Pros and Cons of Living in Westfield

Westfield's core trade-off pairs a real, historic downtown, strong schools, and a genuinely remarkable median income against a real, elevated tax bill and a rail-transfer commute nuance.

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Pro: a historic downtown and a genuinely remarkable income base

Westfield's 26-landmark historic downtown and Mindowaskin Park anchor real community character, alongside a median household income (9th-highest in NJ) that stands out even among affluent NJ suburbs.

Pro: strong schools with real national distinctions

Westfield Public School District ranks #18 in New Jersey, with a National Blue Ribbon middle school and a Star School-designated high school.

Con: a real "$19K paradox" property-tax bill

Westfield's average tax bill (~$18,948) runs nearly as high as Summit's despite Westfield's lower home values, driven by Westfield's higher 2.21% effective rate.

Con: a Newark Penn Station transfer for most NYC-bound trips

Unlike Summit's direct Midtown Direct service, most Raritan Valley Line trains from Westfield terminate at Newark Penn Station, requiring a transfer for New York Penn Station.

Key takeaways

Pro: a real, historic 26-landmark downtown and a genuinely remarkable, 9th-highest-in-NJ median household income.
Pro: a strong #18-in-NJ school district with real national distinctions (National Blue Ribbon, Star School).
Con: a real, near-$19,000 average property tax bill despite home values below neighboring Summit.
Con: most Raritan Valley Line trains require a Newark Penn Station transfer for New York-bound commutes.

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-25. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.