Bloomfield's housing stock is diverse and dense, reflecting its history as an older Essex County township. The market includes a mix of older single-family homes, colonials, and multi-family residences, along with newer condominium and townhome developments such as Glenwood Village. Victorian-era and early-20th-century homes line many streets near the downtown. The township's housing is often cited as comparatively attainable among New Jersey suburbs with direct Manhattan commutes, drawing buyers seeking value and proximity. The range of options — from starter condos to larger single-family homes and multi-family properties — supports first-time buyers, growing families, and investors. Bloomfield's established neighborhoods and walkable core give it a lasting residential appeal.

Bloomfield's neighborhoods radiate from its walkable downtown at the six points intersection. The area around Watsessing Park offers convenient access to the park and the Watsessing rail station, while the Brookdale section borders the large Brookdale Park shared with Montclair. These park-adjacent areas are among the township's most sought-after. Glenwood Village represents newer condominium and townhome development, while established residential streets feature a mix of single-family and multi-family homes from the early 20th century. The township's compact, narrow shape gives it a dense, connected feel, with neighborhoods close to the downtown, parks, and transit. This variety lets Bloomfield accommodate a broad range of household types within a small footprint.

Bloomfield offers an urban-suburban lifestyle with strong New York City access. Its walkable downtown, centered on the six points intersection, is filled with locally owned restaurants, classic diners, and neighborhood shops, giving the township a genuine main-street character. The town green and nearby parks host community events and gatherings. The township's diversity, density, and transit options attract commuters, young families, and long-time residents alike. A growing dining and brewery scene complements established institutions, while the proximity to Newark, Montclair, and Manhattan provides abundant cultural and entertainment options. Bloomfield balances a self-contained, walkable community with the convenience of living minutes from one of the world's largest cities.

Bloomfield is served by the Bloomfield School District, which operates multiple elementary schools, a middle school, and Bloomfield High School. The district serves a diverse student population across the township's neighborhoods and offers a range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. Bloomfield College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1868 and located downtown near the town green, has merged with Montclair State University, strengthening higher-education access in the township. Essex County vocational and magnet schools, including Bloomfield Tech High School, add specialized pathways. Proximity to Newark and New York City also places numerous colleges and universities within easy commuting distance.

Bloomfield is exceptionally well connected to New York City. The NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line stops in the township, providing direct rail service into Manhattan, while NJ Transit buses run along Broad Avenue to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Midtown Manhattan lies about 12 miles to the east, with commute times varying by route. The Garden State Parkway runs nearby, connecting Bloomfield to the broader New Jersey highway network, and Newark Liberty International Airport is a short drive away. Local roads link the township's neighborhoods to Newark and neighboring Montclair. This dense transit and highway access is central to Bloomfield's identity as a commuter community.

Bloomfield residents have access to two large Essex County parks. Brookdale Park, shared with Montclair, offers athletic fields, walking paths, playgrounds, and open lawns, while Watsessing Park provides additional green space, sports facilities, and a rail-side setting. The township's town green and neighborhood parks add local recreation. Beyond the parks, Bloomfield's walkable downtown offers dining, breweries, and community events, while its location gives residents quick access to Branch Brook Park in Newark, the South Mountain Reservation, and the full cultural and recreational amenities of Manhattan. The township's green spaces and transit-connected location support an active, urban-suburban lifestyle.