Clark, NJ Real Estate Guide: Buy, Sell & Rent

Clark is a township of about 15,500 residents in southern Union County, as of the 2020 Census, covering a little over four square miles. Once the Fifth Ward of Rahway, it became its own township in 1864 and takes its name from Abraham Clark, a New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence. Today the Garden State Parkway runs straight through town, county parkland lines the Rahway River and Robinson's Branch, and a 1690s house museum sits a few minutes from the Parkway exit. Here's what to know before you buy, sell, rent or invest in Clark.

Why People Choose Clark

Highway access is a big part of the appeal. With the Parkway running north to south through the township, getting to the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 78, Route 22, Interstate 287 and the Shore is direct. Clark is also close to several NJ Transit rail stations in neighboring towns, even though it has none of its own.

Open space is the other draw. The Rahway River runs along the township's northeastern edge, where Union County's Rahway River Parkway and Rahway River Park follow the water. Oak Ridge Park, another county park, has walking paths, ponds and an archery range. The Clark Reservoir on Robinson's Branch, built in 1907 to supply municipal water, was bought by Union County in 2008 to preserve it as public open space, and the county has been working on restoring it for future recreation.

Shopping is close by, too. Clark Commons, a Whole Foods-anchored center, sits near the Parkway, and the township has designated part of Westfield Avenue for downtown redevelopment.

Getting Around: Commuting from Clark

• Bus: NJ Transit Route 112 runs between Clark and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, with stops along Raritan Road on the way.
• Train: Clark has no station of its own. Nearby options include Rahway and Linden on the Northeast Corridor Line and Cranford, Garwood and Westfield on the Raritan Valley Line.
• Car: The Garden State Parkway's Exit 135 serves Clark, and the Parkway links to the Turnpike, I-78, Route 22 and I-287. Westfield Avenue, Raritan Road, Central Avenue and Valley Road are the main local routes.

Neighborhoods and Housing Types

Clark was mostly farmland until the decades after World War II, when it grew quickly, and it is now nearly fully developed. Census figures put the owner-occupancy rate at about 77 percent. What you'll find:

• Single-family homes: More than three-quarters of the housing, much of it built in the postwar growth years. County figures show close to half the housing stock was built before 1960.
• Apartments and townhouses: About one in six homes is in a building with three or more units. Newer options include Walnut Hill, a 177-unit rental community at 35 Walnut Avenue next to Rahway River Park. The township's zoning code also includes a townhouse district and a Downtown Village district along the Westfield Avenue redevelopment area, where new housing must include income-restricted units.

Buying a Home in Clark

Here's what we help Clark buyers check:

• Flood risk: Union County's hazard mitigation plan notes that most of Clark's recorded flood losses are in the southwestern corner along Pumpkin Patch Brook, a Robinson's Branch tributary that floods from backflow, with some losses near the Valley Road bridge. The Rahway River along the northeastern boundary is also a flood source. We review FEMA flood maps, elevation and insurance requirements for any home near these waterways.
• Older-home inspections: For postwar homes, a careful look at the roof, foundation and drainage, electrical service, plumbing, heating system and any oil tank history is essential.
• Condo and townhouse associations: We review monthly fees, reserves, rules and any planned special assessments before you commit.
• Property taxes: We pull the current tax figure for every home you're considering so there are no surprises.
• Multi-unit properties: If you're considering a two-to-four-family property, an FHA loan can work with a low down payment as long as you live in one of the units.

We can connect you with a lender for pre-approval before you start touring, and we work with cash buyers too.

Selling Your Clark Home

Buyers who look at Clark often compare it with nearby Union County towns such as Cranford, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Garwood and Linden. Pricing comes down to the specific house: its size and updates, lot, flood zone status, and how quickly it reaches the Parkway or a train station. We'll prepare a free comparative market analysis based on truly similar recent sales, collect flood and inspection details up front so buyers have answers early, and market your home across the MLS and major online channels.

Renting and Investing in Clark

Most of Clark's housing is owner-occupied, but newer apartment communities and single-family homes for lease give renters a range of choices, and the Parkway and Route 112 bus appeal to commuters. For investors, we'll look at realistic rents, taxes, insurance, flood exposure and condition so the numbers work before you buy. We also help landlords price, market and screen tenants.

Local Landmarks and Amenities

• Dr. William Robinson Plantation Museum on Madison Hill Road, a house dating to the 1690s
• Oak Ridge Park, a Union County park with paths, ponds and archery
• Rahway River Parkway and Rahway River Park along the Rahway River
• Clark Reservoir on Robinson's Branch, now Union County open space
• Hyatt Hills Golf Complex
• Clark Commons shopping center
• Clark Public Library on Westfield Avenue and the Clark Community Pool on Oak Ridge Road
• Public schools: Clark Public School District, including Arthur L. Johnson High School

Nearby Town Guides

Comparing Clark with nearby towns? Read our guides to Cranford, Rahway, Linden and Westfield, or browse all of our North Jersey town guides.

Talk to a Local Broker

The Thompson Realty Group is a licensed New Jersey real estate brokerage based at 20 MacArthur Ave in Garfield, serving buyers, sellers, renters and investors across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties. Whether you're a first-time FHA buyer, a cash investor, or a homeowner wondering what your place is worth, we'll give you straight answers about Clark.

Call or text 201-928-5562 or book a free 15-minute consultation. You can also search every active New Jersey listing on our website.

Information on this page is provided for general guidance and is believed accurate as of October 2026. Programs, ordinances, taxes and transit schedules change, so please verify details for any specific property. Equal Housing Opportunity.