Cranford NJ Real Estate - Homes

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Cranford, NJ Area Guide

Cranford is a township in Union County, New Jersey. As of 2000 Census, the township’s population was approximately 22,600. Cranford Township unfolds from the banks of the meandering Rahway River and has been dubbed the "Venice of New Jersey".
New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Cranford as its 37th best place to live in its 2008 rankings of the "Best Places to Live" in New Jersey.

The Union County Township was known at the turn of the century as the Venice of New Jersey. In 1720, John Crane of nearby Elizabeth Towne built a grist mill on the north side of a ford in the river and a sawmill on the south side.

Cranford remained a backwater until 1838, when the Elizabethtown and Somerville Railroad made it accessible to New York City. "The railroad and the river led to Cranford's development, first as a recreation center and later as a commuter suburb of New York City," said Lawrence P. Fuhro, president of the Cranford Historical Society.

In 1871 Cranford was incorporated as a township and by 1885, 76 residents commuted daily to New York City. For many who built their homes along Rahway, the river quickly lost its charm. There was frequent flooding until the late 1970's, when the town, with aid from the Army Corps of Engineers and several state agencies, built detention basins and dredged the river.

The most important of the many historic buildings is the 1740 Williams Droescher Mill. Now owned by a messenger service used as an office building, it is the oldest continuously operated commercial building in New Jersey. Its cast-iron water turbine is still in place.

Cranford Parks and Recreation

The mission of the Cranford Recreation and Parks Department is to provide leisure programs and activities for the citizens and guests of Cranford. The benefits of leisure services are designed to meet the mental, physical and social needs of our residents in the community, while enhancing the overall quality of life.

For more information on Cranford Parks and Recreation visit the official website by clicking here

Cranford Events

The Cranford area is home to many spectacular events that will keep you and your family busy throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in sports or museums, Cranford had something for you! Please view the links below for further information regarding events and attractions in the area.

For a complete list of events in Cranford visit the events calendar by clicking here

For more information on Cranford, NJ visit the official website by clicking here

For the Cranford Chamber of Commerce website click here