Over the past 10 years, Downtown Morristown has experienced a true renaissance. A downtown that once closed down at the end of each workday now surges continuously with vibrant street life.  On any given evening, local and regional patrons visit one of Morristown’s 141 restaurants, 20 bars, 9 coffee shops, and an award-winning 1,302-seat performing arts center and a state-of-the-art 10-screen cinema.

While many theories exist as to what exactly spurred Morristown’s comeback, everyone agrees that it never would have be possible without its historic fabric, traditional streets and iconic architecture.  Simply put, the town has great “bones.”

Morristown is home to 18,411 residents and serves as a workplace to over 22,000 people, including at least 13,800 office workers.  The downtown contains nearly 3,600 public parking spaces. Morristown serves as the seat of Morris County and is home to Morristown Medical Center.  It is 2.8 square miles in size, organized around a mixed-use downtown.  While the town boasts approximately 1M square feet of retail space (less than 4% of which are vacant), the majority of shops are owned by small business entrepreneurs.  New retail investments include Athleta, Blue Mercury, CVS, GameVault, and a new Whole Foods.

Morristown is situated at the intersection of numerous county roadways, two state highways, and I-287, which brings approximately 106,000 vehicles into the area each day. The historic train station also links several thousand commuters to the region and directly to Newark and New York City via NJ TRANSIT’s Morris and Essex line.  Morristown’s healthy commercial corridors are part of robust regional transportation routes and connect to, or intersect at, an idyllic urban park – the Morristown Green.

Hundreds of new residential units have injected new life and vibrancy into the downtown. Included among Morristown’s recent development projects is the landmark 40 Park complex developed by Roseland Properties, now almost 10 years ago.  More recent projects include a pair of Modera multi-family communities along Speedwell Avenue, constructed by Mill Creek Residential Trust.  Smaller, infill projects have transformed long vacant sites or derelict buildings in all Morristown’s neighborhoods.

Morristown’s urban core is complemented by significant open space preserves, including Washington Valley, Lewis Morris Park, Loantaka Brook Reservation, and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The town is connected to the undeveloped areas of the region by picturesque country roads that traverse largely untouched woodlands. These important resources create natural boundaries that strengthen the value of Morristown as an urban center.

Diversity is one of Morristown’s greatest strengths as a community that offers a home and opportunities to people of all ages, races and walks of life. In 2014 Morristown completed a new master plan that both reflected on a transformational decade and defined its path forward.  The town’s shared vision “is to become the most welcoming, beautiful, healthy, resilient, and sustainable place to live, work, and play in New Jersey.”  Through the tireless work of a long chain of leaders, Morristown is well on its way to achieving that laudable goal.

Vitality, walkability, dining, shopping, art, history, architecture, transportation, destination.

Nestled in the heart of Cranford, Cranford’s Downtown is the heartbeat that feeds all its residents and visitors. Cranford’s train station is the centerpiece of downtown and is the engine that brought population growth, investment, created its network and built its architecture.

Downtown Cranford has leadership. Understanding the importance of a downtown for continued economic growth and vitality, Cranford established the first Special Improvement District (SID) in NJ. The SID formulated the Downtown Management Corporation (DMC) a membership of four (4) residents, three (3) property owners and three (3) business owners. Through the leadership and guidance of the DMC, with collaboration from the Township, community groups and its residents, a strategic plan was developed to guide, maintain and grow Downtown to the impressive destination it is today.

Downtown Cranford is a neighborhood. With over 800 apartments and 250 businesses there is a symbiotic relationship between the residents and businesses. The growth of the downtown residential population has benefited the business community and helped to create a downtown neighborhood. These residents provide the vitality and density to activate the downtown during the day and night. Downtown residents, along with shoppers, employees, commuters and businesses are what make a downtown great.

Downtown Cranford is a shopping destination. With homemade craft goods, clothing, jewelry, home design, antiques, bicycles, comics and other unique items, consumers from all over the tri state area come to shop, mingle and enjoy everything Downtown Cranford has to offer.

Downtown Cranford has style and arts. One can get the latest clothing fashions, accessories, jewelry, as well as chic haircuts from the beauty and stylist businesses. If you want to make your own art, pottery, jewelry or paintings then come downtown to craft in Cranford. If you want to catch the latest movies look no further then Downtown Cranford’s movie theatre with its marquee lighting up the downtown sky.

Downtown Cranford has a vibrant and growing restaurant scene. One can never go hungry here. There are over fifty (50) food establishments feeding Cranford’s residents from breakfast to dinner. From cuisines all over the world, to hosting restaurant week, Cranford has become food destination. NJ.com recognized the growing restaurant scene as Cranford made the list of “15 Great Food Towns that no one knows about.”

