Westfield, New Jersey, a charming town near the New York border, merges serene suburban living with convenient access to urban amenities. For those working in Newark and metropolitan New York – yet desiring the peace and quiet of a small town – the daily commute is a breeze. With an outstanding transportation system, award-winning downtown, and excellent school system, Westfield should be on everyone’s radar as a potential place to live.
Overview of Westfield, NJ
Westfield is a New Jersey town located in Union County, only about a 45-minute drive from New York City.
In the 1600s, European immigrants settled in Westfield, which was formerly a popular trail for the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans. Many of the parks and neighborhoods in Westfield are named after these Native Americans, retaining their heritage to this day. The Duke of York in England bestowed a portion of the land between the Hudson and Delaware rivers to Sir George Carteret and Lord John Berkeley in 1664. But, Governor of New York Richard Nicolis purchased the land from the Native Americans before the land grant was realized.
Westfield was originally called the West Fields of Elizabethtown. In 1720, the Village of Westfield was established, limited to only a general store and a tavern at the time. However, in 1794, it was incorporated as a town. Today, several areas of the town are officially classified as historic.
The developed community stretches about six miles with over 200 acres set aside for parks. The appealing neighborhoods attract noteworthy residents, including sports personalities, pharmaceutical and Wall Street executives, famous artists and musicians, and leading government officials.
Currently, around 30,500 people reside in this quaint town.
The Schools in Westfield, NJ
Westfield is part of the Westfield Public Schools district, which is made up of 10 schools. The school district overall has been awarded an A+ grade from Niche, ranking third for best school districts in Union County.
Of the public schools in the district, both Washington Elementary School and Franklin Elementary School consistently place at the top of the list. The elementary schools and other schools within the district offer a few special programs, including a gifted and talented program and a multilingual learners program.
There are also some high-quality private early education options in the area for parents, including Spring Academy and the Christopher Academy, a Montessori school.
Incoming college students have a plethora of nearby universities they can enroll in, including Kean University, Seton Hall University, Rutgers University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Montclair State University, with a wide range of academic programs.
Transportation in Westfield, NJ
Traveling around and outside of Westfield is easy, thanks to exceptional transportation services. NJ Transit provides transportation via bus, rail, and light rail, connecting to major destinations in New Jersey and New York. With a service area of over 5,000 square miles, NJ Transit includes a fleet of 93 light rail vehicles, 1,231 trains, and 2,221 buses, making it the nation’s third largest provider of these types of transit. NJ Transit has a Westfield train station with service to Newark and other boroughs of New Jersey, including Union and Roselle Park. It takes anywhere from a half hour to an hour to get to Newark Penn Station from Westfield and about an hour to travel to New York City from Westfield via public transit.
For those looking to travel further – either to another U.S. state or to a different country – there are many airports close by. Westfield is only about 12 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport, 14 miles from Morristown Municipal Airport, 28 miles from Teterboro Airport, 38 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport, and 41 miles to LaGuardia Airport.
Parks and Recreation in Westfield, NJ
Westfield is home to many beautiful parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. Brightwood Park, a 44-acre nature preserve, provides plenty of green spaces, picnic areas and about 1.5 miles of trails that wind through forest and encircle a pond. Clark Memorial Park, although smaller, spreads across 9.5 acres and features a gazebo, gardens, memorial trees, and a jogging path. Meanwhile, Gumbert Park features a jogging path, playground, three Little League baseball fields, basketball courts, a jogging trail, and the Westfield Rink, a seasonal ice hockey rink – an ideal hangout spot for families. The rink offers public skating, youth and adult hockey, and learn-to-skate lessons. Mindowaskin Park, a 12.6-acre park, includes a large pond, memorial trees and gardens, an accessible playground, and a gazebo. The park is perfect for tranquil walks and for wedding photos for couples.
Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy a newly renovated clubhouse and a Donald Ross designed 18-hole golf course at the Echo Lake Country Club. Members also can swim, play paddle tennis, and grab a bite to eat in the clubhouse.
Have a need for speed? Apex One, which provides simulated car racing, has set up shop in Westfield. Or if you’re in search of some retro arcade games, YESTERcades along E. Broad Street has got you covered.
There’s even an indoor play space combined with a cafe in Westfield called Small Town Play Cafe, with a mission to create a fun-filled environment for both young kids and adults.
Dining and Shopping in Westfield, NJ
Recognized for its Great American Main Street award-winning downtown, it’s safe to say Westfield is a thriving shopping and dining destination. The downtown area hosts over 450 establishments, a combination of high-end boutiques, unique specialty shops, gourmet restaurants, and casual eateries. Wandering through downtown, you’ll find familiar stores, such as Williams-Sonoma and Bluemercury, tucked in between one-of-a-kind local retailers. One of these retailers is The Town Book Store, the longest running bookstore in Union County that opened its doors in 1934 and contains an inventory of first-rate literature. Another local gem is Patricia & Paul Artisans of Fine Oils and Balsamics, which carries premium olive oils, balsamics, and specialty foods.
The myriad of restaurants in Westfield will satisfy every craving of residents and visitors, ranging from fine dining to delightful cafes. Limani Seafood Grill is a local favorite, especially for seafood lovers, with a full menu of fresh oysters, clams, crab legs, shellfish, and more. If you’re in the mood for authentic French cuisine, check out Chez Catherine. For dessert, stop by Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe, an Italian bakery with a tasty selection of treats and pastries.
Cultural and Arts Scene in Westfield, NJ
Yearning for some cultural enrichment?
If you’re a history junkie, visiting the Miller-Cory House Museum is a must. What started as a farmhouse built in Westfield, formerly called West Fields of Elizabethtown, in 1740 by a man named Samuel Miller has transformed into a “living history” museum that provides an accurate depiction of farm life in the 18th century.
For music lovers, there is the New Jersey Festival Orchestra, a leading professional freelance symphony orchestra in the state. The orchestra plays classics in addition to giving performances that fuse fine arts and popular culture.
Westfield also hosts a few outdoor festivals annually, including the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival on a weekly basis in July and August and AddamsFest in October, a town-wide celebration commemorating Charles Addams, a Westfield native, and his creation of “The Addams Family.”
Thinking About Moving to Westfield, NJ?
With its calm atmosphere, prosperous downtown area, top notch schools, and easy access to major metropolitans, Westfield has everything anyone could ever want.
Want to learn more about Westfield, NJ? Contact a local expert strategist to discover more about the community or to find your next home in Westfield.
