Clinton Township blends small-town charm with ample convenience
Clinton Township in New Jersey, not to be confused with the neighboring Town of Clinton, is a swath of land that wraps around the Round Valley Reservoir and the borough of Lebanon. Lying about 40 miles west of Newark and 35 miles north of Trenton, Clinton Township offers a solid school district and the highly rated North Hunterdon High School and access to Interstate 78 and transit stations for commuting into the big cities to the east. “It’s the perfect mix of small town quiet yet it's close to all the shopping you need, public transit and highways,” says Courtney Orlando, Realtor with Compass New Jersey LLC and team leader of the Courtney Orlando Group. About 13,500 residents call this part of New Jersey home. Cushetunk Mountain and Round Valley Reservoir are among the outdoor destinations in the township, which also features a wide range of housing options and price points for potential buyers, in a blend of rural and suburban pockets.
A wide range of prices, home styles and distinct atmospheres
Stylistic variety and diverse price points characterize housing in the area. Ranch-style homes may start at around $300,000, while mammoth custom colonial designs can cost between $930,000 and $1.65 million. New Traditional homes, expanded Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals run in between. Condos and townhomes are available in parts of the township as well, starting around $230,000, such as those near Oak Knoll Park. The median price for a single-family home here is about $775,000, while the median price for a townhome is about $510,000. The township offers a mix of rural homes along quiet roads amid forest or fields and suburbs, such as the areas around Sunnyside or Annandale. This area holds a CAP Index Crime Score of 1, lower than the national average of 4.
Clinton Township School District and North Hunterdon High School
The Clinton Township School District earns a B-plus from Niche and serves area students up through eighth grade. Students from kindergarten through second grade can attend Patrick McGaheran School before moving on to Round Valley School for third through fifth grade. Both schools earn B-plus marks. Clinton Township Middle School likewise earns a B-plus. After eighth grade, students move on to North Hunterdon High School. North Hunterdon earns an A and offers a variety of unique elective courses, even for ninth-grade students, such as History of Rock & Roll, Web Design, Sewing for Fashion and Power Technology.
Proximity to highways, train stations and metropolises
For transit, residents can hop on Interstate 78 or U.S. Route 22, which run along the northern part of the township, or catch a Raritan Valley Line train at either the Lebanon or Annandale stations. Trains run to Newark and New York City, the latter of which is about 50 miles away. “People commute all over, including to New York,” Orlando says. Trenton-Mercer Airport is about 30 miles away, while Newark Liberty International Airport is about 40 miles away. Hunterdon Medical Center is about 9 miles south via New Jersey Route 31.
Reservoir recreation areas, parks, arboretums and hot air balloons
The Round Valley Reservoir was formed when the valley at the bottom of Cushetunk Mountain was dammed. Now the Reservoir provides a water source to the area as well as the Round Valley Recreation Area, with about 2,000 acres of trails and wilderness camping. “There are tons of trails,” Orlando says. “And canoeing and kayaking.” Residents can boat and fish on the reservoir, or swim at the designated beach when summer lifeguards are on duty. Spruce Run Recreation Area, north of the Town of Clinton, is another spot with plentiful hiking, boating and camping along the Spruce Run Reservoir. Bundt Park offers small dog play areas for both small and large breeds and pickleball courts for their human friends. The Hunterdon County Arboretum has serene walking areas around a pond and through display gardens and trees. For a birds-eye view of the area, residents can book a flight with Balloons Over Clinton, which pilots hot air balloon flights mornings and evenings.
Shopping options, restaurants and more throughout the township
Small shopping centers are scattered throughout the township, including Country Square Plaza, Arrow Mill Plaza, King’s Shopping Plaza and Lebanon Plaza. The Town of Clinton has a ShopRite grocery store and a Walmart, and several other markets dot the area as well. Juniper Hill serves American fare. “They have fabulous craft cocktails and one of the best chefs in the area,” Orlando says. “It's in an old bank building, and they outfitted the vaults with a great big table with benches on three sides.” The Cree Wine Company is nearby in Union Township. “It’s the premier place for a fabulous glass of wine, to join one of their wine classes or to simply relax in their lounge area or dining room with some amazing food,” Orlando says.
Just Jersey and Community Day bring music and fun to Clinton Township
Just Jersey brings food trucks and music to the township in May, while the township’s Community Day, in April provides music, activities for kids, food and beverage vendors and more. The township also holds an annual Easter Egg hunt. The Red Mill Museum Village in the Town of Clinton also hosts art events and holiday events throughout the year.
