This month's featured community is CRANFORD, NJ 


Nestled in the center of Union County, close to NYC, the Jersey Shore, and the mountains!!   18 miles from Manhattan, with rail and bus connections to the City of New York, Newark, and Elizabeth.  Abundant in community services, excellent educational facilities, recreational activities abound, and a lovely downtown.  Cranford has two entrance/exits off the Garden State Parkway, #'s 136 and 137. Always rated highly by the New Jersey Magazine, you will find this community has about every advantage you might be seeking!! 

When flying over Cranford, one sees a blanket of green tree tops, and not much else, typifing why New Jersey is called "The Garden State."


EDUCATION-   Cranford receives high scores by the State Department of Education, as evidenced on the web.  The school system is composed of numerous grade schools, two identical middle school buildings, and a wonderful high school facility.  Union County College is located in Cranford, and has expanded into other locations in the county.  Kean University is only a few miles away.  There are other educational opportunites as well.  Call for further information.
RECREATION-   A state of the art running track surrounds the newly
installed artificial turf football field, all of which together with baseball diamonds, two municipal swim utitilies and health club, along with tennis courts in numerous locations, makes Cranford a very accommodating community for the residents. Recently, the governing body (five commissioners elected at large) voted to construct a skate board park to encourage safety amongst those who enjoy the sport.
PUBLIC SAFETY-   A discription of Cranford would be totally lacking if public safety organizations were not  properly  covered.   Professional police and paid fire departments are both at the highest professional levels.  Emergency medical services are provided by the Volunteer Cranford First Aid Squad and per diem township employees.   These vital resources make this town a very safeplae in which to reside!  Cranford is determined to maintain the Cranford First Aid Squad, which was organized back in the late 1940's, along with paid Emergency Medical Technicians to assure immediate response by well trained personnel.  All departments work together in a coordinated manner.  This writer has had occasion to need such support, and can vouch for the professional care that was provided.
 SHOPPING-    Cranford has a Downtown District which was created at a time when the need was great.  The older buildings, well-worn sidewalks and unsightly lamps, etc., required updating.  Cranford was the first community to take advantage of new state legislation allowing for the creation of a "special improvement district."   Improvements have been made and are appreciated.  The work continues as new needs arise.  The district is governed by an appointed board and administered by a paid professional staff.

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS-  This town boasts the Cranford  Historical Society, complete with knowledgeable historians, who have chroniclized the community's history.   This group is loved by the citizenry.They are located in the "Hanson House", the residence of Dr. Hanson.     (Incidentally, Dr. Hansen treated the writer when I contacted the measles!) Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Daughters of the American Revolution, Cranford Woman's Club, various notable garden clubs (proper names to be added asap), are only a sampling of the community oriented volunteerism of Cranford's citizens. (If you want your club added, please send us an email!)
CULTURE-   Theatre takes no back seat in Cranford.  The Cranford Dramatic Club, organized years ago (1950's) offers plays on a regular basis in their own free standing theatre building.  This group adds a certain dimension to the town.   There is at least one community orchestra which is composed of musicians of all ages!   There performances can be viewed on Community Access TV Channel 35.  Literature is taught at the college and within the Cranford Public Library.  Art is available at college, adult school, and within clubs.  A stroll through the downtown will provide the prospective you you need.

There is much more to say about Cranford, NJ.  As Realtors, we know that you will be greatly satisfied if you decide on Cranford, New Jersey.  Population is roughly 22,500.  Size is 5+ square miles.  Garden State Parkway exits 137 and 136 are within its borders.  We were both born here, raised our children here, and are determine to stay here!!  Can there be a better endorsement?  And the people?  Terrific!  There is pride in the community about the community.  Plenty of activites, and plenty of privacy and solitude as you so desire!  Call us and say hello!!

Signed:  Arthur A. Kiamie and Yvonne Kathleen Kiamie, Co-Owners and Co-Brokers of the firm.