Is Garwood a Good Place to Live?
Garwood, New Jersey is a small borough in Union County with a population of about 4,300 people. This compact town spans just 0.7 square miles but offers many benefits for residents. If you're wondering whether Garwood is a good place to live, this article will help you understand what life is like in this small New Jersey community.
Location and Accessibility
Garwood's location is one of its strongest selling points. The town sits about 20 miles southwest of New York City, making it a popular choice for commuters. The Garwood train station on the NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line provides direct service to Newark, where connections to New York are available.
For drivers, Garwood offers easy access to major highways including the Garden State Parkway and Route 22. This makes travel throughout New Jersey simple and convenient. The town's central location in Union County means residents can reach neighboring towns like Westfield, Cranford, and Clark in minutes.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing in Garwood consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments and condominiums available too. The housing market is generally more affordable than in neighboring Westfield or Cranford, making it attractive to first-time homebuyers.
Property taxes in New Jersey are known to be high, and Garwood is no exception. However, the overall cost of living is reasonable compared to nearby towns. Residents get good value considering the quality of services and the convenient location.
Schools and Education
Garwood has one public school, Lincoln School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school is known for small class sizes, which allows for more individual attention for students.
For high school, Garwood students attend Arthur L. Johnson High School in neighboring Clark. The regional high school offers a full range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. Families who value education often find Garwood's school options satisfactory, though they may not be as highly ranked as some other Union County districts.
Safety and Crime
Garwood has a reputation as a safe community with low crime rates. The Garwood Police Department provides responsive service to the small borough, and many residents report feeling secure in their neighborhoods. The small-town atmosphere means neighbors often know each other, creating a natural community watch system.
Community and Lifestyle
Despite its small size, Garwood offers a strong sense of community. The town hosts several annual events including a Christmas tree lighting, Halloween parade, and summer concerts in the park. These events help build connections among residents.
The Garwood Public Library serves as a community hub, offering programs for children and adults. Recreation options include Garwood Sports and Recreation Complex, which has baseball fields, basketball courts, and a playground.
For shopping, the Garwood Mall provides basic retail needs, while the downtown area has some small businesses and restaurants. For more extensive shopping options, residents can easily visit nearby towns like Westfield, which has a vibrant downtown shopping district.
Dining and Entertainment
Garwood has several popular restaurants and bars that serve as local gathering spots. The Crossroads is known for live music, while The Station Bar & Grill and Rudy's Ristorante are favorite dining options. For more variety, residents can quickly reach the wider selection of restaurants in neighboring towns.
While Garwood itself doesn't have movie theaters or major entertainment venues, these amenities are just a short drive away in surrounding communities.
Parks and Recreation
Garwood has limited green space due to its small size, but it makes good use of what it has. The main recreation area is the Garwood Sports and Recreation Complex on the east side of town. For more extensive outdoor activities, residents can visit nearby county parks like Nomahegan Park in Cranford or the Watchung Reservation.
The Small-Town Advantage
One of Garwood's main appeals is its small-town character. Residents often mention the friendly atmosphere where people know their neighbors. The compact size means you can walk to many places in town, creating a close-knit feel that's increasingly rare in suburban areas.
The borough government is accessible to residents, and many people appreciate the personal touch in town services. The mayor and council members are often familiar faces around town.
Challenges of Living in Garwood
Like any community, Garwood has its drawbacks. The small size means limited commercial options within town borders. Residents typically need to travel to neighboring towns for major shopping trips.
Some parts of town deal with traffic noise from the train line and major roads. Parking can be tight in certain neighborhoods, especially those with older homes built before multi-car families became common.
The borough's small tax base sometimes limits resources for public services and improvements, though the town generally maintains good basic services.
Who Would Enjoy Living in Garwood?
Garwood tends to appeal to several types of residents. Commuters who work in Newark or New York appreciate the train access and central location. First-time homebuyers often find Garwood's housing prices more manageable than surrounding towns.
Families with young children may be drawn to the small school environment and safe neighborhoods. Empty nesters and retirees sometimes choose Garwood for its walkability and community feel.
Final Thoughts on Garwood as a Place to Live
Garwood offers a balance of small-town charm with convenient access to urban amenities. It provides a more affordable entry point to Union County living while maintaining good services and a strong community spirit.
The borough may not have the prestige or extensive amenities of some neighboring towns, but many residents find that its friendly atmosphere, manageable size, and central location make it an excellent place to call home.
If you value knowing your neighbors, want a reasonable commute to New York or Newark, and prefer a quieter lifestyle with easy access to bigger towns when needed, Garwood might be the right fit for you.
