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.
Photography Contributed By
Pushparaj Aitwal
