Introduction

Cranford is a township located in Union County, New Jersey. The population of Cranford NJ is 23,882. The median age in Cranford NJ is 42.9. Cranford was named as New Jersey’s best downtown by The Star-Ledger in 2018 and 2019. The township also ranked in the 34th position in the list of ‘Best Places to Live’ by the New Jersey Monthly. In order to find out more about the township of Cranford NJ, such as the best places to live in Cranford NJ, neighborhoods in Cranford NJ, best schools in Cranford NJ, and more, reach out to our experts at Nextburb.

Quick Facts About Cranford NJ

• Cranford NJ has numerous well-rated schools.
• It is very ideal for families.
• The township of Cranford NJ has multiple outdoor activities to offer.
• It has a diversity grade of B.
• The township was ranked as one of the best places to retire in New Jersey.
• It was also ranked as one of the best suburbs for young professionals in New Jersey.

History of Cranford NJ

During the period of General Robert E. Lee's surrender, 22 of Cranford NJ’s residents were actively participating in the Union Army. The last surviving veteran from the Civil War in Cranford passed away in 1935. James E. Warner, who also served as a sheriff of the Union County, was distressed looking at how overly polluted the Rahway River was, which is why he fought for its preservation along with that of the Rahway River Parkway parkland. This fight also involved protesting against paper markers being discharged. Due to his actions, the Paper Mill Playhouse is as we know it today in Millburn. Constructed in 1908, kayaks and canoes are provided for rent at the Cranford Canoe Club. Cranford NJ saw its first Black elected official and first Black law enforcement officer in Joshua Bryant.

Demographics of Cranford NJ

Age Distribution

5.6% of the population in Cranford NJ are kids below the age of 5. The youngsters aged between 5 to 17 make up 17.7% of the population and those between 18 to 24 make up 5.7%. The individuals falling between the ages of 25 to 34 constitute 11.4% of the population, the ones between 35 to 54 come up to 27.4%, the senior residents between the ages of 55 to 64 make up 13% of the population, and those above the age of 65% make up 19.2%.

Educational Attainment

4.5% of the residents in Cranford NJ are currently attending college. 95.7% of them are high school graduates and 57.3% of them are college graduates.

Diversity in Cranford

82% of the residents in Cranford NJ are White. 9.2% are Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% of them belong to two or more races, 3.3% are Asians, and 2% of the residents are Black or African American.

Real Estate in Cranford NJ: What Do the Numbers Say?

The median listing home price in December of 2021 in Cranford NJ was recorded as $525K. $304 was noted as the median listing home price per square foot.

Types of Homes

• Single-family homes: 73.8%
• Townhomes: 3.9%
• Small apartment buildings: 11.2%
• Apartment complexes: 11.1%

Home Value by Number of Bedrooms

• No bedroom: 2.6%
• One bedroom: 7.1%
• Two bedrooms: 15.9%
• Three bedrooms: 40%
• Four bedrooms: 26.3%
• Five or more bedrooms: 8.1%

Getting a Home in Cranford

Find a Local Agent

Click here to get in touch with real estate agents in Cranford.

Rentals and Properties in Cranford

Looking to rent a place in Cranford? Click here to check out some rentals in the town. Those wishing to buy a home can discover the listings through this link.

Professions of the Residents of Cranford

The per capita income in Cranford NJ is $58,454 and the national per capita income is $34,103. The median household income in Cranford NJ is $132,946 and the national median household income is $62,843. Some of the professions chosen by the residents of Cranford NJ are as follows:

• Education: 15.7%
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: 13.7%
• Healthcare: 10.8%
• Finance: 10%
• Manufacturing: 8.6%
• Retail: 5.4%
• Accommodation: 5%
• Other: 4.9%
• Construction: 4.1%
• Information Technology: 3.7%
• Transportation: 3.3%
• Wholesale: 3.1%
• Public Service: 3.1%
• Arts: 2.5%
• Real Estate: 2.3%
• Administration: 2.2%

Cost of Living in Cranford

The cost of living in Cranford NJ is 53% higher than the national average and 26% higher than the average in New Jersey. While health and transportation are the two most expensive departments in Cranford NJ, they are followed by food, which is then followed by housing.

K-12 Schools in Cranford NJ

Explore all about the best schools in Cranford NJ from us at Nextburb, including public schools, public schools, preschools, and more.

Public Schools

The public schools in Cranford NJ are:

• Brookside Place School
• Livingston Avenue School
• Orange Avenue School
• Hillside Avenue School
• Cranford High School

Private Schools

The private schools in Cranford NJ include:

• St. Michael School
• Cornerstone Day School

Preschools

The preschools, daycare options, and childcare facilities are as follows:

• Discovery Child Care Center
• Come, Play and Learn
• Over The Rainbow Nursery School Inc
• Prime Time
• Lightbridge Academy

Crime Rate in Cranford NJ

The crime rate in Cranford NJ is lower compared to the average US city as it has an A- overall crime grade. Falling in the 80th percentile for safety, there are only 20% of the places in the United States that are safer than Cranford NJ. In a given year, the crime rate in Cranford NJ is 16.69 per 1,000 residents.

