The towns of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, Roseland and West Caldwell are generally know as the West Essex area of Essex County in New Jersey.  Cedar Grove and Verona are also in the western area of Essex county.

Caldwell and West Caldwell share a K- 12 school system as well as recreation programs and first aid squads.  Each town has their own government. Most shopping and many restaurants are on Bloomfield Avenue.  Bloomfield Ave runs through both towns.

There are 4 neighborhood elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school in the  Caldwell/West Caldwell School System.  In 2012, James Caldwell High School had  209 graduates  with approximately 79% going on to 4 year colleges. Caldwell is also home to Trinity Academy serving grades K-8, Mount St. Dominic Academy for girls in grades 9 -12 and Caldwell College, a private 4 year college.

Essex Fells,  Fairfield , North Caldwell and Roseland  have their own K-6 schools but  send all students in grades 7 -12 to the West Essex Regional Schools in North Caldwell.  In 2012 West Essex Regional High School had 239 gradauates with approximately 80% going on to 4 year colleges.