Scotch Plains

When Business Week magazine compiled its list of the best affordable suburbs in the United States in 2009, Scotch Plains was top pick in New Jersey. The article cited the area's golf clubs, antique shops and historic town center as notable amenities, while an average commute of less than 30 minutes was also an important aspect of their findings.

This suburban township in Union County has a population of approximately 23,000 residents. Conveniently located near Route 22 for commuters headed toward Newark or New York City, the nine-square-mile township boasts lively commercial and residential districts. Surrounding towns include Westfield, Fanwood, Cranford and New Providence.

Many notable people have lived in Scotch Plains including acclaimed author Judy Blume, former governor of New Jersey Donald DiFrancesco, singer and songwriter Pat Dinizio of The Smithereens, and Nathan Jones, NFL quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.

History

Scotch Plains was settled by Scotch immigrants in the late 1600s who had landed at Perth Amboy under the leadership of George Scot. The name Scot's Plains traces back to these early days. The Battle of Short Hills was fought in the township's Ash Swamp on June 26, 1777. Parts of this battle took place along Rahway Road as Washington's troops moved toward the safety of the Watchung Mountains.

In 1878, Scotch Plains was called Fanwood Township; some portions of town were taken in 1895 to form Fanwood Borough. A town referendum renamed Fanwood Township Scotch Plains in 1917. For many years, Scotch Plains consisted mainly of family farms and farmland. Construction of Route 22 in 1930 played a large role in the township's development.

Community Life

There are social and recreational events for all age groups in Scotch Plains. Youth sports are plentiful, including local baseball and soccer associations. Clubs and volunteer groups include the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, Scotch Plains Fanwood Newcomers' Club, Scotch Plains Junior Woman's Club, Scotch Plains-Fanwood UNICO and Scotch Plains Rotary Club.

The Scotch Plains Library at 1927 Bartle Avenue sponsors book clubs, storytelling for children, career workshops, teen events and author visits.

Education

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional School District oversees the public schools in Scotch Plains. There are five elementary schools: the Howard B. Brunner Elementary School, J. Ackerman Coles School, Evergreen School, William J. McGinn School and School One. Middle grades attend Park Middle School or Terrill Middle School. Students from Scotch Plains and Fanwood combine at the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

St. Bartholomew Academy is a Catholic school for Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade students. Union Catholic Regional High School is a private school serving students from throughout the region.

Real Estate

An enviable location 25 miles west of Manhattan has made Scotch Plains a popular commuter community. There are diverse home styles and price ranges within the township. Estate-caliber properties in the million-dollar-plus range, newly constructed custom Colonials are listed in the $800,000 to $900,000 range, spacious ranch and split level homes are available in the $400,000 to $500,000 range, and town house and condominiums priced from the $200,000s to upper $300,000s are currently on the market.

Similar to many other residential areas of Scotch Plains, Canterbury is a quiet neighborhood north of Route 22 and set apart from the business of the commercial part of town. In the 1940s, the unique Crestwood neighborhood was established featured mainly Cape Cod-style homes in the part of town bordering Westfield. Many of the original homes have been replaced by newer and larger dwellings. A number of newly constructed condominium and townhome communities have sprung up in the past ten or 15 years, and most are convenient to Route 22.

Transportation

Scotch Plains residents can catch the Raritan Valley Line of New Jersey Transit for rail service to Manhattan from neighboring Fanwood. New Jersey Transit also provides local bus service to New York City and points around New Jersey. Newark Liberty International Airport is about 14 miles east of Scotch Plains along Route 22.

Scotch Plains offers easy access to major highways including Interstates 78 and 287, the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike.

Local Attractions

Bowcraft Amusement Park on Route 22 West has kept generations of children and teenagers happy with its classic attractions. This seasonal park has two roller coasters, arcade games, snack bars, a picnic grove and over 30 rides. The name Bowcraft originated from the period prior to the 1970s when park offered archery and arts and crafts.

1451 Raritan Road is the site of Betty and Gershom Frazee's simple 1700s homestead. Local lore says that when "Aunt" Betty told Lord Cornwallis he could have her fresh-baked bread for his English troops "Not out of love but out of fear," she became a local legend during the Battle of Short Hills. The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club is spearheading an effort to restore the circa 1760 home.

Osborn-Cannonball House Museum is a historic home located at 1840 East. Front Street and is open for tours on the first Sunday of every month from March until December. Built in the late 1700s, it was originally owned by prominent residents John and Abigail Osborn. Each room of the home offers a glimpse of Early American or Victorian life as told by costumed docents.