Cranford is a Union County township centered on the Rahway River and a traditional downtown district. North Avenue and South Avenue meet near the NJ Transit station, where shops, restaurants, offices, and civic spaces create a walkable community center. The Raritan Valley Line connects Cranford with Newark and other central New Jersey destinations, while the Garden State Parkway and nearby Routes 22 and 28 provide regional road access. Residential neighborhoods extend outward from downtown and include a mix of historic homes, postwar development, apartments, and townhouses. The river runs through several parks and has played an important role in the township’s identity and planning. Nomahegan Park, situated near the Kenilworth border, is one of the area’s major recreational spaces. Cranford borders Garwood, Westfield, Clark, Winfield, Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, Kenilworth, and Springfield. Its compact downtown, rail connection, parks, and established neighborhoods have made it one of Union County’s best-known suburban communities.