Are you thinking of moving to Westfield? Relocating to a new community is never a simple choice. Which town can best cater to my needs? How good are the schools? What do I need to consider if I need to renovate or build a custom home? These questions and more may be on your mind if you are looking to relocate. If Westfield is on your radar, here’s everything you need to know to make the right decision for your family and your future home.
Founded in 1794, Westfield has evolved into one of the most upscale towns in New Jersey. Located in Union County, with a population just over 30,000, this charming suburban community captures the perfect balance between historical beauty and modern-day convenience. Parents seeking high-quality education for their children are drawn to its award-winning schools. Westfield boasts a gorgeous, well-maintained downtown area featuring boutique stores, dining options, and more. And its proximity to New York (only 16 miles from Manhattan!) provides a convenient commute to New York City—perfect for those who enjoy city life or commute for work, but also appreciate the quieter suburban lifestyle. This town’s commitment to satisfying the needs of its residents, coupled with its community spirit and rich history, makes Westfield a very desirable place to live.
FUN FACT: Westfield is home to famous cartoonist, Charles Addams, who created The Addams Family cartoon series. You can find murals of these characters year-round and decorations inspired by the series around the downtown area during the fall months.
Home Ownership
As of 2024, Westfield is ranked New Jersey’s 8th most expensive town to live in. With the average price to buy a home being upwards of $1 million, it is safe to say that this is one of the more affluent areas in Union County and New Jersey as a whole. Keeping tradition alive is of the utmost importance in the neighborhoods of Westfield, and zoning laws often favor the preservation of the historical look and feel of the town. Although there are some areas where a modern design may be found, the majority of the town consists of Colonial, Tudor, and Victorian homes. These architectural styles are absolutely stunning, and many residents like to spend time enhancing the exterior of their home and maintaining the curb appeal with gorgeous landscaping. Keep in mind that Westfield is a compact community, and many neighborhoods have limited lot sizes, something to consider if a larger backyard for your family is a priority.
Another potential downside of these 19th century-style homes is the condition of the interior, where you’re likely to encounter challenges. Renovating a home in Westfield can reveal issues such as outdated electrical and plumbing systems, plaster walls instead of drywall, and other age-related problems. These kinds of complications can run up your costs on simple repairs or remodeling. You might get a better result and find it more economical to gut renovate the interior completely, rather than trying to perform repairs and upgrades in piecemeal fashion.
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Lifestyle & Transportation
The downtown area of Westfield caters to a variety of interests and entertainment preferences. There are over 450 establishments to explore, including fitness studios, smaller boutiques showcasing their unique flair, and popular retailers where you can find extensive selections of the latest trends. Dining options range from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants, offering a tempting array of choices sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. The area’s lively atmosphere is fueled throughout the year by special calendar events. And other forms of entertainment are available year-round, as local artists and bands perform on a weekly basis, enhancing the relaxing atmosphere with live music.
INSIDER TIP: The annual Girls’ Night Out. This promotional event is the perfect treat for women anywhere, and features enticing food, exclusive in-store sales, and exciting entertainment.
The downtown area is considered very walkable, with many essential amenities, such as grocery stores, conveniently situated within walking distance of the residential neighborhoods. The town regularly evaluates walking routes to identify factors that could help the town become even more pedestrian-friendly, Also located within walking distance from the downtown area, the New Jersey Transit Westfield Station is a vital resource for commuters, offering service to destinations such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Penn Station.
INSIDER TIP: Get the Westfield mobile directory app to easily navigate the streets of the downtown area!
Recreational Activities
Westfield presents numerous recreational options to enjoy, including the popular Westfield Memorial Pool. A number of amenities are available to members, or with the the purchase of a guest pass, including a large main pool, 8-lane competitive lap pool, diving pool, water slides, children’s training pool, adults-only pool, snack bar, picnic area, large grass area for private space, and a private access playground. Along with these facilities, swim lessons, backyard games, and more are also available to members. This is an ideal spot for family fun.
In addition, Westfield boasts eight other parks, each offering a range of amenities. Depending on the location, you will find trails winding through forests and looping around ponds, memorial trees and gardens, charming gazebos, all-purpose fields, picnic areas, and more. Many of these parks include specific courts and fields for sports such as basketball, tennis, and baseball. Gumbert Park, which contains basketball courts and Little League fields, also has an ice rink for teams, skating lessons, and family, youth, and adult hockey. A well-known park that resides in this township is Tamaques Park. Stretching out over 106 acres, this popular public area is the perfect place to take your loved ones on a beautiful day. With something for everyone, this large park features 18 picnic areas, 2 basketball courts, 8 tennis courts, 3 pickleball courts, shuffleboard courts, 6 playing fields, 2 handball courts, a 0.8 mile jogging path, 2 playgrounds, a pond, and 1 service building with restrooms. All of these parks, just like the rest of this town, are beautifully maintained, preserving the natural environment.
Education
Westfield has an award-winning school district. They are consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey, and secured the # 14 spot in 2023. The district consists of 10 schools: one early childhood learning center (serving students pre-kindergarten), six elementary schools (1st-5th grade), two intermediate schools (6th-8th grade), and one high school (9th-12th grade). The education system is a cornerstone of the community and reflects the town’s commitment to helping students in the district reach their highest potential.
Schools in Westfield maintain a smaller student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1 offering more personalized learning, fostering connections between students and teachers, and enriching the educational experience. Beyond the classroom, Westfield students can take advantage of a range of extra curricular activities from sports to the arts. With 30 sports programs and over 80 co-curricular activities, the high school ensures a broad range of interests are supported. The district also celebrates student creativity in the form of art displays and musical performances - this showcase, held throughout the month of March, is called the Youth Art Month and Music in Our Schools Month. This balanced approach to education reflects Westfield’s dedication to cultivating well-rounded individuals who excel not only in the classroom but also in their personal and creative pursuits.
Creating Your Perfect Home in Westfield’s Welcoming Community
At Kanstrukt Group, we understand that choosing to move to Westfield is about more than just finding a home—it’s about joining a community that fits your values and aspirations. Whether you’re drawn to the town for its charm, top-tier schools, or vibrant community, we’re here to help you transform your new home into a perfect fit for your family’s needs. Renovating or building a home in Westfield comes with unique challenges, but with our expertise, we’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring the process is smooth and rewarding.
Thinking of making the move? Schedule a consultation today, and let’s discuss how we can turn your dream home into reality.