Downtown Cranford has sweets. From homemade award-winning ice cream, to freshly baked breads and pastries, to local brewed coffees and teas one can indulge with their sweet tooth.

Downtown Cranford has public spaces. From Eastman Clock plaza with the colorful painted public piano for all to play, moveable vibrant colored chairs and benches and a place where music and theatre performances are held, it truly is a great public space. Eastman Clock Plaza is a gathering space where one can unwind during the day or night and enjoy the sights of Downtown Cranford. Located a stone’s throw away is Post Office Plaza. With a beautiful fountain and moveable vibrant colored chairs as well, it is a place where one can enjoy Downtown Cranford. Post Office Plaza is a place with history. It is the location of Cranford’s historic flag pole originally erected in 1918. The flag pole is a is a monument for those in Cranford who fought in World War 1.

Downtown Cranford is a community place where special events are held bringing residents and visitors together. Such community events include but are not limited to:

• Scarecrow Stroll – more than 100 scarecrows created by residents, businesses, community clubs, and schools are showcased for two weeks along Downtown Cranford’s Victorian light poles
• Lego night – Kids and families come down to Post Office plaza and build their Lego creations.
• Rock the Streets – Over 200 people participate for the outdoor yoga event
• Music at the Square – Cranford’s local bands fill the streets with music
• Cranford Paint Out – Artists from all over come to Cranford to paint scenes from downtown and then display their art around town

Downtown Cranford is growing. With new and planned development, new residents will only further activate downtown.

Lambertville’s downtown known to many as the “antique capital” pays significant homage to its history while providing a number of engaging and inclusive modern activities for people with a wide variety of interests.

From restaurants, many of which source local ingredients, to art galleries that are owned by or frequently feature local artists, to fitness and yoga studios, to bookstores like Panoply, to live music such as Riverside Symphonia – it’s easy to spend a day in Lambertville. Visitors can stay the night in a quaint bed and breakfast in historic homes, grab a bite or unwind with a cocktail at the Lambertville House, a former stagecoach stop transformed into an upscale hotel and restaurant, or catch an independent movie or documentary at the former Acme Supermarket Friday through Sunday, often accompanied with a guest speakers or post-film discussions and exhibits. On top of the daily activities, Lambertville is home to major regional events such as Shadfest, which was originally created to help engage people in cleaning up the Delaware River and is home to the only two-state Pride Parade that takes place across the bridge between Lambertville and New Hope, Pennsylvania. Lambertville also mixes the old with the new featuring ten sites and districts listed on the National Historic Registry including the James Marshall House, Lilly Mansion, the Delaware and Raritan Canal Historic District, and more.

Westwood has always been known as the “Hub of the Pascack Valley” because of its role as a destination for shopping, services, and dining, ever since its days as a dirt road, rural outpost with a multi-purpose general store at its main crossroad. Once the railroad was brought to the town and the Borough incorporated, development began to be planned deliberately and with expert foresight to balance architectural and population growth with commercial and economic considerations. A dedicated business district was formed along the main streets, radiating out from the town green, and as the decades unfolded, that neighborhood became peppered with mixed uses, retail, restaurants, service providers, professional offices, and residential dwellings, contained at each end by public parks or public buildings.

You can now find the Municipal Complex on the northwestern periphery, Public Library to the west, Community Center and Fire Department to the South, the massive Westvale Park to the north east, and the Westwood House Senior Housing and Thomas J. Riley Senior Center just beyond the bounds to the north. No less than six churches of various denominations are also located directly adjacent to the downtown zones. The main roads of Downtown Westwood – Broadway, Washington Ave, Westwood Ave, 3rd Ave, Center Ave, and Fairview Ave entice residents and visitors with a profusion of all things that make a downtown worth visiting: assorted restaurants, services, retail, commercial, and community activity within an aesthetically pleasing, safe, and perpetually improving neighborhood.

Downtown Rahway is a great place. It is a place that emphasizes livability, walkability, shopping, food, art, diversity and a destination. Centered in the heart of the bustling City of Rahway, next to the NJ Transit Station, Rahway’s downtown is the building block for this diverse city.

The Rahway NJ Transit Station hub offers direct train service to New York City. Building upon this asset, the city adopted the CBD redevelopment plan in 1998 to further promote development and livability for Rahway’s downtown. The CBD redevelopment plan acted as the blueprint and guided development, building upon the city’s existing transit-oriented development components. This led to new residential development and increased livability. Since 1998 over 1,000 units have been built or are under construction in Downtown Rahway.

