Union Township doesn’t have a charming train station with a coffee shop attached. It doesn’t have a downtown that photographs well for Instagram. It won’t show up on any “prettiest towns in NJ” listicle. And if you mention it to a Manhattan coworker, they’ll probably confuse it with Union City.
None of that matters — because Union delivers something most of its Union County neighbors can’t: real square footage, genuine diversity, a Raritan Valley Line train station, and home prices that are $150K–$250K less than Westfield or Summit. For NYC relocators doing the actual math, Union is where the numbers start making sense.
~60K
Population
~$498K
Typical Home Value (Zillow)
9 sq mi
Total Area
1667
Year Settled
Raritan Valley Line
ZIP: 07083 / 07088
Garden State Parkway
I-78
Route 22
Kean University
Union Township is the third-oldest English-speaking settlement in New Jersey, after Elizabeth and Newark. Originally called Connecticut Farms — a name you’ll still see on churches, elementary schools, and historical markers throughout town — it was incorporated as Union in 1808. The Battle of Connecticut Farms took place here in 1780, when 5,000 British and Hessian troops landed from Staten Island and clashed with Continental forces on what is now Stuyvesant Avenue.
Today, Union is one of Union County’s largest municipalities: roughly 60,000 residents spread across nine square miles. It borders Maplewood and Millburn to the north, Springfield to the west, Kenilworth and Roselle Park to the south, Hillside to the east, and Elizabeth to the southeast. It’s big enough to have genuinely distinct neighborhoods — and different enough from its neighbors that it deserves a closer look from anyone who’s been house hunting only in the “name brand” towns.
Union isn’t one thing. It’s six or seven micro-communities that happen to share a zip code and a school district. Where you buy affects your commute, your walkability, your property taxes (the rate is the same — assessed values aren’t), and what daily life actually feels like. Here’s how to think about the map.
Union Center / Stuyvesant Avenue
This is the closest thing Union has to a traditional downtown. Stuyvesant Avenue is the main commercial artery — lined with restaurants, cafés, small shops, salons, and the recently renovated Union Public Library and Arts Center at 1980 Morris Avenue. The weekly “Market at Union” (a rebranded farmers market with food trucks, artisans, and local vendors) sets up in the Town Hall parking lot during the warmer months. There’s also a Wednesday Night Summer Series with live music on Stuyvesant Ave.
Housing here tends to be older Colonials and Cape Cods on modest lots. Walkability is better here than almost anywhere else in Union. You’re close to the Union train station and multiple NJ Transit bus lines.
Typical price range: $425K–$575K
Best for: Commuters who want train access · Young professionals · Buyers who value walkability and dining options
Connecticut Farms / Battle Hill
The historic heart of Union. Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church — where Hannah Caldwell was killed by a British musket shot through a window during the 1780 battle — still stands on Stuyvesant Avenue, and Revolutionary War historical markers dot the surrounding streets. This is where you’ll find some of Union’s most established residential blocks: well-maintained single-family homes, mature street trees, and a quieter pace.
Battle Hill gets its name from the elevated terrain that made this area strategically important during the Revolution. Today it’s defined by solid three- and four-bedroom Colonials on tree-lined streets, close to Battle Hill Elementary and the township’s parks.
Typical price range: $475K–$625K
Best for: Families · History buffs · Buyers seeking established, well-kept neighborhoods
Putnam Manor / Putnam Ridge
Tucked between Colonial Avenue and Salem Road, Putnam Manor is one of Union’s most sought-after pockets. The streets are quieter, the lots are slightly larger, and the homes tend to be well-updated Colonials and split-levels. Putnam Ridge, nearby between Suburban Road and Morris Avenue, has a similar feel. These neighborhoods consistently command premiums because of their residential character and proximity to good schools.
Typical price range: $525K–$675K
Best for: Families who want a “neighborhood” feel · Move-up buyers · People coming from more expensive towns looking for comparable quality
Vauxhall
The northeast corner of Union, with its own ZIP code (07088) and its own identity. Vauxhall borders Maplewood and Millburn, and it’s historically been the most affordable section of town. Interstate 78 forms a natural southern boundary. What a lot of people miss: Vauxhall is genuinely close to the South Mountain Reservation — the 2,100-acre county park in the Watchung Mountains that most people associate with Millburn or Maplewood. You get trail access without paying Millburn property taxes.
The area has seen investment in recent years, and NJ Transit bus routes (particularly the 70 line) connect Vauxhall to Newark and surrounding towns. It’s a part of Union that offers real upside for buyers who care more about access and affordability than address prestige.
