If you are searching for apartments near Rahway NJ, you have more options than just Rahway itself. Neighboring Carteret (about 10 minutes south) has become one of the strongest alternatives in the area, thanks to a wave of new luxury construction, competitive pricing, and easy access to Rahway Station for your NJ Transit commute. This guide breaks down why Carteret deserves a spot on your shortlist and how it compares to renting in Rahway proper.
*Last updated: May 2026*
Why Look Beyond Rahway for Your Next Apartment?
Rahway is a popular choice for renters, and for good reason. The downtown Arts District has real energy, and Rahway Station puts you on a direct NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station in 36 to 43 minutes. But with roughly 1,400 apartments listed across the city, competition drives prices up, and many of the available units are in older buildings with standard finishes.
Expanding your search to nearby towns like Carteret gives you access to newer construction, more included amenities, and often lower rents for comparable or better quality. The tradeoff is a short drive to the train station instead of a walk. For many renters, that math works out.
How Close Is Carteret to Rahway?
Carteret and Rahway share a border in some sections. The drive from downtown Carteret to Rahway Station takes about 10 minutes via Roosevelt Avenue or Route 1/9. During off-peak hours, it can be as quick as 7 minutes.
Here is a distance comparison from Carteret to key destinations:
| Destination | Distance from Carteret | Drive Time |
| Rahway Station (NJ Transit) | 4.5 miles | 10 min |
| Woodbridge Station (NJ Transit) | 5 miles | 12 min |
| Newark Penn Station | 14 miles | 20-25 min |
| New York Penn Station (via Rahway train) | 22 miles | 36-43 min (train) |
| NJ Turnpike (Exit 12) | 1 mile | 3 min |
| Garden State Parkway | 4 miles | 8 min |
| Outerbridge Crossing (Staten Island) | 5 miles | 10 min |
| Newark Liberty Airport | 12 miles | 18-25 min |
Once the Carteret Multimodal Ferry Terminal opens (projected 2028), residents will also have direct ferry service to Manhattan’s Financial District and Midtown, with a jitney connecting to Rahway and Woodbridge stations.
What Are the Best Apartment Communities Near Rahway?
In Carteret (10 Minutes from Rahway Station)
The Arthur (21 Washington Avenue, Carteret) The newest luxury community in the area. 153 residences with designer finishes including quartz countertops, 42-inch cabinetry, stainless steel LG appliances, and in-unit washer/dryer in every home. The rooftop terrace offers Manhattan skyline views. Additional amenities include private office suites, a fitness center, clubroom lounge, landscaped courtyard, secure dog run, and covered garage parking. Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts available.
29 Washington (Carteret) A 64-unit mixed-use community also on Washington Avenue, with modern finishes and ground-floor retail. Managed by Kalian Companies.
Gateway at Carteret A larger community with resort-style amenities. Named “Best Place to Live in Central New Jersey” by the Home News Tribune.
The Botanic Newer construction with spacious floor plans and a focus on views and natural light.
In Rahway
The Mint Rahway Modern studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments near the train station. Premium location in the Arts District.
REVA Rahway Luxury rentals in downtown Rahway with proximity to restaurants, shops, and the station.
Metro Rahway Brand-new construction positioning itself as a high-end option in the Rahway market.
How Does Living in Carteret Compare to Living in Rahway?
Both towns have their strengths. Here is an honest comparison:
| Factor | Carteret | Rahway |
| Average Rent (1BR) | ~$2,300 | ~$2,100 |
| New Construction Options | 5+ communities (2020s) | 3-4 communities |
| Walk to Train | No (10-min drive) | Yes (downtown) |
| Nightlife/Dining Scene | Growing | Established Arts District |
| Highway Access | Excellent (Turnpike Exit 12) | Good (Route 1/9, GSP) |
| In-Unit W/D (typical) | Standard in new builds | Varies by building |
| Rooftop/Skyline Views | Available (The Arthur) | Limited |
| Parking | Covered garage included | Often extra cost |
| Ferry to NYC (coming) | Yes (2028) | No |
| Cost of Living | 7% below NJ avg | 5% below NJ avg |
Choose Carteret If You…
- Want the newest construction with premium finishes
- Work from home and value private office suites and quiet
- Drive to work or do not mind driving 10 minutes to the train
- Want covered parking included rather than paying extra
- Prefer a community that is still growing (less crowded, more space)
Choose Rahway If You…
- Need to walk to the train station daily
- Want an established downtown dining and bar scene
- Prefer a more urban, walkable neighborhood feel
- Are looking for the lowest possible rent in the area
What Does the Commute Look Like from Carteret via Rahway Station?
