Section Image

Garwood

Garwood

Suburban Neighborhood in New Jersey

Union County 07027

Neighborhood Reviews
3.8
$702,875 Average Value
$620 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

20th-century factory town alongside the railroad tracks

At the turn of the 20th century, Garwood was a tiny industrial town serviced by the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Modest cottages, many of which still stand today, bordered the tracks. Days were spent manufacturing everything from pianos to bicycle tubing in boxy factories, and small, family-run restaurants and salons set up shop along Center Street and North Avenue. 100 years later, passing through Garwood means spotting a mix of old and new construction — vinyl siding contrasts with weathered red brick, and cars refill at the Mobile Station before taking Interstate 95 to Manhattan. According to Nicole Consorte, a Realtor with David Realty Group LLC, it’s the type of neighborhood where families stick around for generations. "There's a great sense of longevity here," she says, adding, "People grow up here and come back to raise their families." A handful of parks speckle the neighborhood, providing a place for kids to swing, slide and seesaw after school. “There is no struggle to sell homes in Garwood,” says Consorte, speaking to the neighborhood’s relative affordability when compared to surrounding suburbs like Westfield and Cranford. The Raritan Valley line runs through it all, and every hour is punctuated by the sound of whistles and squeaks from breaking trains.

Garwood's picturesque streets adorned with lovely homes.
Garwood's picturesque streets adorned with lovely homes.
The homes in Garwood, NJ, combine modernity with suburban charm.
The homes in Garwood, NJ, combine modernity with suburban charm.
1/2

Front stoops and 1920s-era cottages

In Garwood, homes sell over two weeks faster than the national average and prices generally hover around $575,000. Modest bungalows, Cape Cods and Colonials, many of which were built during 1920s, start around $450,000 and can sell for upwards of $550,000 depending on square footage. Many have short front stoops and small front porches. New construction or recently-updated historic properties are often listed for $650,000 or above, and lot sizes are compact, around 6,000 square feet. Cars park in narrow driveways or detached garages. Sidewalks line both sides of the street, and tree branches are interested by telephone wires.

Colonial Dutch homes are prominent throughout Garwood, NJ.
Colonial Dutch homes are prominent throughout Garwood, NJ.
Garwood boasts a charming mix of newer and older homes, blending tradition with modernity.
Garwood boasts a charming mix of newer and older homes, blending tradition with modernity.
1/2

The University Program and dual enrollment opportunities at Cranford Senior High School

Garwood has its own public school, Lincoln Franklin, which received an A on the educational review site, Niche, and houses grades pre-kindergarten through eight. Kids can go on to attend Cranford Senior High School, which also received an A. The school is home to over a dozen “Academies” representing everything from computer science to technical theater. Just over 10% of students belong to the University Program through which they are connected to various internship opportunities and participate in 12th-grade research seminars. There are also dual college enrollment opportunities through schools like Rutgers, Kean and Syracuse University.

Cranford Sr High School values each child's uniqueness and a positive educational environment.
Cranford Sr High School values each child's uniqueness and a positive educational environment.
Lincoln Franklin Elementary School
in Garwood prepares students for a successful future.
Lincoln Franklin Elementary School in Garwood prepares students for a successful future.
1/2

Grocery stores and small-town Italian restaurants

In the words of Consorte, Garwood is “very self-sufficient.” Community members volunteer for the local fire department, there’s a post office on Center Street and downtown has a variety of supermarket options like Kings, Lidl and ShopRite, which Consorte says is a big draw: “People from neighboring towns flock for the groceries.” It’s also not too hard to find fresh-made Italian food. Order toasted bruschetta or a veal parmigiana sub at Lorenzo’s. Nola’s Osteria & Pizza is known for their rice balls, meatballs and fresh-made sauce. Nearby, Consorte says that “People are constantly spilling out of The Juice House,” ideal for a post-workout pick-me-up. Just a mile east along the Raritan Line is Downtown Cranford, where stores sell everything from metaphysical supplies to comic books, and restaurants serve cuisine from Greece, Morocco and Cuba. In the other direction is Downtown Westfield, which is home to a Trader Joe’s.

