Dunellen is a commuter-friendly borough in the Raritan Valley
Located within North Jersey’s suburban Raritan Valley, the borough of Dunellen is full of growth and excitement. It has been a rail suburb of New York City since the mid-19th century, when the Central Railroad of New Jersey built a residential development around a train station. Dunellen was once an industrial center, but the 1960s saw the closure of its Art Color factory and the acceleration of the suburbanization of North Jersey. Dunellen has been one of the beneficiaries of North Jersey’s growth as a commuter hub, and its growth has never truly stopped. “A train station, proximity to New York City, and school ratings are three major factors that people think of when buying in New Jersey, and we have a train station, we’re close to Interstate 76 and within an hour of Manhattan, and Niche.com gives Dunellen a ‘B-‘ for its schools," says Realtor Corey Jones of Prestige Properties. With a booming housing market, access to New Jersey Transit trains, and proximity to Interstate 76, Dunellen is an increasingly popular suburb of New York City, offering competitive housing prices for aspiring commuters.
Newer townhouses and comparative affordability near New York City
Realtor Corey Jones of Prestige Properties says, “Dunellen looks a bit newer in terms of construction, and what has been happening is that new developments are built around train stations. There are new luxury townhouse developments across the street from the train station, geared towards commuters to New York City.” Dunellen’s housing boom continues to this day, with brand-new developments continuing to be built in this once little-known community. Homes in Dunellen tend to sell for between $400,000 and $500,000, reflecting the county average, and making Dunellen a relatively inexpensive option for New York-bound commuters looking to live north of the Raritan River.
Residents live in the Dunnellen Public Schools district
The Dunellen Public Schools district earns a B-minus from Niche. Students attend the John P. Faber School for elementary school, Lincoln Midlde School, and Dunellen High School. Dunellen High School has consistently ranked within the upper sixth of New Jersey’s public high schools, while also boasting strong football and basketball programs.
Restaurants and entertainment options by Dunellen Station
While a small town, Dunellen has managed to develop its own thriving culinary scene. Jones says, “30 Burgers is locally well-known, and it even has Cajun tilapia sandwiches and ice cream, making it a great comfort food spot if you’re local. Rome Pizzeria is also well-known, and it’s a newer spot. For a small town, there’s a lot of good eating options if you’re local.” Another local favorite is IL Forno a Legna, which serves classic Italian dishes in a refined atmosphere.
Dunellen’s cultural scene goes beyond the restaurants lining North Avenue. Eight on the Break, in business since 1973, has been a mainstay for birthday parties and evening fun for decades, with a vast selection of arcade games, a pool hall, and even a snack bar serving cheesesteaks, waffles, and other comfort food favorites. Just down the street, the Dunellen Theatre, built in 1920, hosts both family-friendly movies and concerts, while sporting its own Cinema Café for a flick and a meal out on the town. Commuters have access to both the local train and nearby highways, making the typical commute into the city a matter of an hour’s journey.
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