Cranford

OVERVIEW OF CRANFORD, NJ

Location

With a population of nearly 24,000, the town of Cranford, located in Union Country , New Jersey, occupies 4.8 square miles. This charming river town is bordered by  Springfield Township at the north, Kenilworth at the northeast, Roselle and Roselle Park at the east, Garwood and Westfield at the west, Clark at the south, and Linden at the southeast.

Cranford is also just 11 miles south of Newark, and 21 miles west of New York.

Being surrounded by bigger communities and having even larger cities close by means Cranford can enjoy the benefits of urban life and conveniences while avoiding the bane of city living like traffic congestion,  pollution, and limited living space. Cranford residents literally breathe more easily when they walk down the streets because the air is cleaner and the sense of security they feel is backed up by statistics.

The scenery also ticks another box. In the right location or spot, you can marvel at the beauty of New Jersey’s mountainous landscapes or bask in the breeze of the nearest coastline. New Jersey’s efficient public transportation can take you to the surroundings you prefer.

Getting around

The New Jersey Transit, which also covers the Raritan Valley Train Line, is one of the finest utilities in Cranford. It will only take 45 minutes to reach Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The train line is also connected to the Newark Penn Station and Penn Station.

If you need to fly out, Cranford has access to five airports:

1. Newark (EWR) Airport – 6.8 miles away
2. New York La Guardia Airport – 24 miles
3. New York JFK (JFK) – 27.3 miles
4. White Plains (HPN) – 42.4 miles
5. Islip (ISP) – 64 miles

Brief history

The origins of ‘river town.’ Cranford’s fascinating history is inextricably linked with the Rahway River that flows through it. Many families in the 1800s built their homes near the river, which is one reason why Cranford is regarded as a “river town.” The town was formally incorporated in 1876. Cranford got its name from one of the early inhabitants, John Crane, who was among the first pioneers to build a mill in 1720.

Families remained connected across generations. The neighborhoods that rose were inhabited by families who remained connected with each other across generations. This historical and relational link explains part of the homey atmosphere that pervades the town. You can feel you belong almost immediately because the locals, who have a strong sense of belonging, want you to belong.

Landmarks of key eras. Many of those historic neighborhoods with a rich legacy can still be found in today’s town. Interspersed beside the many modern versions of Cranford NJ real estate are landmarks that represent important eras that happened in the town and even in the United States. They include:

• Droescher’s Mill, located on Lincoln Avenue. Built in 1737, even before the foundation of the river town, it still operates as a commercial building. The monument continues to  play a powerful role in the regional economy and has existed without pause for more than 300 years.
• The influences of World War II can be seen in some of the buildings and parks.
• The designs from the 1930s when many of New York’s elite moved to, lived, and partied in the bustling town are still evident.. Even back then, the presence of the moneyed and well-heeled tended to increase the value of the Cranford NJ homes for sale.

What Cranford, NJ is known for

The two factors that attract a lot of tourists, returnees, and potential relocators to Cranford, NJ are, not surprisingly, its sense of community and the excellent quality of its schools. Both combine to give parents and those who want to raise their own families the confidence that they can do so in a warm, safe, and economically vibrant environment.

CRANFORD, NJ HOMES FOR SALE

Housing market and general trends

Cranford, NJ homes for sale are snapped up almost immediately because they are in demand and sought after. The Realtor in Cranford, NJ will tell you the accolades that the town has received from homeowners and buyers,  based on reports from the U.S. Census.

• It ranks #57 (out of 418) among the best suburbs for young professionals in the state of New Jersey.
• The same young professionals ranked it #73 (among 641) among the best places (and not just among the suburbs) again in the state.
• The elderly and/or former corporate warriors looking to retire or slow down have also ranked it #73 (out of 576) among the best places to retire in the U.S.

On the other hand, this glowing reputation has probably made Cranford, NJ homes for sale higher than the average US house on the market.

Many of the residents, especially the returnees and the long-time homeowners, would say that the price of living in the town is more than worth it. These costs can also be matched by what the town offers in employment and financial security.

The median household income is also more than double that of the national average.

Property types and architectural styles

A quick look at the listings will show that single-family homes in Cranford, NJ have 2 to 3 bedrooms and from 1 to 3 bathrooms. The size of the properties ranges from 1,300 square feet to 6,700 square feet.