Typical price range: $350K–$475K
Best for: First-time homebuyers · Budget-conscious buyers · Nature lovers (South Mountain Reservation access)
Five Points
Named for the five-way intersection where Galloping Hill Road, Chestnut Street, Salem Road, Delaware Avenue, and Tucker Avenue converge near the Springfield border. If you grew up in Union, Five Points means one thing: Galloping Hill Inn. The legendary hot dog joint has been operating at this intersection since the 1930s — featured on Food Network, beloved by generations, and still serving snappy dogs with kraut and cheese fries to a loyal crowd.
The residential streets around Five Points are quintessential mid-century suburban NJ: split-levels, raised ranches, and expanded Cape Cods from the 1950s–1970s on respectably sized lots. It’s one of the more family-friendly, car-oriented sections of Union.
Typical price range: $475K–$600K
Best for: Families wanting more lot size · Buyers who prioritize a quiet residential street · Car commuters
Townley / Larchmont Estates
The southern section of Union, bordering Roselle Park and Kenilworth. Townley is a mixed residential area near the Garden State Parkway interchanges (Exits 139–141), making it extremely convenient for car commuters. Larchmont Estates sits along the 14-acre Larchmont Reservation, a county park with walking trails and green space. Fun fact: the Parkside Manor section off Union Terrace was a filming location for the 1989 movie She-Devil starring Roseanne Barr and Meryl Streep.
Typical price range: $425K–$550K
Best for: GSP commuters · Buyers who want park-adjacent living · Investors looking near transit
Route 22 Corridor / Kean University Area
The commercial and institutional backbone of Union. Route 22 is lined with big-box retail, restaurants, car dealerships, and reportedly the largest Home Depot in the entire United States. You wouldn’t live on Route 22, but the residential streets a block or two off the highway offer surprisingly good homes at slightly lower prices, with walkable access to an enormous range of services.
The Kean University campus (about 16,000 students) anchors the eastern end of Morris Avenue. The Vermella Union development — a 42-acre, 1,360-unit luxury apartment complex built on a former pharmaceutical site — sits adjacent to the Union train station and has brought Starbucks, Chipotle, Panera, CVS, and other national retail to the area.
Typical price range: $400K–$525K (single-family); $1,800–$3,800/mo (Vermella rentals)
Best for: Young professionals and renters · Kean University faculty/staff · Investors
Union isn’t on the Midtown Direct line — and there’s no point pretending otherwise. But it has real transit options, strong highway access, and a commute that works for a large number of NYC-bound professionals.
NJ Transit Train (Raritan Valley Line)
Union station (opened 2003) at 900 Green Lane, across from Kean University. The RVL runs to Newark Penn Station in roughly 15 minutes, where you transfer to NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor, PATH, or Newark Light Rail. Total door-to-door time to Midtown Manhattan is approximately 50–70 minutes depending on connections. Off-peak and weekend trains run direct to NY Penn Station — no transfer required. The station has 450+ parking spaces.
NJ Transit Bus
Routes 113, 114, and 117 offer direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Local routes 26, 52, 65, 66, 70, and 94 connect to Newark and surrounding towns. For many residents, the express bus is actually the fastest door-to-Manhattan option — around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and pickup location.
Car (Garden State Parkway / I-78)
Union has three GSP interchanges (Exits 139, 140, 141) plus direct I-78 access and Route 22. Newark Liberty International Airport is about 15 minutes away. Driving to Midtown Manhattan is roughly 40–60 minutes off-peak and significantly more during rush hour.
Hybrid/Remote Workers
If you go into the city two or three days a week, Union’s commute math changes dramatically. The off-peak one-seat ride on the Raritan Valley Line eliminates the Newark transfer entirely. A hybrid schedule on the RVL is one of the best-kept secrets in Union County commuting.
For a detailed comparison of NJ commute options, see our NJ Commute Times to NYC guide.
Let’s be direct: Union Township Public Schools is not Westfield or Summit. Niche rates the district a B- overall, and the high school gets a B. If you’re moving from NYC specifically for a top-tier suburban school district, Union isn’t the first recommendation.
But there’s nuance here that the letter grades don’t capture.
What the District Offers
Union has six elementary schools (PreK–4), one fifth-grade center (Jefferson School), two middle schools (Burnet and Kawameeh, grades 6–8), and Union High School (grades 9–12, enrollment ~2,270). The district is notably diverse — it genuinely reflects Union’s population — and offers bilingual/ESL programs, an adult ESL program, and a growing range of extracurriculars.