ShopRite in Garwood is residents one-stop destination for household needs.
ShopRite in Garwood is residents one-stop destination for household needs.
Lorenzo's Fresh Italian Cooking in Garwood is known for its great service and delicious food.
Lorenzo's Fresh Italian Cooking in Garwood is known for its great service and delicious food.
1/2
Garwood Public Library, where stories unfold and curiosity thrives.
Garwood Public Library, where stories unfold and curiosity thrives.

The Garwood Rocks Festival, bowling and trivia at Crossroads

In early June, neighbors come together for the Garwood Rocks Festival; they stop by food trucks on Center Street, peruse crafts made by local vendors and cheer on live bands. There’s also Garwood Lanes, open for bowling daily. Crossroads, a restaurant and music venue on North Avenue, has trivia and karaoke nights, and the Garwood Public Library lets residents borrow free passes to New York City attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Intrepid. A mile away, the Cranford Theater shows both re-releases and new movies.

Sporting opportunities in local parks

The southern half of Garwood is defined by Unami Park, where baseball and soccer fields are surrounded by oak trees dating back to the neighborhood’s factory days. A playground sits at the center, and there’s a parking lot for those who don’t live within walking distance. A few blocks north, Garwood Sports and Recreation Complex hosts the borough’s annual Easter Egg Hunt — it’s also a go-to spot for shooting hoops. Kids can take skating lessons at the Westfield Rink in Gumbert Park, which is also home to youth and adult hockey programs.

Adults and children enjoying a break at the playground in Unami Park, Cranford, NJ.
Adults and children enjoying a break at the playground in Unami Park, Cranford, NJ.
The Garwood Sports and Recreation Complex features a soccer field.
The Garwood Sports and Recreation Complex features a soccer field.
1/2

Travel to Newark on the Raritan Valley Line

"You can get around and enjoy the parks and the restaurants on foot," says Consorte, speaking to the general walkability of Garwood. The borough’s commuter rail station is also a walk away for many residents, and the Raritan Valley line stops here on the way to Newark Penn Station. From here, residents can take the NEC (Northeast Corridor) or PATH train into Manhattan. Newark Liberty International is just over 10 miles away from Garwood via the Garden State Parkway and Interstate 78 — other residents prefer to fly out of La Guardia in Queens. The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the Kindred Hospital New Jersey - Rahway (found on the facility’s fourth floor) are less than 4 miles from the neighborhood, offering both short and long-term care.

NJ Transit linking Garwood residents to seamless transportation options.
NJ Transit linking Garwood residents to seamless transportation options.
The NJ train from Garwood  takes you to New York City with a change in Newark.
The NJ train from Garwood takes you to New York City with a change in Newark.
1/2
Sara Caskey
Written By
Sara Caskey
Pushparaj Aitwal
Photography Contributed By
Pushparaj Aitwal
Khalil Chisholm
Video By
Khalil Chisholm

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Rosemarie Hughes, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

20 min drive

Train

Garwood

Bus

North Ave & Walnut St

Bus

South Ave & New St

Bus

South Ave & Center St

Bus

North Ave & Winslow Pl

Bus

North Ave & Cedar St

Bus

South Ave & East St

Bus

South Ave & Oak St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 9 Reviews
4.0 Current Resident
1/25/2018 Niche Review
I've lived here for about ten years ago. I like Garwood because it is quiet and relatively easy to get around. Everyone knows each other and is kind.
5.0 Current Resident
3/23/2017 Niche Review
Garwood is a small close knit town. We are only one square mile and have roughly about 4000 people. There is only one school, K thru 8 then our kids get bussed to a neighboring town for high school. The little down town area is small and sweet. I enjoy living here because any where you turn you know someone or know their kids.
5.0 Current Resident
4/2/2019 Niche Review
This is an amazing beautiful quiet town and we love it here. Our children love the school too. Everything is walking distance.
Are you familiar with the Garwood neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Garwood US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$682,500
Median Single Family Price
$666,000
Median Townhouse Price
$775,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$620
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
38
Months of Supply
0.30
Median List Price
$686,250
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
15%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
392
Median Year Built
1950
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,629
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,337

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Rosemarie Hughes, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,857
Median Age
44
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$101,667
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,654

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.5%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.8%
% Population in Labor Force
68.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
19''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

74 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Garwood