281 Forest Ave
Description
Inside, a gracious foyer with elevated ceilings and a striking...This impeccably updated five-bedroom, 4 full bath, 1 half bath center-hall home is set on one of Glen Ridge’s most sought-after streets, offering a sophisticated blend of classic design and contemporary living. From the moment you arrive, architectural charm is on full display, highlighted by a Mediterranean-style tile roof and an inviting entry vestibule featuring stained glass accents, warm chestnut details, and artisan mosaic flooring.
Inside, a gracious foyer with elevated ceilings and a striking staircase introduces interiors rich in custom millwork and dark hardwood floors. Formal living and dining rooms frame the entry, creating an ideal setting for both entertaining and everyday living. A bright solarium with built-in cabinetry adds flexible space, well-suited for a home office, library, or quiet retreat.
The kitchen has been thoughtfully reimagined with today’s lifestyle in mind, showcasing quartz countertops, custom white cabinetry with ample storage, dual gas and electric ovens, and high-end Samsung appliances. A nearby porch offers a peaceful extension of the living space, while a stylish powder room with refined finishes completes the main level.
Upstairs, the primary suite provides a calming escape with a spa-like bath featuring radiant heat, a soaking tub, and an oversized shower. Additional bedrooms are generously proportioned, including a separate two-bedroom wing with its own full bath. The third floor delivers added privacy with a fifth bedroom, full bath, and landing—ideal for guests or au pair accommodations.
The finished lower level includes radiant heated floors, a laundry room, cedar storage, a full bath, and abundant storage. Outside, a fenced garden with a bluestone patio and mature hydrangeas creates a serene outdoor setting. Notable upgrades include a new furnace and hot water heater, along with a detached garage converted into a private gym with a sauna. Convenient to NYC transportation, parks, Glen Ridge Country Club, and award-winning schools.
Listing Agents
![Greg Lane]()
greg.lane@compass.comP: (858)-344-6818
![Christine Lane]()
chris.lane@compass.comP: (973)-202-1707
Property Details for 281 Forest Avenue
Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Back Yard
- Basement
- Built-Ins
- Chandeliers
- Chef's Kitchen
- Custom Closet
- Decorative Mouldings
Property Details for 281 Forest Avenue
| Status | Coming Soon |
|---|---|
| Days on Market | - |
| Taxes | - |
| HOA Fees | - |
| Condo/Co-op Fees | - |
| Compass Type | Single Family |
| MLS Type | Residential |
| Year Built | 1928 |
| Lot Size | - |
| County | Essex County |
| Buyer's Agent Compensation | 2.5% |
Location
Building Information for 281 Forest Avenue
Payment Calculator
$13,934 per month
30 year fixed, 6.15% Interest
$11,087
$2,847
$0
Property Information for 281 Forest Avenue
- Middle/Jr High School: RIDGEWOOD
- Grade School: FOREST
- High School: GLEN RIDGE
- Town Name: Glen Ridge Boro Twp.
- Community Living: No
- County Or Parish: Essex
- Street Name: Forest
- Zip Code: 07028
- Tax Amount: $34,159
- Tax Year: 2024
- Parking/Driveway Description: 1 Car Width
- # Garage Spaces: 2
- Garage Description: Detached Garage
- Total Acres: 0.2
- Construction Date/Year Built: 1928
- Utilities: Gas-Natural
- Heating: Heat Pump
- Exterior Description: Brick
- Exterior Features: Patio
- Flooring: Wood
- Basement: Yes
- Basement Description: Finished
- # Baths: 5.0
- # Full Baths: 4
- # Half Baths: 1
- # Bedrooms: 5
- # Fireplaces: 1
- Kitchen Area: Eat-In Kitchen
- # Rooms: 11
- Unit Style: 3-Three Story
Property History for 281 Forest Avenue
| Date | Event & Source | Price | Appreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 6, 2022 | Sold (Public Record) Public Record #1494162387 | $1,651,000 | +11.6% / yr |
| Jun 6, 2022 | Sold GSMLS #3767665 | $1,651,000 | — |
| Jun 5, 2022 | Sold NJMLS #22007427 | $1,651,000 | — |
| Mar 7, 2022 | Listed (Active) NJMLS #22007427 | $1,249,000 | — |
| Mar 7, 2022 | Listed (Active) GSMLS #3767665 | $1,249,000 | — |
| Jul 19, 2018 | Sold GSMLS #3463619 | $1,050,000 | — |
| Apr 23, 2018 | Listed (Active) GSMLS #3463619 | $995,000 | — |
| Apr 19, 2018 | Sold (Public Record) Public Record #634783787 | $1,050,000 | +4.4% / yr |
| Feb 26, 2010 | Sold GSMLS #2701322 | $740,000 | — |
| Feb 23, 2010 | Sold (Public Record) Public Record #289101698 | $740,000 | — |
| Jul 24, 2009 | Listed (Active) GSMLS #2701322 | $799,000 | — |
| Date | Event & Source | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 06/06/2022 | Sold (Public Record) Public Record #1494162387 | $1,651,000 +11.6% / yr |
| 06/06/2022 | Sold GSMLS #3767665 | $1,651,000 |
| 06/05/2022 | Sold NJMLS #22007427 | $1,651,000 |
| 03/07/2022 | Listed (Active) NJMLS #22007427 | $1,249,000 |
| 03/07/2022 | Listed (Active) GSMLS #3767665 | $1,249,000 |
| 07/19/2018 | Sold GSMLS #3463619 | $1,050,000 |
| 04/23/2018 | Listed (Active) GSMLS #3463619 | $995,000 |
| 04/19/2018 | Sold (Public Record) Public Record #634783787 | $1,050,000 +4.4% / yr |
| 02/26/2010 | Sold GSMLS #2701322 | $740,000 |
| 02/23/2010 | Sold (Public Record) Public Record #289101698 | $740,000 |
| 07/24/2009 | Listed (Active) GSMLS #2701322 | $799,000 |
For completeness, Compass often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.
