Union: More Than Just a College Town

By: Isabella Cobo | Publish Date: April 6th, 2026

Located in Union County, Union, New Jersey is a township often associated with Kean University. This leads many commuters to view it primarily as a college town, highlighting only its academic environment and campus life. However, Union, like many towns in New Jersey, often goes unnoticed for the other characteristics it has to offer. The township functions as a pleasant residential area, home to many local businesses, and a strong social identity. Union features retail stores, cafés, green spaces, and restaurants throughout its neighborhoods. 

While academic and campus life is highly visible in Union due to it being the home of Kean University, the township maintains a calm and family-oriented atmosphere. Its residential neighborhoods and traditional suburban architecture contribute to an environment that many outsiders find appealing. Over the years, Union has attracted families from different parts of New Jersey who are looking to settle in quieter areas. At the same time, the township is home to long-term residents who have lived there for many years and value the balance of tranquility and accessibility it offers. Union provides what many consider the best of both worlds: convenient access to businesses and major roads, while maintaining a peaceful residential character. 

Union’s commercial presence is largely concentrated along Route 22, which stretches across a significant portion of the township and hosts a wide range of retail stores and restaurants that attract both residents and commuters. As one of the busiest highways in the area, Route 22 serves as a daily transit corridor for thousands of New Jersey residents. Although many drivers travel along this route out of necessity rather than with the intention of visiting Union, the commercial activity along Route 22 demonstrates that the township functions not only as a college town, but also as a strong commercial center capable of drawing visitors beyond its academic identity.  

Beyond its commercial and academic appeal, Union is also highly diverse. Cultural diversity is evident throughout the township, reflected in the variety of businesses and shops representing different nationalities. The large and diverse student population at Kean University further contributes to the township’s multicultural character, bringing additional perspectives and backgrounds into the community. Union also offers a number of community spaces that serve as gathering places during the summer and for major township events, attracting not only local residents but also visitors from neighboring areas such as Elizabeth and Hillside. The township hosts various cultural events, particularly in its downtown area, including parades and seasonal celebrations. These activities demonstrate that Union functions not only as the home of a university campus but as a combination of students, families, and long-term residents who collectively shape its identity. 

Nothing represents Union’s diversity better than its downtown area. This part of the township is made up of numerous businesses, including restaurants and shops, while maintaining a welcoming and walkable atmosphere. Kean University students often walk through the downtown area between classes to pass time before their next lecture, and residents also enjoy the area as part of their daily routines. However, the rhythm of the township shifts depending on the academic calendar. During the fall and spring semesters, Union becomes noticeably more active as students move through its streets. In contrast, the summer months bring a quieter pace, allowing residents to take greater advantage of local establishments and public spaces. 

Continuing with the downtown experience, Stuyvesant Avenue plays an important role in shaping Union’s identity. The avenue features a mix of cafés, restaurants, and entertainment venues that contribute to the township’s appeal. Unlike the fast pace of Route 22, this part of Union maintains a calmer atmosphere and is frequented mostly by residents looking for options close to home, as well as visitors from neighboring towns seeking dining and entertainment.  

“Stuyvesant Avenue is the best option when I have gaps between classes. There are countless ways to spend time and have fun,” a Kean student said. 

For those interested in history, Union is also home to Liberty Hall Museum, also known as the Governor William Livingston House, located near Kean University. The site preserves a significant part of Union’s historical legacy and attracts visitors who value colonial architecture and seek to better understand the township’s past. Liberty Hall offers a quieter and more reflective experience for those looking to spend time in a calm and educational setting. The museum highlights Union’s historical identity and reinforces that the township offers more than just academic and commercial spaces. Contrary to what some may assume, Liberty Hall is open to the public, further enriching Union’s variety of attractions.  

Although Union is often recognized primarily for Kean University, the township offers far more to New Jersey than its academic distinction. From the commercial activity along Route 22 to the calm atmosphere of a walk-through downtown, the cultural diversity of its residents, and the historical depth represented by Liberty Hall Museum, Union brings together multiple dimensions within one community. While many may initially view it as simply a college town, those who take a closer look can recognize the balance the township provides. Union connects different identities and cultures, creating a place defined by accessibility and tranquility. It is not only the home of a university, but also a residential, commercial, cultural, and historical township that should not be overlooked.