Kenilworth, NJ

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Kenilworth was incorporated in 1907 and was originally marketed by a real estate syndicate as a carefully planned industrial and residential community called "New Orange." The town struggled early on but eventually stabilized through manufacturing. A little-known fact is that Kenilworth was once home to an early 20th-century amusement park called Fandango Park, which failed but left a legacy of unique street layouts.

The present demographic leans heavily toward multi-generational families, tradespeople, and pharmaceutical employees. The Boulevard serves as the main commercial spine, offering a straightforward mix of pharmacies, local Italian restaurants, and essential services without luxury retail. Kenilworth is overwhelmingly known today as the global headquarters for Merck & Co., whose massive campus dominates the northern edge of the borough and significantly subsidizes the local tax base.

Kenilworth is distinct because of its massive corporate tax offset, allowing it to maintain strong services without the intense property tax burden seen in neighboring towns. A local would want an outsider to understand that it is a proud, no-nonsense town — you don't move here for a bustling nightlife, you move here for stability, great local delis, and a peaceful, deeply rooted neighborhood environment.

Events

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Arts & Entertainment

Planet Dance Season 25 Free Open House

Planet Dance

Health & Wellness

Kenilworth Borough Health Fair

Kenilworth

Health

Community Health Fair in Kenilworth, NJ — September 2026

St. Theresa's Elementary School

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Town Guide

About Kenilworth

When is trash pickup in Kenilworth?+

Trash and recycling schedules vary by street in Kenilworth. Visit the Kenilworth municipal website or contact Public Works for your specific pickup day. Most Union County municipalities offer online schedule lookup by address.

What school district covers Kenilworth?+

Kenilworth is served by its local public school district within Union County, NJ. The district includes elementary, middle, and high school levels. Visit the New Jersey Department of Education website or the Kenilworth municipal site for enrollment information and school assignments by address.

How do I get a parking permit in Kenilworth?+

Parking permits in Kenilworth are issued through the municipal clerk or parking authority. Requirements and fees vary. Contact Kenilworth Borough Hall or Township Hall directly, or visit the municipal website for current permit applications and residential parking zone information.

What are the best parks in Kenilworth?+

Kenilworth offers a variety of parks and recreational spaces maintained by the municipality and Union County Parks system. Warinanco Park, Echo Lake Park, and Nomahegan Park are among the most popular county parks. Visit ucnj.org/parks for the full county parks directory, or check the Kenilworth municipal website for local park listings.

How do I contact Kenilworth municipal offices?+

The Kenilworth municipal offices handle permits, licenses, tax payments, and general resident services. Contact information is available on the official Kenilworth municipal website. Most Union County municipalities are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. For after-hours emergencies, contact the local police non-emergency line.

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Viviana Zapata, REALTOR®

YOUR UNION COUNTY REAL ESTATE EXPERT

Viviana Zapata

REALTOR® · Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elite

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson · NJ · 181 North Ave East, Cranford NJ

Union County Life's real estate content, listings, and IDX data are presented under the license and control of Viviana Zapata, REALTOR®. All property searches and listing displays on this site are Viviana's displays.

Viviana Zapata, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elite. 181 North Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016. Member NJMLS, CJMLS, GSMLS. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Garden State Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by other brokerage firms are marked as IDX Listing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. © 2026 Garden State MLS. All rights reserved.