Get to Know Union County, New Jersey: Your Questions Answered

Union County, New Jersey, is a place where global corporations and small businesses thrive side-by-side. Where diverse communities come together. Where natural beauty is just a stone’s throw from bustling downtowns.

Whether you’re looking to build a career, raise a family, or simply visit for the day, Union County is a vibrant place to live, work, and explore.

 How does Union County Support Business Development?

Union County is a major economic force in New Jersey, home to some of the world’s most recognized companies. Corporations like Merck, L’Oreal, and Fiserv have significant operations here, drawn by the county’s talented workforce and strategic location.

Areas in Union County, like Elizabeth, are just across the Hudson River from New York City. Companies with a presence here can reach both New York and Newark in under 20 minutes. The Port of New York and New Jersey, the busiest seaport on the East Coast of North America, is also located in Elizabeth. Few places in the country offer the expansive connectivity that Union County does.

Companies also choose Union County because of its move-in-ready facilities. The Northeast Science and Technology Center (NEST), a life sciences and biotech campus, is one such location. Facilities in NEST include manufacturing space and 500,000 square feet of Class A office space, providing the ideal work environment to optimize collaboration and ideation.

Beyond this robust infrastructure, Union County is also committed to empowering its business community through tailored support. The Union County Office of Business Development offers a wide range of resources designed to help businesses of all sizes succeed, including:

• Workforce Training: Programs that equip employees with the skills needed for today’s industries.
• Small Business Mentorship: Guidance and support for local entrepreneurs looking to grow.
• Entrepreneur-Focused Resources: Tools to help new ventures get off the ground and thrive.

What Higher Education Institutions are Located in Union County?

Two major higher education institutions can be found in Union County. The first is Kean University, New Jersey’s first urban research university, which offers top-tier programs in fields such as education, business, and healthcare.

The second is Union College of Union County, NJ, the state’s oldest public community college. With several campuses across Cranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains, it serves recent high school graduates and working adults seeking affordable, high-quality education. The college is also federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, serving a large percentage of minority and first-generation students.

What Healthcare Facilities are Available in Union County?

Residents also have access to some of the region’s best healthcare facilities. Institutions like Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway, and Overlook Medical Center—including its Union campus—provide advanced medical care. This commitment to health and well-being ensures that every resident has access to the care they need.

What is it Like Living in Union County?

Beyond its economic strengths, Union County offers an outstanding quality of life. Towns like Summit, Westfield, and Cranford are known for their picturesque downtown areas, excellent school systems, and strong sense of community. You can spend an afternoon browsing local boutiques, dining at gourmet restaurants, or enjoying a show at a local theater.

The county manages thousands of acres of preserved land, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Its 36 parks include:

• Watchung Reservation: A 2,000-acre preserve with miles of hiking trails, a serene lake, and the Trailside Nature and Science Center.
• Warinanco Park: A beautifully designed park offering paddle boats, an ice skating rink, running tracks, and gardens.

Union County’s communities offer a welcoming atmosphere where neighbors connect and families lay down roots.

How Diverse is Union County?

Union County’s greatest strength may be its diversity. Its 21 municipalities are home to a vibrant mix of cultures from around the world, including large Hispanic, Haitian, and Portuguese communities. This global influence is reflected in the county’s arts, culinary, and entertainment scenes.

From lively downtowns filled with international cuisine to rich cultural festivals that celebrate shared heritage, Union County’s blend of cultures creates a dynamic and inclusive environment.