Fanwood, NJ Real Estate in 2026: Small Borough, Serious Demand

Fanwood doesn't have the name recognition of Summit or the square footage of Westfield, but buyers who do their homework keep landing here — and Union County Life has tracked consistent interest in this borough for good reason. This 2.2-square-mile borough punches well above its weight in school quality, commute access, and neighborhood stability. The 2026 market reflects that: inventory stays tight, well-priced homes move fast, and sellers generally hold the upper hand.

What the Market Actually Feels Like Right Now

Competitive, but not chaotic. Correctly priced single-family homes — particularly in the $550,000–$750,000 range — are still drawing multiple offers within the first two weekends. Homes that are updated, on quieter streets, and within walking distance of the Fanwood Train Station tend to go over ask. The upper end of the market, homes pushing toward $850,000 and above, moves more selectively, but strong comps continue to support those prices.

Types of Homes Available

Single-family homes are the backbone of Fanwood real estate. Expect mostly Cape Cods, colonials, and split-levels built from the 1940s through the 1970s, with a solid share of those homes meaningfully updated in the last decade. Lot sizes are modest — most properties have usable yards and decent storage, but this isn't sprawling suburban territory.

Condos and townhomes represent a smaller slice of the market. Buyers looking for lower-maintenance living near transit have options, though that inventory moves quickly when it appears. Multi-family properties come up occasionally but remain a thin segment given Fanwood's predominantly residential character.


Prices Ranges by Area

Homes near the Fanwood Train Station and the South Avenue corridor — walkable to downtown, easy NJ Transit access — typically run from the mid-$500,000s into the low-$700,000s depending on size and condition. Streets further from the station with larger lots can push into the $750,000–$900,000 range when updated. Entry-level inventory below $500,000 exists but is sparse and moves immediately. Ranges are approximate; verify current comps with a local agent before making offers.

What Buyers Love About This Market

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District is the single biggest demand driver. Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School consistently ranks among the stronger public high schools in Union County, and buyers with school-age children factor that directly into their offer decisions. It's not unusual for families to pass on larger homes in adjacent towns specifically to stay within this district.

The commute holds up too. Fanwood Station on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line connects to Newark Penn Station, with transfers to New York Penn. Door-to-desk for midtown Manhattan typically runs 60–75 minutes — honest for this price point, and more reliable than driving.

What Sellers Should Know

Fanwood buyers are typically well-informed — many have already toured comparable homes in Westfield, Cranford, and Scotch Plains. Staging, updated listing photos, and disciplined pricing matter here. Sellers who anchor to recent comps and highlight school district and commute access consistently outperform those chasing wishful numbers.

Quick Facts: Fanwood, NJ Real Estate

• Borough size: 2.2 square miles

• School district: Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District

• High school: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School

• NJ Transit line: Raritan Valley Line — Fanwood Station

• Commute to NYC: Approx. 60–75 minutes to Midtown (via Newark Penn transfer)

• Typical price range: Mid-$500,000s–$900,000s depending on location and condition

• Home types: Cape Cods, colonials, split-levels (1940s–1970s); some condos and townhomes
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What school district serves Fanwood, NJ? Fanwood is served by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District, which includes Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School — one of the more consistently well-regarded public high schools in Union County. School district access is a primary driver of buyer demand and home values in the borough.

How long is the commute from Fanwood to New York City? Fanwood Station sits on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line. Riders transfer at Newark Penn Station to reach New York Penn. Door-to-desk commute time to Midtown Manhattan typically runs 60–75 minutes depending on connection timing. Confirm current schedules on the NJ Transit website before making commute-based decisions.

What are typical home prices in Fanwood, NJ? Most single-family homes in Fanwood sell in the mid-$500,000s to low-$700,000s near the station and South Avenue corridor. Updated homes on larger lots further from the station can reach $750,000–$900,000. Entry-level inventory below $500,000 exists but is limited and moves fast. All ranges are approximate — work with a local agent for current comps.

Contact Viviana Zapata (908-217-7477) to see listings in Fanwood. Get pre-approved with Mike Vrlaku (732-977-9970, NMLS #179115).