South Plainfield

In recent years, South Plainfield, a former factory town, has received a new library and a community splash pad. Things in South Plainfield are constantly being improved, says Andrea Lacerda, a sales associate and team leader of The Lacerda Team with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services NJ Properties.

"South Plainfield has a small-town feel. A lot of people have lived here for years," says Lacerda, a nearly 50-year resident of South Plainfield. You can find a four-bedroom, two-bathroom colonial that backs right up to Spring Lake Park, the borough's largest park, for around $400,000; a 2023 renovated split-level with three bedrooms and two bathrooms for nearly $580,000; or an upscale colonial with five bedrooms and three bathrooms for about $775,000. There are also condominium complexes like Traditions which has an outdoor pool, tennis courts and a gym. "The taxes in South Plainfield are considered some of the lowest in the county of Middlesex. Even if they don't feel low, they are low," Lacerda says. Roughly 40 miles from Midtown Manhattan, many New Yorkers now call South Plainfield home, realizing they can get more bang for their buck and easily commute into the city. With its central location, South Plainfield residents can easily travel to the Jersey Shore, New York City and Pennsylvania, Lacerda says, adding, "Everything is in easy reach. All the major highways are close to South Plainfield."

Whether you watch the Winter Olympics and become mesmerized by the sport of curling for a few weeks every four years or not, you can curl in South Plainfield. A nonprofit organization, the Plainfield Curling Club, is the only dedicated curling facility in New Jersey and it happens to be in South Plainfield. The club has multiple leagues for age groups as young as eight years old to 100 years old and beyond. Having many parks within the borough, Spring Lake Park is by far the largest, covering nearly 130 acres. You can fish, ride your bike and play basketball or tennis at the park. With plenty of recreational spots for two-legged residents, the community also has the Southside Dog Park. Here your four-legged pals can run freely and make new friends. Cool off from the summer heat at the South Plainfield Community Pool, which has a splash pad, picnic area and waterslides besides an Olympic-sized pool. The South Plainfield Recreation center hosts many community activities like pickleball, summer camps and cheerleading.

When you need to run errands, South Plainfield has plenty of options from ShopRite and Aldi for groceries, Target and Marshalls. After a day of errands, relax and enjoy a meal of chicken and waffles or a burger at Brick House Tavern. Pair your entree with a cocktail like the sports bar's signature mango mojito or a cold beer from the rotating taps. For a night out with your family or friends, head to Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, where you can indulge in the restaurant's nearly 300 buffet items or create your own at the hibachi station. You can't go wrong with Tony's Pizza & Restaurant for pizza night. Besides pizza, you can order classics like mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, chicken tenders, calzones and subs.

Local kids can attend South Plainfield Public Schools, like John E. Riley Elementary. Students at South Plainfield High can join many clubs like the debate team, Model United Nations and Jerseyan History Club. South Plainfield High has an overall A- rating from Niche, including an A+ for sports, A for diversity and a B+ for college preparation. Private school options include Holy Savior Academy, a Catholic pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and Al-Minhall Academy, an Islamic school educating children from kindergarten through the twelfth grade.

If you're looking for quintessential suburban living with schools, parks and community hubs, consider adding South Plainfield to your dream neighborhood list.

Written By

Tina Davis

Photography Contributed By

Steve Cuttler