Public Records for 281 Forest Avenue
Schools near 281 Forest Avenue
Rating | School | Type | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public - | PK to 2 | |||
| Public - | 3 to 6 | |||
| Public - | 7 to 12 | |||
| Public - | PK to 2 |
Rating | School | Distance |
|---|---|---|
Forest Ave School PublicPK to 2 | ||
Ridgewood Avenue School Public3 to 6 | ||
Glen Ridge High School Public7 to 12 | ||
Central School PublicPK to 2 |
School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.
Neighborhood Map and Transit
Similar Homes
Similar Sold Homes
Explore Nearby Homes
- Brookdale Homes for Sale
- Doddtown Homes for Sale
- Downtown Bloomfield Homes for Sale
- Montclair Center Homes for Sale
- Montclair South End Homes for Sale
- Pine Street Historic District Homes for Sale
- Watsessing Park Homes for Sale
- Upper Montclair Homes for Sale
- Broughton Avenue Homes for Sale
- North of the Green Homes for Sale
- Town Center Historic District Homes for Sale
- Watchung Heights Homes for Sale
- Fairview Homes for Sale
- Watchung Plaza Historic District Homes for Sale
- Tory Corner Homes for Sale
- Montclair Homes for Sale
- Glen Ridge Homes for Sale
- East Orange Homes for Sale
- Bloomfield Homes for Sale
- Orange Homes for Sale
- West Orange Homes for Sale
- Nutley Homes for Sale
- Belleville Homes for Sale
- Verona Homes for Sale
- Cedar Grove Homes for Sale
- Clifton Homes for Sale
- Newark Homes for Sale
- Little Falls Homes for Sale
- South Orange Homes for Sale
- Passaic Homes for Sale
- 07043 Homes for Sale
- 07003 Homes for Sale
- 07017 Homes for Sale
- 07050 Homes for Sale
- 07042 Homes for Sale
- 07052 Homes for Sale
- 07110 Homes for Sale
- 07109 Homes for Sale
- 07018 Homes for Sale
- 07044 Homes for Sale
- 07009 Homes for Sale
- 07012 Homes for Sale
- 07013 Homes for Sale
- 07107 Homes for Sale
- 07104 Homes for Sale
No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified, and Compass, Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliates and their agents and associated third parties expressly disclaims any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the discretion of the seller. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.
The data relating to the real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange Program of the NJMLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than (insert office name) aremarked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Some properties listed with the participating brokers do not appear on this website at the request of the seller. Listings of brokers that do not participate in Internet Data Exchange do not appear on this website. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Last date updated: 02/02/2026 04:42 PM. Source: New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. © 2026 New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights. The data relating to the real estate for sale and sold listing information on this website comes from the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Virtual Office Website (VOW) program. This website may not include listings or property addresses of sellers who have directed their listing brokers to withhold their listing or their property address from display on the Internet. Sold listings may have been listed and/or sold by a real estate brokerage other than (insert office name). All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. NLMLS makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of the data. This data and information is protected under federal copyright laws which prohibit the unauthorized copying or alternation of all or any part of copyrighted materials, including certain compilations of data and information. Copyright violators may be subject to severe fines and penalties under federal law. Source: New Jersey Multiple Listing Service Inc. Last date updated: 02/02/2026 04:42 PM © 2026 New Jersey Multiple Listing Service Inc. All rights reserved.