Union County, NJ

Living in Roselle, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Where Edison Lit the World. Affordable. Train-Connected.

Last updated: September 2026

$420,000
Median Home Price
57 min
To Penn Station
22,029
Population
1894
Founded
8.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Roselle, NJ?

Roselle is where Thomas Edison first demonstrated incandescent street lighting to the public in 1883 — a moment that changed the world. Today the borough is one of the most affordable train-connected communities in Union County with its own NJ Transit station on the Raritan Valley Line. At a $420K median, Roselle offers diverse, walkable living with strong appreciation (8.8% YoY) as buyers discover the value of transit access at entry-level prices.

Roselle Real Estate Market in 2026

Roselle is appreciating at 8.8% with homes selling in 22 days. The $420K median makes it one of the most affordable train towns in the county. Single-family homes and duplexes dominate. The Abraham Clark High School district serves the community. Investors are active in the multi-family market.

$420,000
Median Price
$260/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
22 days
Avg Days on Market
+8.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Roselle

3 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Station Area / Chestnut Street

$400,000 to $525,000

Near the NJ Transit station. Walking distance to shops. The most convenient section for commuters.

Best for: Commuters

West Roselle

$375,000 to $475,000

Residential area bordering Cranford and Roselle Park. Quieter streets with single-family homes.

Best for: Families, value seekers

East End

$325,000 to $425,000

Eastern section with the most affordable homes. Mix of single and multi-family. Investment opportunities.

Best for: First-time buyers, investors

Commuting from Roselle to NYC

57
Minutes to Penn Station
Roselle Station
Raritan Valley
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Roselle

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Roselle?

55
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
57 min
NYC Commute
Roselle Station
3.21%
Property Tax Rate
$9,234/year avg
32.8%
Hispanic/Latino
28.4% foreign-born

Roselle Schools and Ratings

Roselle Public Schools includes Abraham Clark High School (named after the Declaration of Independence signer from nearby). The district serves approximately 3,200 students.

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Kindergarten Success Academy

ROSELLE, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-K
D
14.6:1 ratio 219 students Score: 69/100

Raymond J. Lesniak Experience Strength & Hope Recovery HS

Roselle, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
D
9.0:1 ratio 9 students Score: 69/100

Harrison Elementary School

ROSELLE, NJ · Elementary · Grades 1-4
F
8.6:1 ratio 310 students Score: 55/100

Dr. Charles C. Polk School

ROSELLE, NJ · Elementary · Grades 1-4
F
9.2:1 ratio 277 students Score: 49/100

Grace Wilday Junior High School

ROSELLE, NJ · Middle · Grades 7-8
F
13.4:1 ratio 484 students Score: 44/100

Washington Elementary School

ROSELLE, NJ · Elementary · Grades 1-4
F
12.8:1 ratio 358 students Score: 40/100

Leonard V Moore Middle School

ROSELLE, NJ · Middle · Grades 5-6
F
11.1:1 ratio 457 students Score: 38/100

Abraham Clark High School

ROSELLE, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
F
15.6:1 ratio 918 students Score: 30/100
View all Roselle schools with full ratings →

Roselle vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Roselle $420,000 3.21% $9,234 57 min
Roselle Park $478,000 2.96% $8,543 54 min
Linden $475,000 2.89% $9,156 37 min

Where to Eat in Roselle

Local

Diverse dining along Chestnut Street and St. Georges Avenue. Latin American, Caribbean, and American restaurants at accessible prices.

Parks and Recreation in Roselle

Warinanco Park

Adjacent 204-acre Union County park with ice skating, sports fields, swimming spray pad, and Chatfield Gardens.

Arminio Field

Community sports complex.

New Development and Growth in Roselle

Downtown Revitalization

Borough-wide improvements to the Chestnut Street commercial corridor.

History of Roselle, NJ

Thomas Edison demonstrated the first incandescent street lighting system in Roselle on January 19, 1883, illuminating a stretch of road for the first time in history.

Named after John C. Roselle, a local landowner.

Abraham Clark, signer of the Declaration of Independence, is the namesake of the high school.

Safety in Roselle

Roselle police maintain community policing programs throughout the borough.

Notable Residents

Rosey Grier, NFL defensive tackle (NY Giants, LA Rams Fearsome Foursome), actor, singer, minister, and RFK bodyguard — attended Abraham Clark HS Phil Ivey, legendary poker player (11 World Series of Poker bracelets, Poker Hall of Fame 2017), grew up in Roselle Al Harrington, NBA player (NY Knicks and multiple teams) Abraham Clark (1726-1794), signer of the Declaration of Independence, known as the poor man's counselor Neal H Pogue, Grammy-winning music producer (OutKast, TLC) William H. Tunner (1906-1983), USAF Lieutenant General who organized the Berlin Airlift Harold Dobbs (1918-1994), founded Mel's Drive-In restaurant chain (from American Graffiti)

Annual Events and Festivals

Roselle Day Roselle House Music Festival (annual July event at Warinanco Park) National Night Out

Recently Sold Homes in Roselle, NJ

Public record data from NJ Division of Taxation SR1A filings.

155 Total Sales (2024-2026)
$501,226 Average Sale Price
Address Sale Price Date
21A CAROLYN TERRACE $210,000 260617
608 MEADOW ST $535,000 260616
211 CLOVER ST $240,000 260608
229 HILLCREST TERR $530,000 260605
4C LILY COURT $425,000 260526
631 ELM ST $650,000 260522
304 W 2ND AVE $595,000 260520
943 DRAKE AVE $490,000 260515
215 VICTORY ST $495,000 260515
902 SPRUCE ST $620,000 260514
121 MYRTLE ST $585,000 260507
238 E 8TH AVE $476,000 260504

Source: NJ Division of Taxation, SR1A 2024-2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roselle, NJ

What is the median home price in Roselle, NJ?

The median home price is $420,000 as of 2026, with 8.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $260/sqft, selling in 22 days.

How long is the commute from Roselle to NYC?

57 minutes via NJ Transit from Roselle Station on the Raritan Valley. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Roselle, NJ?

Tax rate is 3.21%. Average homeowner pays $9,234/year. At the median price of $420,000, expect about $13,482/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Roselle?

Station Area / Chestnut Street ($400,000 to $525,000). West Roselle ($375,000 to $475,000). East End ($325,000 to $425,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Roselle safe?

Roselle police maintain community policing programs throughout the borough.

How walkable is Roselle, NJ?

Walk Score of 55, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $65,000, median age 36.2. 38% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Roselle?

Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Roselle inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.

Explore Nearby Communities

Roselle Park $478,000 54 min Linden $475,000 37 min