A riverside township 18 miles from Midtown Manhattan — walkable downtown, NJ Transit rail service, and established neighborhoods that have welcomed families for generations. Hallmark Realtors has served Union County for 40+ years.
Browse current residential and multi-family listings in Cranford (07016), updated daily from the Garden State MLS.
Cranford Township, incorporated in 1871, is one of Union County's most beloved communities — a place where a genuine downtown, tree-lined residential streets, and the Rahway River all come together within 4.87 square miles. Situated approximately 18 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan, Cranford has long attracted buyers who want suburban character without sacrificing city access.
The heart of Cranford is its walkable downtown along Centennial Avenue, where locally owned shops, restaurants, and cafes line the streets within strolling distance of residential neighborhoods and the train station. MacConnell Park and the banks of the Rahway River offer kayaking, walking paths, and green space that give the township an outdoor quality rare at this proximity to New York City.
Housing in Cranford reflects the township's history as a commuter suburb built through the early-to-mid 20th century. Colonials, Cape Cods, ranches, and split-levels — most dating to the 1940s through 1960s — make up the bulk of the housing stock. Properties tend to feature mature landscaping, established neighborhood layouts, and the kind of architectural character that newer developments rarely replicate.
Cranford is served by the Cranford Station on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line, placing Newark Penn Station roughly 20 minutes away and New York Penn Station accessible in approximately 48–50 minutes. The Garden State Parkway (exits 136 and 137) and Route 28 provide equally strong highway access for drivers. For buyers seeking a community with strong schools, a true downtown, and reliable NYC commuting options, Cranford consistently earns strong consideration.
Six reasons buyers consistently choose Cranford when searching Union County real estate.
Cranford's residential streets are defined by mature trees, consistent setbacks, and architectural variety — Colonials, Cape Cods, and ranches built when craftsmanship was a standard, not an upgrade.
Cranford Station on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line puts Newark Penn Station 20 minutes away and New York Penn Station under 50 minutes. Bus routes 112 and 113 also connect directly to Port Authority.
The Cranford Township School District operates seven public schools serving grades Pre-K through 12, including Cranford High School, recognized for its service learning programs and academic reputation in Union County.
Centennial Avenue anchors one of Union County's most active downtowns — local restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and services all within walking distance of residential neighborhoods and the train station.
Lenape Park stretches through multiple municipalities and connects through Cranford. MacConnell Park sits along the Rahway River near downtown. Kayaking and river access are genuine local amenities.
Bordered by nine municipalities and sitting at the intersection of major Union County corridors, Cranford provides easy access to Newark, Elizabeth, and the broader Central NJ employment base.
The Cranford Township School District serves students Pre-K through grade 12 across seven public schools.
Grades K–2 · 200 Bloomingdale Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Grades Pre-K–2 · 75 Livingston Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Grades Pre-K–2 · 370 Walnut Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Grades K–5 · 700 Brookside Place, Cranford, NJ 07016
Grades K–8 · 125 Hillside Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Grades 3–8 · 901 Orange Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Grades 9–12 · 201 West End Place, Cranford, NJ 07016
School district boundaries and grade configurations are subject to change. Always verify enrollment eligibility directly with the Cranford Township School District prior to making real estate decisions based on school attendance zones.
Cranford's market moves quickly. Understanding these factors before you search will put you in a stronger position.
Homes within walking distance of Centennial Avenue and the Cranford Station tend to attract stronger buyer interest than properties on the township's periphery. If commuting is a priority, factor walkability to the train into your neighborhood shortlist early.
Portions of Cranford — particularly near the Rahway River — lie within FEMA flood zones. Union County has historically experienced significant flood events. Review flood zone maps at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and ask your Hallmark agent about flood history for any property you consider.
New Jersey law provides a 3-business-day attorney review period on all standard residential contracts. Both buyer and seller must have NJ-licensed real estate attorneys review the contract before it becomes binding. This is a meaningful consumer protection — use it.
Union County carries above-average NJ property tax rates. Median annual taxes in Cranford (07016) run approximately $9,600. New Jersey offers relief programs — ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, the $250 Senior/Veteran Deduction, and StayNJ — that may reduce your effective tax burden. See details below.
Most Cranford homes were built between the 1930s and 1970s. This means character and craftsmanship — but also the possibility of aging systems, knob-and-tube wiring, cast-iron pipes, or original roofing. A licensed NJ home inspector is essential before any offer goes firm.
Hallmark Realtors has been a Union County fixture since 1984. As a family-owned independent brokerage, we know Cranford's neighborhoods, flood plain boundaries, school zones, and commute corridors from four decades of transactions. We offer free buyer consultations with no pressure and no obligation. Call us at (908) 272-4242 or email alex@hallmarkrealtors.com to get started.
| Destination | Approx. Distance |
|---|---|
| Midtown Manhattan, NY | ~18 miles |
| Newark, NJ | ~10 miles |
| Newark Liberty Airport | ~13 minutes by car |
| Jersey City, NJ | ~15 miles |
| Edison, NJ | ~15 miles |
| Metropark Station (Amtrak) | ~7 miles |
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| NJ Transit Rail | Raritan Valley Line — Cranford Station |
| Newark Penn Station | ~20 minutes by train |
| NY Penn Station | ~48–50 minutes via transfer |
| Bus to Port Authority | Routes 112 & 113 — approx. 60 min |
| Garden State Pkwy | Exits 136 & 137 — within township |
| Route 28 | East–west through township center |
Answers to the questions buyers and sellers ask most about Cranford, NJ.
Disclaimer: NJ property tax program details, income limits, benefit amounts, and eligibility requirements change. Always verify current program details directly with the NJ Division of Taxation.
Whether you're searching for your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or ready to list, Hallmark Realtors brings 40+ years of Union County experience to your transaction. We offer a free, no-pressure consultation for every buyer and seller.
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Cranford's market can move quickly — understanding your home's current value is the first step to a successful sale. Use our free automated valuation tool to get an instant estimate, then connect with a Hallmark agent for a full comparative market analysis.
Our agents have sold homes throughout Cranford for over 40 years. We know which streets command premiums, how proximity to the train station affects value, and how to position your property to attract serious buyers.
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