Rahway’s downtown is an active destination offering diverse cuisines from institutions like Nancy’s Townhouse, Luciano’s Ristorante, The Waiting Room, Irving Inn, and Cubanu.  The popularity of these staples prompted new gourmet restaurants like Il Forno A Legna and Monchy’s Rahway to join the downtown scene. In addition, Rahway’s own downtown brewery, Wet Ticket, draws people from all over the tri-state area to come and taste their handcrafted brews. Local coffee shops like The Coffee Box and Melao Cafe & Creamery offer patrons specialty coffee, pastries and more.

If you like to shop, there is RV with hard-to-find vintage sneakers and clothing as well as the Travel Skate Shop where skaters can purchase skateboards, accessories and clothing. For cigars from all over the world, head to Sticks Cigars or browse through a fascinating assortment of antiques and oddities at the Gilded Lillie.

Downtown Rahway’s rich art and cultural scene is a big draw for day trippers. The Culture Crawl is a one-day explosion of arts, culture, dance and live music. The streets are lined with musicians, visual and performing artists, film makers, craft artisans and more. This annual event attracts nearly 5,000 people every year. And taking place over the past 20 years, the Taste of Rahway is a food extravaganza with delectable bites and drinks from vendors throughout New Jersey attracting nearly 1,500 people every year. Built in 1928 and restored in the 1980’s, the Union County Performing Arts Center is the epicenter of film, dance and theatre performances in Union County with many groups renting the space for performances and drawing people from surrounding towns. And last but not least, art galleries such as Atelier Rosal, The Gallery Space, Times of Grace, and Tabula Rasa combined with murals enliven and color the downtown.

Public spaces and pedestrianism are vital components of Rahway’s downtown. The city transformed an unused alley into the walkway known as “The Paseo.” This public space has moveable tables and chairs and butterfly wing art which has become an Instagram hot spot.  As a result of the 2019 Covid-19 pandemic, the City created even more public spaces with a portion of E. Cherry, Lewis and Monroe Streets being made into pedestrian-only tented areas with tables and chairs so patrons can dine outdoors. A vacant lot on E. Cherry Street was converted into a public space with tables, chairs and artwork on the walls creating an inviting area to people watch, dine, and drink outside.

Downtown Summit has been a busy hub for commerce since the mid-19^th century, when the first train climbed “the summit” and linked this beautiful community to Manhattan. Situated in the center of Summit’s 6 square miles, this pedestrian and bike-friendly downtown provides residents and visitors alike with everything they might need or want.

Visitors can find fine dining, casual eating or quick takeout with every tastebud easily satisfied by the wide array of cuisines offered by Summit’s restaurants. Personal services are also provided by small business owners including shoe repair, tailors, dog care, personal salons and spas, bakers, cheese mongers and more.

Unique fashions and accessories are available with high quality selections from Lululemon, J. McLaughlin, Willow Street, and Alba among the many smaller shops and boutiques. Strolling along downtown Summit’s quaint streets, one finds gift boutiques, children’s clothing and toys intermingled with gourmet and wine shops to fit every need. Summit even has a locally owned candy store where schoolkids pop in after school to say hi to their favorite hometown business owner. Many of the local business owners regularly give back to the community and the community gives back to them.

Adding to the wonderful mix of businesses in downtown Summit is the work of Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) which manages the day-to-day operations of the downtown and consistently markets the city. SDI offers a Summit VISA Gift Card accepted by over 100 Summit businesses and holds downtown events that attract residents and visitors alike.

Downtown Summit has returned residents and visitors to the days when downtowns were the hub of the community. And the beauty, walkability, vitality, events, and mix of businesses are the reason Downtown Summit is worthy of a Great Places in New Jersey award.

Historic Flemington Borough, Hunterdon County’s beautiful county seat, offers an exciting crossroads for commerce, agriculture, and the arts, where over 65% of our borough is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has grown as a regional destination with more than 400 businesses, including 50 restaurants, boutiques, a busy craft brewery, a year-round Saturday Farmer’s Market, art galleries, and over 90 health, wellness, and retail businesses. In addition, the downtown boasts several antique shops and bookstores and is a boutique shoppers’ dream, with fabulous finds and friendly business owners. Entrepreneurs under the age of 30 are the owners and operators of many recently opened businesses. The borough attributes this trend to the affordable nature of available retail and a widely shared desire to invest in the community.

The Flemington Community Partnership (FCP) is the borough’s Business Improvement District (BID) with a mission of fostering a thriving business community. Most recently, the FCP received a Neighborhood Preservation Program grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for the South End District. The NPP funds will enable the BID to focus on creative placemaking and a sustainable arts and cultural district.

Flemington is a progressive and growing town that embraces responsible growth and is ready to support new investments, including the transformation of the Union Hotel featuring the preservation of the hotel’s historic façade and a new 85-room facility, plus 206 apartments and two restaurants with liquor licenses.