A typical commute from The Arthur to Midtown Manhattan breaks down like this:
- Drive to Rahway Station: 10 minutes (free parking available at some lots, or use the future jitney) 2. NJ Transit train to Penn Station: 36-43 minutes (trains run every 30 minutes on the Northeast Corridor) 3. Total door-to-door: Approximately 55-70 minutes
For comparison, a typical commute from a Rahway apartment near the station:
- Walk to Rahway Station: 5-10 minutes 2. NJ Transit train to Penn Station: 36-43 minutes 3. Total door-to-door: Approximately 45-55 minutes
The difference is roughly 10-15 minutes each way. Many Carteret residents find that the trade-off is worth it for newer apartments, better amenities, and the included covered parking that eliminates the cost of a Rahway garage spot.
Commute Alternatives from Carteret
| Route | Method | Time | Cost |
| Carteret to NYC (Penn Station) | Drive to Rahway + NJ Transit | ~60 min | ~$14 train fare |
| Carteret to NYC (Turnpike) | Drive via I-95 | 35-50 min | ~$15 tolls |
| Carteret to Newark | Drive via Turnpike | 20 min | ~$3 toll |
| Carteret to NYC (future ferry) | Drive to terminal + ferry | TBD (~45 min est.) | TBD |
| Carteret to Edison/New Brunswick | Drive via Route 1 | 15-20 min | Free |
What Else Is Near Carteret and Rahway?
Living in this part of Middlesex County puts you close to a wide range of shopping, dining, and recreation:
- Woodbridge Center Mall: 10 minutes from Carteret
- Menlo Park Mall: 15 minutes, featuring upscale retail
- Target, Walmart, Costco: All within a short drive of Carteret
- Carteret Waterfront Park: 1.1-mile trail, fishing pier, mini golf, and summer concerts
- Rahway River Park: Green space and walking trails on the Rahway side
- Carteret Performing Arts Center: Live entertainment in the Cultural Arts District
- Restaurants in Carteret: Riuniti Pizzeria, Chateau Madrid, Oliveiras da Serra, and more
- Rahway Arts District: Galleries, restaurants, and nightlife centered around Irving Street
Ready to See What Carteret Offers?
The Arthur puts you 10 minutes from Rahway Station in a brand-new luxury apartment with a rooftop terrace, designer kitchens, and amenities that most Rahway buildings simply do not offer. Browse floor plans, view the gallery, or schedule a tour to visit in person.
Call (833) 692-3631 or contact us online to learn about current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apartments are near Rahway NJ?
Apartments near Rahway include communities in Carteret (10 minutes south), Woodbridge, Clark, and Linden in addition to downtown Rahway itself. Carteret has seen the most new luxury construction in recent years, with communities like The Arthur, Gateway at Carteret, and The Botanic offering modern finishes and full amenity packages.
How far is Carteret from Rahway Station?
Carteret is approximately 4.5 miles from Rahway Station, which translates to about a 10-minute drive. From Rahway Station, NJ Transit trains reach New York Penn Station in 36 to 43 minutes on the Northeast Corridor Line, with service running every 30 minutes.
Are apartments in Carteret cheaper than Rahway?
Rent levels are similar between the two towns, with average one-bedroom rents around $2,100-$2,300 in both locations. The difference is that Carteret’s newer communities tend to include more amenities (covered parking, in-unit laundry, rooftop access) at those price points, while comparable inclusions in Rahway often come at a premium.
Can you commute to NYC from Carteret NJ?
Yes. The most common route is driving 10 minutes to Rahway Station and taking NJ Transit to Penn Station (36-43 minutes). You can also drive via the NJ Turnpike (35-50 minutes to Midtown). A ferry terminal with direct Manhattan service is under construction in Carteret, with an expected opening around 2028.
Is Carteret NJ a good place to live?
Carteret has undergone significant redevelopment, with more than $300 million invested in its downtown and waterfront over the past several years. The borough offers diverse dining, ten parks including the Waterfront Park, a performing arts center, and strong highway access. It is a particularly good fit for commuters, remote workers, and anyone seeking newer apartments at competitive prices compared to the broader Central New Jersey market.