Union County - Fanwood

FANWOOD is an independent borough, 1.3 square miles in size, population 7,300, in Union County, New Jersey. The town is located about 25 miles west and slightly south of Newark.

SCHOOLS

Fanwood’s public schools are part of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District. There are six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. A high percentage of our high school grads go to college.

BUSINESS

Fanwood has a downtown district that includes many thriving businesses.  Over the last five years, our downtown has enjoyed a rebirth made possible by new construction of several multi-use buildings including commercial and residential occupants. Another project is about to get underway to build new apartments and parking.

TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUTING

Many of our residents commute daily to New York City. Fanwood has a station on NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley commuter rail line. NJ Transit also has a full schedule of bus service from Fanwood to central and northern New Jersey and New York City.

PUBLIC SERVICES

Fanwood has an outstanding Department of Public Works that is squarely on top of all road and infrastructure management issues. Our roadways are maintained by our borough and Union County. Snow removal is done by both. Trash collection is provided by outside vendors. Plastic, metal, glass, paper, clothing, light metals and car batteries are recycled by our residents who bring them to our recycling center two days a week. Money raised by the sale of the recyclables goes back into our community. Fanwood is served by a paid police force, a volunteer fire department and a volunteer ambulance squad.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Our town is served by a volunteer fire department and volunteer rescue squad. Both organizations are always looking for new members and can be contacted through their websites. The borough itself has a number of standing committees, all volunteer, which coordinate recreation programs, communications, art, historic preservation and our annual street fairs. Please contact mayor@fanwoodnj.org if you wish more information on openings or want to volunteer.

SUSTAINABLE JERSEY

Volunteers are encouraged to join this effort to have Fanwood certified as a leader in environmental sanity and the long-term life of its community. Learn more at the Sustainable Jersey page.

HISTORY

Fanwood was first a station along the Central New Jersey Railroad, then became its own town in 1895.