$827,968Average Value$459Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Community spirit is exemplified on Fanny Wood Day
In the fall, “Fanny Wood Day” brings Fanwood residents out onto the streets in droves. Vendors set up under white tents, live bands provide the soundtrack for a day of shopping and snacking, and the bravest in the crowd participate in spaghetti and meatball eating contests. In Fanwood, the spirit of Small-Town America is still alive and well. "In a world where cities are getting bigger, towns are getting bigger, you don't know your neighbors as well as in the past, Fanwood is preserving that past,” says Scott Shuman, a New Jersey Native who earned his real estate license at just 18 years old. He's worked with the Sue Adler Team since 2010. As legend has it, this small New Jersey borough was named after Fanny Wood, a writer who complimented the area’s natural beauty in the late 19th century. That being said, according to most, Fanny’s probably just an old wives tale… And the excuse for an annual block party. Over 150 years ago, the neighborhood was a stop along the Central Railroad of New Jersey less than 30 miles from New York City. Today, Fanwood’s original 1874 train station serves as the borough’s museum. “It's a little town with a really cool sense of community," adds Shuman.
Fanwood
Fanwood
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A white-picket-fence lifestyle on shaded streets
In Fanwood, many residents are living what can best be described as a white picket fence lifestyle. Two-bedroom classic Cape Cods and modest bungalows hover between $400,000 and $500,000, and larger Colonial Revivals, split-levels, bi-levels, traditional homes and the occasional Tudor-inspired property range from $650,000 to $850,000, with the average price resting around $675,000. Due to the age of these single-family homes — many were built during the 1930s — buyers will find plenty of detached rather than attached garages. According to Shuman, Fanwood prices are on the rise, but prices are still more accessible than in surrounding neighborhoods. Homes here are in high demand, selling over two weeks faster than the national average. Streets are wide, and century-old oak trees put even three-story houses to shame. They also result in colorful front yard leaf piles in the autumn.
Cape Cod style homes are mixed in with colonials and split level homes in Fanwood.
Picket fence
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Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards for Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School
The borough is also known for its top-rated public school system, and elementary options include Brunner, which received a B-plus from the educational review site, Niche, as well as Coles and School One, which both received As. Nettingham Middle and Terrill Middle also earned A-minus grades, and Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School has an A rating. SPFHS is known for its Repertory Theater, and they’ve been nominated for several Paper Mill Playhouse “Rising Star” Awards over the years; their 2022 production of “Les Miserables” was under consideration for “Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical” and SPFHS’ chorus, orchestra and lead actor were nominated for “The Drowsy Chaperone” in 2023. The high school also has a Practical Arts Department, offering classes in subjects like TV News/Broadcast Journalism and Astronomy.
The Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School has a current population of over 1500 students.
Coles
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Grape leaves, pizza and bagels along South Avenue
Fanwood’s downtown has seen plenty of new development over the last two decades. South Avenue, the town’s main thoroughfare, is lined with restaurants like Nostimo, which serves Greek specialties including spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves, and Fabio’s Bistro, where residents can pick up thin-crust New York-style pies or pizza by the slice. Bagel Cafe NJ is a go-to in the morning – bagels here are hand-rolled and fresh-baked. Residents pick up their prescriptions at Fanwood Pharmacy, and Tom the Green Grocer (a 1970s-era roadside farmstand-turned-gourmet market) has fresh produce, a bakery section and a deli counter. There’s also a Trader Joe’s about 2 miles east in Westfield, and big box retailers can be found to the north in Blue Star Shopping Center and Watchung Square.
Bagel Café NJ in Fanwood has fresh made bagels and delicious sandwiches every day.
Nostimos Mediterranean Grill in Fanwood is a town favorite for great food and friendly service.
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Town-sponsored egg hunts and movie nights
Along with Fanny Wood Day in the fall, borough residents look forward to the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Forst Road Park, where children can meet the Easter Bunny and search for close to 2,000 hidden eggs. There’s a float contest at the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade, and La Grande Park hosts a free summertime movie night series; at dusk, families lay down their blankets or set up beach chairs in front of the outdoor screen. Other annual events include the Halloween parade and costume contest, tree lighting ceremony and occasional vendor pop-up events near the historic Victorian train station. There’s also the Fanwood Fan Jam, a summer music festival in La Grande Park.
LaGrande Park is a popular spot in Fanwood for children, adults, and grandparents.
The Fanwood Egg Hunt
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Butterfly gardens and footbridges in local parks
To the north of Fanwood Avenue, skateboarders work on their tricks at Forest Road Park, which also has basketball and tennis courts. It’s not uncommon to see deer and rabbits grazing in front of the playground early in the morning. Fanwood Nature Center, which can be found south of Fanwood Avenue, has a butterfly garden and wooden footbridges. Rugged trails wind past shallow creeks. Just outside the neighborhood, the Westfield Pool Complex tends to get busy on summer days. And Milt Campbell Field is frequented by soccer and baseball players. Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, the Watchung Reservation lies a few miles north of Fanwood. Here, find what’s known as the “Enchanted” or “Magic Forest,” which has inspired local stories and whispers of witchcraft for decades.
Fanwood skate park is a great place to practice your skills on the skateboard or scooter.
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The Raritan Valley Line provides access to Newark
Manhattan is less than 30 miles from Fanwood, but driving along Interstate 78 usually means a heavy dose of traffic. Those hoping to avoid highways can take New Jersey Transit — specifically the Raritan Valley Line — from Fanwood Station to Newark and, from here, connect to New York City. Bus 113 also stops in Fanwood on the way to Port Authority. Nearby airports include Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy. Medical care is readily accessible at Scotch Plain Medical Center/Urgent Care, and Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center provides emergency services about 3 miles — or 10 minutes — away.
The NJ Transit train to/from Fanwood has an express to NYC twice per day.
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Photography Contributed By
Suzi Schirm
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paul Nilsen,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Fanwood, NJ sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Fanwood, NJ over the last 12 months is $798,080, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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