Is Brookdale (Bloomfield) safe?
Bloomfield, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Brookdale (Bloomfield) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Brookdale (Bloomfield)
“Go. Brookdale is a quiet, exceptionally safe suburban section of northern Bloomfield bordering Montclair. Visitors coming to explore scenic Brookdale Park or grab a bite along Broad Street can walk around with minimal safety concerns at almost any time of day.”
About the area
Brookdale constitutes the upscale, northernmost portion of Bloomfield, characterized by tree-lined streets, manicured single-family homes, and access to the sprawling county park of the same name. It blends suburban tranquility with historic charm, including recognizable local landmarks and neighborhood eateries.
- Family-Friendly
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Suburban
- Park-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Brookdale (Bloomfield)
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 51/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in Bloomfield, but Brookdale Park offers paved internal multi-use paths well suited for recreational cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent and property crime rates compared to broader Essex County averages
- High household income and strong homeownership rates supporting well-kept residential properties
- Immediate access to the 121-acre historic Brookdale Park with well-lit walking trails and sports facilities
- Close proximity to Montclair's dining amenities while retaining a quiet residential ambiance
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins or package thefts typical of quiet suburban corridors
- Pedestrian connectivity across busy vehicular thoroughfares like Broad Street and Bellevue Avenue can feel fast-paced
- Limited active nightlife within the neighborhood boundaries itself
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Brookdale. Individuals experiencing homelessness occasionally transit through regional transit corridors further south, but encampments or panhandling are virtually absent here.
What Brookdale (Bloomfield) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and commuters heading toward nearby train stations.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with families and park visitors dominating the neighborhood.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and comfortable around local dining corridors with pleasant, well-lit suburban streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and sleepy with minimal pedestrian traffic; standard situational awareness is all that is needed.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates bus routes including the 72 and 709 along Broad Street, connecting to Newark and nearby rail hubs. The nearest commuter rail access is NJ Transit's Montclair Heights or Upper Montclair stations, located about 1 to 1.5 miles west.
Street parking is generally easy and free throughout residential zones, though time limits and overnight parking restrictions may apply. Commercial plazas along Broad Street provide dedicated customer lots.
Things to do in Brookdale (Bloomfield)
- Stroll, jog, or enjoy the formal rose garden in Essex County's Brookdale Park
- Visit the historic Holsten's Brookdale Confectionery for homemade ice cream in a classic retro diner booth
- Browse local shops and bakeries situated along Broad Street
Local favorites
- Holsten's Brookdale Confectionery · Ice Cream & Diner · 4.5★ (2350)Historic 1939 parlor famous for handcrafted chocolates, homemade ice cream, and its cameo in The Sopranos finale.
- Nevada Diner · Diner · 4.2★ (3100)Classic, spacious New Jersey diner serving expansive comfort food menus and baked goods around the clock.
- Essex Fells Pizza · Pizzeria · 4.6★ (380)Longstanding neighborhood staple serving crisp thin-crust pies and traditional Italian specialties.
Neighborhoods near Brookdale (Bloomfield)
Common questions about Brookdale (Bloomfield)
Is Brookdale (Bloomfield) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Brookdale (Bloomfield) a good place to live?
On safety, Brookdale (Bloomfield) scores 87/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Brookdale (Bloomfield)?
Walk score 62/100 and bike score 51/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Brookdale (Bloomfield) are safer?
Glen Ridge (NJ) (94), Upper Montclair (92), Montclair Heights (91) score higher nearby.
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