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2018 Best Places to Live in Union CountyAbout this List

Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 21 of 21
Best Places to Live
21 results

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  1. New Providence

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 16
    1 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: New Providence is a rare gem of a town - really hearkens back to the time when communities really knows (and want to know) and cares about each other. Newcomers feel welcome and most importantly safe. Though it is an affluent town, it does not have the air or reputation of cliches. The community is diverse and fosters a feeling of inclusiveness. You truly get the feeling of being home in this town, even if you did not grow up there. It's a small town that have a lot of character and amenities with the convenience of top rated schools, shopping, gym, restaurants and great community and recreational facilities. Great for commuters with two direct train stations to NYC and less than 20 mins drive to Morristown. The only major downside of New Providence is the in high property tax as Union County unfortunately shares the reputation with several other NJ counties with highest property taxes in the country.
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 12,434 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Westfield

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 54
    2 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Great town with nice people and lots of options especially if you have a family. Lots of restaurants, walking options, interesting events, and diverse political perspectives. Schools are excellent overall; however recent changes in the administration at Jefferson School have seemed to create an unhealthy tension; teachers have worn black to protest the new principal’s behavior and policies. Stress leaves for staff are higher than any other school. At some point this will need to be addressed, as it is beginning to negatively impact parents and students.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 30,438 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Summit

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 24
    3 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Nearby Resident: Summit, New Jersey is filled with many great things: excellent education for the young ones, strong sport programs, plenty of greenery, and a nice downtown where you and your friends can dine at numerous restaurants, go shopping, or just spend the afternoon at an art shop. As a nearby resident, I have traveled through Summit nearly every day. I like that it is safe, clean, has easy access to transportation (has a train station and buses), and there isn't much traffic. New York City is also very accessible from Summit. It can be anywhere between a 30 minute to an hour commuting.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 21,895 Population
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  5. Berkeley Heights Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 18
    4 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: The Berkeley Heights Township is a small suburban town located between Central and North Jersey. Within our community, we hold one of New Jersey's best education systems. Many of our high school graduates have done successful by attending our schools. The area is family friendly and has a variety of locations to enjoy your day, like a picnic at Snyder Park or a nice cool down at one of our two pools. Berkeley Heights contains many family owned businesses and has plenty of history. Nearly less then 10 minutes away is the Watchung Reservation. The "resz" is a place were the Native Americans from years ago sheltered and lived their lives. Here in BH we have multiple restaurants such as Delicious Heights, Dominoes, Hop Hing and East, La Rosa and many more. Coming to Berkeley Heights will leave you with a positive impact!
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,387 Population
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  6. Fanwood

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 8
    5 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: I love Fanwood!! I moved to Fanwood with my family when I was about to start Kindergarten, and have made my way through the public school system before applying and being accepted to amazing universities across the country.

    From the moment we moved in, we have had an amazing relationship with our neighbors and the other people living around us. I grew up rollerblading, biking and scootering around on my street, which though off a main road, is quiet enough for young kids to play on.

    There are also great local parks, YMCA's, and pools (shout out Willow Grove Swim Club) and the train station is right in down town.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 7,530 Population
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  7. Scotch Plains Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 55
    6 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Scotch Plains is an excellent town filled with great people. They have outstanding public school system, are very diverse, have safe neighborhoods, and are family friendly. Growing up in Scotch Plains, I have never felt segregated or out of place. As an African American, it is hard to feel safe nowadays. However, I have never felt more included before. All the residents are very accepting and open minded. Not to mention the incredibly safe neighborhoods. There are cops everywhere protecting and securing the safety of the residents since there are many families that live in Scotch Plains. Furthermore, Scotch Plains has one of the best public school systems out of Union County, NJ. The teachers train their students from pre-k to be the best they can be. Growing up in Scotch Plains has been an amazing experience for me and I could not imagine living anywhere else.
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 24,068 Population
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  10. Cranford Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 16
    7 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Cranford is a small town with wonderful schools. A perfect place to grow up and live throughout your life. Close to NYC and close enough to the jersey shore. Great restraints and night life. Plenty to do for all ages!
    Read 16 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 23,531 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Springfield Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 15
    8 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Nothing to change. I live close to work and plenty of shopping, movies and dinning out. No night life. The area is always clean. Close to major highways and easy to travel. Don't have to travel far for dinning out, plenty of place and different cultures.
    Read 15 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 17,318 Population
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  12. Mountainside

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 7
    9 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Beautiful small town surrounded by Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Westfield, and Springfield. Plenty of parks and you’ll find all your shopping and restaurant needs on rt 22.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 6,835 Population
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  14. Garwood

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 4
    10 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: I think Garwood is an extremely nice and family friendly town. The town is very safe and small so everyone knows everyone in the town. The school system is very very good and the children in the town have a great education because of it. There are many things people can do in this small town as well like going to a bar, restaurant, coffee shop, or park. I really enjoy living here because it is so safe and welcoming.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 4,315 Population
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  15. Roselle Park

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 31
    11 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Roselle Park is a great town to live in very affordable! My neighbors are great and it is very diverse.
    Read 31 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 13,560 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Kenilworth

