Throughout pristine lake communities and tree-lined roads, discover Bloomingdale, a flourishing town incorporated in 1918. Among the things that still link the past to Bloomingdale are two churches, a school, and a band that is surprisingly older than the school.
With a population of 7,656 residents, Bloomingdale strives to offer its inhabitants a peaceful life. Bloomingdale is not really a town, but rather a borough in Passaic County, New Jersey. If you ever decide to live here, you hopefully don't have a problem with the humid climate, meaning hot summers and cold winters. Bloomingdale might not be a cutting edge city, but living on a land of 7.2 squares miles from which 1.8 square miles are water, it offers enough tranquility and views to pull you away from the TV.
Moving to Bloomingdale
Useful Tips
If you're looking to rent in Bloomingdale, be aware that winters can be a bit harsh, although it is the quietest season and the best time to find lower rents. Start to search for apartments at the beginning of the spring, if you want to avoid the bitter cold and like feeling your fingers! Another thing to consider is the commuting time. Locals spend about 33 minutes commuting and there's a greater percentage that carpool. Living in Bloomingdale is quite expensive, but don't let this discourage you. Maybe you won't find one bedroom apartments with paid utilities, but if you lower your expectations, chances are you can find something with partially paid utilities.
Allow yourself a week or maybe two to find something that suits your needs. Apartment rental in Bloomingdale can be stressful, especially when some of them aren't available on the spot.
Signing the Lease
Finally, that day has arrived. Before you sign, make sure you have the money for one month's rent, the deposit, concise rental history and a proof of your income. If you decide on a condo located in a complex, be aware that staff usually performs a credit and a background check. Individual landlords could not care less about that so long as you pay your rent on time. But still, it's better to be prepared with all the necessary documents.
Bringing Your Pet
If you search long enough, chances are you will find a couple of pet friendly apartments. Usually, homeowners are skeptical when it comes to dogs and cats, because they can do more damage to their homes than a fish. As a warning, if you have a dog, you will need to take him outside, so don't forget the bag waste at home, unless you want a citation in your mailbox. But if you have a parrot or a hamster, the landlord could even ditch the additional rent payable for pets.
Bloomingdale Neighborhoods
Bloomingdale is an exceptionally livable community with a high income per capita, stable housing market, safe and plenty of local amenities. There are many amenities around the town center that can be reached by foot. If you would prefer to ride your bike instead of your car, then you should know that are no dedicated lanes or trails for cycling.
City Center: There's plenty to do and see here. You can dine at Lina's, an Italian restaurant, or at Ting's, a Chinese restaurant. You can shop at one of supermarkets along the Main Street as an option, too. You also have good connections with Pequannock River or Friendship Park. Here, there's an array of houses and apartments to rent.
Glenwild Avenue: This is the busiest avenue in the city. You can rent a house near one of the parks or maybe you want something with a view over the lake.
Union Avenue: There are lots of nearby amenities mixed with house rentals and a park to keep you in shape in this neighborhood. At the end of the avenue there are also two lakes, Twilinger and Morse, if you want to go for a swim.
Living in Bloomingdale
Outdoor Activities
From a wide range of parks, lakes, and preserved areas, Bloomingdale has a lot to choose from when it comes to outdoor recreation. Undoubtedly, the most outstanding one of all is the Norvin Green State Forest with the Torne Mountain. The forest features the largest concentrations of trails in New Jersey, many of which date back to the 1920's. Believe or not, the rocks you might find during your hike are 10,000 years old, dating back to the Wisconsin Glacier's earliest days. Aside from the multitude of trails, the most important being the Torne and Blue Blazed Hewitt-Butler Trails, a must see is the Stone Living Room. These man-made "chairs" and "sofas" offer dazzling views over the forest.
Within the city, you can spend your time in Friendship Park, D. Crockett Park, or Butler Forest Reserve. If you are up for some swimming or other water activities, then take your swimming suit and take a pick from the various lakes that flood the city. Whether you choose the Star Lake, Glen Wild Lake, or North Twin Lake; you will have the time of your life. Don't forget to bring your fishing gear.
Eating and Drinking
After an exhausting day, the thought of sitting in the kitchen will be long forgotten. The good news is that there are plenty of restaurants within the city's limits, so your only worry will be what to choose to eat. Try the local pizza spot, or maybe you're craving Asian food? There are also plenty of other restaurants that serve delicious Italian, Mexican, or European dishes. For those hot, summer nights, don't forget the ice cream, too.
Shopping
You can find everything you need in Bloomingdale. Between malls, flea market, supermarkets filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, and chic boutiques, everything you need can be found within a couple of miles from the city center.