Covering all 21 municipalities — written by people who live here, edited by people who care.
OUR MISSION
Union County deserves better than Google's directory results and Yelp's review pile. We built UCL to be the place neighbors actually use.
Every business listing is reviewed by a human. Every article has a real byline. Every recommendation comes from someone who lives here.
We are independent. We are local. We are not going anywhere.
OUR NEWSROOM
Managing Editor
Sarah oversees the daily editorial operations of Union County Life, ensuring our coverage remains sharp, accurate, and deeply local. A lifelong New Jersey resident with a background in regional journalism, Sarah is passionate about the intersection of local government and neighborhood impact. Whether she's decoding a municipal budget or editing the Weekend Pulse map, Sarah's goal is to make local news truly actionable for Union County families.
Community & Events Editor
If it's happening in Union County this weekend, Marcus already knows about it. As our lead events curator, Marcus scours the 21 municipalities to find everything from hidden gem street fairs in Rahway to high school playoff rivalries in Westfield. He believes that a strong community is built on shared experiences, and he dedicates his week to making sure you never have to ask, "What are we doing this weekend?"
Business & Development Reporter
Elena keeps her finger on the pulse of Union County's economic engine. From tracking active construction permits and downtown revitalization projects to spotlighting the newest small business openings, Elena's reporting helps residents understand how their towns are evolving. She loves sitting down with local business owners to tell the stories behind the storefronts.
Schools & Family Contributor
As a father of two navigating the local education system, David brings a parent's perspective to his reporting. He tracks the 21 different Boards of Education across the county, breaking down school calendar changes, local youth sports initiatives, and family-friendly community programs. His monthly "Family Navigator" column is a staple for busy parents looking to maximize their time.
Local Eats & Culture Writer
Chloe is the resident foodie and culture scout for Union County Life. She spends her time finding the best off-the-beaten-path diners, reviewing new restaurant openings, and curating the Ultimate Happy Hour lists. With a sharp eye for a great aesthetic and an even sharper palate, Chloe ensures our readers always know the best table in town.
WHO BUILT THIS
Branch Manager · New American Funding
Mike Vrlaku doesn't just finance homes; he engineers a smarter home-buying process. With over two decades of residential lending experience and over a billion dollars in closed volume, Mike has built a reputation across Union County for precision, transparency, and eliminating friction from the transaction. As a published author on real estate strategy and a tech-forward operator, Mike actively develops proprietary tools — like local mortgage rate trackers — to give his clients a mathematical edge in any market. He believes in moving right, not just moving fast, ensuring clients understand every number before they sign. When he isn't orchestrating seamless closings or analyzing market data, you can usually find him getting an early morning Peloton session in or hunting down the perfect, well-done local pizza.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elite
Viviana Zapata has built one of Union County's most dynamic real estate practices on a simple premise: detail dictates success. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Viviana serves as a true local insider for her clients across all 21 municipalities. For buyers, her relentless networking and strategic community outreach — often hitting the pavement to connect directly with homeowners — uncovers hidden, off-market opportunities before they ever reach the public feeds. For sellers, her meticulous approach to property presentation, marketing, and pricing consistently drives offers well over the asking price. Based out of Cranford, Viviana's trademark is her fierce advocacy and a level of deep, personal availability that makes every family feel like they are her only client.
HOW WE WORK
Our stories come from local sources, municipal meetings, and the people who live here. We do not republish press releases as news.
Every article published on UCL is reviewed by an editor before it goes live. No exceptions.
We make mistakes. When we do, we correct them in plain sight at the top of the article.