What’s it like to live in Westfield, New Jersey?

Westfield is often named one of the best places to live in New Jersey, and it’s not hard to see why. Start by walking along its beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods, which are straight out of a storybook. Then, move on to the highly walkable downtown district, home to more than 100 restaurants and shops. And if academia or athletics is paramount to you, the local schools and sports are highly ranked. (In fact, the Westfield High football team had the longest winning streak in the state as of 2016!)

Last, with its convenient public transportation to Manhattan and close proximity to major highways, Westfield is ideal for commuters. Sounds pretty ideal, right? That’s why, in 2019,  New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Westfield No. 49 among its “Top 100 Towns in New Jersey.”

A town that embraces history and modern conveniences

When the New York Times profiled Westfield in 2016, they said it’s where “small town meets urban.” In the piece, they also wrote that Westfield offers “a bustling downtown, a vibrant cultural scene and good transportation options — along with many benefits of suburban living, like attractive homes, well-regarded schools and a sense of community.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!

With a population of around 30,000, Westfield is large enough to have a city vibe. Yet it’s small enough where you still run into neighbors and friends at the grocery store. Plus, you’ll find that pride in the community is evident at seasonal events such as the Downtown Jazz Festival, Downtown Trick-or-Treating, Apple Fest, and the Memorial Day Parade.

The Westfield Historical Society actively promotes the preservation of the rich history of Westfield, which was first settled in 1720. As you explore the town, you’ll find an eye-catching mix of historical architecture and you’ll notice that there’s impeccable new construction, too.  Overall, it’s impressive how well the town has managed to combine the beauty of its past with the modern conveniences of today. And how’s this for a wild architectural fact — Charles Addams famously modeled the “Addams Family” home on a mansard-style colonial in Westfield!