If you’re driving down the Garden State Parkway or looking for a spot that’s got that "city-lite" feel without being full-blown Manhattan, you’ve probably ended up looking at Bloomfield, NJ. It’s one of those places people constantly confuse with its neighbors. Is it part of Montclair? Is it basically Newark? Honestly, it’s its own thing entirely.
But if you’re filling out a tax form, registering a car, or just trying to win a bar trivia night, you need the hard facts. Bloomfield is in Essex County. It’s been that way since the county was officially hammered out back in 1682. But knowing the name of the county is only half the battle. To really get what makes this town tick—and why it’s currently one of the hottest spots for people fleeing the rent prices of Brooklyn—you’ve gotta look at the bigger picture of how it fits into the Jersey landscape.
The Short Answer: What County Is Bloomfield NJ In?
As we just covered, Bloomfield belongs to Essex County.
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Essex is one of the original "big four" counties of New Jersey. It's the third-most populous county in the state, trailing only Bergen and Middlesex. When people talk about "North Jersey," Essex is usually the first thing that comes to mind because it’s home to Newark, the state’s largest city and a massive transportation hub.
Bloomfield sits right in the thick of it. It’s bordered by some heavy hitters:
- Montclair to the west (the fancy cousin).
- Nutley and Belleville to the east.
- Glen Ridge (literally a tiny sliver of a town) to the west.
- Newark and East Orange to the south.
It’s a bit of a geographic chameleon. One minute you’re looking at pre-war mansions near the Glen Ridge border, and five minutes later, you’re in a bustling, urban downtown area that feels like a mini-city.
Why Being in Essex County Actually Changes Your Life
You might think, "Who cares what county I'm in as long as the mail arrives?" Well, in New Jersey, your county is basically your identity for a lot of logistical reasons.
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First, let's talk about the Essex County Park System. This is a huge deal. Back in 1895, Essex became the first county in the entire United States to create a countywide park system. Because Bloomfield is part of this network, residents get access to gems like Watsessing Park and Brookdale Park.
Brookdale Park is legendary. It’s shared between Bloomfield and Montclair, and it’s where everyone goes for summer concerts, the annual fireworks, and some of the best dog-watching in the state. If Bloomfield weren't in Essex, those massive green spaces might have been paved over for condos decades ago.
Then there’s the transportation factor. Being in Essex County means you're part of the NJ Transit "inner ring." Bloomfield has two train stations—Bloomfield Station and Watsessing Avenue—on the Montclair-Boonton Line. It takes about 30 to 35 minutes to hit New York Penn Station. That proximity to the "hubs" of Essex County (like Newark Broad Street) is why your property taxes are... well, they’re very Jersey.
A Quick History Lesson (No Boring Dates, I Promise)
Bloomfield wasn't always called Bloomfield. Before the American Revolution, it was just a bunch of smaller neighborhoods like Watsessing and Morris's Town.
The name actually comes from a guy named Joseph Bloomfield. He was a Revolutionary War general and eventually the Governor of New Jersey. Interestingly, the town was named in his honor while he was still alive, which is a bit of a flex.
The town really took off during the Industrial Revolution. While Newark was focusing on leather and beer, Bloomfield was a powerhouse for woolen mills and brass. The Oakes Woolen Mill, for example, was a massive employer here for over a century. You can still see that industrial DNA in the architecture today. A lot of those old factories have been converted into "industrial chic" lofts that sell for more than most people’s first houses.
The Modern Vibe: Is It Still Just a Suburb?
If you haven't visited in the last five years, you might not recognize downtown Bloomfield. It’s gone through a massive "re-greening" and redevelopment phase.
Basically, the town is leaning hard into its identity as a transit-oriented hub. There’s a new "Bloomfield Station" development that has brought in high-end apartments and shops right next to the train line. It’s become a magnet for people who work in the city but want a backyard—or at least a very nice balcony.
The diversity here is one of its biggest selling points. According to recent census data, over 30% of households speak a language other than English at home. You see this reflected in the food scene. You can grab incredible Peruvian rotisserie, authentic Italian deli sandwiches, and world-class ramen all on the same block.
What You Need to Know Before You Move or Visit
If you're looking at Bloomfield on a map, here are some "insider" tips that define the Essex County experience here:
- Parking is a Sport: Like most of Essex County, parking is tough. If you live in an apartment near the train, check the municipal parking rules. They take them very seriously.
- The "Green": The Bloomfield Green Historic District is the heart of the town. It’s where the military used to train during the Revolution. It’s also home to some of the oldest houses in the county.
- School Districts: Bloomfield has its own public school district (unlike some smaller towns that share). It’s massive, with eight elementary schools, which tells you how many families live here.
- Taxes: Let's be real—Essex County has some of the highest property taxes in the country. You get great parks and transit, but you definitely pay for the privilege.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re trying to navigate Bloomfield or Essex County, here is what you should do next:
- Check the County Clerk: If you need to file a deed or get a passport, you’ll likely need the Essex County Clerk’s Office located in Newark.
- Download the Transit App: Since Bloomfield is a major stop on the Montclair-Boonton line, keep the NJ Transit app handy. The schedules can be "fluid," to put it politely.
- Visit the Parks: Don’t just drive past. Pull over at Brookdale Park or Watsessing Park. It’s the best way to see the "green" side of the county.
- Verify Your Zone: Bloomfield is technically a Township. If you’re looking at real estate, make sure you know whether you’re in the "historic" district or a redevelopment zone, as the rules for what you can do to your house vary wildly.
Bloomfield remains one of the most accessible and vibrant parts of Essex County. Whether you're here for the commute or the community, it's a town that manages to feel like a small village and a busy city all at once.
Next Step: If you are moving to the area, your next move should be to check the official Essex County government website to look up specific municipal service schedules for your new street.