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 28
    12 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: You encounter very nice and friendly people in Kenilworth. It is a place were you will not encounter any problems and it is a calm to live in. The town is small but has everything you need such as stores and restaurants. It is a very safe place and the cops are very friendly and approachable, they are always there to help. The school located in Kenilworth is phenomenal and has a very good education system.. The only thing that I would change is the price range that it takes to live in the neighborhood, which is a little expensive.
    Read 28 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Public Schools
    • 8,129 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Clark Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 20
    13 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: I have been living here for about twenty years. My three boys go to the public schools in Clark and have no complaints. My twins are going into the high school and my son is graduating from the high school this year. I recommend the high school in that it offers the classes, clubs, and activities students are looking for. Issues are taken care of as soon as they happen or before, which is nice not worrying about anything else but academics. As far as safety issues in town, there is nothing to worry about. The police department keeps the town under control.
    Read 20 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 15,279 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Union Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 117
    14 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: At the age of 11 in 2000, I moved from an urban area of Orange, NJ to Union, NJ. At that time, Union was predominantly a white area. I can tell off hand the difference in the neighborhoods, the people, education and physical appearance of the small town. I loved it! Union is a family town where everyone knows everyone. Walking to your friends house was safe and you were always greeted with a smile by others. Having lived here for about 18 years, I can say there is a difference. Its more of a melting pot now. Union has embraced and welcomed many different cultures, From whites, blacks, indians and hispanics, just to name a few. Although times are different, theres no other place I'd be more proud of being raised in and God willing raising my future family as well. Go Union Farmers!
    Read 117 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 57,766 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Rahway

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 56
    15 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: I did a lot of research before purchasing in Rahway and truly feel it is one of the best bargains in the NYC suburbs right now. You can purchase a nice home for about $300k and even find flips/new construction at bargain prices, especially compared to neighboring towns. There are two direct train lines to the city, which make it very convenient to commute. New businesses are opening up every few weeks - restaurants, coffee shops, etc. We feel safe and have had nice experiences among neighbors; the police are also really responsive with any concerns. There are a few beautiful local parks to explore. My understanding is that the schools are average (I do not have direct experience); I'm hoping they show improvement as the town continues to develop.
    Read 56 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • 28,884 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Winfield Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 7
    16 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Niche User: There is virtually no crime here. I don't remember the last crime that we had. The police are always out there and can be at your house within three minutes since the town is so small.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • 1,545 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Linden

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 95

    Current Resident: I used to drive through Linden alot on the turnpike and 1&9 and I thought of it as a dirty little industrial city. When I saw the house we ended up buying I was amazed at how quiet and suburban the neighborhood was. Now after having lived here for 6 months my view of the town is completely different, and I'm SO happy we bought where we did. The neighbors were very friendly, people came up and introduced themselves, and welcomed us to the neighborhood. There is a train station w/trains to Newark/New Year. There is a beautiful main Street area, and Everything from Mom and Pop restaurant's to chain spots, to Wal Mart and Kohl's, and all the fast food in between, are literally under 5 minutes driving distance away. To boot 1&9, the parkway, and the Turnpike run through here. It's also the most diverse placed I've ever lived in my life, and I've been all over the country. And everyone gets along wonderfully. My neighborhood is also extremely safe and QUIET. Notheing happens here.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • 41,595 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Hillside Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 50

    Current Resident: Hillside is a small community. Its citizens are very involved and caring. However, the public facilities and food options lack. Additionally, the tax rates are higher than they should be.
    Read 50 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • 21,800 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Roselle

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 54

    Current Resident: Roselle is a peaceful family friendly city where a person can live healthily and happily.It has several local amenities like; public schools, Grocery stores, restaurants, Shopping centres, Schools, Parks, Libraries, bookshops, Entertainment centres, and Public Transits.
     Also, Roselle has a low crime rate which makes it very safe to perform everyday activities and nightlife activities.The diverse business centres in the Roselle provides proximity and a myriad of job opportunities to its residents.The cost of retail goods and services are relatively cheaper.
     Furthermore, Roselle public schools give residents an opportunity to get excellent basic level and high school education.Students are offered summer camp opportunities by schools, organizations, individuals and religious organizations.
     Consequently,Roselle is a diverse and culture friendly city . Different cultures and ethnic groups network through employment, education, and health care.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Public Schools
    • 21,507 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Plainfield

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 87

    Current Resident: Slowly, I’m seeing Plainfield working its way to its true potential. Having been a resident here for sometime, I can truly say that the people here have always been nice but infrastructure wasn’t so great. In the last few years, I’ve seen that the roads, facilities, housing stock, commercial areas are all improving. More businesses are opening here and property values are finally rising after a period of stagnation. I’m cautiously optimistic for Plainfield’s future.
    Read 87 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Public Schools
    • 50,578 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Elizabeth

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 231

    Current Resident: I've lived in Elizabeth on and off for about 6 years and it definitely has character. You can find people from all over the world here, and the culture is different than any place I've been. There's an abundance of restaurants where you can get really good Hispanic, Haitian, and American food, so variety is not a problem here. The people are nice most of the time and help wherever they can, but some places could use a little improvement. The neighborhood is getting better each year, and every few months there's a new house or condominium being built and they are absolutely beautiful. There's also plenty of places to shop, and at a price you can't beat, so if you like a variety of culture or just want to experience somewhere new and exciting, Elizabeth would be the place for you!
    Read 231 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 128,042 Population
    View Nearby Homes