Scotch Plains Real Estate: Enjoy Your Warm Welcome to the Quaint Small Town Lifestyle
The charming New Jersey town of Scotch Plains offers more than a dozen parks and a lively town center, but adds a taste of practicality with its affordable homes and close proximity to New York City and Newark Liberty International Airport. House hunters searching real estate listings for sale that are close to many of the state’s biggest attractions, while maintaining the tranquility of a small town, love Scotch Plains.
Homeowners in this quaint town are treated to a thriving downtown with more than 50 stores, a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, two golf courses, an impressive assortment of restaurants, and an outstanding school system. All of that, plus it’s less than 30 minutes to the excitement and glamor of New York City and about an hour from the beautiful Jersey Shore.
It’s no wonder that Scotch Plains has seen a steady rise in its population over the last 30 years. It doesn’t hurt that the town is one of the 50 safest places to live in NJ, according to Safewise.com and that new arrivals are given a warm welcome by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Newcomers Club.
“I love Scotch Plains,” says 50 year Scotch Plains resident and homeowner, Mike Novello. “It’s 20 minutes from the greatest city in the world; it’s an hour from the beach; it’s an hour from skiing. Also, we’ve got a great school system and there’s a mix of mountains and greens. We’ve got it all including a central location near everything.”
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Whether you work in Newark, New York City, Jersey City or practically anywhere in North and Central Jersey, there’s a convenient way to get there within an hour or less from Scotch Plains. New York City is about a 30-minute drive east, while the town is located just over 25 minutes west of Newark Liberty International Airport. Route 22, a major highway running through town, provides easy access to many other areas and highways such as Route 78, The Garden State Parkway, The New Jersey Turnpike and Route 80.
Commuters appreciate nearby Fanwood’s rail service to Newark’s Penn Station, approximately 30 minutes away, while NJ Transit provides four bus lines connecting Scotch Plains to the Port Authority in Manhattan, with three other buses going to Newark.
With a population just under 24,000, there are enough homeowners living in Scotch Plains to create a flourishing town without the crowds you find in urban cities. Based on the price range of its real estate, Scotch Plains has home listings for multiple budgets. Prices start in the high $400,000’s and range upwards to over $1.2 million. Some of the homes date back to the 1700s, but most homes for sale were built within the last 65 years. The town features mostly colonial style architecture, with some ranch, split-level and Cape Cod style homes available as well.
For families or couples interested in starting a family, not only does the Scotch Plains public school system rank among the top 10 percent among New Jersey districts according to Schooldigger.com, there are also six private schools located within the town limits, and 10 other private schools located nearby. No matter what your educational needs or desires for your children, you’ll find a quality solution in Scotch Plains.
Green Parkland and Golf Courses Sprinkled Throughout Town
Golfers of all skill levels have plenty of courses to choose from with two 18-hole courses in Scotch Plains and seven others located just 30 minutes away. And for kids of all ages, Bowcraft Amusement Park’s collection of fun family attractions and thrill rides has been providing exciting entertainment for more than 60 years and is located right in town!
Nature lovers spot foxes, rabbits, colorful birds and more while exploring trails at the Scotch Plains Crestwood Wildlife Sanctuary. For active adults and children, the town offers a variety of outdoor recreational areas to enjoy. The 29-acre Brookside Park features its own wildlife preserve for hiking and photo safaris, in addition to a roller hockey court, a basketball court and a playground. If that’s not enough, Kramer Manor Park boasts seven tennis courts, in addition to many other playing fields.
And when it’s hot outside, the Scotch Plains Community Pool provides welcome relief. The pool also features a popular grilling and picnic area, free swimming lessons, newly installed Wi-Fi and a pristine 25-meter pool.
Live Theater, Tons of Shopping and a Full Menu of Dining Options
Scotch Plains boasts plenty of shopping and indoor entertainment opportunities, too. There are 43 restaurants within five miles of the town limits, including two steakhouses and three Italian eateries. Watch every new release at the AMC Loews Mountainside 10, located just minutes away.
Avid shoppers won’t be disappointed in the hundreds of stores located within 20 minutes of town. The unique and compact Scotch Plains business district features more than 50 boutiques and stores ranging from antique shops to comic book stores. But that’s just the beginning. There are a multitude of department stores along Route 22 and more than 50 retailers at Watchung Square Mall and the Blue Star Shopping Center, just 10 minutes away.
For more extensive shopping lists, the upscale Mall at Short Hills offers over 160 stores and restaurants, including designer retailers like Dior, Giorgio Armani, Moleskin and Sydney Thomas Jewelers. Shoppers easily get lost in the sea of opportunities and sales in and around Scotch Plains.
Locally, the S.T.A.R.S. Theatre, funded by the Scotch Plains Recreational Department, is one of many Scotch Plains initiatives that knit the community together. S.T.A.R.S. is a community theater program, allowing residents to participate and act in multiple local productions, such as “The Sound of Music” and “High School Musical.”
Small Town Charm and Big City Convenience at an Affordable Price
A convenient location combined with acres of pristine green parkland and hundreds of shopping and dining options make Scotch Plains a popular place to call home.
Real estate listings for sale are reasonably priced, the public school system is highly regarded, the town is less than an hour from both New York City and Newark Liberty International Airport. Plus, it’s just a short drive away from the fun of the Jersey Shore. When you add the unique charm of the S.T.A.R.S. Theatre and small town beauty of its downtown area, it’s easy to see why house hunters looking to relocate to North Jersey are looking in Scotch Plains.
“They’ve revitalized the downtown area and brought in some new restaurants and shops which have really added new life,” Novello said. “It’s great for kids, especially with so many sports now. No matter where you are in town, there’s always a park nearby where you can play.”
