History
Revolutionary-era landmarks
The Frazee House, Osborn Cannonball House, Scotch Plains Baptist Church and Stage House site connect the township to more than three centuries of local history.
Scotch Plains, New Jersey
A practical NJTGO guide to Scotch Plains — downtown, local businesses, food, recreation, history, housing and community resources.
Scotch Plains at a glance
9.0 sq. mi.Township land area
≈24,968Population cited by the township
Union CountyWestern side of the county
1684Early European settlement
Scotch Plains combines a historic Park Avenue center with residential neighborhoods, a major Route 22 commercial corridor and extensive recreation. The township sits at the base of the Watchung Reservation and borders Fanwood, Westfield, Plainfield, Berkeley Heights, Mountainside, Clark and communities across the Somerset and Middlesex county lines.
Why Scotch Plains stands out
Black history
Shady Rest
Shady Rest began in 1921 as the first African-American country club in the United States. Its story includes pioneering golfer John Shippen and performances by major jazz-era artists.
Local life
Downtown and Route 22
Park Avenue and nearby streets provide a walkable cluster of independent restaurants, cafés, shops and services, while Route 22 adds a larger retail and dining corridor.
Outdoors
Parks, golf and recreation
Township parks, Ash Brook Golf Course, Scotch Hills/Shady Rest and the northern edge of the Watchung Reservation give residents and visitors multiple ways to spend time outdoors.
Start with the part of town you need
Business & Shopping
Independent retail, professional offices, health services, automotive, home services, fitness and more — with restaurants kept on the Food & Drink page.
Food & Drink
A substantial in-town dining directory spanning coffee, pizza, pubs, Indian, sushi, Afghan, seafood, delis, breakfast and plant-based choices.
Visiting
Historic sites, municipal parks, public golf and nearby lodging options clearly labeled when they are outside township boundaries.
Getting around
US Route 22 is Scotch Plains’ major east–west commercial highway. Park Avenue, Front Street, Westfield Avenue, Mountain Avenue, Raritan Road and Martine Avenue are important local routes. Scotch Plains does not have an NJ Transit rail station inside the township; neighboring Fanwood Station is the closest rail stop for many residents and visitors, so check current NJ Transit schedules before traveling.
Town services and schools
Township of Scotch Plains
Municipal offices are at 430 Park Avenue. The township site carries current calendars, public notices, planning information, recreation programs, recycling information and employment postings.
Scotch Plains–Fanwood Public Schools
The shared regional district serves both municipalities. In-town schools include Brunner, Coles, Evergreen, McGinn, School One, Nettingham Middle, Terrill Middle and Scotch Plains–Fanwood High School.
Town profile and history checked against the Township of Scotch Plains in September 2026. Business and visitor information should be rechecked before a special trip because hours and operations can change.
NJTGO offers advertising and enhanced visibility opportunities for local businesses. Free directory listings do not include private business website links.
Learn about NJTGO advertising →