The Downtown

Westfield’s downtown is what most suburbs wish they had. East Broad Street and Central Avenue form the heart of a walkable commercial district with over 100 locally-owned shops, restaurants, cafes, and services. This isn’t a strip mall — it’s a genuine Main Street atmosphere where you can grab coffee at a local roaster, browse a bookshop, eat dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, and catch a show at the historic Rialto Theatre without moving your car.

The town actively invests in keeping downtown vibrant. Year-round events include the Downtown Westfield 5K, summer jazz festivals, holiday strolls, and a farmers’ market. For NYC transplants, this is the closest thing to a Brooklyn neighborhood vibe you’ll find in Union County — except you have a yard and a parking spot.

The Schools

Let’s be direct: Westfield’s school district is one of the main reasons families pay premium prices to live here. Westfield Public Schools earned an A+ rating from Niche and is ranked #18 among all school districts in New Jersey for 2026. The district serves nearly 6,000 students across 10 schools with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio.

Westfield Senior High School is ranked among the top 40 public high schools in NJ, with 60% of students proficient in math and 82% in reading on state assessments. The school offers a robust AP program and strong extracurriculars — particularly in theater, athletics, and STEM. Many former NYC private school families transition to Westfield public schools and find the academic rigor comparable, with the added benefit of a more traditional school community experience.

The Community

Westfield has the feel of a town where people put down roots. Youth sports leagues, community theater, volunteer organizations, and active civic engagement create a social fabric that newcomers notice immediately. The town’s low poverty rate (1.76%) and high median household income ($232,629) reflect a community that’s invested in maintaining quality of life — from the condition of its parks to the character of its downtown.

The Gardens

One of Westfield’s most prestigious neighborhoods, The Gardens features stunning historic homes dating back to the 19th century — carefully maintained Victorians, Colonial Revivals, and Craftsman-style properties with 4–7 bedrooms on quarter-acre to half-acre lots. Walking distance to downtown shops and the train station. The Miller-Cory House Museum sits within the neighborhood, offering a glimpse into Westfield’s colonial history.

Best For: Families who want character, space, and walkability — and have the budget for it

Wychwood Manor

High-end detached single-family homes on lots of a third-acre or more, with mature landscaping that creates a sense of privacy and seclusion. Wychwood ranges from cozier 3-bedroom homes under 2,000 square feet to expansive 6+ bedroom estates above 4,000 square feet. Close to Echo Lake Country Club.

Best For: Buyers seeking luxury and space in an established setting

Indian Forest

Westfield’s most exclusive neighborhood, Indian Forest features elegant homes on expansive lots — many exceeding half an acre. The architectural styles range from stately Colonials to custom-built modern homes. This is where you’ll find some of the highest-priced real estate in all of Union County.

Best For: Executive families, luxury buyers, those seeking the pinnacle of Westfield living

Stoneleigh Park

Originally developed in 1904 as a park-like residential community, Stoneleigh Park features distinctive Craftsman, Tudor, and Colonial Revival homes arranged around circular streets radiating from a central green space. It’s architecturally unique within Westfield and has a strong sense of neighborhood identity. Conveniently located near downtown.

Best For: History lovers, those who want character and community in a walkable location

Kimball Avenue Historic District

Charming historic homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries — Victorians, Colonial Revivals, and Craftsman architecture along tree-lined streets. The district is on the National Register of Historic Places, which adds character but may come with preservation considerations for renovations. Close to downtown and parks.

Best For: Buyers who appreciate historic architecture and don’t mind preservation guidelines

Brightwood

Located on Westfield’s north side near Route 22, Brightwood is centered around its namesake 44-acre park with walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife. Across Route 22, the massive Watchung Reservation offers hundreds more acres of hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing. The Shady Rest Country Club — one of the oldest African-American country clubs in the nation — adds historic significance. Housing here starts at more accessible price points than Westfield’s core neighborhoods.