Additionally, the Liberty Village Project is another promise of significant growth with plans to transform the former outlet mall, which has run its course, into a new tree-lined neighborhood. This mix of multi-family residential and townhouses will accommodate many incomes and household sizes and add to the vibrancy and walkability of surrounding commercial areas, including foot traffic to the downtown.

Downtown Hackensack is the vibrant core of the community, where commerce, culture, and connection unite. This dynamic area is a hub for both new and long-time residents and visitors, offering an array of retail, dining, government services, and inviting public spaces. Whether shopping, conducting business or enjoying a day in the park, Downtown Hackensack provides an inclusive setting that fosters social interaction and community engagement through diverse, well-maintained spaces and event programming.

Anchored by the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC), the downtown area draws visitors from across Bergen County. Signature events such as Hackensacktoberfest, which attracts nearly 5,000 attendees, highlight the area’s commitment to arts and culture with local cuisine, live performances, and more. Atlantic Street Park hosts concerts and exhibitions throughout the week, making Hackensack a popular destination for dining, entertainment, and socializing day and night.

Downtown Hackensack’s accessibility and walkability make it easy to explore on foot. Initiatives from the Main Street Business Alliance, such as the “Buy Local” campaign and storefront improvement programs, encourage economic growth and support the 375 businesses that call this area home. Hackensack’s streetscape program enhances the visitor experience, offering pet-friendly areas, benches, and well-tended greenery along Main Street.

Hackensack’s historic ambiance is preserved through Revolutionary War landmarks like The Green, General Enoch Poor’s statue, and Archibald Campbell’s Tavern, where George Washington once dined. These landmarks draw national visitors interested in America’s roots. Cultural spaces like the Art Gallery at HACPAC, seasonal programs at Atlantic Street Park, and Hackensack’s new “Art Alley” showcase local and nationally recognized artists, ensuring a lively atmosphere year-round.

The Main Street Business Alliance’s community-driven events, from “Dinner Under the Stars” jazz nights to small business meetups, connect locals and support economic development. Downtown Hackensack’s enduring vibrancy, welcoming atmosphere, and cultural depth make it a treasured gathering place, a vital part of the community, and worthy of being designated a “great downtown.”

Dunellen, a charming borough in Middlesex County, is renowned for its vibrant downtown, rich history, and strong sense of community. Established as a railroad town with the construction of its station in 1867, Dunellen proudly embodies the “Miracle Mile,” which encompasses just 1.06 square miles of diverse opportunities. This bustling area showcases a variety of businesses, public spaces, and housing options, making it a lively hub where residents can eat, shop, and play. The energetic corridor along North Avenue and Washington Avenue features 118 businesses, including restaurants, retail shops, and health and fitness centers, all contributing to the area’s economic vitality.

Dunellen’s culinary scene is remarkably diverse, featuring local favorites like the Dunellen Hotel & Rathskeller, which is celebrated for its delectable lobster Reuben and other American cuisine. Long-established eateries like Rome Pizzeria, Planet Chicken, Mis Amigos, and Roscoe’s Eatery add to the vibrant mix. Newcomers like Jackie’s Sweets, Bubz Boba Bar, and El Pueblerino Taqueria further enhance the community’s cultural landscape, ensuring something to satisfy every palate. In addition to dining, independent retail shops, beauty services, and entertainment venues like the historic Dunellen Theatre offer a wealth of experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Dunellen’s commitment to community development is evident in ongoing initiatives that began over 20 years ago under former Mayor Robert J. Seader. These efforts led to the award-winning Nell at Dunellen Station, transforming a brownfield into a vibrant mixed-use space. Since taking office in 2020, Mayor Jason F. Cilento has attracted nearly $100 million in investments through new developments and facade improvements. Public parks like Washington Memorial Park provide serene spaces for relaxation and community events, reinforcing the area’s social fabric. With excellent transit options, including NJ Transit services to New York City, Dunellen is a model of livability, making it an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.

Downtown Frenchtown is a historic downtown that offers charming shops, restaurants, and a variety of housing types in Hunterdon County. Downtown Frenchtown is the kind of place that people look for when they take to Hunterdon County’s scenic byways. With its Delaware River town, turn-of-the-century culture, the downtown is to be enjoyed at length, a place where curiosity is rewarded with an array of things to see and do.

A quarter century ago, downtown Frenchtown was revitalized by a grant that funded new sidewalks, street paving and a small grant program to rehabilitate the mixed-use properties and commercial buildings. Downtown Frenchtown reaps the benefits of preserving its many historic buildings, which include the downtown’s charming shops, restaurants, and residences, turning this community into a tourist destination.