Verona, New Jersey, has quietly become one of the most sought-after towns in Essex County. Buyers love its friendly, small-town feel, its strong public schools and a park-centered lifestyle, all just next door to Montclair.
For many families, Verona hits the sweet spot: the amenities and charm of a sought-after Essex County suburb, at a price point that often leaves more room in the budget.
Where Is Verona?
Verona is a township in northwestern Essex County, settled in the early 1700s and incorporated in 1907. It sits between Montclair and Cedar Grove to the east and north, the Caldwells to the west and West Orange to the south.
Bloomfield Avenue runs right through the middle of town and serves as its main street, lined with local restaurants, shops and services. Routes 23, 46 and 280 are all a short drive away.
Commuting to NYC
Verona doesn’t have its own train station, so commuting looks a little different here than in Montclair or Maplewood. Most residents use one of these options:
Drive to a nearby train station: Montclair’s Bay Street and Walnut Street stations are a short drive away, with NJ Transit service to New York Penn Station
Commuter bus: Boxcar runs a reserved-seat express bus to Midtown with a morning pickup on Bloomfield Avenue in Verona, and NJ Transit buses along Bloomfield Avenue connect to Newark
Park and ride: NJ Transit express buses to the Port Authority Bus Terminal run from nearby lots, including Willowbrook Mall and Allwood Road in Clifton
Drive: Route 280 makes the drive to the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel manageable outside peak traffic
Door to door, most Verona commuters reach Midtown in roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. It’s a great fit for hybrid workers who go into the city a few days a week.
Thinking about making a move? Download our free NJ Commuter Comparison Guide to compare commute times, home prices and lifestyle across North Jersey towns.
Housing Snapshot
Verona has a wide mix of homes, which is part of why it appeals to so many different buyers, from first-time buyers to downsizers.
What you’ll usually see on the market:
Colonials, Tudors and Capes on tree-lined streets
Split-levels and ranches, especially in neighborhoods built after World War II
Condos and townhomes, including high-rise buildings with views and amenities
A limited number of larger homes on bigger lots
The single-family market has climbed quickly. According to New Jersey Realtors, the median single-family sale price in Verona jumped about 17% in 2024 to $800,000. Condos and townhomes offer a lower entry point and have also seen strong demand.
General price ranges (these move with the season):
Condos and townhomes: often in the $250Ks–$550Ks
Most single-family homes: about $650K–$1.1M
Larger or fully renovated homes: $1.1M+
Lifestyle + Community
Life in Verona revolves around its parks, its main street and a calendar full of community events.
Highlights buyers love:
Verona Park: a 54-acre Essex County park designed by the Olmsted Brothers, with a 13-acre lake, a historic boathouse with seasonal boat rentals, walking paths, playgrounds and summer concerts
Hilltop Reservation: about 284 acres of wooded trails for hiking and dog walks
Verona Community Pool: a popular summer gathering spot for families
Bloomfield Avenue: a walkable stretch of local favorites, from long-running delis and ice cream shops to bistros and an independent bookstore
Easy access to Montclair: restaurants, theaters and shopping are just minutes away
It’s the kind of town where kids ride bikes to the park and neighbors know each other by name.
Schools
Verona Public Schools serve about 2,200 students in six schools: four elementary schools, Henry B. Whitehorne Middle School and Verona High School.
The district is small, which many families see as a big advantage. Verona High School has around 630 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of about 12 to 1, and it has regularly appeared on statewide “top high schools” lists. For many buyers, the schools are a major reason they choose Verona, and they help support home values over time.
Taxes + Cost of Living
Like much of North Jersey, Verona’s property taxes are higher than the national average. Many buyers find that Verona’s overall cost, including home prices, still compares well with neighboring towns that offer a similar lifestyle. To understand how NJ taxes work, read The Truth About Property Taxes in New Jersey.
What Makes Verona Different
Verona appeals to buyers who want:
A close-knit, small-town feel with strong community pride
A highly regarded, small school district
A park-centered lifestyle, with Verona Park right on the main street
Easy access to Montclair’s amenities, often at a lower price point
If you love Montclair’s energy but want a quieter, more residential setting, Verona is worth a serious look. Read our Montclair guide to compare the two, or see how Verona stacks up in our list of the most walkable towns in Essex County.
What Sellers Should Know
Verona homes in good condition move quickly, but buyers compare carefully with Montclair, Cedar Grove and the Caldwells.
Sellers who do well here usually:
Update kitchens, baths and mechanical systems where it makes sense
Present the home’s outdoor space well, since yards and patios matter to Verona buyers
Price strategically against recent sales on similar streets
Highlight the walk to Verona Park, the schools or Bloomfield Avenue
If You’re Thinking About Buying Here…
Verona can feel competitive, especially in the spring and for well-priced single-family homes. Buyers who succeed usually know:
Which neighborhoods match their lifestyle and commute plans
Whether a single-family home, townhome or condo fits their budget best
How to write a strong offer when a home gets multiple bids
Not sure which home type is right for you? Our guide to condos vs. single-family homes in North Jersey breaks it down.
If Verona is on your radar, we can help you break down which sections of town match your lifestyle, what’s realistic within your budget and how to position yourself in a competitive offer situation. Reach out, we’d love to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.