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2019 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. Westfield

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 58 reviews
    #1 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Visitor: Westfield, New Jersey is a place like that of a television dream town. Crime is extremely low, so low that you can leave your door unlocked for many days and nights, without worrying about break-ins. I have visited my grandparents there every summer all my life, and they never lock their doors, ever! On early mornings strictly from 5:00 to 7:00 on weekends, the streets are so vacant that me and my brother sometimes wake up between the hours of 5:00 and 7:00, and we play football in the street; never worrying about cars driving by. Noise at night is rare, neighbors are very friendly, schools are very close by, and jobs pay great. The only thing I would like to see change is the cost of housing, other than that, Westfield is the place to stay.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 30,591 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. New Providence

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 20 reviews
    #2 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 20 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 12,716 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Summit

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 29 reviews
    #3 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: It is a charming and lovely little town that has an incredible school system. The people are always friendly and willing to give a helping hand. In our downtown, we have many restaurants and a couple of fine dining establishments. Along with that, we have a train station and its only 45 minutes from Penn station, great for working in the cities. Our parks are wonderfully clean and safe, the houses are beautiful that surround the parks. We have a YMCA that is in the downtown area it has many classes going on and amazing gym amenities. We have a beautiful public pool with two big slides, one diving board, a kidding pool, a snack bar, a playground, a basketball court, and a huge pool. When you visit or live in Summit NJ you will never find yourself bored and or with nothing to do.
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 22,155 Population
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  4. Berkeley Heights Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 22 reviews
    #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 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 13,576 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Fanwood

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 8 reviews
    #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
    • 7,648 Population
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  6. Scotch Plains Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 62 reviews
    #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 62 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 24,339 Population
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  9. Cranford Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 20 reviews
    #7 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Growing up in Cranford was hard because of the fact I am a minority. I was usually always the only black person in a classroom. Even though I had some hardships along the way, I am very glad my parents made the effort for a better educational experience. Cranford has definitely molded me into the young lady I am today. My safety is not a concern here and educationally we are advanced than Linden, the previous town I was residing.
    Read 20 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 23,972 Population
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  10. Springfield Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 17 reviews
    #8 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Growing up in Springfield is the best think any kid could ask for. Its a great community with even more amazing people. It's also extremely safe so you don't have to worry about any violence like you need to in other towns. Everything you could possibly need is in this town. Theres no reason to leave.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 17,528 Population
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  11. Roselle Park

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 35 reviews
    #9 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Niche User: Mayor Joe is really turning this place into something special. Excited what the next 3 years has to bring for the town. With Joe as Mayor, anything is possible.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 13,709 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Clark Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 27 reviews
    #10 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Clark offers a family friendly living environment. The school systems and administrators are easy to work with them. They communicate on a daily basis of all the activities that are taking place on a daily and monthly basis. You can walk to school, pharmacy and grocery stores if you prefer. Clark has a good recreation and sports programs for children and their parents to be involved. There property taxes are on the rise like other towns; however, the value of the properties have gone up nicely. It is a great place to raise a family and have a social life with the other families.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 15,607 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Mountainside

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 9 reviews
    #11 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: Mountainside has an incredible smalltown feel considering its proximity to NYC. Easy access to highways, transportation into NYC and access to some of the best restaurants, stores, shops, and brands in the world. It is a very family-friendly neighborhood nestled between two incredible world-class town centers (Summit & Westfield).
    Read 9 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 6,907 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Garwood

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 6 reviews
    #12 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 6 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 4,365 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Kenilworth

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 32 reviews
    #13 Best Places to Live in Union County

    Current Resident: This isn’t a bad neighborhood to live in. The cost of living is a little high but it’s not my concern. Compared to the neighborhood I grew up in, kenilworth is more safe and a better place for kids to play outside. I’ve enjoyed my time living here and being around a neighborhood where there is no drama or issues.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • 8,235 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Union Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 121 reviews
    #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 121 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • 58,499 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Winfield Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 8 reviews
    #15 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 8 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • 1,525 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Rahway

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 61 reviews

    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 61 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • 29,443 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Linden

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 98 reviews

    Current Resident: I currently live in LInden, and I believe that overall, Linden is a good community to live in! Linden has a mediocre public school system. However, middle schoolers at LInden have the opportunity to enter the local UCVTS high schools which are extremely advanced and are ranked as the top 100 high schools in LInden. OVerall, the housing prices in Linden are fairly expensive due to the fact that it is right next to New York.
    Read 98 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • 42,230 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Hillside Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 58 reviews

    Current Resident: I moved to Hillside at a very young age. It has dramatically changed for the better with new additions such as the Subway and Wing Stop that is currently in the making. The schools I attended were very diverse and they also gave opportunities to many student teachers. The only downside is that there is not really anywhere to go for just a good time. Hopefully, they will work on a place for that in the future. However, I would still definitely probably stay here and raise my own kids here.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Public Schools
    • 22,069 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Roselle

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 60 reviews

    Current Resident: Roselle is a great town, but the property taxes are high. Despite that, it is very close to NYC & has plenty of public transportation options, within close distance. As well as the Garden State Parkway only a few minutes away. Some areas in Roselle are better than others, but for the most part Roselle seems up & coming. School system seems great; my child attended 3rd & 4th grade so far. Before we moved to Roselle, my child went to school in NYC & they have the very same curriculum here for elementary school. Roselle offers free half day for 3 year olds & pre-K. Great teachers there, as well. There’s always police driving around the neighborhoods & the people here are nice & neighborly. A great thing about Roselle is that everything is near by, such as shopping centers, entertainment & etc. And If you enjoy the outdoors there’s a huge park in Roselle with a lake, running track, soccer fields, baseball fields, skating rink, etc & etc. Overall I’m hope with my move.
    Read 60 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Public Schools
    • 21,746 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Plainfield

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 92 reviews

    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 92 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Public Schools
    • 51,097 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Elizabeth

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 255 reviews

    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 255 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C-
      Public Schools
    • 129,363 Population
    View Nearby Homes