Best For: Nature lovers, first-time Westfield buyers, families who want space at a friendlier price point

Manor Park

A traditional residential neighborhood on Westfield’s south side with well-maintained Cape Cods, split-levels, and Colonials. Manor Park offers a more accessible entry point into the Westfield school district while still providing the tree-lined streets and community feel that define the town. Close to Tamaques Park’s 106 acres of recreational facilities.

Best For: Young families entering the Westfield market, buyers seeking value relative to the town’s pricier north side

Downtown Westfield

The area immediately surrounding the downtown commercial district offers a mix of older single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. This is Westfield’s most walkable neighborhood — you can reach the train station, restaurants, shops, and grocery stores on foot. It’s also the most accessible price point in town, particularly for condo and townhome buyers who don’t need a large yard.

Best For: Young professionals, downsizers, anyone who prioritizes walkability over yard space

By Train (NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line)

Westfield’s train station sits right in the heart of downtown at Summit Avenue between North and South Avenue. Most peak-hour trains require a transfer at Newark Penn Station — known locally as “the Newark shuffle” — which adds about 10 minutes. Off-peak hours offer limited direct “one-seat ride” trains to New York Penn Station using dual-mode locomotives.

From Newark Penn, you can also transfer to PATH trains for quick access to the World Trade Center, Hoboken, and Jersey City — useful if you work in Lower Manhattan or the Financial District.

💡 Pro Tip: Commuter parking permits have a waitlist. If parking access matters, ask about it before you buy. Daily spots are available but fill up early.

By Bus (NJ Transit Express)

Many Westfield commuters actually prefer the bus over the train because it offers a one-seat ride — no transfer required. The NJ Transit 113X express picks up right downtown and uses the HOV lane into the Lincoln Tunnel, often beating the train door-to-door. The 114X and 117 routes offer additional service from Route 22. Your NJ Transit monthly pass works on both bus and train, so you can mix and match depending on the day.

The Harrison PATH Hack

Many Westfield residents drive 20 minutes to the Harrison PATH station and take the PATH train directly to World Trade Center (15 minutes) or 33rd Street. This avoids both the Newark transfer and Lincoln Tunnel traffic, and is especially popular with commuters who work in Lower Manhattan or the Financial District. Free or cheap parking near Harrison makes this a cost-effective alternative.

By Car

Westfield is about 25 miles from Midtown Manhattan. During rush hour, expect 60–90 minutes depending on tunnel traffic. Route 22, the Garden State Parkway, and I-78 provide highway access. With congestion pricing now in effect in Manhattan, driving daily isn’t cost-effective for most commuters — but for hybrid workers who go in 1–2 days per week, it remains a viable option.

Current Market Snapshot (2026)

Westfield is one of the most competitive real estate markets in New Jersey. Homes sell in an average of 21–23 days — and many desirable properties go under contract in less than a week with multiple offers.

The typical home value sits around $1.05 million (Zillow Home Value Index), though the median sale price has recently tracked closer to $1.3M–$1.4M as higher-end transactions have picked up. Price varies enormously by neighborhood — you can enter the Westfield market in the $500Ks for a downtown condo or spend well over $2M for a home in Indian Forest or The Gardens.

What Your Budget Gets You

$500K–$700K: Downtown condos, townhomes, and smaller properties in Brightwood or Manor Park. This is the entry point into the Westfield school district.

$700K–$1M: Solid single-family homes in Manor Park, Brightwood, and parts of the south side. Typically 3–4 bedrooms, updated kitchens, manageable lots.

$1M–$1.5M: The sweet spot for families — 4-bedroom Colonials and Tudors in established neighborhoods with good lot sizes. Most Westfield buyers land here.

$1.5M–$2.5M+: Premium neighborhoods like The Gardens, Wychwood, Stoneleigh Park, and Indian Forest. Larger lots, more architectural detail, walking distance to downtown.

