Bloomfield, New Jersey has a lot to offer. Between our walkable streets, our variety of restaurants and parks, and our close-knit community, our town balances convenience with a welcoming, lived-in feel.
We spoke with some of our Blue Oak staff to hear what makes Bloomfield a great place to live, from favorite spots around town to the things that make folks proud to call Bloomfield home.
Why people move to Bloomfield
People are drawn to Bloomfield for its convenience and affordability, and as we’ll discuss later, they stick around thanks to the strong sense of community.
For some, the town becomes home after college. Neil, Sales Manager at Blue Oak, moved here while attending Montclair State University.
For others, Bloomfield is the perfect location for a first apartment. Its accessible transit, walkable streets, and close-knit neighborhoods make it an appealing choice for a range of people.
Great schools, top-notch convenience
Bloomfield’s schools draw people in — and keep them here.
“A couple friends and I, my freshman year, instead of dorming, we got an apartment in Bloomfield,” Neil said. “That was my first house down on the south side of Bloomfield, and then I moved to the north end, and that’s where I’ve lived for about eight years now.”
For others, like Megan, Inventory Manager at Blue Oak, convenience drew her to Bloomfield.
Originally from nearby Lyndhurst, Megan moved after she started at Blue Oak and was looking for her first apartment.
“Bloomfield was the most convenient option for not only myself, but my two roommates,” she said. “It’s right by the parkway, and everything you need is here.”
Easy transit and walkable streets
Getting around Bloomfield is straightforward, especially for a suburb.
Whether you’re commuting to work or just running errands, NJ Transit’s Bloomfield Station connects residents to Newark Broad Street, Montclair, and New York City, while bus routes 11, 27, 28, and 29 cover other parts of town.
Megan, who lives near the Glen Ridge and Belleville side of Bloomfield, enjoys being able to walk to shops, restaurants, and services. “I wanted somewhere I felt comfortable walking alone and could get to places without always relying on a car,” she said.
Affordable living
Compared with nearby towns like Montclair and other areas close to New York City, Bloomfield strikes a balance between affordability and quality of life, making it a smart choice for first-time renters and recent graduates.
“North Jersey is getting super expensive, and Bloomfield is one of those areas where you can still find affordable housing and a nice quality of life,” Neil said.
“Montclair is just not very affordable, especially for recent grads,” Megan added. “Bloomfield felt like the best option because of affordability.”
Why people stay here
Isabelle, Sales Specialist at Blue Oak, has lived in Bloomfield her whole life.
“I love it here. I went to elementary school at Brookdale right nearby, and it’s a very comfortable, nice, safe area,” she said.
For Isabelle, growing up here has given her a true sense of the town’s charm and community.
Outdoor spaces and parks
Bloomfield’s parks are a big draw for locals. Isabelle loves Brookdale Park, where she often takes her pug for walks.
“If we weren’t able to do that anymore in that park, I would really miss it,” she said.
Bloomfield’s green spaces provide both relaxation and a sense of community, making it easy to enjoy time outdoors without leaving town.
Safety and neighborhood vibes
Feeling safe and at home is a big reason people stick around in Bloomfield.
Isabelle loves the town’s suburban, secure vibe, and Megan appreciates how friendly and caring the neighbors are.
“A lot of our neighbors are super supportive, whether it’s moving cars for parking or just being helpful with trash days,” Megan said.
That mix of safety and neighborly care makes it easy to feel like you truly belong here.
Things to do
Bloomfield offers plenty to keep residents busy.
Megan lives within walking distance of a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities, including arcades and Studio Air for yoga. On the note of local shops, Isabelle has been a loyal customer of Brookdale Pet Center for years.
“It’s really nice to be able to walk over to those places and not have to drive,” Megan said of her favorite Bloomfield spots.
Even when she does drive, there’s plenty of parking, and local conveniences like the post office, municipal buildings, and small stores are close by.
This mix of accessibility and entertainment makes it easy to enjoy life in Bloomfield without going far.
Vibrant restaurant scene
Bloomfield’s food scene is another reason locals adore living here. Isabelle, for example, loves popping into local favorites like Mastriano’s.
Neil recommended Boonsong Thai, a mom-and-pop spot right near Blue Oak, and Christo’s Wake & Steak, famous for what Neil calls “some of the best cheesesteaks in the world.”
Megan shared some of her favorites, too, including Blended Flavors for Caribbean cuisine, Yaffa Grill for Mediterranean dishes, and Zi Zia for pizza.
Culture, community, and local gems
What keeps people rooted in Bloomfield isn’t just the convenience or the parks. It’s the strong sense of community.
Locals take pride in supporting small businesses, from neighborhood restaurants to quirky shops.
“People are willing to pay a little bit more just to have that sense of supporting a mom-and-pop business,” Neil said.
Bloomfield also has its share of local lore. The legendary Holsten’s, just steps from Blue Oak, is where the final scene of The Sopranos takes place, adding a fun pop culture connection to the community.
Even for newcomers who don’t know this fun fact, Bloomfield has a way of making people feel at home. Megan, whose apartment was meant to be temporary, said the town has convinced her to stick around.
“Although we’re going to move out of the place we’re living in, we’re planning to stay in Bloomfield because we like it a lot,” she said. “There’s a lot of culture in this town, and we’ve had a really positive experience.”
Community at the heart of Bloomfield
Bloomfield’s true character is in the people who live here and the connections they build.
From the welcoming neighbors to the small businesses that feel like an extension of the community, there’s a strong sense of belonging that keeps residents rooted.
That same spirit is at the heart of Blue Oak, where staff and customers alike contribute to a friendly, inclusive environment.
Whether you’re new to town or just passing through, stopping by is a chance to be part of a community that values connection, local culture, and shared experiences.