Union High’s Marching Farmers (yes, the mascot is the Farmers) recently hosted the first-ever NJMBDA Regional Championship at Harry S. Cook Memorial Field — a sign of a program building momentum.
The AIT Magnet School Advantage
Here’s what most out-of-town buyers don’t know: the Academy for Information Technology (AIT), a Union County magnet high school rated A+ by Niche, is physically located on the Kean University campus — inside Union Township. Union County magnet schools require an application and admissions process, but if your student is accepted, they attend a genuinely elite STEM-focused high school without paying private school tuition. The other Union County magnet programs (Academy for Allied Health Sciences, Academy for Performing Arts) are also accessible from Union.
Private and Parochial Options
Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, Roselle Catholic, and several parochial elementary schools serve families who want alternatives. The proximity to Kean University also means access to campus cultural events, sports, and educational programs that most suburban towns can’t offer.
For families weighing schools across multiple towns, our Best NJ Towns for NYC Commuters guide compares school ratings alongside commute times and home prices.
Union’s food scene is one of its most underrated assets — and it’s directly connected to the town’s diversity. This isn’t a place where you’ll find three competing farm-to-table restaurants. It’s a place where you can get Colombian bandeja paisa, Brazilian picanha, Portuguese codfish, Peruvian ceviche, and a legendary Jersey hot dog all within a few miles of each other.
Galloping Hill Inn
At the Five Points intersection since the 1930s. If you move to Union and don’t eat here within the first week, you haven’t actually moved to Union. The hot dogs have a genuine snap, the cheese fries are indulgent, and the onion rings are the real deal. Featured on Food Network. Generations of families have made this their go-to. Indoor and outdoor seating — order at the window, grab a bench, and you’re part of the tradition.
Union Center Dining
Stuyvesant Avenue and the surrounding blocks have an evolving restaurant scene. La Campagnola for Italian, Van Gogh’s Ear Café for a more creative menu, The Red Cadillac for upscale Mexican, Peruvian Flavors for homestyle Peruvian, and Lagar for Portuguese seafood. The Shoppes at Vermella added Chipotle, Panera, and Mighty Quinn’s BBQ.
Route 22 Corridor
Every chain you’d want, plus gems like Rio 22 (Brazilian-Japanese fusion) and Gusto Y Sabor (Colombian, massive portions). Fast food, sit-down, drive-thru, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme — it’s all here. Route 22 is nobody’s idea of scenic, but it’s genuinely useful for daily life.
The Food Truck Scene
The Market at Union features rotating food trucks — Filipino (Twelve, the first and only Filipino food truck in the Northeast), chef-crafted ramen, gourmet burgers, artisan baked goods. It’s become a genuine community gathering point on Thursday evenings during the season.
The Lifestyle Locals Know
Daily life in Union has a rhythm that’s hard to appreciate from a Zillow search. Saturday morning means the farmers market in summer, a walk through Biertuempfel Park, and possibly a tee time at Galloping Hill Golf Course (a gorgeous public 18-hole course redesigned by Rees Jones, with views of the NYC skyline from several holes). Sunday might be brunch at a Stuyvesant Avenue café, or a drive down Route 22 to knock out errands at what feels like every store on earth.
Fall brings the Union Township Fall Festival — live music, food vendors, rides, and the kind of block-party energy that reminds you why suburbs exist. The Summer Concert Series at Friberger Park features Motown tributes, 80s/90s cover bands, and a Bon Jovi tribute (this is Jersey, after all). The township hosts a Pride celebration, a Memorial Day Parade down Stuyvesant Avenue, and Fourth of July events.
It’s not precious. It’s not curated. It’s a town where people actually live — diverse, practical, unpretentious, and surprisingly connected to everywhere you need to go.
Union has over 20 municipal parks and recreation areas, plus proximity to Union County’s extensive park system.
Biertuempfel Park
Union’s flagship municipal park. Tennis courts, playing fields, playgrounds, a snack bar, and enough space for organized sports leagues and community events.
Rabkin Park
Picnic areas with grills (permit required), baseball/softball fields, football field, tennis courts, and restroom facilities. A popular spot for family cookouts and organized leagues.
Kawameeh Park
County-run park with multi-use paths, baseball fields, softball, soccer, cricket, pickleball, and tennis courts. The best vantage point in town for photographing the Union Watersphere.
Larchmont Reservation
A 14-acre county park on Union’s southern edge. Walking trails through woodlands, perfect for a quick escape without leaving town.
