MIDDLESEX COUNTY
County Offices
75 Bayard Street
New Brunswick 732-745-3827
https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
109 Church Street
New Brunswick 732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
The bustling region known as Middlesex County has emerged as a dynamic force in Central Jersey, primarily due to its extraordinary growth and hard-working, well-educated residents. The county’s status as a choice business environment as well as a highly desirable residential area is not only well-earned but highly regarded throughout the state. Within its boundaries are state-of-the-art office complexes, exceptional schools, suburban communities in lush settings, rolling farmland, and lively downtown districts.
The 25 municipalities of Middlesex County are strategically situated in a direct line between the outstanding amenities of New York to the east and Philadelphia to the west, and midway between Boston and Washington, D.C. The area has long served as a major transportation corridor and has always been receptive to the seeds of business growth that sprang naturally from its relationship to key northeast commercial centers. “The Wizard of Menlo Park,” better known as Thomas Alva Edison, set the pace long ago for the region’s prowess in leading-edge research and technology.
More than 100 industrial and office parks are scattered throughout the county, home to a wide variety of international and domestic enterprises. Employment opportunities remain strong and the future is bright as more and more businesses recognize the value of this prime location. Millions of square feet of quality space are already devoted to retail, manufacturing, and industrial projects. Middlesex County is demonstrating a strong economic heartbeat in the opening years of the new millennium.
Services
State-of-the-art healthcare is assured in Middlesex County, anchored by five major hospitals that include John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge and Perth Amboy, and St. Peter’s University Hospital. JFK Medical Center is also home to the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital. Meeting the healthcare and social needs of its residents is a high priority in Middlesex County, where advanced care is available in a network of specialized centers. In fact, New Brunswick is recognized as the northeast region’s Healthcare City. Acute-care facilities combine with community awareness education and counseling programs, wellness centers, same-day surgical clinics, immediate care medical centers, senior services, mental health clinics, and rehabilitation centers to meet every need.
Middlesex County has achieved a well-deserved reputation for providing first-rate educational resources to its student population. In addition to a number of private and parochial schools, the county operates quality public school districts that include vocation and technical schools and the Middlesex Educational Services Commission. Subjects from GED studies to homemaking are available to students of all ages. A strong traditional curriculum combines with special programs designed to meet the needs of each and every student, from the gifted to the challenged.
In addition to a concentration of renowned colleges and universities within a 50-mile radius of Middlesex, local institutions of higher education include Rutgers, The State University; University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; Georgian Court College; DeVry Institute; and Middlesex County College. Travel throughout Middlesex County is convenient via the sophisticated network of transportation systems including the Garden State Parkway; the New Jersey Turnpike; and Routes 1, 9, and 18. Newark International Airport and railway stations are accessible, as well as an excellent system of trains and buses that enable Middlesex residents to reach Newark, New York, Philadelphia and points in between conveniently and efficiently.
Lifestyle
Residents of Middlesex County enjoy a broad range of cultural and recreational activities, historic sites, fine restaurants, and shopping centers. Leisure time can be spent strolling through treasures from the past, relaxing and picnicking in a scenic park, or spending the day at the races. Those who appreciate the arts can take in a ballet or musical concert, enjoy an award-winning theatrical performance, or visit an exhibit of a renowned artist. Others may prefer picking apples surrounded by colorful autumn leaves or shopping for antiques in a charming village district.
Guaranteeing residents of a continuing supply of outstanding entertainment and cultural attractions, the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission serves as an active and valuable resource center. This organization has won national and state awards for its efforts to develop and sponsor county-wide programs that promote public interest in regional history as well as artistic and cultural values and community traditions. In addition to world-class museums and historical sites, residents enjoy art galleries, outdoor concerts, symphony, theatre, and dance.
Regional shopping centers and malls are strategically located throughout Middlesex County, particularly in East and North Brunswick, Freehold, and South Plainfield. The Freehold Raceway Mall alone provides more than 200 specialty stores. Indoor and outdoor markets abound in this region, including the ever-popular flea markets where bargain hunters mingle with those who are simply drawn by the excitement, aromas, and sights of the marketplace. Farmers markets are always popular with their gourmet items, fresh produce, beverages, pastries, meats, cheeses, and other delights.
Sprawling, lush parkland in the tradition of Cheesequake State Park with its tranquil lake and wooded areas provide virtually endless recreational possibilities for area residents. The Middlesex County Department of Parks and Recreation operates 18 county parks that encompass 6,470 acres of conservation areas and recreational facilities. Another 2,500 acres is being secured through a farmland preservation program. Drag racing, horse racing, golfing, fishing, boating, tennis, bicycling, camping, and hiking are just a few of the leisure pastimes available. Of course, the pristine beaches of the Jersey Shore and its charming resort towns are close at hand, providing welcome vacations and refreshing weekend getaways.
