Living In Union Township

Union Township, NJ Real Estate

Union Township, NJ, incorporated as a township in 1808, is a socioeconomically diverse community in Union County. Prior to becoming Union Township, the town was called Connecticut Farms. Here one of the last major battles between British and American forces took place during the American Revolutionary War. Union Township is nine square miles and is bordered by eight municipalities: Hillside to the east, Elizabeth to the southeast, Roselle Park and Kenilworth to the south, Springfield Township to the west, Millburn to the northwest, Maplewood to the north and Irvington to the northeast. There are approximately 57,000 people living in the township. The town Hall anchors Union’s downtown area, and the center is home to shops, pubs, restaurants and a movie theater.

Union Township, NJ is less than 20 miles west of lower Manhattan, and Manhattan is easily accessible by either bus or train. Newark International Airport is only six miles away. The Union Township Public School system serves students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. The Deron School, a private school for learning disabled students ages 5-13, is also located in Union Township. In addition, Kean University calls Union Township its home.

A variety of housing choices are available; from condominiums, cape cods and split level homes to colonials. Housing is generally more affordable in Union than in some of the surrounding communities, and homes are well maintained and close together on small lots.

Average sales price 2017: $294,073
Average 2017 tax bill: $8,780
Union Township website
Union Township Public School website

To learn more about Union Township, NJ real estate CLICK HERE.

The Commute

Union Township Train Station The Union Township, NJ station stop is on the NJ Transit Raritan Valley line and connects with New York Penn Station in about 40 minutes. Bus service is also available into the Port Authority Bus Terminal and takes approximately 45 minutes. A free shuttle service is available from Hendrix Drive to the Union train station. A shuttle service is also available from Monroe St. to various stops on Rt. 22 for connections with NJ Transit buses.

The Schools

The Union Township, NJ Public School District

The Union Township public school system serves students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. Ten schools make up the district: 6 elementary schools, one central 5th, 2 middle schools (grades 6-8), and one high school (grades 9-12). The public school system promotes “a supportive learning environment where every student is challenged, inspired, empowered and respected as diverse learners.” A gifted and talented program is also available.

The six elementary schools are:

Battle Hill (preK – 4)
Connecticut Farms (K – 4)
Franklin School (K – 4)
Hannah Caldwell (preK – 4)
Livingston (preK – 4)
Washington (preK – 4)

Each of these neighborhood schools are devoted to providing “every child with a sound academic foundation, a positive environment and the skills necessary to continue learling as a lifelong pursuit.”

At Jefferson School, the central 5th school, a bridge forms between the elementary schools and middle school. Art, phys ed, health, DARE, music and computer science enhance a strong academic curriculum. Parent Involvement Programs are also offered in the evenings for children and their parents.

The goal of Kawameeh Middle School is to “provide each student with diverse learning experiences in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation and excellence in learning.” Burnet Middle School promises to “provide students with a quality education while affording the student an opportunity to develop socially and emotionally in a safe learning environment.”

Finally, Approximately 2,500 students attend Union High School. It offers a comprehensive academic program with Honors and AP courses available in 10 different areas of study. Students can choose to participate in the nationally recognized Communication Arts and Sciences Training Program, Army Junior R.O.T.C. program, award-winning arts program, a Marketing Education program or a Drafter Certification program through the American Design Drafting Association. More than 40 clubs and activities as well as 20 varsity sports provide a well-rounded educational experience.

Private and Parochial Schools Near Union Township, NJ: In addition to the Public School System, there are many excellent private and parochial schools in the area. Some of those options are:

Preschools Near Union Township, NJ: There are also many excellent preschool options in the area. A few of the many options are:

Espin Preschool Learning Center
Townley Preschool
Morrow Memorial Preschool
Prospect Co-Op Nursery School
Children’s Academy Springfield
The Learning Experience
Alpine Montessori of Millburn
Millburn Cooperative Nursery School
Ym-YWHA of Union County
KinderCare at Kenilworth
Garden of Wonders Day Care Center
South Mountain YMCA Childcare
Augusta Preschool Academy

The Vibe

Check out some of these places and websites to get a feel for Union Township’s unique vibe:

Unique to Union Township, NJ

The Union Water Sphere is the world’s tallest water sphere, standing at 212 feet. Because of the tower’s close proximity to Newark Airport, a red strobe beacon was added, and the tower gained an additional six feet of height. It holds 250,000 gallons of drinking water and is also a cell phone tower.
The largest Home Depot store in the United States is in Union. It covers 217,000 square feet.
St. Demetrios Greek Festival is a four day annual event held the first weekend of September with great food, music and folk dancing.
Welcome Fall Festival is an annual art and music festival with food and activities for kids.
Crossroads Craft Fair-Classy Crafts and Treasure Trunks is an annual Fall event. Vendors park and sell their wares directly out of their car.