Moving to Union Township, NJ: Is Union a Good Place to Live?

Walk through Union Township during the Fall Festival, and you'll see why people love living here. The streets are filled with neighbors, music plays, and local food stands line the sidewalks. This small moment shows what makes Union special—community spirit, culture, and entertainment.

Union Township is an excellent option for anyone thinking of moving to Union County: it’s close to NYC (just 20 miles!) but feels worlds away with its parks and tight-knit neighborhoods.

7 Reasons Union Township is a Good Place to Live

• Access to Union County’s 6,200+ acres of parks and green spaces for outdoor activities
• Strong local economy with a median household income of $115,000
• Homes are more affordable for the area
• Easy NYC commute via NJ Transit and quick access to Newark Airport
• Plenty of local events to enjoy
• Strong community feel
• Convenient local schools

What Makes Union Township Special?

Union Township stands out for its strong community feel. Move here and you'll notice block parties, cultural festivals, and neighbors who know each other.

Housing costs less than in nearby towns like Millburn and Maplewood, but you still get quick and easy access to NYC. First-time buyers find good options between $300,000 and $600,000.

If you love the outdoors, Union County's parks, spread across 6,200 acres, provide plenty of space. The township also has walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds.

Best of all, you can live in a quiet suburb but hop on NJ Transit for a quick trip to Manhattan. This balance of small-town life with big-city access makes Union special.

Where is Union Township?

Union Township is a part of Union County’s northern border with Essex County. Don't get it confused with Union City in Hudson County!

The township is bordered by communities including Hillside to the east, Roselle to the south, Summit to the west, and Maplewood to the north.

Several major roads run through Union Township, including the Garden State Parkway, US Highway 22, and I-78.

The Real Cost of Living in Union Township

Before moving to Union Township, understand what you'll pay to live here. Housing takes the biggest bite from your budget.

Housing Costs You Should Know

Homes in Union Township are priced to suit a wide range of budgets. You'll find:

• Single-family homes: $400,000 to $975,000
• Condos and townhouses: Starting around $275,000
• Rentals: $1,300 to $2,500 monthly

New apartments near the train station look set to raise property values. If you buy now, your investment might grow as the area develops.

Living here costs about 26% more than the national average, but it’s right on par with NJ’s living costs. For more expensive homes, property taxes run at least $9,000 yearly.

Many new residents rent first to test different neighborhoods. This helps you find the right spot before making a big commitment.

Union Township Jobs

Union Township's job market for newcomers is pretty solid compared to many places.

The unemployment rate in Union County is around 5%, which is right on par with New Jersey's. Households here earn more than the national average: the median household income is about $115,000. This higher income helps offset the higher living costs.

Big employers like Overlook Hospital and Merck & Co. create jobs in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. These are stable, key industries in New Jersey, and they provide good salaries and benefits.

The mix of affordable homes and strong job options attracts many professionals. You can find work locally or commute to nearby cities for even more opportunities.

Things to Do in Union Township

Union Township keeps you busy with parks, restaurants, and community events. You won't need to leave town to find fun.

Outdoor Entertainment for Everyone

Union Township gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The parks here offer something for every age and interest.

Residents Love Lightning Brook Park and Kawameeh Park. Both have playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas perfect for birthday parties or weekend outings.

Elizabeth River Park offers beautiful views, plus baseball fields. Bring your gear and spend an afternoon playing sports.

Nearby, the Watchung Reservation (Mountainside) and South Mountain Reservation (West Orange) offer some of the best hiking in New Jersey. Walk through forests, spot wildlife, or just enjoy the quiet.

With so many parks and events, you'll spend less time on screens and more time making memories outdoors.

Where to Eat, Drink, and Have Fun

Union Township serves up plenty of places to enjoy good food and company. You'll find spots that locals love.

If you’re hungry, try these local favorites:

• Galloping Hill Inn for the best hot dogs in New Jersey
• Kyoto Sushi II for fresh rolls and friendly service
• The Red Cadillac for Mexican food with a twist

The township comes alive during annual events. The Saint Patrick's Day parade brings everyone to the streets to celebrate. Food Truck Thursdays turn summer evenings into neighborhood block parties with music and fantastic street food.

For nightlife, there’s a cluster of popular bars and restaurants in the area directly north of Union’s Connecticut Farms neighborhood. Joe’s Place and Paddy’s Place are two local favorites.

With NYC just a train ride away, you can enjoy hometown fun during the week and big city excitement on weekends.

Getting Around in Union Township

Living in Union Township means easy travel options for work and play. The location gives you quick access to nearly everywhere, whether you prefer to drive or use NJ’s public transportation system.

NJ Transit trains and buses connect directly to NYC. The train takes about 40 minutes to get to Penn Station.

Drivers appreciate access to major highways. The Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, and Routes 22 and 78 all pass through or near Union Township. Rush hour slows things down, but overall, traffic moves well.

If you need to catch a flight, Newark Liberty International Airport is just 7 miles away, making weekend getaways and business trips much easier.

With these transportation options, you can work in the city but enjoy suburban life without spending hours commuting.

More information about traffic in Union Township:

• Union Township Commuting Times - BestPlaces.net
• Union County Transit Options - UCNJ.org

School Options for Union Township Residents

The Township of Union Public Schools operates Union Township's elementary and middle schools, including Franklin Elementary School and Burnet Middle School.

High schools include Union High School, which is right in town, along with Union County Magnet High School and Union County Vocational-Technical High School, both of which are in nearby Scotch Plains.

For higher education, Kean University is just down Morris Avenue. The township is also close to a few Union College of Union County campuses.

Is Union Township Right for You?

Union Township offers a mix of suburban comfort and urban convenience. With great neighborhoods, plenty of parks, and NYC access, it attracts many homebuyers.

It's also one of the most affordable towns in Union County!

The extensive parks provide year-round activities for outdoor lovers. The community creates a welcoming atmosphere with cultural events and local festivals.

Union Township deserves a spot on your list if you want suburban living with urban access. Schedule a visit, talk with locals, and see if it feels like home.