A mix of Norman Rockwell and Thoreau in a tightknit suburb
Essex Fells has been described as a Norman Rockwell suburb with rural tendencies. “It’s a well-established, private community,” says Kathy Milinkovich, a Coldwell Banker Realtor with over 40 years of experience and works with her daughter Krista Milinkovich. Located just 30 miles west of New York City, it does exhibit haven-like qualities. Only about 2,000 residents make up this tightknit neighborhood. Add in a strong public school system and a New England ambiance, and it’s easy to see why many homebuyers gravitate to the slower pace of life in Essex Fells.
High demand for classic houses starting at $563,000
Classic architecture plays a prominent part in daily life here, such as ranches, colonials and Victorians. There are no condo buildings, so it’s exclusively a single-owner home community. Average housing in this community costs roughly $1.2 million and ranges from $563,000 to $3 million – again reflecting the exclusivity and high demand surrounding this neighborhood. Milinkovich explains that any house under seven figures is selling as is. “This is not a community that has subdivisions.” Tree-lined streets and well-manicured lawns are a common sight. “Most of the homes are on large parcels, from half an acre to an acre,” adds Milinkovich.
Straight A's for local schools like Essex High
Families that move to Essex Fells can take advantage of top-tier schools. Essex Fells Elementary is an A-plus Niche-rated institution with an 8-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. “The grammar school is like being in a private school,” Milinkovich says. West Essex Regional Middle also has a low student-to-teacher ratio, 10-to-1, and an A-minus rating. West Essex High students have many clubs, like the Cooking for a Cause Club, which holds numerous food drives to generate money for worthy causes. It’s an A-rated school.
Ice skating and pizza at Essex Fells Pond
One of the most desirable streets in the community is Fells Road. At this location is Essex Fells Pond, a popular spot for the neighborhood kids to ice skate. It’s become so popular that restaurants will deliver pizza there. Grover Cleveland Park is the other go-to for outdoor recreation. At this 40-acre preserve, residents can hike and run on trails, while children can scramble across the playground. Other activities that can be pursued there including fishing, tennis, baseball and picnicking in the meadow.
Canine costume contest at Grover Cleveland Park
Grover Cleveland Park, which is more than 100 years old, is named after the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, born in nearby Caldwell. The park’s annual Strut Your Mutt Canine Halloween Costume contest is a community favorite. Many residents also come out for the Memorial Day picnic on the front lawn of Borough Hall.
Caldwell is a close destination for delicious dining and a shopping center
According to Milinkovich, there are no commercial buildings in the neighborhood. That means residents have to drive if they want to experience shopping and dining in the area. Caldwell is only one mile away, and is considered a treasure trove for foodies. “You have access to the best restaurants in the state,” says Milinkovich. Sweet treats and Turkish coffee are on the menu at Bloom Cakes and Bakery. For an upscale, sit-down experience with fine Italian cuisine, Marra’s serves dishes like broccoli rabe with shrimp over spaghetti. Grocery shopping can be done at the ShopRite in the West Caldwell Shopping Center, which also features a Walgreens and other small retail spots.
Walnut Street Station offers a 40-minute ride to New York City
As part of the lowkey vibe in Essex Fells, there are no trains or buses running directly from there to New York City. However, it’s just a 5-mile drive to Montclair, where the Walnut Street Station offers a ride into the city that takes anywhere from 40 to 50 minutes. Roseland Avenue is the main thoroughfare crossing east-west across the neighborhood. Otherwise, smaller curving streets fork off from there, with naturalistic names like Oak Lane and Buttonwood Road.
Photography Contributed By
Brendan Rogers
