.
Bloomfield Overview
Bloomfield stretches from the Newark and Belleville borders north toward Montclair and Clifton. Its neighborhoods range from dense transit-oriented areas around Bloomfield Center and Watsessing to quieter residential districts around Brookdale and the northern end of Broad Street.
History & Township Identity
The area that became Bloomfield was originally part of Newark. English and Dutch settlers established farms and mills along local waterways, and the community eventually took its name from Revolutionary War General Joseph Bloomfield. Bloomfield formally separated from Newark and became a township in 1812.
The historic church and Green form one of Bloomfield's oldest civic landscapes. The Green was used as a military training and parade ground before becoming part of the community center.
Bloomfield once supported woolen mills, paper mills, copper mills, cotton factories, shoe factories and other industries powered by local waterways and later transportation networks.
The Newark and Pompton Turnpike, Morris Canal, railroads and streetcars helped make Bloomfield an important commercial connection between Newark and northern New Jersey.
Business & Shopping
Bloomfield supports several distinct business districts. The most prominent is Bloomfield Center, the downtown area around the historic Six Points intersection and Bloomfield rail station. Broad Street, Bloomfield Avenue and neighborhood shopping areas extend commercial activity throughout the township.
The township's downtown combines restaurants, shops, services, apartments, civic buildings, the Bloomfield College campus and commuter rail within a walkable district.
Broad Street stretches through much of Bloomfield, supporting neighborhood retail, restaurants, professional services, supermarkets and access toward Brookdale.
A major east-west corridor linking Bloomfield with Newark, Glen Ridge and Montclair, with a broad mix of businesses and services.
The area near Watsessing Avenue Station provides neighborhood businesses, transit access and opportunities for continued mixed-use investment.
Food & Dining
Bloomfield has one of the broader dining selections among Essex County's suburban communities. Bloomfield Center, Broad Street and Bloomfield Avenue offer cafés, bakeries, casual restaurants, takeout, bars and international cuisines.
Bloomfield Center has become increasingly restaurant-oriented as residential and retail redevelopment has brought more foot traffic near the train station.
The township's diverse population supports Italian, Latin American, Caribbean, Asian, Mediterranean, American and other cuisines.
Broad Street and smaller commercial areas provide long-established local restaurants, delis, bakeries and everyday dining options.
Transportation & Commuting
Bloomfield is particularly strong for commuters because it combines two NJ Transit rail stations, bus service and direct access to the Garden State Parkway.
Located in Bloomfield Center on the Montclair–Boonton Line, the station anchors downtown transit-oriented development and provides commuter rail service toward Newark, Hoboken and New York connections.
Located at Watsessing Avenue and Orange Street, this Montclair–Boonton Line station includes parking, bicycle facilities and a ticket vending machine.
The Parkway runs directly through Bloomfield, providing convenient north-south highway access across northern and central New Jersey.
NJ Transit buses connect Bloomfield with Newark, Montclair, Clifton and other regional destinations.
Parks & Recreation
Bloomfield has an unusually strong recreation profile, combining township parks and programs with major Essex County parkland.
At 121.41 acres, Brookdale Park is the third-largest park in the Essex County system. It includes walking and running trails, sports fields, tennis, an archery range, playgrounds, a track, grandstand and formal rose garden.
A portion of Essex County's 36-mile Lenape Trail passes through Brookdale Park, connecting Bloomfield with a larger network of parks and communities.
Brookdale Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, with development beginning in the late 1920s and major work completed during the 1930s.
Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs operates sports, seasonal programs, camps, senior services and special events throughout the year.
Bloomfield College Campus
The historic Bloomfield campus at 467 Franklin Street is now part of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. The campus sits just steps from downtown Bloomfield and the township's transit, restaurants and local businesses.
The institution traces its roots to a theological school that moved to Bloomfield in 1868. Its long presence has made higher education an important part of the township's identity.
Bloomfield College officially became part of Montclair State University in 2023, giving students access to the resources of a large public research university while retaining a smaller-campus setting.
The university describes the Bloomfield campus as closely connected to the downtown, with shops, restaurants, events and mass transit within walking distance.
Culture & Community Life
Bloomfield's community institutions reflect both its long history and its diverse modern population. Cultural programs, libraries, recreation and public events give residents many ways to participate locally.
The 1895 Oakeside Mansion and surrounding four-acre property serve as a township cultural center offering arts, historical interpretation, horticulture, education and community events.
The township library provides books, digital resources, public computers, research tools and programs for residents of different ages.
Bloomfield supports concerts, recreation activities, seasonal events and cultural programming through township departments and community organizations.
Real Estate & Redevelopment
Bloomfield combines older detached homes, multifamily properties, apartment buildings and a growing amount of transit-oriented housing. Downtown redevelopment has significantly changed the area around Bloomfield Station.
The township maintains multiple redevelopment plans for Bloomfield Center, including the area around the train station, Avalon residential development and the Shops at Bloomfield Station.
New residential development near Bloomfield Station has strengthened the downtown's role as a walkable mixed-use district.
Beyond the downtown, Bloomfield offers many mature residential neighborhoods with single-family homes, two-family properties and garden-style apartment communities.
Living & Visiting Bloomfield
Bloomfield works particularly well as a residential base for people who want access to Newark and New York while retaining local parks, restaurants, schools, shopping and community services.
Two rail stations, buses and the Garden State Parkway provide strong regional transportation choices.
Township recreation, libraries, schools, neighborhood parks and Brookdale Park provide substantial community infrastructure.
Bloomfield Center, Brookdale Park, the historic Green, Oakeside, campus architecture and local restaurants provide worthwhile stops within Essex County.
Jobs, Business & Opportunity
Bloomfield's employment base includes education, local government, healthcare and social services, retail, restaurants, professional services, construction, transportation and businesses serving the township's growing residential population.
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University contributes educational, administrative, facilities and student-support employment to the local economy.
Bloomfield Center and Broad Street support retail, restaurants, professional services and independently owned businesses.
Continued housing and commercial development supports work in construction, maintenance, property management and related trades.
Future NJTGO Bloomfield Guides
This all-in-one page gives Bloomfield a complete NJTGO destination now. Strong categories can become dedicated pages later without replacing this overview.
Bloomfield Center, Broad Street and neighborhood businesses.
Future ExpansionRestaurants, cafés, bakeries and international dining.
Future ExpansionHousing, redevelopment and transit-oriented living.
Future ExpansionTransit, attractions and nearby lodging.
Future ExpansionCommunity marketplace and local notices.
Future ExpansionLocal employers, municipal opportunities and career resources.
Future ExpansionOfficial Bloomfield Resources
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Information reviewed August 2026. NJTGO.com is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the Township of Bloomfield, Essex County, NJ Transit, Montclair State University or any local business. Transportation, redevelopment, recreation and public-service information can change; verify time-sensitive details with the appropriate official source.