Cranford, New Jersey
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| Cranford, New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| Name | Cranford, New Jersey |
| Settlement type | Township |
| Nickname | The Village |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Jersey |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Union |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | March 14, 1871 |
| Government type | Township |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Brian Andrews (term ends December 31, 2024) |
| Leader title1 | Administrator |
| Leader name1 | Jamie Cryan |
| Area total km2 | 10.50 |
| Area land km2 | 10.20 |
| Area water km2 | 0.30 |
| Elevation m | 25 |
| Elevation ft | 82 |
| Population total | 24296 |
| Population as of | 2020 United States Census |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 07016 |
| Area code | 908 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 34-15550 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0882201 |
| Website | www.cranfordnj.org |
Cranford, New Jersey. Cranford is a township in Union County, situated along the Rahway River. Known for its picturesque downtown and extensive park system, it is part of the New York metropolitan area and is served by New Jersey Transit rail lines. The community maintains a strong civic identity, often referred to by its nickname, "The Village."
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement began in the early 18th century. It was part of Elizabethtown and later Springfield Township before being formed as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 14, 1871, from portions of Clark Township and Westfield. The arrival of the Central Railroad spurred significant growth, transforming it into a commuter suburb. Historic events include significant flooding from the Rahway River and the 1951 crash of a United States Air Force C-124 Globemaster II at the Linden Airport.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 4.05 square miles, of which 3.94 square miles is land and 0.12 square miles is water. It is bordered by Garwood, Westfield, Roselle Park, Kenilworth, Union Township, and Springfield Township. The Rahway River flows through the community, forming part of the Lenape Park system, while Nomahegan Park and the Cranford Canoe Club are notable recreational features.
Demographics
The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 24,296. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with significant Asian and Hispanic communities. The median household income is above the state average, with a high percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Population density is significant, contributing to its status as a densely populated suburb within the New York metropolitan area.
Economy
The local economy is characterized by a vibrant downtown commercial district along North Union Avenue, featuring a mix of independent retailers, restaurants, and professional services. Major employers include the Cranford Board of Education, Overlook Medical Center affiliated with Atlantic Health System, and various corporate offices along Raritan Road. The township is also a bedroom community for commuters to New York City via New Jersey Transit at the Cranford station on the Raritan Valley Line.
Government
Cranford operates under a Township Committee form of government under the Faulkner Act. The five-member Cranford Township Committee is elected in partisan elections, with the mayor chosen annually from among its members. As of 2024, the mayor is Brian Andrews. The township is part of New Jersey's 7th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Thomas Kean Jr., and is located in the 21st and 22nd legislative districts of the New Jersey Legislature.
Education
Public school students in grades PreK-12 are served by the Cranford Public Schools district, which includes Cranford High School. The district also participates in the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools system. Union County College has a campus in nearby the township. Private institutions include Holy Trinity Interparochial School, operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen.
Notable people
Notable current and former residents include actress Michele Lee, National Football League player Dennis Murphy, and Major League Baseball pitcher Bob Tufts. Journalist Mike Barnicle and United States Army officer John J. Pershing have also been associated with the community. Fictional portrayals include its depiction in the The CW television series *One Tree Hill*.
Category:Townships in Union County, New Jersey Category:Populated places established in 1871