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Essex Fells, NJ vs Roseland, NJ

Two popular NJ suburbs of New York City, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.

School rating
10/10
8/10
Commute to New York City
54 min
54 min
Median home price
$1.1M
$680K
Annual property tax
$19K
$12K
Walk score
20
28
Density
suburban
suburban

Summary: Roseland, NJ leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on median home price, annual property tax, walk score. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.

Character & vibe

Essex Fells, NJ

One of NJ's smallest and most distinctive municipalities — only 2,100 residents, no commercial zones, large estates, and a top-10 school district. Pure residential sanctuary.

communitynature

Roseland, NJ

Essex County's quiet executive suburb — wooded streets, no commercial chaos, and a small-town feel with access to Caldwell's main street and Midtown trains.

communitynature

Who should pick which?

Pick Essex Fells, NJ if you...

  • ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
  • ·Drawn to the community character

Pick Roseland, NJ if you...

  • ·Need to keep your home budget in check
  • ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown
  • ·Want lower annual property taxes

Still deciding?

Burbia scores both Essex Fells, NJ and Roseland, NJ — and every other town in the New York City Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.

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