Immersive nature and a budding arts culture in a cozy community 25 miles from Manhattan
Bringing together a regional park destination and convenient transportation options, Rahway gives residents the chance to feel like a big fish in a small town. “The nature preserve around Rahway River is one of the area highlights,” says Rosmena De Sa, a broker at RE/MAX New Millenium. “It’s also a very walkable area.” This town of 30,000 people offers ways to explore places beyond one’s doorstep, thanks to a downtown train station. Manhattan is about 25 miles north. Plenty of trendy eateries surround the train station, and officials want to focus on growing Rahway as an arts and innovation center. The Union County Performing Arts Center has been celebrated as a success story for revitalizing downtown. Global headquarters for Merck, a pharmaceutical company, provides a significant boost to the city’s economy, too.
Enjoying the serene beauty of Rahway River Park, where nature meets tranquility.
Bringing together a regional park destination and convenient transportation options.
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Condos and Cape Cods, with plenty of classically suburban streets
Housing styles can vary across town, but the local median of $488,000 is only slightly above the national median. Condo units, such as those at the Skyview complex, can reach into the mid $300,000s. Beyond that price point, single owner home options open up. Cape Cods are available on the west side around Milton Lake Park. A more classically suburban setting appears on stretches like Inman Avenue, where colonial-style and ranch-style homes dwell. Further south is the Colonia neighborhood, often considered a highly desirable spot. “Inman Avenue feeds into Colonia,” says Robert Durso, a broker at RE/MAX Select. “It’s all midcentury homes like Capes and ranches around the Colonia Country Club subdivision.”
Condo units, such as those at the Skyview complex, can reach into the mid $300,000s.
Cape Cods are available on the west side around Milton Lake Park,
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Rahway Public School District earns a B-minus
Realtors say that Union County schools are a big draw to the area. Rahway Public School District gets a B-minus overall from Niche. Rahway High scores the same and is known for its strong arts program. It has been recognized by Teaching Music Magazine and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Rahway High School receives an overall B-minus rating from Niche
Rahway High is recognized for its outstanding arts program.
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Trails and views at Rahway River Park
Wooded trails meet riverfront views at Rahway River Park on the north side of town. It’s part of a 950-acre park system developed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer behind the famed Central Park in New York City. The horizon opens up at Madison Avenue Park, where sports fields are laid out. Milton Lake Park returns residents to scenic surroundings with walking paths and fitness trails.
The nature preserve along the Rahway River stands out as one of the region's top highlight.
The nature preserve surrounding the Rahway River is one of the area's standout features.
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International flavors and cafes along Main Street
One of the best places to head for food and retail is downtown, which is where most of the community is focused on pouring investments. Near the train station, it’s possible to walk along Main Street and find an array of cuisines, from Cuban to Italian to Peruvian. Even taking a detour onto side streets brings hidden delights, like The Irving Social, known for its cocktails and upscale entrees. Cafes, pizza places and ice cream shops like Wholly Cow keep things lowkey for when quicker bites are desired. Rahway Garden Farm is a small produce market conveniently located near CVS, Walgreens and Dollar Tree on St. Georges Avenue. More restaurants are lined up along this major thoroughfare.
Downtown train station is a community focal point
Many of Rahway’s residential streets have sidewalks, contributing to its walkability. Efforts to promote pedestrian travel in the city include the Rahway Train Station Plaza. Residents can board a trolley and get to popular places like the YMCA and the Union County Performing Arts Center. There are more paths a block away from the plaza, tracking along the Rahway River. Trains to New York City take about an hour or less for the 25-mile trek, depending on time of departure. Drivers have easy access to the New Jersey Turnpike on the east side.
Where every performance brings the community together for unforgettable cultural experiences.
Melio's Coffee House is across the street from the busy train station in Rahway.
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An uptick in overall crime, especially property crime
Rahway Police report a sharp uptick in overall crimes from 2021 to 2022. An increase in burglaries and thefts prompted police to issue a community warning in 2024.
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.
