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The State of Our Union

Our blog highlighting the best things of Union County, local market updates, our thoughts and opinions about our industry, answers to your frequently asked questions, and more.

Charming Historic Downtowns in NJ That Feel Like a Time Warp

New Jersey is quietly loaded with downtowns that feel lifted from another century — colonial storefronts, Victorian architecture, and Main Streets where the local shopkeepers still know your name. From Chester’s antique-lined sidewalks to Cape May’s painted ladies, here are 14 historic NJ downtowns that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

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New Jersey Property Taxes 101: Why Your Bill Varies by Town

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the U.S. Learn why your bill varies by town, compare 2025 tax rates, and discover town swaps that save thousands.

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Living at the Jersey Shore: What Year-Round Beach Life Actually Looks Like

What year-round life at the Jersey Shore actually looks like. Home prices, commute times, town-by-town breakdowns, and why it costs less than you think.

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Best Flower Markets, Garden Centers & Plant Shops in New Jersey for Spring

From sprawling 32-acre nurseries to design-forward downtown plant shops, here are New Jersey’s best flower markets, garden centers, and plant destinations for spring, plus tips on making the most of the season.

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New Jersey Leads the Nation in Home Price Growth — February 2026

New Jersey ranked #1 in the nation for home price appreciation in February 2026, with 5.93% year-over-year growth according to Cotality’s Home Price Index. The Newark metro area led all 100 largest U.S. metros at 6.7% while the national average crawled at just 0.5%. Here’s what’s driving the growth, how NJ compares to declining markets like Florida and D.C., and what it means for NYC relocators considering a move across the Hudson.

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Attorney Review Period in NJ: Complete 2026 Guide

Attorney review in NJ gives buyers and sellers three business days to have an attorney review, modify, or cancel a signed real estate contract. This guide covers exactly how the clock works, what your attorney should negotiate, typical costs, and the mistakes that trip up first-time buyers.

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Best Equestrian Towns in NJ: Where to Live If You Love Horses

New Jersey’s horse country stretches from Monmouth to Morris County — and it’s closer to Manhattan than you think. Explore six top equestrian towns with home prices, zoning tips, farm tax benefits, equestrian facilities, and NYC commute access. Plus, browse horse-friendly property listings curated by the Michael Martinetti Group.

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10 Most Walkable Towns in NJ: Where You Can Actually Live Without a Car [2026]

The 10 most walkable towns in New Jersey where you can actually get around without a car — ranked by Walk Score, transit access, and real-world livability. From car-free Hoboken to walkable suburban downtowns like Ridgewood, Westfield, and Cranford.

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Living in NJ’s Gateway Region: What Life Actually Looks Like When You Leave NYC

You’re standing on a train platform at 7:48 a.m. The coffee’s still hot. Your kid’s school is four blocks behind you, and in 40 minutes you’ll be stepping off at Penn Station. The suit next to you is reading the Journal. The woman across the track is on a call, already billing hours. You’re somewhere […]

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Living in Clark NJ: The Union County Value Play You’re Missing [2026]

Clark, NJ is Union County’s best-kept secret — free public preschool, the lowest property taxes in the county, homes 30–50% below Westfield, and a direct 35-minute train ride to NYC from nearby Rahway. Here’s what you need to know before buying.

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