THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO …

Cranford, NJ

Looking to move to Cranford? You’re in good company! Learn more about these amazing towns below!

OVERVIEW - FUN & FACTS - COMMUTE

SCHOOLS - PERFECT DAY - HISTORY

Welcome to “the Venice of NJ”!

(Yes, it really does have that nickname from back in 1908 - lol!) Nestled along the Rahway River, Cranford is a Union County gem known for its historic homes, thriving downtown, and strong community spirit. Just 4.8 square miles, the township combines small-town charm with commuter convenience, thanks to NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley train line and nearby highways.

Residents enjoy top-rated schools, Union College’s main campus, and endless recreation - from canoeing on the river to concerts in the park, tennis, pools, and programs at the lively Community Center. Cranford is often ranked among New Jersey’s best places to live, with a true balance of history, culture, and modern living.

Downtown Cranford is a destination in itself, filled with restaurants, cafés, and unique shops, while neighborhood spots like Centennial Village and the Cranford Business Park add even more energy and opportunity. Above all, Cranford shines because of its engaged residents, whose pride and volunteer spirit make this town feel like home. 

Around Town…

    • Our absolute Summit staple - duffins from Brownie Points

    • We would be remiss to not also include the famous Philly Fluff cake from Natales!

    • For a quick lunch - get a sloppy joe from Towne Deli and don’t forget a house made half and half and choc chip cookie!

    • Both Harvest restaurants in Summit - Roots & Huntley Taverne - are amazing!

    • Blossom is tried and true - and nothing beats their yaki udon with chicken and broccoli

    • Grab a scoop or a soft serve from Magic Fountain and see what the hype is about (in the Fall, get a pumpkin shake!)

    • Get the Mona Lisa from Marigolds!

    • The drunken grandma pizza from Village Trattoria - enough said

    • Grab an iced caramel macchiato from Gregory’s and thank us later!

    • Pop into Ani Ramen and make sure to order the crispy tofu bao!

    • Thinking about calling Summit home? We’ve got the inside scoop and would love to show you around.

    • Get in touch!

Quick Facts:

Check out some “Quick Facts” here, or scroll down for a deeper look at the ins and outs of Summit!

Summit, NJ is such a special place to call home. Read below for some of our favorite local traditions and events!

  • On Thursday nights throughout the summer, visit the Village Green with your blanket and snacks and enjoy a family-friendly outdoor movie! For more information, click here.

  • It’s typical to go away for the 4th of July celebrations to the beach, but not in Summit! Join everyone at Memorial Field for live music, a food truck festival, and incredible fireworks. Click here for more information.

  • Every year after school, all of the Summit kiddos head to town to trick-or-treat at local businesses!

  • Enjoy the annual car show in the streets of Summit on Father’s Day! For more information click here.

  • On Tuesday evenings throughout the Summer, join the rest of Summit at the Village Green for concerts! For more information, click here.

  • Summit High School is home to one of the country’s premier theatre programs. Snag tickets for two off-broadway level shows each year! Visit the SHS theatre department website here.

  • Enjoy your Sundays at the Farmers Market in Downtown Summit! April-November. For more information, click here.

  • Live music all throughout Downtown Summit on warm, magical, Thursday/Friday evenings! For more information click here.

  • A week of prix fixe menus and specials at Summit restaurants! Enjoy a summer evening in downtown Summit with many restaurants offering outdoor seating. For more information, click here.

  • Show your Hilltopper pride at the annual Friday Night Lights SHS Football Game! Enjoy Mr. Chi hotdogs while cheering on our favorite teams under the Tatlock field lights.

  • Spend a weekend at the annual Summit Municipal Golf course fishing at the pond! For more information click here.

  • Follow along for all of your home design needs, plus an annual “Design Day”!

Explore our interactive map to discover Summit’s key locations! Everything from City Hall, to all of our schools, parks, clubs, and more!

