A sleepy New Jersey borough off Interstate 78
While truckers might be familiar with the nearby fuel and service stops just off Interstate 78, fewer are likely to have taken exit seven into the borough of Bloomsbury. In a sleepy collection of blocks and back roads near the major interstate, however, residents can access highly rated schools, nearby green space and the slower paced kind of lifestyle that becomes less common as New Jersey transitions into the outer suburbs of New York City. “Bloomsbury is a very small place. People come farther out from around New York wanting more property and a rural atmosphere,” says Joseph Tersigni, a Realtor with Weichert Realtors who specializes in Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset and Morris counties. “The quiet and the older homes are appealing to a lot of people.”
Single-family homes built at the turn of the 20th century
Sidewalks and shady trees are a constant along Bloomsbury’s residential blocks, connecting neat rows of single-family homes built from the middle of the 19th century to the early 20th century. Colorful trim on porches and playful, asymmetrical layouts characterizes more ornate Victorian designs, though plenty of simpler Colonial Revivals and farmhouse-style homes settle down the road. While homes typically skew older, classic midcentury styles like ranch-style homes and split-levels can be found on scattered lots. Prices range from about $200,000 to $500,000. Bloomsbury has a CAP Index score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Starting at Bloomsbury Elementary and a switch in high school district
For a long time, students attended prekindergarten through eighth grade at Bloomsbury Elementary School before graduating from Phillipsburg High School, both of which earn a B-plus from Niche. “Bloomsbury is making the switch to North Hunterdon – that's a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence,” Tersigni says. North Hunterdon High School earns an A, known for offering students access to academic academies that focus coursework on career pathways like biomedical science and environmental sustainability. As of early 2025, the change in high school sending district continues to be finalized.
Outdoor recreation in and around the borough
Trout season starts in April, and many anglers cast into the Musconetcong River from backyards or public access points outside the borough. The Delaware River is also a major aquatic recreation hub, passing by roughly 5 miles to the west. A small playground and ball field stand off of Church Street, but Heritage Park in nearby Bethlehem Township offers more athletic fields and a bigger, modern jungle gym. Sprawling recreation hubs fill the rural areas around Bloomsbury, including the Musconetcong Gorge Preserve, where hikers traverse rocky trails through hundreds of acres of hilly forests to find scenic wooden footbridges and hidden waterfalls.
Shopping and dining in and around Bloomsbury
Beyond a couple of restaurants in and just outside of the borough, Bloomsbury’s business life is pretty sparse. Casola’s Pizza & Grill serves Italian staples in a rustic dining room and on an outdoor porch hung with string lights. The Warrenside Tavern has been in business for over a century, serving pub fare and drinks at the bar. Strip mall shopping centers along U.S. Route 22 are anchored by essentials like Walmart, Target and Lowe’s less than 5 miles from Bloomsbury.
Commuting to NYC and other nearby hubs on Interstate 78
By way of Interstate 78, commuters have a roughly 60-mile drive to New York City. Other smaller hubs are closer; Easton is less than 10 miles from home in Pennsylvania, while Allentown is about 30 miles away. Although the area is fairly car-dependent, I-78 also passes near the Annandale station of NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley train line to the east of the borough. St. Luke’s Hospital – Warren Campus is about 6 miles from home, and Lehigh Valley International Airport is around 20 miles away.
Holiday celebrations and church community events
Family-friendly events mark holidays throughout the year in Bloomsbury, from easter egg hunts in the spring to coordinated trick-or-treat hours in the fall. Bloomsbury United Methodist Church and Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary both hold regular services within the borough, along with events like spring craft shows and food drives.
Flood risk on the Musconetcong River
The Musconetcong River makes up Bloomsbury’s northern border, and those living in areas close to the water may have higher flood risk following unusually heavy rain.
