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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lauren Orsini,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Watsessing, NJ sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Watsessing, NJ over the last 12 months is $505,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 28 Westcott Street, located in East Orange's established Doddtown neighborhood. This refreshed 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath Colonial offers two finished levels plus a versatile finished attic. Recent improvements include fresh paint, refinished hardwood floors, new hallway flooring, a newer roof, and brand-new furnace and hot water heater providing comfort and peace of mind. The main level
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
Welcome to this charming 2300 sq. ft. expanded renovated colonial home, located in Historic Glen Ridge. From the moment you enter through the glass door you are captivated by the accent wall, modern gas fireplace, hardwood floors,and custom railings. The dining room has beautiful modern lighting extending into the kitchen which has quartz counter tops with a peninsula, stainless steel appliances,
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.
LARGE 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH with BONUS SPACES, nearly 1800 sq ft Duplex APARTMENT! 2 floors of fully renovated living space on the 2nd and 3rd floor of a two-family home. Gleaming hardwoods. On top of the bedrooms, living and dining rooms - you also have 2 bonus rooms! Ideal for home office, play area, or second living room/den. Located right on the border of Bloomfield - this spacious apt is just 2
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.
