Section Image

Brookdale

Brookdale

Neighborhood in Bloomfield, New Jersey

Essex County 07003

$728,085 Average Value
$538 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

Suburb with urban flair, 20 miles east of Manhattan

There are enough winding roads and historic buildings in Brookdale to make it seem like a slow-going retreat built around cars. But while walking along portions of bustling Broad Street – where pet stores, delis and salons mingle – it’s apparent that this neighborhood also has a pedestrian friendly lifestyle. That makes it appealing to former city dwellers or current city workers, because it feels like the Manhattan vibes just 20 miles east begin to seep in. Hip restaurants provide entertainment, but with plenty of park space nearby, Brookdale is not quite an all-out city experience. “The area is suburban with urban flair,” says Realtor Lauren Orsini with Berkshire Hathaway. “It’s got a little culture, it’s not as sleepy as other suburbs nearby. You can go check out the cherry blossoms in Brookdale Park or taste all sorts of cuisines. It’s also really easy to commute from.”

Split-levels and Cape Cods that can reach $700,000

Brookdale experienced a suburban boom in the years after World War I as the local textile industry expanded and built housing for its workers. Brookdale had a combined industrial and residential character for many years, and this neighborhood is still home to the Universal Technical Institute trade school and Lummus Technology. Realtor Corey Jones of Prestige Properties says, “If you’re looking for a location that will give you park-like scenes, walkable neighborhoods not far from shopping, local train stations, great schools, and proximity to New York City, you will have this bundled up in Brookdale for relatively affordable prices.” Homebuyers will notice that neat landscaping is a neighborhood feature, with properties framed by mature trees and fronted by simple squares of lawn. “The aesthetics are comparable to some parts of nearby Montclair,” says Jones. “You can comfortably purchase homes in Brookdale for high $300,000s, $400,000s, and up.” Many homebuyers will find the upper part of the market filled with polished split-level homes and four-bedroom Cape Cods, sending prices into the $550,000 to $700,000 range.

Bloomfield High enjoys a friendly football rivalry

Students can begin their public education journey at Brookdale Elementary, which has an 11-to-1 student-teacher ratio and earns an A-minus rating from Niche. Bloomfield Middle earns a B-minus, while Bloomfield High rises to a B-plus. The high school has consistently ranked among the top quarter of public high schools in the state, while also boasting a strong football program that has engaged in a fierce rivalry with the Montclair Mounties for decades.

Brookdale Park defines the west end with miles of trails

Brookdale Park covers a wide swath of the west end, stretching from Bellevue Avenue nearly down to the bustling intersection of Broad Street and Watchung Avenue. In addition to miles of walking and biking trails, this park also features an archery range, plus baseball, tennis, and dog park facilities for more outdoor pastimes. Golf lovers live just a few blocks away from the Upper Montclair Country Club, which has hosted several professional golf tournaments on its links.

Popolari on Broad Street is a hip destination

Broad Street serves as the retail heart of Brookdale, and, at the corner of Broad Street and Watchung Avenue, locals and visitors alike will find Holsten’s, built in 1939 and famous for its homemade desserts long before it was featured in the iconic ending of “The Sopranos.” Baked goods like fresh pastries are available at Pure Love Pies, but there’s a global spin at the Manhattan Juice Bar and Café, where savory empanadas are served. For more of a sit down experience, Popolari serves classic pasta and pizza dishes in an eclectic setting with checkerboard floors and red leather booths. Groceries can also be accessed on Broad Street, at the ShopRite.

Garden State Parkway leads to Manhattan

Backyard access to the Garden State Parkway gets residents into Manhattan within 40 minutes, providing convenient opportunities for commuting. Buses along Broad help with getting around within the neighborhood, at least in a north-south direction. Overall, though, Brookdale is a suburb, and while there are parks and sidewalks, having a car is essential for enjoying the local lifestyle.

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Pushparaj Aitwal
Photography Contributed By
Pushparaj Aitwal
Stewart Taveras
Video By
Stewart Taveras

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nancy Chu, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

19 min drive

Bus

Broad St & West Passaic Ave

Bus

Broad St & Bellevue Ave

Bus

Broad St & Carol Pl

Bus

Broad St & Johnson Ave

Bus

Broad St & Red Maple Ave

Bus

Broad St & Broadacres Dr

Bus

Broad St & Parkview Dr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Brookdale US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$729,500
Median Single Family Price
$728,250
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$500,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$538
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
92
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$687,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
750
Median Year Built
1948
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,300
Above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 4pm

    19 Whitman St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

    $479,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 19 Whitman St
    • New 7 days ago

    Welcome Home! Located in the desirable Brookdale neighborhood, this renovated home offers the convenience of single-level living. Enjoy the spacious open floor plan, a new chef's kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless appliances, center island, a sunlit formal dining room, 3 bedrooms, and a renovated bathroom. Charming plantation shutters on all windows included. New flooring throughout

    VIKRAM VASISHT PROMINENT PROPERTIES SIR

    Section Image
  • Friday, Apr 25
    5 - 7pm

    26 Donna Dr, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

    $799,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 26 Donna Dr
    • New 2 days ago

    Thoughtful renovation and expansion completed in 2025 to this 4 bedroom, 3.1 bath, centrally located Bloomfield home. Hard-to-find first floor primary suite featuring luxurious full bathroom with oversized shower and double vanity, as well as a walk-in closet. Additional powder room on the first floor for comfortable use by guests. Exquisite, all new kitchen with quartz counters, high-end

    Amy Owens KELLER WILLIAMS - NJ METRO GROUP

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    71 Dalebrook Rd, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

    $650,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 71 Dalebrook Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to this well-maintained split-level home that sits on a desirable corner lot and offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. The first floor features a comfortable family room, dining area, and the kitchen with updated modern appliances. Upstairs, all three bedrooms are located together, offering a sense of privacy and separation from the main living areas. The backyard is a real bonus! private and

    Peter Boutros EXP REALTY, LLC

    Section Image

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nancy Chu, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,853
Median Age
42
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$116,628
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$146,731

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99%
College Graduates
65.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

76 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Brookdale neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Brookdale