A strong oil refinery presence in a city with extensive suburban stretches
Linden sits on the cusp of Newark Bay, an important feature of the Elizabeth metro area that’s just 10 miles south of Newark. Around 44,000 people live in this growing city, and the median age is 40. Polish culture is especially strong in the city center, where over 15% of residents primarily speak Polish at home. The annual Polish Festival is held in September by City Hall. Even the city’s name comes from Slavic reverence for the linden tree.
It’s possible to commute to New York City, which is only 20 miles northeast, but many local industries define Linden. A leading local industry is the Phillips 66 oil refinery, located in the Bayway neighborhood. This isn’t just a big deal for Linden – it’s the second-biggest refinery on the East Coast and one of the country’s largest. Also on the water is the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, one of the world’s busiest ports. Merck, a pharmaceutical giant, sits opposite in west Linden and spreads into the Rahway neighborhood.
“Union County is very diverse, we go from lower income up to high earners really quick, from town to town,” says Mario Aristizabal, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Liberty. “You’ll see a lot of municipal workers for Elizabeth city schools and government living in the northern part of Linden, in the Elmora neighborhood.”
Linden is home to around 44,000 residents, with a median age of 40.
Polish culture thrives in Linden's city center, adding vibrant traditions and flavors.
Phillips 66 oil refinery in Linden's Bayway neighborhood drives local industry.
Linden, in Union County, showcases diversity from varied incomes to vibrant communities.
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Colonial styles and Cape Cods in quiet, walkable settings
“Bayway has lots of new construction, most of it multi-family,” says Rosmena DeSa, a Realtor with RE/MAX New Millennium Group. When they come on the market, they tend to go under contract soon. Currently there are more buyers interested in the area than available inventory.” If homebuyers want access to midcentury homes, or even homes built in the early 20th century, they may want to seek out northern neighborhoods. “Elmora is the most desirable area,” says Romina Scandroglio, a Realtor with Keller Williams Metropolitan. “The homes are older. But part of Elmora near Kean University is upcoming. They’ve been putting in new buildings and luxury properties.”
For the most part, Linden offers a suburban experience with sidewalks, yards and driveways, like in the Sunnyside neighborhood. “Sunnyside is kind of like the textbook suburbia that was built up in the 1940s. A lot of the houses still have that backbone to them,” says Frank Della Femina, a broker-associate with Hallmark Realtors who lived in Linden for seven years. Homebuyers will find Cape Cods and colonial-influenced homes ranging from $350,000 to $600,000. Craftsman-inspired styles from the 2020s and modern traditional homes range from $650,000 to $800,000.
Linden features multi-family homes, especially in the thriving Bayway neighborhood.
Linden provides a suburban charm with sidewalks, yards, and driveways for residents.
Linden showcases charming Cape Cod-style homes in its suburban neighborhoods.
Linden features timeless colonial-influenced homes in its peaceful neighborhoods.
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Kean University noted for its STEM programs
The Linden Public School District earns a C-plus from Niche. Kean University is 3 miles north of the city is noted for its STEM programs, and is the fourth-largest university in New Jersey. The campus features historic buildings like Liberty Hall, where U.S. Presidents George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant once stayed.
Kean University, just north of Linden, is renowned for its exceptional STEM programs.
Linden Public School No. 1 serves 374 students with a low student-teacher ratio of 9:1.
Linden School No. 6 fosters education and growth in the heart of Linden.
Linden's school 10 in the Wilson Park section has over 240 students in grades PK, K-5.
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Strolling among trees in Peach Orchard Park
Small pocket parks are dotted across Linden, but for those who want a paved loop trail, Peach Orchard Park is the place to go. John Russell Wheeler Park offers more extensive amenities, like a skate park, spray pad, playground and athletic field. The area’s biggest green space, though, is Warinanco Park. “It’s in the Elmora neighborhood, shared with Roselle,” says Aristizabal. Over 200 acres large, it’s a popular place to play sports or take a leisurely stroll, thanks to the scenic wooded surroundings.
A family strolls with their kids at Peach Orchard Park in Linden, enjoying the day.
John Russell Wheeler Park in Linden features a fun dragon spray pad for all ages.
The soccer field in John Russell Wheeler Park offers a place for fun matches year-round.
Warinanco Park in Elmora has vibrant playground equipment for kids to enjoy.
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Polish specialties downtown, and a hit pizza place in the Bayway neighborhood
Linden’s downtown along North Wood Avenue is where patrons will find Pulaski Meat Products, a Polish specialty grocer open since the 60s. Small, locally owned restaurants pop up at other corners of the city – and they attract visitors from all over, too. “The Bayway neighborhood has a place that’s over 100 years old, Santillo’s Pizza,” says Sagrario Javier, a Realtor with Exp Realty. “The best way I could describe it is like eating a rich pasta meal. It’s really good pizza.”
On the north side, closer to Roselle Park, the corridor of Westfield Avenue is a reliable stretch for finding food and entertainment, like Dowling's, an Irish bar. It’s also along this stretch that residents will find stores like Dollar Tree, Shop Rite and the Elmora Farmers Market.
Pulaski Meat Products in Linden offers authentic Polish specialties since the 1960s.
Venice Pizza in Linden is a beloved small, locally owned restaurant serving the community.
Dollar Tree on Westfield Avenue in Linden offers convenient shopping for everyday needs.
Shop Rite in Linden provides a one-stop destination for all your grocery needs.
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Road and rail commuter options, plus proximity to Newark Airport
“One of the main attractions of Linden is its proximity to everything,” says Della Femina. “You’re five to 10 minutes away from Routes 1 and 9, which connect you to the turnpike to take you into the city, and you’re next to Clark and Cranford, which has one of the best downtowns.”
Newark Liberty International Airport is roughly 7 miles north, and the Linden Station on Wood Avenue takes riders to New York Penn Station. Interstate 278 begins here and provides an easy way for commuters to reach New York City and reaches into all five boroughs. The 20-mile journey takes 40 minutes.
Crime in Linden
According to data reported to the FBI, violent crime increased 29% and property crime increased 19% from 2022 to 2023 in Linden. Auto theft is one of the leading categories.
Mario Aristizabal is a seasoned real estate professional with over 15 years of experience. Throughout his career, Mario has excelled in rentals, property management, residential sales, private asset management, REOs, and investor relations. Known for his expertise and commitment to client satisfaction, Mario is a trusted advisor in navigating the complexities of real estate transactions.
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.
