Fanwood

In 2019, New Jersey Monthly Magazine named Fanwood “New Jersey’s Best Small Town”. Mayor Colleen Mahr credited the remarkable win to “the heart of our hometown”––by which she meant Fanwood’s 7,500+ residents, business owners and organizations. (Source: fanwoodnj.org)

For those new to New Jersey (or simply new to the town), Fanwood actually has its own unofficial welcoming committee. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Newcomers and Neighbors is a non-profit social club that offers various activities to help new residents feel right at home.

And that’s not the only opportunity to mingle with your neighbors ––downtown Fanwood hosts several events each year including Small Business Saturday, the holiday tree lighting event and many more. Fanwood’s signature event, Fanny Wood Day, is a local favorite. Attendees can enjoy food, a craft fair, a petting zoo, kiddie rides, a trackless train, music and a whole host of fun activities like a meatball eating contest.

The town also has a highly-rated school system, comprising six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District proudly touts that it not only focuses on academics but also offers notable programs in the arts, athletics and extracurricular activities.

Residents who work in NYC can relax and enjoy the undeniable convenience of a true commuter town. The Fanwood Train Station is accessible on the NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line. Parking is available onsite. Drivers appreciate the town’s proximity to route 22 and the Garden State Parkway.