The history and deep love of heritage in Cranford, NJ can be seen in the architectural styles of its homes, some of which have stood for centuries. These include:

•  Cape Cod with their steep roofs
• Colonia, which is known for their classic and elegant structure
• Victorian, which combines ornate exteriors with country charm
• Tudor with their crafted woodwork and glass windows
• Duplexes
• Townhouses

LIVING IN CRANFORD, NJ

Schools

The quality of schools in any given community directly impacts a homebuyer’s decision to move there, especially if they have school-age children.  In some cases, the presence of good schools has enhanced the home values in the area.

In Cranford, residents  can be proud of the following:

• The Cranford Public School District has an overall grade of “A” on Niche.com, with top marks in academics, teachers, and college prep.
• The Cranford Public School District also ranked:
  • Top 13% among Districts with the Best Teacher in New Jersey
  • Top 15% among Best School Districts for Athletes in New Jersey
  • Top 24% among the Best School Districts in New Jersey

Some of the top ranking  schools in Cranford rare:

• Brookside Place School
• Livingston Avenue School
• Hillside Avenue School
• Cranford High School

Shopping

While the very familiar Walgreens can be seen in Cranford, the town is known for its specialty shops, which emphasize homegrown products and goods. Most notable are the shops that reflect the town’s classic heritage and elegance. They include:

• Jewelry shops like Martin Jewelers and Cranford Golden Touch Jewelers
• Gift shops associated with the town legacy like Dovetails (artifacts and antiques) and Periwinkle (fine gift items and custom accessories)
• Specialty stores like Rogue Comics (collectibles), Yarnstormers (yarn and fiber art), and Puff N’ Stuff (cigars and tobacco)

 Dining

The growth in the variety of restaurants in recent years has transformed Cranford into the “foodie destination of New Jersey.”  In fact, two Cranford restaurants made it to NJ.com’s 25 Best of 2023:

• Wasai Bistro ranked #6 and serves Japanese and French cuisine using seasonal ingredients
• Ambeli Greek Taverna at #25 was cited for their tirokafteri (tangy cheese dip) and moussaka (eggplant casserole), described as “a dish to die for”

Other popular choices are:

• Kilkenny House for Irish drinks
• Ambeli Greek Taverna for Mediterranean dishes
• Avenue East for Aussie eats
• Bar Americana for dining and dancing

Attractions and entertainment

• Cranford Historical Society and Crane-Phillips House Museum. Explore the local history at the Cranford Historical Society. Gain insight into the town’s past at The Crane-Phillips House Museum.
• Nomahegan Park, one of more than 15 parks in Cranford, features walking trails, a lake, and open spaces for picnics and recreational fun. Be on the lookout for deer and turkeys.
• Cranford Canoe Club allows you to rent canoes or kayaks so you can paddle along the Rahway River.
• Downtown Cranford is known for its charming atmosphere, local businesses, and special events
• The Rahway River Parkway offers scenic walking and biking trails and opportunities for birdwatching
• The Cranford Community Center hosts community events, classes, and programs
• The Cranford Public Library also hosts events, lectures, and activities for the community, in addition to maintaining its collection of more than 100,000 books

Community events and celebrations

Cranford likes to have fun!

Some of the yearly events worth watching out for are:

• The Scarecrow Stroll during Halloween
• The Rubber Ducky Races featuring canoes filled with 1,500 multicolored ducks paddled to the falls at Sperry Park
• Paint the Town, in which participants capture the town of Cranford on canvas and serves to encourage hobbyists, professionals, as well as children to explore their artistic side

Downtown Cranford has its own calendar of events and activities designed for the whole family to enjoy. At one time or another, it has hosted a Galentine’s Chocolate Walk, a Restaurant Week, horse and carriage rides, a life-size superhero balloon exhibition, small business promotional events, and so much more.

On top of all that,  keep your eyes peeled for block parties, street fairs, seasonal celebrations like the 4th of July,  and vintage car shows.

FIND THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS IN CRANFORD, NJ

There’s more to explore in this small but exciting town. Contact me, Alyssa Stanek, for real estate opportunities in Cranford, NJ. I am one of the Westfield, NJ area’s top-producing real estate agents, closing about $175 million in residential real estate sales even if I’ve only been in the business for less than 10 years.

So, if you need a buyer’s agent, listing agent, relocation specialist, staging consultant, and  property management services, allow me to work with you.

I may wear many hats but I take great pride in my reputation for integrity. Clients appreciate my problem-solving skills, proactive approach, succinct communication style, and willingness to get my hands dirty to get the job done. Work with me and discover how I use my energy, drive, and work ethic to work for you.

Call 201.888.3507 or contact me here to get started on achieving your real estate goals.