Union is a countryside township with interstate connection to New York
Rural Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is experiencing an influx of people moving from the New York City area, and one feature of Union Township has made it a particularly appealing destination in the county: Interstate 78. The highway runs through the center of Union. In other nearby townships, I-78 could be several miles away. “That’s 15 minutes off your commute to New York City,” says Mary Malone, team lead of The Luxe Service Group at Coldwell Banker Realty and a Hunterdon County resident. “Property values are higher there as a result.” Union is one of many townships in the region becoming a landing spot for homebuyers who want to get out of the city. However, the community’s interstate access makes it particularly suited for those who still need to head 55 miles east to work in Jersey City or Manhattan.
Activities in the water and on land at Spruce Run Recreation Area
The natural landscape is another draw to the township, Malone says. “That area is farmland and a lot of recreational activities. They have great parks there.” Spruce Run Reservoir covers about 10% of the township, serving as one of the community’s most significant recreation spots. Trails and a campground cover the Spruce Run Recreation Area on the north shoreline, and a launch lets boaters and kayakers set out on the water. Swimmers typically flock to the sandy shoreline, but the beach has been closed in recent summers due to harmful algae blooms. To the southwest, Hoffman Park welcomes hikers, anglers and hunters to its 350 acres of forests and grasslands. Meanwhile, Finn Road Park hosts Little League games and FinnFest, an annual festival the township puts on in May. Inflatables, hot air balloons and, in some years, a state police helicopter come to the park.
Large homes in the countryside, condos near town
Houses typically get bigger as one moves west and south across the township, getting farther from the town of Clinton and more into the rural areas. These Colonial Revivals and new traditional homes often come with several acres of land. Prices for smaller houses range from $475,000 to $550,000, while homes with four or more bedrooms on large lots typically fetch between $600,000 and $1.3 million. Condos are common on the east side, just outside Clinton. They’re usually priced between $215,000 and $350,000. Creeks throughout Union create flood zones, so homebuyers may need flood insurance depending on where they move.
Union Township schools share a gifted program
The community’s two schools, Union Township Elementary School and Union Township Middle School, get A-minus grades from Niche. Both schools participate in a gifted program called Stretch that identifies students for in-depth learning based on their academic abilities, creativity and work ethic. After eighth grade, students can attend North Hunterdon High School, an A-rated school about 3 miles east of Union.
Wine bar, theater and more in Perryville
The biggest collection of businesses is in Perryville, a small community and interstate stop in the center of Union. In addition to gas stations and coffee shops, it’s home to Cree Wine Co., a curated wine bar and restaurant. Comedians, actors and musicians perform nearby at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, a dinner theater. Other popular spots, such as the 150-year-old Pattenburg House restaurant and music venue, are scattered around the township. The closest place to go shopping is a retail plaza in neighboring Franklin Township that features a Walmart, ShopRite and T.J. Maxx.
Drivers use county roads and I-78 to navigate the township
Residents of the car-dependent community can use roads like County Routes 625 and 579 to get around the township. Interstate 78 extends west to the New York City area, a drive that can be done in less than 90 minutes.
