Garfield
An affordable city with Italian heritage and a revitalizing downtown
By Scott Selleck — Licensed NJ/FL Real Estate Agent | 32+ Years in Bergen & Hudson Counties | The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Last updated: June 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Garfield, NJ?
Garfield is a diverse city of approximately 33,500 residents known for its Italian food heritage, affordable housing, and growing cultural identity. With median home values of $500K–$650K, it offers one of the more accessible entry points in Bergen County.
Garfield is one of Bergen County's most diverse cities, with a strong cultural identity rooted in its Italian heritage that has expanded to embrace a rich multicultural dining scene. The city's revitalizing downtown and active community events make it an increasingly attractive option for homebuyers seeking affordability and character.
The housing stock includes a mix of multi-family homes, condos, and single-family residences, providing options for investors, first-time buyers, and growing families. The city's central location in Bergen County provides easy highway access via Route 46 and County Route 507.
Garfield is served by two NJ Transit train stations — Garfield and Plauderville — on the Bergen County Line, providing direct rail access to Hoboken Terminal. Multiple NJ Transit bus routes supplement rail service with direct connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Schools Serving Garfield, NJ?
Garfield Public Schools serve Pre-K through 12th grade across 11 schools in the district.
What Do Homes Cost in Garfield, NJ in 2026?
Median ~$614K. Multi-family, condos, and single-family homes. Strong value for Bergen County.
How Long Is the Commute from Garfield to NYC?
NJ Transit train from Garfield or Plauderville station. Bus routes to Port Authority. 40–60 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Garfield, NJ?
Barcelona's Restaurant & Bar
A highly rated Spanish-Italian restaurant on Harrison Ave with paella, tapas, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. A Garfield standout.
Pazza Luna Restaurant & Pizzeria
A casual Italian spot on Chestnut St serving pizza, pasta, and classic Italian-American dishes in a welcoming setting.
Woodlands Café
A neighborhood café on Frederick St serving coffee, breakfast items, and light fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
Garfield's Italian & International Dining
Garfield's dining scene reflects its Italian heritage alongside a growing selection of Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Asian restaurants throughout the city.
Garfield's dining scene reflects its Italian heritage alongside a growing selection of diverse international cuisines.
What Parks and Recreation Does Garfield Offer?
Garfield Memorial Park
The city's central park with athletic fields, playgrounds, a pool, and open green space for community recreation and events.
Veterans Memorial Park
A community park with memorial tributes, sports facilities, and landscaped grounds for family activities.
Midland Avenue Park
A neighborhood park with playgrounds, basketball courts, and open space for passive recreation.
Riverside Park
Green space along the Passaic River offering walking areas and natural settings within the city.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Garfield, NJ?
Garfield Italian Festival
An annual celebration of Garfield's Italian heritage with food vendors, live music, and cultural activities drawing visitors from across Bergen County.
Independence Day Celebration
Annual Fourth of July festivities with community activities, live entertainment, and evening fireworks.
Holiday Season Events
Festive community gatherings each December with seasonal activities and the official tree lighting ceremony.
Summer Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts throughout the summer featuring local and regional musical acts in city parks.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Garfield, NJ?
Garfield is served by two NJ Transit stations on the Bergen County Line — Garfield station and Plauderville station. Both provide direct service to Hoboken Terminal, with connections to Penn Station via Secaucus Junction. Total commute is approximately 45–65 minutes.
Bus service via NJ Transit (Routes 160, 161, 702, 707, 709, and 758) provides direct access to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, often a faster option during peak commute hours.
By car, Garfield has convenient access to U.S. Route 46 and County Route 507, with the GW Bridge corridor reachable in approximately 15–20 minutes. Driving to Midtown takes 30–50 minutes off-peak.
Garfield — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Garfield area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Garfield Public Schools serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Garfield Public Schools (multiple) — Pre-K–5
Middle Schools
- Garfield Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Garfield High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Garfield Public Schools.
