Find Family Counselors Serving
Plainfield, NJ

Frequently asked questions

Plainfield, NJ

Plainfield is a city in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Nicknamed "The Queen City", it serves as both a regional hub for Central New Jersey and a bedroom suburb of the New York Metropolitan area, located in the Raritan Valley region. As of the 2020 United States census, the city's population, majority Latino for the first time, was 54,586. This was an increase of 4,778 (+9.6%) from the 2010 census count of 49,808, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,979 (+4.1%) from the 47,829 counted in the 2000 census. In 2023, the Census Bureau estimated the city's population to be 54,670.

The area of present-day Plainfield was originally formed as Plainfield Township, a township that was created on April 5, 1847, from portions of Westfield Township, while the area was still part of Essex County. On March 19, 1857, Plainfield Township became part of the newly created Union County.

Plainfield was incorporated as a city by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 21, 1869, from portions of Plainfield Township, based on the results of a referendum held that same day. The city and township coexisted until March 6, 1878, when Plainfield Township was dissolved and parts were absorbed by Plainfield city, with the remainder becoming Fanwood Township (now known as Scotch Plains).

The name "Plainfield", also used in both North Plainfield and South Plainfield, is derived from a local estate or from its scenic location.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 5.97 square miles (15.5 km2), including 5.96 square miles (15.4 km2) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.026 km2) of water (0.15%). Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Netherwood.

Plainfield places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with numerous resources and facilities dedicated to promoting well-being within the community. The Plainfield Health Center, operated by the Plainfield Department of Health & Social Services, offers a range of healthcare services, including primary care, immunizations, and maternal health programs. Serenity Day Spa offers a range of services including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail care. Oswego Wellness provides physical therapy services, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Heavenly Spa also offers skincare treatments, body wraps, and waxing services. Star Rehab specializing in physical therapy, this center offers personalized treatment plans for injuries, rehabilitation, and pain management. Euphoria Spa focuses on holistic wellness, offering massages, body treatments, and skincare services using natural and organic products.

Top sites in Plainfield, NJ are Drake House Museum, Swain Galleries, and Melo Park Museum. 

Population: 54,670 (2023). ZIP code: 07060-07063. Area Code: 908. Area: 5.97 sq mi (15.46 km2). Elevation: 95 feet (29 meters).

FAQs

What is Plainfield, NJ famous for?

Plainfield is also known as the birthplace of P-Funk. George Clinton founded The Parliaments while working in a barber shop in Plainfield. Parliament-Funkadelic was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Plainfield is the birthplace of Bill Evans, a jazz pianist who played with Miles Davis on “Kind of Blue” – still the largest-selling jazz album of all time. Plainfield is the birthplace of several current and former athletes, including professionals and well-known amateurs, including Milt Campbell, the 1956 Olympic Decathlon gold medalist (the first African-American to earn this title); and Joe Black, the first African-American pitcher to win a World Series game.

What's it like to live in Plainfield, NJ?

Are you considering a move to Plainfield, NJ? This vibrant city has a lot to offer, making it an excellent choice for your next home. Plainfield boasts a rich history, a convenient location, and a variety of amenities. You'll find parks, cultural attractions, and a thriving local economy.

What is Plainfield, NJ history?

Plainfield was settled in 1684 by Quakers, and incorporated as a city in 1869. Formerly a bedroom suburb in the New York metropolitan area, it has become the urban center of 10 closely allied municipalities, with diversified industries, including printing and the manufacture of chemicals, clothing, electronic equipment, and vehicular parts. Among the several 18th-century buildings remaining are a Friends' meetinghouse (1788),[28] the Martine house (1717), and the Nathaniel Drake House (1746), known as George Washington's headquarters during the Battle of Short Hills in June 1777. Nearby Washington Rock is a prominent point of the Watchung Mountains and is reputed to be the vantage point from which Washington watched British troop movements.

Sources

City of Plainfield

Wikipedia

New Jersey Real Estate Network

Drake House Museum

Swain Galleries

Melo Park Museum

Plainfield Health Center

Plainfield Department of Health & Social Services

Serenity Day Spa

Oswego Wellness

Heavenly Spa

Euphoria Spa

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.