The Parkview in Bloomfield, NJ

Pros

• Claire is very knowledgeable and committed to residents’ well-being.
• Claire is the best part of Parkview.
• The house is clean and inviting.
• The residents seem well taken care of, and the staff are very helpful.
• The rooms are clean and large.
• The owner is nice and helpful.
• Claire is outstanding and extremely patient.

Cons

• They believe it charges $1,800 per month to share a room in a run-down, dirty, smelly place.
• They think the place should be shut down.
• They can't imagine it meets any state health codes.
• The dresser was broken, and they were given a disgusting mattress on top of a metal frame like a cot.
• The common area offered only wooden outdoor chairs to sit on.
• They would not recommend anyone be sent there, not even for an animal.
• The Parkview was described as horrible.
• The place was rundown.
• They felt uncomfortable there.
• A resident with dementia yelled "Somebody's here!"
• The room wasn't up to par.
• There were too many people in one room.
• The owner was often absent.
• Overcrowding caused many issues and made it a poorly run facility.

Review

The Parkview in Bloomfield is best suited for highly independent seniors who are comfortable sharing a living space in a modest, home-like setting and who place priority on location and a small, hands-on manager oversight. It is not a good fit for someone who needs regular daily assistance, has mobility or safety concerns, or requires a bright, welcoming, consistently clean environment. Potential residents should be aware that there is no elevator and that mobility is assumed; rooms can be shared and space is limited, so families should assess whether a bare-bones, participatory living arrangement matches their loved one’s needs and expectations.

Those who may want to look at alternatives are families seeking a more polished, modern atmosphere with strong, visible administrative presence and clear accountability. If cleanliness and consistently high standards of upkeep matter, if private rooms are essential, or if dementia- or memory-care supervision is a current or anticipated requirement, exploring other options is prudent. The Parkview’s mixed reviews emphasize a discrepancy between individual staff goodwill and broader facility conditions, which can be unsettling for residents who value routine, safety, and a bright common area.

On the positive side, the site is repeatedly described as clean at times and situated in a convenient residential area, with some rooms noted as large and easy to move in. A few staff members, most notably Claire, are praised for knowledge, patience, and genuine concern for residents’ well-being. For families who want a small, neighborly setting and can rely on a single, standout point of contact to advocate for their loved one, these attributes can translate into meaningful, day-to-day stability. In that sense, the pros anchor a core idea: Parkview can feel like a low-key, home-like space when its people stay consistently engaged.

However, the weight of the cons dominates the overall impression. Reviews describe the place as rundown, dirty, and unwelcoming, with a sense of neglect that undermines trust in daily safety and comfort. Critical items, such as broken dressers, inadequate bedding, and general wear, signal deeper maintenance and upkeep challenges. Other red flags include crowded rooms, a lack of elevator access, and limited staff coverage, which together create a sense of instability some families are unwilling to accept for a loved one who deserves predictability and a sense of safety each day. The recurring theme that the owner is not always present compounds concerns about supervision and response times when issues arise.

Language of care and management style also shapes the decision. The Parkview can feel personal when a dedicated staff member steps up as the best part of the experience, but inconsistent management and times when the facility feels overwhelmed by occupancy create a backdrop where small problems become big, fast. For a resident who relies on clear routines, timely housekeeping, and proactive problem-solving, the sensory cues of a busy, crowded boarding-house atmosphere may prove disheartening. Prospective families should prioritize a transparent discussion about staffing schedules, room configurations, and the plan for ongoing maintenance before making a commitment.

In practical terms, a decision to pursue Parkview should hinge on a tight set of questions and a real-time tour focused on red flags: how many residents share a room, how often rooms and common areas are cleaned, whether there is an elevator and how staff assist with mobility needs, and what the daily routine looks like. Speak with current families about the consistency of care and responsiveness, and probe the role of the on-site manager to ensure there is always a reliable point of contact. It also makes sense to verify pricing clarity, what is included in the monthly rate, and what costs might arise over time, and to assess whether the space feels inviting enough for a long-term stay.

Ultimately, The Parkview represents a narrow lane in the senior-living landscape: a small, homey environment that can work for residents who prize proximity, a familiar face in the staff, and the ability to share a room without demanding amenities. For most families, however, options with stronger cleaning standards, more robust supervision, and accessible design features, especially elevators and clearly defined, professional operations, will feel like a safer, more predictable fit. In the right circumstances, Parkview can be a reasonable temporary or transitional choice, but it is not the default recommendation for families prioritizing dignity, cleanliness, and confidence in daily care.

This part of Bloomfield, New Jersey offers a diverse range of amenities and services that may be appealing for senior living. With multiple pharmacies, physicians' offices, and hospitals within close proximity, residents have convenient access to healthcare resources. The area also boasts a variety of dining options including familiar fast-food chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell, as well as more upscale options such as Egan & Sons and Faubourg. For those looking to relax or enjoy outdoor activities, several parks are nearby, including South Mountain Reservation and Eagle Rock Reservation. Additionally, transportation options are easily accessible with train stations and the Newark Liberty International Airport Station just a short distance away. Places of worship are also present within the community for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this part of Bloomfield provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in the area.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Egan & Sons (1.5 miles)
• Faubourg (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.7 miles)
• Mayfair Farms Banquet Facilities (2.9 miles)
• Mercado Cafe & Kitchen (3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)

Physicians

• Summit Medical Group (1.5 miles)
• Care Station Medical Group (3.1 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (3.4 miles)
• Women First Health Center (3.5 miles)
• Summit Medical Group (6.8 miles)

Cafes

• Paper Plane Coffee Co. (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• True Salvage Cafe (5.8 miles)
• The Bread Stand (6.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.9 miles)

Parks

• South Mountain Reservation (1.9 miles)
• Eagle Rock Reservation (2.1 miles)
• Edgemont Memorial Park (2.3 miles)
• Anderson Park (3 miles)
• Orange Park Nj (3.5 miles)
• Degnan Memorial Park (3.6 miles)
• Rutherford Memorial Park (5 miles)

Transportation

• NJT - Watchung Station (2.2 miles)
• NJT - Brick Church Station (2.6 miles)
• East Orange Station (2.7 miles)
• Harrison Path Station (4.6 miles)
• Newark Penn Station (4.8 miles)
• NJT - Maplewood Station (6.3 miles)
• Newark Liberty International Airport Station (6.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Clifton Commons 16 (3.5 miles)
• Cinemark (7.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Ahavas Israel (4.8 miles)
• Bais Torah U'tefilah (5.1 miles)
• Clifton Blue Mosque (5.8 miles)
• Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church (6.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Barnabas Medical Center (6.2 miles)
• St Joseph's Regional Medical Center (7.3 miles)