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Garfield Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers and district programs.
School ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org as of 2026 and may change. Verify current data directly with the school district or GreatSchools.org.
How Do You Get to NYC from Garfield?
Garfield is served by two NJ Transit train stations on the Bergen County Line, multiple bus routes, and easy highway access via Route 46.
NJ Transit Garfield Station
The Garfield station on the Bergen County Line provides direct service to Hoboken Terminal in approximately 30 minutes. Connect at Secaucus Junction for Penn Station service.
NJ Transit Plauderville Station
The Plauderville station, at the city's western edge, also provides Bergen County Line service to Hoboken Terminal.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Bus routes (160, 161, 702, 707, 709, 758) serve Garfield with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Driving via Route 46
Route 46 provides highway access to the GW Bridge corridor and Lincoln Tunnel. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 30–50 minutes off-peak.
Average Commute
Garfield residents average approximately 45–65 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan.
What Are the Schools Like in Garfield?
Garfield's public schools serve the community through 12th grade, with 11 schools in the district providing a comprehensive educational pathway.
Garfield Public Schools (Pre-K–8)
The district operates multiple elementary and middle schools serving the city's approximately 33,500 residents.
Garfield High School
The city's public high school offering academics, athletics, and community engagement for grades 9–12.
Nearby Private Schools
Private and parochial options in neighboring Lodi, Saddle Brook, and Hackensack provide additional educational choices.
Garfield Public Library
The city library offers programs for all ages and serves as a community resource hub.
School ratings, when cited, are sourced from GreatSchools.org or Niche.com and are provided for informational purposes only. Verify current ratings directly with the relevant school district or rating source.
Where Are the Best Coffee Shops in Garfield?
Garfield has local cafés and bakeries throughout the city, with easy access to additional dining in Lodi, Saddle Brook, and Rutherford.
Local Cafés
Coffee shops and bakeries throughout Garfield serve the community's daily coffee needs.
Lodi & Rutherford Options (nearby)
Neighboring Lodi and Rutherford offer eclectic café and dining options just minutes away.
Is Garfield Good for Pet Owners?
Garfield is moderately pet-friendly with city parks and walkable residential streets. Veterinary services are available in the city and neighboring towns.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in Garfield, Lodi, and Saddle Brook provide pet care.
City Parks
Community parks with open green space provide settings for leashed dog walks.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Lodi and the Route 46 corridor.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Garfield?
Hackensack University Medical Center and The Valley Hospital in Paramus are both accessible from Garfield.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 5 miles away. A Level I Trauma Center.
The Valley Hospital (Paramus)
A major hospital about 15 minutes away, providing emergency and specialty care.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Garfield and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS, Walgreens, and local pharmacies are accessible in Garfield.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Garfield?
Garfield has local markets and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Lodi, Saddle Brook, and Paramus.
Local Markets
Supermarkets and specialty stores throughout Garfield serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in nearby Lodi and Paramus provide complete grocery selections.
International Markets
International food markets in Garfield and neighboring towns reflect the community's diverse culinary traditions.
Everyday Errands
Garfield's commercial corridors provide basic daily needs with larger retail in neighboring towns.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Garfield Offer?
Garfield offers city parks, riverside green space along the Passaic River, and proximity to the broader Bergen County park system.
City Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, swimming pools, and open green space for recreation.
Passaic River Greenway
Walking areas and natural settings along the Passaic River corridor.
Nearby County Parks
Bergen County parks in neighboring communities provide additional outdoor recreation options.
Walking & Biking
Garfield's residential neighborhoods and parks provide walking and cycling routes.
Thinking About Garfield?
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Sources & Learn More — Garfield
- City of Garfield — Official Website
- Garfield Public Schools — NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus & Rail Schedules
- Garfield Station — NJ Transit
- Hackensack Meridian Health — Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors — Market Data
- GreatSchools.org — School Ratings & Reviews