Property Taxes

Westfield’s general property tax rate is approximately 2.206% — which is actually below the NJ statewide average of 2.23% and among the more moderate rates in Union County. On a home assessed at $800,000, expect an annual tax bill around $17,600, or roughly $1,470/month. On a $1.2M home, that’s closer to $26,500/year.

While those numbers may cause sticker shock compared to other states, context matters. Westfield’s tax rate is lower than neighbors like Cranford (6.667%), Scotch Plains (11.421%), and significantly lower than Elizabeth (31.430%). The assessed value of your home and the tax rate together determine your bill — so always ask for the actual annual tax amount on any specific home, not just the rate.

💡 Tip: Use our mortgage calculator to factor property taxes into your total monthly payment before you start shopping.

Westfield offers an impressive parks system for a town its size. Tamaques Park is the crown jewel — 106 acres with playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, a picnic area, fishing pond, and walking paths. Mindowaskin Park sits right downtown next to the library, with a scenic pond, gazebo, and playground that’s a go-to for families with young kids. Brightwood Park offers 44 acres of wooded walking trails on the north side.

The Westfield Memorial Pool Complex is a major summer draw — a resident-only facility with multiple pools, a diving area, and a kiddie pool. Youth sports leagues (soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, swimming) are extremely active. The town also offers proximity to Echo Lake Park and the Watchung Reservation for hiking and nature activities.

Daily errands are easy thanks to downtown walkability. Trader Joe’s, ShopRite, and Whole Foods are all within a short drive. The town’s restaurant scene punches above its weight for a suburb — from upscale Italian to casual brunch spots to a growing number of Asian and Latin American options.

Westfield attracts a specific type of buyer — and it’s worth knowing if you fit the profile before you invest in the market:

NYC transplants seeking space and schools: The largest cohort. Couples and young families moving from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Jersey City who want top-rated schools, a real yard, and walkable downtown energy without losing NYC access entirely.

Move-up buyers from neighboring towns: Families in Cranford, Scotch Plains, Clark, or Garwood who’ve built equity and are ready for a larger home in a top-tier school district.

Corporate professionals: The median household income of $232,629 reflects a community heavy on finance, law, tech, and healthcare professionals. Many work hybrid schedules, commuting to Manhattan 2–3 days per week.

Downsizers staying in town: Empty-nesters who’ve raised families in Westfield and want to stay in the community but move to a condo or smaller home downtown.

The Michael Martinetti Group is headquartered at 1 Elm Street in Westfield — right in the heart of downtown. This isn’t a market we cover from a distance. We live and work here. We know which blocks command premiums and why, which homes are priced right and which aren’t, and what it takes to win in Westfield’s competitive market.

Our team has helped over 2,000 clients buy and sell across New Jersey, with deep expertise in Westfield and surrounding Union County towns. Buyers find homes 25% faster with our team, and sellers earn an average of 6% more than with other agents.

Every agent on our team is backed by dedicated in-house sales, transactions, operations, and marketing departments — so nothing falls through the cracks, your home gets a custom marketing strategy (not a template), and someone is always available to answer your call.

We hold memberships in GSMLS, NJMLS, MOMLS, and ALLJersey MLS — meaning we see every listing across the state, not just one feed. And our recommended lending, legal, and inspection partners have been vetted through hundreds of Westfield transactions.

Commute details: NJ Commute Times to NYC — town-by-town train, bus, and drive time breakdowns.

Town comparisons: Best NJ Towns for NYC Commuters — profiles of Westfield, Summit, Montclair, Ridgewood, and more.

Hidden gems: 15 NJ Towns Closest to NYC You Haven’t Considered — affordable alternatives if Westfield’s price point is a stretch.

First-time buyers: First-Time Homebuyer Guide for NJ — step-by-step process, costs, and $22,000+ in assistance programs.

Choosing an agent: How to Choose the Best Realtor in NJ

Home value: Get Your Westfield Home Value

Browse homes: Search Westfield Homes for Sale