Commute to and from Cranford

76.5% of the residents in Cranford NJ drive their own cars. 4.1% of the people work from home and 12.2% of them make use of mass transit.

Commuter Trains

Cranford Station is the NJ Transit train station located in Cranford NJ. It takes about 50 minutes to travel from Cranford NJ to New York via a train.

Nearby Airports

The airports located in Cranford NJ include:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (13 minutes away)
• Morristown Municipal Airport (21 minutes away)
• Teterboro Airport (30 minutes away)

Community Life in Cranford

Cranford Community Center: The Cranford Community Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the citizens of Cranford NJ. They organize activities and events that allow the community members of the township of Cranford to interact with one another and enjoy a peaceful and leisurely time.

Atria Cranford: A senior living community located in Cranford NJ, Atria Cranford provides independent living and assisted living services. Several activities are developed for the mental and physical stimulation of the senior residents at this facility, enabling them to enjoy their respective social lives to the fullest. Along with this, the community’s amenities are top-notch, including scheduled transportation, a movie theatre, a salon, and delicious meals prepared by highly experienced chefs.

Top Attractions to Visit in Cranford

Nomahegan Park: The Nomahegan Park is a place one can go to for sports-related activities, beautiful trails, and to enjoy a fun time with their kids and family.

Tomasello Winery Tasting Room: The Tomasello Winery Tasting Room is reputed for having a rich tradition with regards to the delicate process that goes into the creation of wines. The winery is used for several occasions and events, giving the residents a chance to celebrate and be merry.

Crane-Phillips House Museum: Now run by the Cranford Historical Society, the Crane-Phillips House Museum is a Victorian-style cottage whose architecture is inspired by the very first American architect, Andrew Jackson Downing. It portrays how a family belonging to a modest background lived during the opulent Victorian times.

Places of Worship in Cranford

The places of worship in Cranford NJ include:

Calvary Lutheran Church
108 Eastman St
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 276-2418

Cranford Alliance Church
7 Cherry St
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 276-1617

Cranford United Methodist Church
201 Lincoln Ave E
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 276-0936

First Baptist Church of Cranford
100 High St
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 276-2760

First Presbyterian Church of Cranford
11 Springfield Ave
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 276-8440

Greater Mt. Zion Holy Church
43 Johnson Ave
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 276-0380

St. Mark's Ame Church
34 High St
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 276-3449

New Life Church of Cranford
611 Raritan Road
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 272-7088

St. Michael Church
40 Alden St
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact: (908) 276-0360

Places to Eat in Cranford

The eateries to try out in Cranford NJ are as follows:

• Ambeli Greek Taverna
• Garlic Rose
• Cranford Vanilla Bean Creamery
• Cranford Hotel Restaurant & Pub
• 100 Steps Kitchen + Raw Bar
• Romola's Seafood & Grille
• Il Gabbiano
• Avenue East
• Old City Cafe & Grill

Comparison to Neighboring Places

Some of the places located near Cranford NJ are Westfield, Kenilworth, and Roselle Park.

Click here to compare Cranford NJ to Westfield NJ.

Click here to compare Cranford NJ to Kenilworth NJ.

Click here to compare Cranford NJ to Roselle Park NJ.

Compare all the places together by clicking here.

Is Cranford a Good Place to Live In?

Cranford NJ offers an immensely peaceful ambience, making it a wonderful place for one to move to. With several of the schools being well-rated and the safety factor being decently high, families can be rest assured that their safety will be in good hands along with the education of their kids. There are also numerous outdoor activities for the residents to enjoy in addition to a warm community. Therefore, for those pondering upon the question, “Is Cranford a good place to live in?” should know that the answer is a yes.

FAQs About Cranford

Q: Is Cranford NJ safe?

A: Having an A- overall crime grade and falling in the 80th percentile for safety, Cranford NJ is safer when compared to an average US city. There are 20% of the places in the United States that are safer than Cranford NJ.

Q: What is the population of Cranford NJ?

A: The population of Cranford NJ is 23,882.

Q: What county is Cranford NJ in?

A: Cranford NJ is located in Union County.

Q: What is Cranford NJ’s median household income?

A: The median household income in Cranford NJ is $132,946.

Q: What river runs through Cranford NJ?

A: The river that runs through Cranford NJ is Rahway River.

Q: How far is Cranford from Westfield?

A: Cranford NJ is about 3 miles away from Westfield NJ.

Q: What is Cranford famous for?

A: Cranford NJ is famous for being a river town.

Q: Is there a library in Cranford NJ?

A: Yes, Cranford NJ does have a library and it’s known as the Cranford Public Library.