10 Honest Reasons to Move to Union County, New Jersey – 2025 Local’s Guide
Thinking about relocating to Union County, NJ? Discover everything from real estate and schools to transit and lifestyle in this in-depth, local-approved guide.
📍 Where Is Union County, New Jersey?
Union County is located in North-Central New Jersey, just 15 miles southwest of Manhattan. It offers urban energy, suburban peace, cultural diversity, and affordable access to NYC — all in one convenient package.
Quick Facts:
- County Seat: Elizabeth
- Population: ~575,000
- Top Towns: Westfield, Summit, Cranford, Union, Elizabeth, Scotch Plains
- Known For: Short NYC commutes, great downtowns, cultural diversity
You get city access without city stress — what’s not to love?
🌤️ Climate & Geography – Balanced and Breezy
Union County features a little bit of everything — from walkable downtowns to parks and riverfront views.
🌎 Local Highlights:
- Rahway River
- Watchung Reservation & Lenape Park
- Suburbs with trees, trails, and quick train stations
- Great mix of walkability and green space
☀️ Climate Overview:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Mild and blooming 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Warm with city breeze ☀️ |
| Fall | 55–70 | Golden & breezy 🍂 |
| Winter | 30–45 | Cold but rarely harsh ❄️ |
🏘️ Best Places to Live in Union County
From affluent train towns to up-and-coming urban centers, Union County’s real estate market is diverse and in demand.
🏡 Neighborhood Comparison:
| Town | Vibe | Avg Home Price | Commute to NYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield | Elegant, family-focused | $850,000 | ~45 min |
| Summit | Wealthy + walkable | $990,000 | ~40 min |
| Cranford | Artsy, commuter-friendly | $720,000 | ~50 min |
| Union Twp | Diverse + affordable | $530,000 | ~45–55 min |
| Scotch Plains | Suburban + spacious | $690,000 | ~60 min |
| Elizabeth | Urban + developing | $420,000 | ~30 min |
Westfield = prestige. Union = affordability. Cranford = cool factor.
💼 Jobs & Economy – Local Work or NYC Paycheck
With easy NYC access, a strong public-sector workforce, and a growing health and tech scene, Union County is ready for professionals.
Key Employment Sectors:
- Public Education & Municipal Jobs
- Healthcare (Trinitas, RWJ Barnabas Health)
- Retail & Small Business
- Logistics & Transportation (Port Newark proximity)
- Tech & Finance (NYC-bound pros)
💰 Income Stats:
- Median Household Income: ~$91,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~4.2%
- High remote work presence post-COVID
Work hard, commute smart — that’s the Union County lifestyle.
🏠 Real Estate – Urban to Suburban in a Flash
From Victorian homes in Westfield to high-rises in Elizabeth, Union County has a mix of old charm and new development.
🏠 Housing Overview:
| Area | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summit | $990,000 | $3,200 | ~2.3% |
| Westfield | $850,000 | $2,800 | ~2.2% |
| Cranford | $720,000 | $2,600 | ~2.1% |
| Union Twp | $530,000 | $2,300 | ~2.0% |
| Elizabeth | $420,000 | $2,100 | ~2.2% |
There’s a home here for every lifestyle — and they’re going fast.
🚆 Transportation – Commuters, Rejoice
Union County is one of the best-connected NJ counties for commuters, with direct trains to NYC, highways, and bus lines everywhere.
🚉 Commute Made Easy:
- NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line (Westfield, Cranford)
- Morris & Essex Line (Summit)
- Bus service to NYC from Union, Elizabeth, etc.
- Route 22, Garden State Parkway, I-78
- Close to Newark Liberty International Airport (15–20 min)
You can live here, work there, and still be home in time for dinner.
🎓 Education – Strong Schools + Higher Ed Options
Whether it’s top-tier public schools, private prep academies, or local colleges, Union County delivers.
🏫 Best School Districts:
- Westfield Public Schools
- Summit Public Schools
- Cranford Township Schools
- Union Township Schools (improving rapidly)
- Scotch Plains–Fanwood Schools
🎓 Higher Education:
- Kean University (Union) – huge local anchor
- Union College – two-year associate programs
- Nearby: Rutgers, NJIT, and Seton Hall
🏥 Healthcare – Top Hospitals, Easy Access
Union County is well-covered with quality hospitals, urgent care, and specialist clinics.
🏥 Major Providers:
- Trinitas Regional Medical Center (Elizabeth)
- Overlook Medical Center (Summit)
- RWJBarnabas Health affiliates
- Pediatric, OB-GYN, geriatric, and mental health services all local
Stay healthy without the hassle of driving far.
🌳 Parks, Fitness & Nature Escapes
You’d be surprised how green Union County is — despite its urban edge.
🌲 Top Nature Spots:
- Watchung Reservation – hiking, horseback riding, nature center
- Echo Lake Park – paddle boats, trails
- Rahway River Parkway – winding greenbelt
- Warinanco Park (Elizabeth/Roselle) – lake + sports
- Hawk Rise Sanctuary (Linden) – birdwatching trail
🍴 Food, Culture & Downtown Vibes
Union County is a foodie and arts lover’s dream, with every cuisine, local theater, and live music in the park.
🍽️ Dining Hotspots:
- Sweet Waters (Westfield) – steak & seafood
- Summit Diner – classic NJ experience
- Ambeli Greek Taverna (Cranford)
- Miti Miti Latin Street Food (Plainfield)
- Elizabeth’s Little Portugal – amazing bakeries & cafes
🎭 Arts & Events:
- Union County Performing Arts Center (Rahway)
- Cranford street fairs, Summit sidewalk sales
- Elizabeth Portugal Day Festival
- Summer music & movies in the park series
🕊️ Community, Diversity & Lifestyle
Union County is one of NJ’s most ethnically diverse regions, welcoming people from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life.
- Strong Latinx, African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and European communities
- LGBTQ+-friendly towns and schools
- Interfaith cooperation & multilingual resources
- Vibrant immigrant-owned businesses
- Community pride and volunteerism
🛡️ Safety & Peace of Mind
Safety varies by neighborhood, but many towns are very safe and family-friendly, with active neighborhood watch programs.
| Town | Safety Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Westfield | 1/10 | Extremely safe & quiet |
| Summit | 1/10 | One of NJ’s safest |
| Cranford | 2/10 | Walkable + secure |
| Union | 3/10 | Well-patrolled & improving |
| Elizabeth | 5/10 | Urban core, varies by area |
📊 Union County Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~575,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$650,000 |
| Median Income | ~$91,000 |
| Homeownership Rate | ~64% |
| Property Tax Rate | ~2.1% |
| Commute to NYC (avg) | ~40–60 min |
✅ Should You Move to Union County?
Union County is for you if you want:
- A fast commute without paying NYC prices
- Diverse neighborhoods and real community
- Walkable towns + nature parks
- Access to top schools, restaurants, and culture
- A home that fits your budget and your dreams
Pros:
- Prime commuter location
- Diversity and culture everywhere
- Housing for all price points
- Strong school districts
- Events, parks, and personality
Cons:
- Traffic (especially near Route 22)
- Property taxes (hello, New Jersey 👀)
- Some areas still redeveloping
🔗 External Resource
Visit the Union County Government Website for public services, events, and updates.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Union County, New Jersey is one of those places where you can build a career, raise a family, meet lifelong friends, and still catch a train to NYC in 40 minutes. 💼🏡🎭
It’s diverse, dynamic, and down-to-earth — and if that’s what you’re looking for in your next home, you might’ve just found it.