Galloping Hill Golf Course
An 18-hole public championship course on the Union/Kenilworth border, redesigned by Rees Jones. Known for fast greens, strategic bunkers, and skyline views. The clubhouse hosts weddings, corporate events, and has a full-service bar and grille. It’s one of the best public golf values in northern NJ.
Liberty Hall Museum
A 23-acre National Historic Site on the Kean University campus. Built in 1772 by William Livingston — NJ’s first elected governor and a signer of the Constitution — the estate grew from a 14-room Georgian manor to a 50-room Victorian mansion over seven generations of the Livingston and Kean families. House tours, garden walks, a Firehouse Museum with a rare 1911 American LaFrance steam engine, and seasonal events including holiday teas.
The Union Watersphere
You’ll see it from the Garden State Parkway. The Union Watersphere is a 212-foot water tower with a spherical tank — once billed as the “World’s Tallest Watersphere” (a title since claimed by a California tower that’s about 10 feet taller). It’s a genuine landmark and an oddly charming point of local pride. The best photo spot is from Kawameeh Park.
Union’s housing stock is primarily single-family detached homes (about 45%), supplemented by duplexes, small multi-family conversions (about 40%), and a growing number of large apartment complexes (about 14%). The majority of homes were built between the 1940s and 1970s — Cape Cods, Colonials, split-levels, and raised ranches are the dominant styles.
~$498K
Zillow Typical Home Value
~$619K
Median Sale Price (Feb 2026)
~24 days
Avg. Days on Market
5%+
Avg. Over List Price
The market is competitive. Many homes receive multiple offers, some with waived contingencies. Hot properties can sell for 10% or more above asking and go pending in under two weeks. That said, Union remains significantly more affordable than Westfield, Summit, or Cranford — and the price gap is real enough to change your monthly payment by $1,000 or more.
| Town | Typical Home Value | Train Line | School Rating | Commute to NYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union | ~$498K | Raritan Valley | B- (Niche) | 50–70 min |
| Westfield | ~$825K | Raritan Valley | A+ (Niche) | 55–75 min |
| Summit | ~$900K | Morris & Essex (Midtown Direct) | A+ (Niche) | 50–65 min |
| Cranford | ~$625K | Raritan Valley | A (Niche) | 55–75 min |
| Scotch Plains | ~$650K | None (bus/car) | A (Niche) | 60–80 min |
| Clark | ~$560K | Raritan Valley (Rahway) | B+ (Niche) | 55–75 min |
Union
Typical Value: ~$498K
Train: Raritan Valley
Schools: B- (Niche)
NYC Commute: 50–70 min
Westfield
Typical Value: ~$825K
Train: Raritan Valley
Schools: A+ (Niche)
NYC Commute: 55–75 min
Summit
Typical Value: ~$900K
Train: Morris & Essex (Midtown Direct)
Schools: A+ (Niche)
NYC Commute: 50–65 min
Cranford
Typical Value: ~$625K
Train: Raritan Valley
Schools: A (Niche)
NYC Commute: 55–75 min
Scotch Plains
Typical Value: ~$650K
Train: None (bus/car)
Schools: A (Niche)
NYC Commute: 60–80 min
Clark
Typical Value: ~$560K
Train: Raritan Valley (Rahway)
Schools: B+ (Niche)
NYC Commute: 55–75 min
This is New Jersey, so property taxes are a major factor. Union County’s median property tax bill falls in the range of $8,500–$13,000 depending on assessed value and the specific municipality. Union Township’s tax rate is set by the Union County Board of Taxation and is based on the assessed value of your property — which is determined by the Township Tax Assessor.
In practical terms: on a home assessed near the median, expect an annual property tax bill in the $9,000–$12,000 range. That’s meaningfully less than Westfield ($15,000+ median) or Summit ($17,000+ median), and it’s one of the biggest reasons Union attracts buyers who’ve been priced out of those markets.
New Jersey offers several programs that can reduce your tax burden: the ANCHOR property tax relief program, the Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) for qualifying seniors, and various veteran and disability deductions. It’s worth investigating these early in your homeownership. For an overview of how NJ property taxes work, see our guide to understanding NJ property taxes.
NYC Relocators Watching Their Budget
If you’ve been looking in Westfield, Summit, or Cranford and the numbers keep coming back too high — Union is the town where you stop compromising on space. You’ll get a three- or four-bedroom home with a real yard, a train station, and highway access for $150K–$300K less than those towns. The trade-off is primarily in school ratings and downtown charm, not in commute time or convenience.