Commuting Options

One of the amazing things about Summit is the incredibly easy commute to NYC! With a direct train line running 7 days a week, plus many express options, it is truly a commuter’s dream.

    • Via NJ Transit at Summit Train Station - right into NY Penn Station

    • Click here for fare options

    • Express trains average at 39 minutes

    • Local trains average at 51 minutes

    • Earliest train usually at 4:53 AM

    • Latest train back usually at 12:56 AM

    • No waitlist - spots on a first come, first serve basis

    • Resident parking requires proof of residence, a permit and fee

    • Visitor Parking (Public Paid Parking available)

    • Boxcar App allows you to rent local spots nearby as an option

    • City of Summit also has a resident commuter ride sharing program with Lyft. Participants must have a Lyft account and a valid Summit parking permit. Door to door service for the cost of daily parking. For more information click here.

    • All Boxcar buses are equipped with wi-fi, power outlets, and restrooms to make your ride as enjoyable as possible.

    • Buses pick up directly outside town train stations and offer curbside drop-off throughout midtown

    • 6:15 am/7:00am pickup. Bus will makes stops in NYC along 42nd street and Madison Avenue.

    • Discounts available on the Boxcar app with coupon code summit15.

    • In the evening buses leave at 5:30pm from 6th Ave (just south of 43rd St) and travel directly back to train station pickup locations.

    • Click Here for Boxcar Site

All About Summit Schools…

Spend a perfect day in Summit

  • 9:30am - Arrive in Summit:

    • Get off the train or if driving - park in the Broad Street station

    • Grab a coffee at Boxwood (try the Honey Cinnamon Latte!) or Starbucks

    • Grab a duffin from Brownie Points (our favorite is the raspberry duffin, but you can’t go wrong with any flavor!)

  • 11:00am - Start exploring the downtown shopping scene:

  • 12:00pm - Grab Lunch at one of our favorites:

    • Stay in Mondo and eat at Marigold’s (try the Pick Two: Mona Lisa Sandwich and House Salad)

    • Want the most amazing tacos and margaritas? Head to BarBacoa (the Mexican Daisy is a famous Summit cocktail!)

  • 1:00pm - Driving Tour:

    • Take a driving tour to learn about all of the different Summit neighborhoods with a Price Group Buyer Specialist!

  • 3:00pm - Walking art or history tour:

  • 4:00pm - Treat Yourself:

  • 5:00pm - Get dinner before heading out at one of our favorite places: 

    • Craving ramen? Ani Ramen (BYO)

    • Craving sushi? Blossom (BYO)

    • Craving pasta, pizza, and a glass of wine? Fiorino

    • Craving a burger and a beer? The Office

    • Craving portugese? Serra (BYO)

    • Craving fresh farm to table and a craft cocktail? Summit House

    • Craving seafood? Fin (BYO)

Then head back home, and reminisce on your amazing day spent in Summit - and call your Price Group agent to start booking home tours!

Let’s take a step back in time…

Summit’s earliest settlers put down roots around 1710. They were drawn to the area for its abundant supply of timber for building homes, rabbits for food and pelts, plentiful turkey, and a fertile valley for growing wheat and corn. The Passaic River also provided them with fish to eat and a means of transport and trade.

In 1837, the railroad came over the “The Summit” hill, and that’s how the town got its name. During the Revolutionary period and for some time afterwards Summit was called the “Heights over Springfield” and was considered a part of New Providence. The original name of Summit was “Turkey Hill” to mark it apart from “Turkey”, as New Providence was known until 1750.

The railroad allowed Summit to outgrow neighboring New Providence, which didn’t have a train station and then the two separated and the Summit area was incorporated as the “Township of Summit”. In the late 19th century, the area began shifting from farmland to estates providing wealthy New Yorkers in search of fresh air a welcome respite. Weekend-ers and summer vacationers came by train to relax in the hotels, inns and guest houses. The present-day incarnation of Summit, known formally as the City of Summit, was incorporated on April 11, 1899.

Ready to move to Summit? Let’s talk!