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Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock

Neighborhood in West Orange, New Jersey

Essex County 07042, 07052

$517,064 Average Value
$459 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Quiet area tucked near recreation and retail

Eagle Rock is a small neighborhood in West Orange tucked near a massive nature preserve of the same name. There’s a sense of small-town coziness, especially with the brick storefronts along walkable Main Street in downtown West Orange. It’s also not far from downtown Montclair, which provides residents with additional entertainment and retail options. “You could say that Eagle Rock resembles the south end of Montclair,” says Kimberly Latortue, Realtor with Weichert Realtors. “It’s surrounded by businesses.” There’s quite a bit of history lurking around this part of New Jersey, too, from Revolutionary War lookouts in the Watchung Mountains to the Thomas Edison National Historic Park. But the real draw is that residents can easily escape back to suburban dwellings on classically named roads like Elm Street and Maple Street. This ability to find quiet can be essential to homebuyers, especially considering that much of the surrounding streets are undergoing development, whether that’s from luxury apartments or the installation of a film studio approved in September 2024.

The Montclair Jazz Festival is one of the largest festivals in the area.
The Montclair Jazz Festival is one of the largest festivals in the area.
Eagle Rock residents frequent the West Orange Cafe conveniently located nearby.
Eagle Rock residents frequent the West Orange Cafe conveniently located nearby.
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Boxy, colonial-inspired homes on narrow lots

In terms of streetscape aesthetics, Eagle Rock shares similarities with neighboring Watchung Heights. Homebuyers can expect to see narrow lots and stoops fronted by sidewalks, creating the atmosphere of a walkable and nearly urban environment, especially given the proximity to Main Street. But this is a leafier neighborhood than Watchung Heights, with more chances of having a tall shade tree on the lot. Housing styles are quite similar, too. Simple, boxy colonial-inspired homes with off-center front doors are neatly stacked together. But there’s variation: Some of the rooflines are more angular, suggesting Dutch influence. Other homes with sharply gabled roofs and overhanging front porches strike a more Grecian look. Prices range from $440,000 to $775,000.

Boxy homes in Eagle Rock have narrow lots with front stoops.
Boxy homes in Eagle Rock have narrow lots with front stoops.
Eagle Rock homes are built into the hills that lead up to the Watchung Mountains.
Eagle Rock homes are built into the hills that lead up to the Watchung Mountains.
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Montclair High is the site for movies and TV shows

Residents have access to the highly rated Montclair Public School system. Students can begin with Nishuane Elementary for pre-kindergarten through second grade. The school is next to Nishuane Park and earns an A from Niche. Hillside School covers third to fifth grade and receives an A. Renaissance Middle receives an A-minus. Montclair High earns an A-minus as well. It was founded in 1886, but the stately design has made it a star player in movies and TV shows. Students can choose from over 100 extracurricular clubs, and the artistically inclined have diverse course offerings to choose from, including dance, band, visual arts, vocal arts and performing arts.

Nishuane School inspires a strong sense of community in the neighborhood.
Nishuane School inspires a strong sense of community in the neighborhood.
Montclair High School is a public educational facility located in Montclair, NJ.
Montclair High School is a public educational facility located in Montclair, NJ.
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Hikes, views and upscale eats at Eagle Rock Reservation

Eagle Rock Reservation is the ultimate go-to for outdoor enthusiasts living here. “People like going there because it has lots of hiking trails, and there’s more than that,” says Latortue. “You one hundred percent go there for great views of Manhattan. You can picnic, visit a 9/11 memorial or go to an event at The Highlawn, which is a great restaurant.” The name derives from nesting eagles originally observed on site. Today the entire park constitutes over 400 acres. For a quick dip into everyday fun, residents can head over to Nishuane Park. There’s a swimming pool and playground, as well as a walking path. Athletic facilities include ball fields, basketball courts and a half dozen tennis courts. Big events happen here, too, though: every summer brings the Montclair Jazz Festival, which is billed as the largest jazz fest in the New York City area. Colgate Field is available too for more sports excitement. It has facilities for less commonly known sports, like futsal, which is like soccer but played on a hardcourt.

The 9-11 memorial at Eagle Rock Reservation is a beautiful remembrance of those lost.
The 9-11 memorial at Eagle Rock Reservation is a beautiful remembrance of those lost.
The hiking trails and footpaths that crisscross Eagle Rock Reservation are walker friendly.
The hiking trails and footpaths that crisscross Eagle Rock Reservation are walker friendly.
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Locally owned eateries within walking distance

There are a few small businesses along Harrison Avenue within walking distance. Folklore Artisanal Taco is a small, intimate space with vibrant décor that enhances the colorful array of tacos to choose from. Nicholas Anthony’s Family Kitchen provides an Italian menu and serves as an entry into Main Street’s cosmopolitan dining options. African cuisine, Chinese food and sushi are some of the offerings. There’s also a place to grab coffee and breakfast, with the New West Orange Diner presenting a traditional American staple but updated to contemporary standards. Further down Main is a CVS, but locally owned options exist too, like Eagle Rock Pharmacy. Residents can also take Harrison Avenue north up to Bloomfield Avenue, the heart of downtown Montclair. This walkable strip is packed with eateries, plus boutique offerings like the Montclair Book Center and the Wellmont Theater. “There’s every type of food you could want, and there’s a little culture mixed in, like the museum,” says Daniel Buchsbaum, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. The Montclair Art Museum, open since 1914, specializes in American and Native American art. Groceries can be picked up at Whole Foods.

The hot dogs available at Jimmy Buff's near Eagle Rock have been famous for over 80 years.
The hot dogs available at Jimmy Buff's near Eagle Rock have been famous for over 80 years.
The New West Orange Diner in Eagle Rock is a hidden gem among residents.
The New West Orange Diner in Eagle Rock is a hidden gem among residents.
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Buses on Harrison Avenue go to downtown Montclair

Much of the surrounding area affords walkability. Most homes are fronted by sidewalks, and the appeal of downtown West Orange and downtown Montclair is that they’re picturesque and pedestrian-friendly. Buses can also be picked up on Harrison Avenue to reach downtown Montclair, or on Main Street to explore downtown West Orange. Originally the Eagle Rock trolley system facilitated the expansion of nearby suburbs like Watching Heights. But today, people go to downtown Montclair to catch a train into Manhattan, reaching the city in under 90 minutes. Or, drivers can take state Route 7 and arrive in Manhattan in under an hour.

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Suzi Schirm
Photography Contributed By
Suzi Schirm
Max Gilmore
Video By
Max Gilmore

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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 Lauren Orsini, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

21 min drive

Bus

Mississippi Ave Loop

Bus

Harrison Ave & Elm St

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$500,000
Median Single Family Price
$515,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$459
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
13
Months of Supply
2.80
Median List Price
$515,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
90
Median Year Built
1930

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 4pm

    44 Virginia Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052

    $515,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 44 Virginia Ave
    • New 6 days ago

    This timeless side hall colonial exudes charm & warmth. The welcoming enclosed front porch, leads to a formal living room, family/sunroom, eat-in kitchen with a new stainless steel fridge & formal dining room with sliding door to a fully fenced backyard, newer deck and patio. The second floor has three bedrooms and bath and there is a semi-finished & insulated bonus room on the 3rd floor perfect

    Gloria Falzer VILLAGE SQUARE REALTORS

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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 Lauren Orsini, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,482
Median Age
41
Population under 18
23.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$81,830
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$116,426

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
43.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.4%
% Population in Labor Force
74.3%
Above the national average
65.1%

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®

44 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

65 / 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.

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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
Eagle Rock