First-Time Homebuyers
Union’s Vauxhall section and the Route 22 corridor area offer entry points in the $350K–$475K range — which is genuinely attainable for dual-income households leaving NYC. Combined with NJ’s first-time buyer programs and Union’s relative affordability, this is one of the most practical places in Union County to start building equity.
Families Who Prioritize Diversity
Union Township is one of the most diverse municipalities in Union County. The 2020 census showed a roughly even split among White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic residents — and that diversity is reflected in the schools, the dining scene, the community events, and the overall feel of daily life. If raising kids in a genuinely multicultural environment matters to you, Union is a standout.
Hybrid Workers and Two-or-Three-Day Commuters
The off-peak one-seat ride on the Raritan Valley Line changes the math entirely. If you’re only going into the city a few days a week, Union’s commute is functionally comparable to much pricier Midtown Direct towns — at a fraction of the housing cost.
No town is perfect. Here’s what you should know before you commit:
Schools aren’t top-tier
The district is rated B- by Niche. If a nationally ranked school district is your non-negotiable, look at Westfield, Summit, or New Providence instead. The magnet school pathway (AIT, AAHS) is strong, but requires application and acceptance.
No Midtown Direct train
Peak-hour commuters must transfer at Newark Penn. This adds 10–15 minutes compared to a Midtown Direct line. Off-peak, the one-seat ride eliminates this issue entirely.
Route 22 congestion
Route 22 is a traffic magnet. If your daily life involves crossing it regularly, factor in the congestion — especially on weekends. Locals learn the back routes quickly.
Downtown is evolving, not arrived
Union Center is getting better — the library/arts center renovation, the Market at Union, the Summer Series — but it’s not Westfield’s downtown or Cranford’s. If Saturday afternoon walkable shopping is essential to your lifestyle, Union will feel like a compromise.
New development tension
Vermella Union brought over 1,300 new apartments, and long-time residents have noted increased traffic and strain on infrastructure. Growth is bringing investment, but it’s also changing the town’s density and character — particularly near the train station.
Aesthetics are practical, not picturesque
Union is a working town with commercial corridors, industrial edges, and housing stock that ranges from dated to beautifully renovated. It photographs like a real place, not a postcard. That’s fine if you care about substance — but know what you’re getting.
Is Union, NJ a good place to live?
Yes — especially for buyers who prioritize value, diversity, commute access, and practical daily life over downtown charm or prestige school rankings. Union offers significantly more home for your money than most Union County alternatives, and the community events, dining diversity, and transit access are genuinely strong.
How far is Union, NJ from New York City?
Union is approximately 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan. By NJ Transit train (Raritan Valley Line with transfer at Newark Penn), the commute is roughly 50–70 minutes. Express buses to Port Authority run 45–60 minutes. Off-peak, the Raritan Valley Line offers a direct one-seat ride to NY Penn Station.
What are the property taxes like in Union Township?
Annual property tax bills typically fall in the $9,000–$12,000 range for homes near the median value. This is meaningfully lower than nearby towns like Westfield ($15,000+), Summit ($17,000+), or Cranford ($12,000+). NJ offers several relief programs including ANCHOR and the Senior Freeze.
What is the Vermella Union development?
Vermella Union is a 42-acre mixed-use luxury apartment development adjacent to the Union train station, built by Russo Development on a former pharmaceutical site. It includes over 1,300 apartments, 95,000+ square feet of amenities (pool, rooftop deck, golf simulator, fitness center), and 35,000 square feet of retail including Starbucks, Chipotle, Panera, CVS, and Mighty Quinn’s BBQ. Studios start around $1,860/month.
What is the Union Watersphere?
A 212-foot water tower with a spherical tank — once the world’s tallest watersphere. It’s visible from the Garden State Parkway and has become an unofficial Union Township landmark. Best photographed from Kawameeh Park.
The listings below update in real time from GSMLS, NJMLS, MOMLS, ALLJersey MLS, Hudson MLS, and Bright MLS — the six MLS systems the Michael Martinetti Group is a member of.
Led by Michael Martinetti — ranked #1 in Union County and one of the top Realtors in New Jersey — our team has helped 2,000+ clients and sold over $1 billion in real estate. We specialize in helping NYC relocators find the right town, the right home, and the right deal. Members of GSMLS, NJMLS, MOMLS, ALLJersey MLS, Hudson MLS, and Bright MLS — so we see every listing, everywhere.
Westfield Office: 1 Elm Street, Westfield, NJ 07090
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