Living in Westfield: A Real Estate and Lifestyle Guide to Westfield, New Jersey

Where is Westfield Located in New Jersey?

Located in Union County, Westfield is accessible off the Garden State Parkway, (exits 135 and 137) and Route 22. Route 28 runs through the town along the Raritan Valley Line railroad tracks, which divides the town into a north and south side. The town is bordered by Clark, Cranford, Garwood, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, and Springfield Township. New York City is an estimated 22 miles away.

What are the transportation options in Westfield?

Westfield commuters enjoy NJ Transit rail and bus options. The Westfield train station offers quick travel to New York Penn Station via a connection in Newark Penn Station. There are even direct rides into New York Penn Station during weekday off-peak hours. Non-stop services take about 20 minutes to Newark and 50 minutes to New York. NJ Transit bus route 113 leaves the town center for New York City seven days a week. Two other routes, 114 and 117, are picked up along Route 22. NJ Transit’s Route 59 bus makes stops in Newark, with Newark Liberty International Airport also easily accessible via Route 22. Commuters who are looking to drive from Westfield to Manhattan can take I-95 or 1-78. It will take a little less than an hour, depending on traffic.

What is the Architecture of Westfield?

The town has a wide range of architectural styles for homebuyers. Older neighbors, such as Brightwood, Kimball Avenue Historic District, and Stoneleigh Park, have historic Colonial, Tudor, and Victorian homes. New Colonials can also be found. With a popular downtown, luxury apartments are available in this area, as well as ones within walking distance of the train station.

What Schools are in Westfield?

Westfield has 10 highly ranked public schools in its district: one pre-kindergarten/kindergarten; six elementary (first through fifth grades), including 2019 National Blue Ribbon School, Washington Elementary; two middle (sixth through eighth grades), and Westfield High School (ninth through 12th grade). High schoolers can apply to attend one of Union County’s vocational-technical schools, which focuses on information technology, allied health sciences and performing arts.

There are private education institutions in town, including Holy Trinity School, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Catholic school that teaches pre-kindergarten through eighth grade; Temple Emanu-El Early Childhood Education Program; and other early education schools.

Things to Do and See in Westfield

Downtown Westfield

One of the biggest draws for residents in Westfield is its downtown, featuring shopping, dining, and arts and entertainment all in one convenient location. Major retailers include Banana Republic, Gap, Lord + Taylor, Urban Outfitters, and Williams-Sonoma. Visitors have more than 60 dining options, as well as specialty food stores Starbucks and Trader Joe’s. Community events, such as music festivals and holiday weekends, are also held in Westfield’s downtown area.

Miller-Cory House Museum

Considered a “living history” museum, this 1740 farmhouse has been restored and set up to recreate what farm life was like from 1740-1820. The museum and its grounds are open Sundays (and some Saturdays) September through June, with special programs for children and adults.

Tamaques Park

Located on Lamberts Mill Road, this county park has something for everyone. It has basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, shuffleboard courts, handball courts, two playgrounds, six playing fields, picnic areas, as well as a pond, dog park, jogging path and restroom area.

Westfield Farmers Market

Running 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday, June through October at the North Avenue Train Station parking lot, this farmers market features vendors such as Beezy Bee Honey, Maha Granola, Great Notch Roasters, and more. There is also live music and activities for kids.

AddamsFest

A month-long celebration of “The Addams Family” creator, cartoonist Charles Addams, who resided in the area, and who based “The Addams Family” house from the cartoon on one located on Elm Street. The event takes place in October and includes movie screenings, art exhibits, a masquerade ball and more.

Curb My Clutter

Westfield is one of the first communities in the United States to institute Curb My Clutter, an easy curbside collection of used clothing and electronics by simply texting PICKUP to 908-356-4107. An estimated 168 residents have used the program, collecting 4,953 pounds of clothing and 5,897 pounds of electronics. This has saved 10,850 pounds of waste from landfills.

What Clubs are Available to Residents?

There are various clubs to join, from organizations that raise monies for the public schools to residents helping revitalize local parks. Others include:

Westfield Community Players

This not-for-profit theater company performs various live stage productions in their 150-seat theater in town. Volunteers help run the theater and learn the intricacies of producing a show. Everyone is welcome to audition for roles in upcoming performances.

New Jersey Festival Orchestra

Founded in 1983, and formerly called the Westfield Symphony Orchestra, this group of musicians promotes symphonic and operatic music to residents and other New Jerseyans. The orchestra has received multiple Citation of Excellence awards from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Westfield Welcome Club

A not-for-profit social organization, the welcome club is open to residents new and old. With more than 60 members from Westfield and the surrounding area, the club focuses on events for women and their families, as well as charitable and fundraising events.

Where to Eat in Westfield?

Ferraro’s

This three-story, family-run restaurant serves up traditional Italian dishes, such as eggplant parmigiana, penne vodka, grilled salmon and rack of lamb, on tables covered with white tablecloths. Special events are also held here, from weddings to birthday parties to corporate functions and more.

Roosterspin

Looking to enjoy great food and good tunes? Roosterspin offers Korean food — starters, salads, rolls and main dishes like Always Double Fried Chicken in soy garlic or spicy soy garlic, and R-Waffle with powdered sugar and homemade pineapple syrup, in a chic, industrial-style space, also featuring live music and karaoke.

Fujiyama Mama

A popular Japanese eatery, Fujiyama Mama has a kitchen menu with traditional dishes, hibachi grills for a more entertaining meal, and made-to-order sushi selections. A happy hour menu offers specials on sushi rolls, beer, and sake.

The Kilkenny House

An Irish restaurant and pub, The Kilkenny House is a gathering place for locals looking to enjoy a good meal. Dishes include Gaelic Steak, Pasta Primavera, Fish and Chips, and Chicken Pot Pie. There is also live music weekly, a Sunday brunch, and specials at the bar during football games.

How Many People Live in Westfield?

Population: 29,881 [2018 estimate: United States Census Burea]

What is the Average Home Value in Westfield?

Price: $725,100

What Are the Property Taxes in Westfield?

Median Cost: $16,914 [2018]

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