$757,325Average Value$386Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Bucolic retreat 5 miles from Montclair and 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan
The birthplace of former U.S. President Grover Cleveland and not too far away from the home of fictional HBO mafia man Tony Soprano, Caldwell, New Jersey has its fair share of Italian marketplaces and cozy restaurants along Bloomfield Avenue. There’s also Caldwell University, a four-year private institution with an undergraduate population of approximately 1,600, large-scale brick libraries and sprawling greens. Compass Broker Associate and Caldwell local Sandra Bolcar, who works alongside her husband, Robert Bolcar, describes Caldwell as “the center of the donut,” surrounded by communities like West Caldwell, North Caldwell and Roseland to the south. “There’re lots of church steeples and older buildings built in the 1800s,” she says, noting that “bucolic” is the best way to describe the neighborhood; “It’s a quiet retreat from Montclair; it’s nice to come home to the hill.” According to the Bolcars, this is the type of place where people know one another by name and wave hello on the street. Community members also connect online in Facebook groups like “I Love Living in the Caldwell,” which Sandra herself founded in 2014. New York City is a steady presence to the east, just about 20 miles away along Interstate 280.
Among its many claims to fame, Caldwell, NJ was the birthplace of President Grover Cleveland,
Calandra's Italian Village in Caldwell, NJ offers a wide array of Italian specialties.
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White picket fences and condominium communities
In Caldwell, prospective buyers will find a mix of pre-World War II architecture and brand-new developments. However, Colonial styles are dominant. Two-bedroom condo units close to downtown start in the mid-$300,000s and can sell for upwards of $500,000 in luxury buildings. Mid-century split-levels and raised ranch styles with single-car garages start around $650,000, and renovated Colonials, 20th-century cottages and colorful Victorians, many of which have intricate crown molding and rocking chairs on their front porches, can hover between $700,000 and $1 million depending on square footage. Historic homes in a part of town called “The Cedars” are especially coveted, says Bolcar, and locals can easily walk down the hill to Grover Cleveland Park. White picket fences aren’t just a suburban movie trope in Caldwell: they’re a decorative feature in several front yards.
There are many well maintained Colonial homes in Caldwell, NJ.
New townhouses in Caldwell, NJ offer an alternative to the single family home.
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The Halloween Festival in Grover Cleveland Park
Spanning over 40 acres, Grover Cleveland Park was famously designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in the early 1900s — they were also responsible for Manhattan’s Central Park. Today, residents make use of the running trails, throw frisbees in the fields and cast their fishing lines in the pond, which freezes over for skating in the winter, according to Bolcar. There’s also a playground, tennis courts and outdoor workout equipment. Every October, residents gather in the park for the town’s Halloween Festival.
Italian eateries along Bloomfield Avenue
Caldwell’s restaurant scene is primarily confined to Bloomfield Avenue and its side streets. There’s Angeloni’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, known for what they call their “Thinny Thin” pizza and pasta dishes. When the weather warms, enjoy the back patio at Stephanie’s Italian Restaurant and, afterward, walk to Guerriero Gelato & Cakes for a cone. Cloverleaf Tavern has been a Caldwell staple for generations — today, it’s known for its expensive draught list, regularly scheduled trivia nights and, according to Bolcar, “supposedly having the best burgers in Essex County.” Grocery options in the area include Super Foodtown, Caldwell Market Place for fresh cuts of meat and ShopRite in the West Caldwell shopping center. There’s also Calandra’s Italian Village, which has imported goods from Italy as well as prepared items. “You go underneath the arch to get in, and there are grape vines growing over arbors where you can sit out to eat in the summertime,” she says. “It’s a destination.”
Slices of "thinny thin" pizza at Angeloni's in Caldwell, NJ.
Guerriero in Caldwell, NJ was voted the best gelato in North America in 2019.
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Hauntings, parades and U.S. Presidents
Essex Lodge is turned into a haunted house each Halloween, and kids can stop by the high school parking lot for an event called “Trunk or Treat,” where residents fill their trunks with candy. The West Essex Memorial Day Parade is perhaps best known for the bicycle decorating contest, and locals celebrate the Fourth of July by watching the West Essex fireworks show at the James Caldwell High School baseball field. There’s an annual tree lighting at the Caldwell Firehouse, and children can pose for pictures with Santa. Although it’s currently closed for construction, the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Museum will reopen to offer tours on Bloomfield Avenue next to St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church.
