If you’ve ever been flying down I-78 toward Pennsylvania, you’ve seen the sign. Exit 7. Bloomsbury. To most commuters, it's just a place to grab a quick coffee or hit the truck stop. But for the people who actually live there, the bloomsbury nj zip code—better known as 08804—represents one of the last true "small town" secrets in Hunterdon County.
Honestly, it’s tiny. We’re talking about a borough where the population hovers around 800-900 people depending on which census year you're looking at. It's the kind of place where the "neighborhood" isn't a subdivision; it’s basically the entire town.
The 08804 Identity: It’s Not Just One Town
Here is where things get a little weird with the bloomsbury nj zip code. If you look at a map, the 08804 boundary is significantly larger than the actual Borough of Bloomsbury. It swallows up chunks of Bethlehem Township and Alexandria. This leads to a lot of "wait, where am I?" moments for new residents.
💡 You might also like: Red and White Mens Shoes: Why This Specific Combo Still Rules the Street
You might have a Bloomsbury mailing address but actually pay your property taxes to Bethlehem. That distinction matters. A lot. It affects your trash pickup, your local police coverage, and especially which elementary school your kids attend.
Most of the 08804 area is defined by the Musconetcong River. It’s the lifeblood of the area. Historically, the town wasn't even called Bloomsbury. It started out as "Johnson’s Iron Works." Back in the colonial era, workers took iron ore from the nearby mountains and turned it into "blooms"—basically big chunks of wrought iron. That's one of the prevailing theories on how the name stuck. Others say it’s named after the Bloom family. Either way, the "iron" heritage is baked into the dirt here.
Living in Bloomsbury NJ Zip Code 08804
What’s it actually like? Quiet. Really quiet.
The housing stock is a wild mix. You’ve got these stunning, towering Victorian homes on Main Street and Church Street that look like they were pulled off a postcard from 1890. Then, five minutes away, you’ll find 1970s ranches and massive new builds sitting on five-acre lots in the hills.
Real Estate Reality
According to data from early 2026, the median home value in 08804 is hovering right around $478,000. That’s actually a bit of a "bargain" for Hunterdon County, where prices in places like Clinton or Readington can easily clear $700k for the same amount of square footage.
But there’s a catch.
Inventory is almost non-existent. People move to Bloomsbury and they stay. You might see only six or seven houses on the market at any given time. If you want a Victorian with "good bones," you have to be ready to jump the second it hits the MLS.
The Commuter’s Paradox
Most people in 08804 are professionals. We’re talking about a high percentage of managers, healthcare workers, and tech folks. This creates a funny dynamic because, while the town feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, everyone is commuting.
The average commute is about 36 minutes. That usually means a straight shot down 78 toward the pharmaceutical hubs in Bridgewater or even all the way to Jersey City. You’re trading a long drive for the ability to sit on your porch and hear absolutely nothing but the river at night.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that there’s "nothing to do" in the bloomsbury nj zip code.
Sure, you aren’t going to find a luxury shopping mall or a movie theater inside the zip code. But the local spots have a cult following. Casola’s Pizza is a staple. If you haven't had a slice there, you haven't actually visited Bloomsbury. Then there’s the proximity to the Delaware River. You are ten minutes from the bridge into Easton, PA, which has a massive food scene, and five minutes from the Musconetcong Gorge for hiking.
📖 Related: Medieval Dress Up Ideas: What Most People Get Wrong About Period Accuracy
It’s an outdoor person's playground disguised as a sleepy transit stop.
Education and Community
The Bloomsbury Public School is small. Like, remarkably small. It serves Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, kids generally head over to Phillipsburg. This small-school environment is a massive draw for families who are tired of the "mega-districts" found in more suburban parts of New Jersey. It’s the kind of school where the teachers know your dog’s name.
Why 08804 Still Matters in 2026
In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital and "same-y," the bloomsbury nj zip code has managed to keep its texture. The Borough Council meetings are still held in the local meeting room. The Community Garden is still a big deal. People still walk across the Church Street Bridge just to look at the water.
It isn't a place for everyone. If you need a Starbucks on every corner, you will hate it here. But if you want a place where the architecture has history and the neighbors actually talk to each other, it’s hard to beat.
Moving Forward
If you're seriously looking at moving to the bloomsbury nj zip code, your first step should be a drive-through that isn't just the highway. Exit 7 is the gateway, but the real town is tucked back along the river.
Check the tax maps before you buy. Remember that a Bloomsbury address doesn't always mean Bloomsbury taxes. Contact a local Hunterdon County specialist who knows the difference between the Borough and the Township sections of 08804. Most importantly, spend an afternoon at the Musconetcong Gorge. If that hike doesn't sell you on the area, nothing will.