History, urban access and outdoor recreation in Clinton, New Jersey
The Town of Clinton, New Jersey, sits in the Raritan Valley region. Known for historic mills, such as the Red Mill, now a museum with a historic village attached, and the Stone Mill, which now holds the Hunterdon Art Museum, the area is now primarily known for its small-town atmosphere and convenient location. “It has become one of the most popular areas,” says Courtney Orlando, a Realtor with Compass New Jersey and team leader of the Courtney Orlando Group. “You have a little walkable town, and it’s literally right off Interstate 78.” Clinton is considered an exurb of New York, and the town is in some ways a bedroom community for folks who work in New York or larger New Jersey cities. About 2700 people make Clinton their home. In addition to Interstate 78, residents can catch the New Jersey commuter rail at the station in Annandale.
Small-town feeling and convenient location drive popularity and prices
The cozy atmosphere and walkable central area, combined with the proximity to larger cities, contribute to the appeal here. “You’re in the middle of everything but in the quiet of the small town,” Orlando says. The median single-family sale price is about $750,000. Lower prices are found on the western edge of the town, near Demott Pond & Pumphouse, where homes have sold for between $260,000 and $340,000. Expanded Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, and ranch-style homes are common styles in Clinton. Much of the town features wide, quiet streets with clean, expansive lawns and mature trees. Victorians and Colonial Revivals sit more closely together on Main Street in the central part of the town.
Strong school ratings from pre-kindergarten through high school
Clinton Public School serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and earns a B-plus from Niche. Upon finishing eighth grade, students can choose to attend two public schools in the area: North Hunterdon High School, which earns an A, and Voorhees High School, which earns an A-minus. Both high schools offer a variety of unique course offerings, such as Rock and Roll History, Power Tech classes, offerings in visual arts, business, computer programming and electronic music composition.
Trains and highways to New York and more
Interstate 78 and U.S. Route 22 run through the area. Newark is about 43 miles away via I-78. Trenton is about 36 miles south via New Jersey Route 31. For trips afield, Trenton-Mercer Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport provide options. Residents can also access New York and Philadelphia without much fuss. Those cities are 53 miles and 61 miles away, respectively. Locals have some public transit options, too, with Trans-Bridge bus service to Allentown and the Port Authority in Manhattan, and a commuter rail station in Annandale. Hunterdon Medical Center is about 10 miles south.
Camping, boating and hiking, with additional destinations nearby
Spruce Run Reservoir borders Clinton to the north, and Spruce Run Recreation Area offers boating, fishing, camping and hiking. The reservoir connects to the South Branch Raritan River. “It runs straight through town and lots of kayakers use it,” Orlando says. A little further east and south, the Round Valley Reservoir also offers a sizable recreation area, with a swimming beach and wilderness campsites that require hiking to reach. Hunts Mills Park has ball fields and hosts some town events, Demott Pond is a small fishing pond and the Landsdown Trail runs along the Raritan River. Bundt Park, in Clinton Township, has pickleball courts and a dog park. Additional outdoor destinations are a short drive away. “You’re no more than an hour from the Poconos and the Jersey beaches,” Orlando says.
Town events at the Red Mill and Friday night music in summer
Clinton puts on events throughout the year. A yuletide fireworks show has run for 16 years, and the Christmas Parade is a popular draw. “People love the Christmas Parade,” Orlando says. “Kids love it. It’s adorable.” Friday Night Music is offered from May through September at the Clinton Guild. The Red Mill Museum Village hosts events, too. “They have all sorts of art events, plus Christmas events,” Orlando says. “It’s a good place for the community to get together.”
Juniper Hill and Cree Wine Company among top local draws
Residents have plentiful choices for shopping and dining in Clinton. Finnagel’s is a local Irish pub, while the Clinton House serves steaks and seafood in a comfortable atmosphere. Orlando recommends Juniper Hill for its craft cocktails and cuisine, and Cree Wine Company, over in Union Township. “Los Tres Hermanos is our favorite local Mexican spot,” Orlando says. “Every dish is wonderful.” For shopping, several small, nearby shopping centers dot the area, while the Walmart and ShopRite supermarket cover necessities.