Dual enrollment and vocational opportunities at James Caldwell High School
Area students can enroll in Caldwell-West Caldwell Public Schools. The four elementary schools include Essex Fells, which was awarded an A-plus on the educational review site Niche and ranked within New Jersey’s top 10 public elementary schools, and the A-minus-rated Lincoln Elementary closer to downtown. Named after one of the town’s most notable residents, Grover Cleveland Middle also has an A-minus; so does James Caldwell High. JCHS boasts a long list of popular electives like Monsters in Literature, Philosophy Through Science Fiction and Classical Mythology. The high school has dual enrollment partnerships with Seton Hall, Fairleigh Dickinson and Kean University. Students can also pursue vocational opportunities at Essex School of Technology.
Students enter through the scenic front entrance of James Caldwell High School.
The beautiful Campus of Caldwell University in Caldwell.
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Cars, trains and buses into New York City
Caldwell doesn’t have its own train station, making neighboring towns like Montclair more attractive to commuters — the Montclair-Boonton rail runs all the way to Penn Station. Residents looking to travel into the city can also drive 20 miles along Interstate 280 or take the express bus from the Willowbrook Mall. “In the mornings they do what’s called a bus lane where they close the other side of the highway to create an unobstructed route,” says Bolcar. Public buses also run up and down Bloomfield Avenue, providing passage to surrounding neighborhoods. Newark Liberty International Airport is about a half-hour from Caldwell, and residents can seek medical care at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, a teaching hospital with nearly 600 beds, or Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair.
Bloomfield Ave. with its shops, restaurants and churches is at the heart of Caldwell, NJ.
NJ Transit buses carry Caldwell, NJ commuters into NYC and other parts of New Jersey.
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Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Brendan Rogers
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Slade,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Caldwell, NJ sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Caldwell, NJ over the last 12 months is $720,760, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don't Miss This Charming Craftsman Colonial in the Heart of Caldwell! Nestled on a picturesque tree-lined street, this well maintained Craftsman-style Colonial effortlessly blends timeless character with thoughtful updates. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and hardwood floors throughout, the home is filled with natural light, warmth, and charm at every turn.Original chestnut door frames, floor
This meticulous home has been tastefully updated throughout, with exceptional attention to quality of detail in every upgrade. The living room has beautiful bookcases, a gas fireplace, sonos sound system and recessed lighting. The dining room adjoins both the living room and remodeled kitchen, perfect for entertaining and everyday living. Home office is ideal for today's lifestyle. The primary
Classic 3-bedroom colonial tucked away on a quiet street just steps away from Blue Ribbon Essex Fells Elementary school. With an unbeatable location in one of New Jersey's most sought-after towns, this warm and inviting home offers a flexible layout. Featuring hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace in the living room and a beautifully updated eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops, large
Don't Miss This Charming Craftsman Colonial in the Heart of Caldwell! Nestled on a picturesque tree-lined street, this well maintained Craftsman-style Colonial effortlessly blends timeless character with thoughtful updates. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and hardwood floors throughout, the home is filled with natural light, warmth, and charm at every turn.Original chestnut door frames, floor
Welcome Home! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence effortlessly blends classic charm with modern comforts. Step inside to find gleaming hardwood floors, a sun-drenched enclosed front porch, and a spacious living area ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. The fully finished basement offers additional versatile living space, complete with a dedicated laundry room. Outside,
Magnificent, elegantly appointed Expanded 4 bedroom 4.5 bath brick facade Ranch. Totally rebuilt in 2006 and many upgrades after.Dynamic floor plan with distinct architectural design. Two-story Foyer. Welcoming bright and spacious Living Room w/wood burning fireplace, bay window, three skylights covered by opaque glass. Formal dinning room w/bay window and French doors. Fabulous gourmet kitchen
Come visit our Caldwell apartments and witness our luxury living!Caldwell Village is a premier apartment complex located minutes from Manhattan, Newark Liberty Airport, and Delawanna train station with easy access to Routes 3, 23, 80, and rail stops.Enjoy top-notch amenities such as a 24 hour high speed Wi-Fi access, fitness center, elevators, landscaped courtyards, disability access
Fantastic opportunity to move in to this lovely 3 bedroom 1 bathroom located in the heart of Caldwell! Private second floor entrance through rear deck which is available for tenant use. Large entryway into apartment, newer countertops in kitchen, & updated floors. There is a new stackable washer/dryer solely for the use of second floor. Ceiling fans in each room throughout the apartment. Unit is
Parkway East Apartments is located in a tree-lined neighborhood at the end of a cul-de-sac in the Borough of Caldwell. A friendly, well-established suburban community, Caldwell is also a convenient place to live, work and play. All major highways are easily accessible, including Routes 80 and 46 in Fairfield, Route 280 in Roseland, Route 3, Route 287 and the Garden State Parkway. For residents 60
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