Town guide · Union County
Living in Springfield, NJ
Springfield is a township of about five square miles in northern Union County, where the last Revolutionary War battle in New Jersey was fought in 1780. Interstate 78, Route 22 and Route 24 all meet here, and the Rahway River runs through town on its way south.
- County
- Union
- Population
- About 17,200 (2020 census)
- Size
- About 5.2 square miles
- Setting
- Suburban township with a downtown, river parkland and a historic golf club
- Main roads
- Interstate 78 (Exit 48), U.S. Route 22, Route 24 and Route 124
Neighborhoods
Where New Jersey's last Revolutionary battle was fought
Springfield was formed as a township in 1794 from parts of Elizabeth and Newark townships, and its name comes from the springs and brooks in the area. On June 23, 1780, the Battle of Springfield was fought here, the last of the Revolutionary War battles in New Jersey. During the battle the Rev. James Caldwell is said to have handed out hymnals from the Presbyterian church for wadding, telling the soldiers, "Now put Watts into them, boys."
Today the township has a downtown, counted by the Census Bureau as its own place, and older names that still mark parts of town.
- Downtown Springfield: The township's commercial center, recognized by the Census Bureau as a census designated place.
- Baltusrol: The area around Baltusrol Golf Club, which has hosted the U.S. Open seven times and the 2016 PGA Championship.
- Milltown and Branch Mills: Older place names that still mark parts of the township.
Homes
What you will find
- Homes along the Rahway River: Streets near the river and the Rahway River Parkway, where flood maps matter.
Worth knowing: The Rahway River runs through Springfield, and some homes near it, including on Marion Avenue, have flooded more than once in heavy storms. We check the FEMA flood map, flood insurance and the home's history on every property near the river. Also note that New Jersey has two Springfield Townships, this one in Union County and another in Burlington County, so we always confirm the county on records and listings.
Property taxes
What taxes look like in Springfield
- 2.188%2025 effective tax rate, as a share of market value
- $12,9742025 average residential tax bill
A home worth $600,000 on today's market would pay roughly $13,128 a year at Springfield's 2025 effective rate. Your actual bill depends on your assessment, so we pull the real tax record for any home you are considering.
Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation, 2025 general and effective tax rates. Rates are set each year.
Getting around
Roads and commuting
Interstate 78 runs along the township, with Exit 48 at Route 24 signed for Springfield, and Exit 49 at Route 124 just east in Union. U.S. Route 22 and Route 24 also pass through town. Springfield has no train station. The closest NJ Transit stations are Millburn and Short Hills on the Morristown Line. NJ Transit buses include the 114 to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and the 70 to Newark Penn Station, along with routes 52, 65 and 66.
Places worth knowing
Parks, landmarks and open space
- Cannon Ball House: A farmhouse built around 1741 that served as a British field hospital during the Battle of Springfield, with a cannonball found in a beam on its west side. It is now a museum.
- Briant Park: A 30 acre Union County park shared with Summit.
- Rahway River Parkway: The Union County greenway along the Rahway River, designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, which runs through the township.
- Watchung Reservation: Part of this about 2,000 acre Union County reservation lies in Springfield, with trails, ponds and stables across the larger park.
Common questions
Questions people ask us about Springfield
What are property taxes in Springfield, NJ?
Springfield Township's 2025 effective tax rate is 2.188 percent of market value, and the average residential tax bill is $12,974, according to the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Actual bills depend on each home's assessment.
Is there a train station in Springfield, NJ?
No. Springfield has no passenger rail station. The closest NJ Transit stations are Millburn and Short Hills on the Morristown Line, in neighboring Millburn Township in Essex County.
What was the Battle of Springfield?
It was fought on June 23, 1780, between the Continental Army and British forces, and it was the last Revolutionary War battle fought in New Jersey. The Cannon Ball House, which the British used as a hospital during the battle, still stands and is a museum.
Is Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield?
Yes. Baltusrol is in Springfield Township and has hosted the U.S. Open seven times, most recently in 1993, as well as the 2016 PGA Championship.
Is this the same Springfield as the one in Burlington County?
No. New Jersey has two Springfield Townships. This guide covers Springfield Township in Union County. The other is a separate township in Burlington County with its own government and taxes.
Nearby towns
Towns that border Springfield
Buying or selling in Springfield?
The details decide the price here
In Springfield, distance to the river, the highways and the downtown all shape what a home is worth. We check the flood history near the Rahway River and give you a plain answer on value and options.
Call or text either of us directly.