Watsessing has enjoyed quite the turnaround. Thirty years ago, the community on the south end of Bloomfield Township, New Jersey, was home to a shuttered lamp factory that had been contaminated by the production of uranium during World War II. Home prices languished behind the rest of the township, but that eventually attracted young homebuyers. New restaurants and bars followed, and the lamp factory was demolished, the land cleaned up and apartments built on top. Watsessing became a hot market, says Nancy Chu, owner of Nancy Chu Homes at Keller Williams NJ Metro Group. “It was traditionally undervalued, so it makes sense it has caught up with the rest of town. It’s Watsessing’s turn.” Straddling two train stations, a walkable commercial district and a park designed by one of architecture’s most famous families, Watsessing has become a trendy pocket of northern New Jersey.
Watsessing, once a former industrial section of Bloomfield Township, is enjoying a well deserved renaissance.
The Watsessing Ave Train Station is one of two train stations that serve the area.
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Trendy businesses come to Bloomfield Avenue
Three streets converge with Bloomfield Avenue near the north end of Watsessing, creating a dense collection of shopfronts and restaurants. Watsessing has become a hip spot for new eateries in the past decade. “It’s a super Gen Z-friendly location,” Chu says. “A lot of younger people are moving in there.” Today, Peruvian cuisine, craft beer and ramen bowls can all be found along Watsessing’s streets. There’s another commercial cluster along Bloomfield Avenue on the south side of Watsessing, where locals can get groceries from Aldi.
Bloomfield Avenue near the north end of Watsessing, creating a dense collection of shopfronts and restaurants.
A newly created shopping plaza in Watsessing brings name brand stores to Bloomfield Ave.
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Lower home prices compared to Bloomfield
Housing is mostly single-family properties, and homes are usually within a 10-minute walk of Watsessing Park or some of the community’s shops and restaurants. Nineteenth- and early 20th-century homes are packed together on small lots that are full of well-kept gardens and shrubs. Watsessing’s median price of $485,000 is higher than the national median, but it’s about $100,000 less than the median price for all of Bloomfield. Flood zones cover swaths of the community near Watsessing Park, so some homebuyers may need flood insurance.
Nineteenth and early 20th-century homes in Watsessing are packed together on small lots that are full of well-kept gardens and shrubs.
The median price for homes in Watsessing, such as this American Foursquare, is $485,000.
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Rail connections to New York, Newark airport
There are a pair of NJ Transit stations: Bloomfield Station on the north end and Watsessing Avenue Station on the south side. Trains departing those stations reach Manhattan’s Penn Station in roughly 30 minutes, while the train ride to Newark Liberty International Airport takes about an hour. Commuters can also use nearby Interstate 280 or New Jersey Route 3 to get to Hoboken, Jersey City and Manhattan. The drive to the first two takes up to an hour, with the drive into New York City lasting up to 90 minutes.
125 years of Watsessing Park
Watsessing Park has been a longtime anchor of this part of Bloomfield; the park was designed in 1899 by the sons of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Cricket fields, a butterfly garden and one of Essex County’s three dog parks are a few of the attractions covering the 70-acre park. Jersey Explorer Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits and indoor play areas just south of the park.
Watsessing Park has a newly renovated playground.
Jersey Explorer Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits and indoor play areas just south of Watsessing Park.
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Business courses offered at Bloomfield School District
Kids in Watsessing can attend Bloomfield School District, graded B-plus by Niche. The district’s math department oversees business courses that high schoolers can take to learn personal finance, sports marketing and social media strategies for businesses.
Bloomfield High School gained recognition for having a successful athletic program.
Bloomfield Middle School gets an overall grade of B- from Niche.
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Crime in Bloomfield Township
Data from the state of New Jersey shows reports of crime in Bloomfield Township increased in 2023. However, property-crime and violent-crime rates in Bloomfield are generally lower than national averages, according to the latest FBI data.
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
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On average, homes in Watsessing, NJ sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Watsessing, NJ over the last 12 months is $460,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into a world of possibilities with this spacious 5-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom gem located in the vibrant heart of East Orange, NJ! The inviting open layout on the first floor seamlessly combines the living and dining areas, providing the perfect backdrop for gatherings and everyday living, with convenient access to a half bathroom, and the kitchen. Ascend to the second floor, where you'll find
Wonderful home on a quiet street. Paver block driveway and yard. Gas fireplace in the living room. Conveniently located just minutes from the Garden State Parkway with an easy commute to NYC! Within walking distance of Home Depot, Bloomfield Train Station, shopping, restaurants, and more. Basement is finished with a full bath. Easy to show. Home being sold "AS-IS". Highest and best offer no later
Step into a world of possibilities with this spacious 5-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom gem located in the vibrant heart of East Orange, NJ! The inviting open layout on the first floor seamlessly combines the living and dining areas, providing the perfect backdrop for gatherings and everyday living, with convenient access to a half bathroom, and the kitchen. Ascend to the second floor, where you'll find
Wonderful home on a quiet street. Paver block driveway and yard. Gas fireplace in the living room. Conveniently located just minutes from the Garden State Parkway with an easy commute to NYC! Within walking distance of Home Depot, Bloomfield Train Station, shopping, restaurants, and more. Basement is finished with a full bath. Easy to show. Home being sold "AS-IS". Highest and best offer no later
Welcome home to Parkway Lofts in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Our prime location near the train station and Interstate 280 makes your everyday travels go smoothly. The best shopping, fine dining, and entertainment hot spots are all just a short drive away. If a prime location is high on your list, then you have come to the right place.
Space and location! You will not find a more spacious and better located home in several towns around. This 4 bedroom multi bath home on three levels with a finished basement is located just steps from all that Bloomfield Center has to offer. With several flex spaces throughout the home, you have many choices for lounging, working and entertaining. No car? No problem since the train stop is just
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