Housing is as ideal as the geographic location in Middlesex, from rural settings that echo the historical influence of the area to modern suburban communities nestled comfortably in secluded woodland locales. Single-family dwellings, townhomes, condominiums, and apartments in revitalized urban centers are available for those who thrive on a faster pace in close proximity to cultural venues and shopping districts. Newcomers will find attractive and affordable housing in a wide variety of architectural styles and price ranges that are convenient to schools, offices, businesses, healthcare resources, and major highways. Steeped in history and yet progressive in its outlook, Middlesex County continues to make its mark as a livable, idyllic environment in which to live, work and play.
Cranbury Township
Municipal Offices
609-395-0900
https://www.cranburytownship.org/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
The quaint community of Cranbury has preserved 989 acres of rich farmland on its western section, an ideal complement to the historic village center and charming collection of 18th and 19th century homes and buildings. The township has been a forerunner in the area of strategic planning and zoning to ensure that industrial areas are separated from tranquil residential neighborhoods. The village district offers wonderful shops, quality restaurants, and small offices. Several parks include the 16-acre Village Park with Brainerd lake frontage. Other recreational amenities are tennis courts, sports fields, golf courses, and a private swim club.
Dunellen, Middlesex
Dunellen Offices
732-968-3033
https://www.dunellen-nj.gov/
Middlesex Offices
732-356-7400
https://www.middlesexboro-nj.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
Boasting a strong industrial past, Dunellen Borough is a compact residential community that provides a convenient hometown lifestyle. Scattered retail activity in the borough meets daily conveniences, supported by nearby Middlesex Mall. This mature, well-developed area is constantly revitalizing its downtown district. Supporting twice the population, Middlesex Borough is home to a variety of small commercial and industrial firms and tidy residential neighborhoods dominated by single-family homes. Highly developed community services, good schools, and civic pride highlight both municipalities. Nearby county parkland, rivers for fishing, hiking and biking trails, and local parks are available for recreation.
East Brunswick, Milltown
E. Brunswick Offices
732-390-6850
https://www.eastbrunswick.org/
Milltown Offices
732-828-2100
http://www.milltownnj.org/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
The highly developed East Brunswick Township is a classic, suburban commuter community that stretches over 23 square miles. Shopping areas dot the township, and East Brunswick is known for its excellent schools and services including an award winning library. Recreational facilities include the Crystal Springs Family Aquatic Center, a county golf course, and lush parks. Commuters enjoy easy access to Routes 1 and 130 and the Garden State Parkway. Supported by East Brunswick’s amenities, residents of Milltown Borough enjoy a close-knit atmosphere in one of the smallest communities in the Raritan Valley. Milltown has remained virtually unchanged since its founding in 1816. Major employers have changed over the centuries, but local firms still provide thousands of jobs
Edison
Municipal Offices
732-287-0900
https://www.edisonnj.org/
Chamber of Commerce
732-738-9482
https://www.edisonchamber.com/
Attracting residents to one of the nation’s highly celebrated historic sites, Edison Township advertises itself as “the community where tomorrow was born.” Thomas Edison recorded the nursery rhyme “Mary had a little lamb” on his first phonograph at his laboratory in Menlo Park in Edison Township in 1877. Boasting a strong commercial and industrial sector, Edison Township is home to nearly 100,000 residents. Hundreds of professionals carry on their practices within the township, drawn by Roosevelt Hospital and the renowned Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Edison has the largest industrial park on the Eastern seaboard as well as many retail facilities.
Helmetta, Spotswood
Helmetta Offices
732-521-4946
https://www.helmettaboro.com/
Spotswood Offices
732-251-0700
https://www.spotswoodboro.com/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
The smallest of the Middlesex communities, Helmetta Borough offers a charming village atmosphere of well-kept older homes. The local is a remnant of a factory that was built in 1812. Local festivities and holiday celebrations maintain a close community spirit. Shopping amenities are found nearby in East Brunswick, which also provides commercial advantages to residents of Spotswood Borough. The energy and involvement of Spotswood residents has ensured a progressive and well-balanced community known for its civic, religious, and veterans groups. Proud of its Blue Ribbon Schools, Spotswood has evolved from a sleepy village into a suburban haven rich in history and tradition.
Metuchen
Municipal Offices
732-632-8540
www.metuchennj.org
Chamber of Commerce
732-548-2964
https://metuchenareachamber.com/
Metuchen Borough is characterized as a quiet, attractive residential haven that offers quaint Main Street stores, local festivities, and charming historic homes. Volunteerism runs high, adding to the quality of life. The Metuchen Recreation Commission provides residents with a wide variety of opportunities for leisure and cultural activities including special events and programs that encourage relaxation, enjoyment, and cultural enrichment. Other recreational amenities include a community swimming pool, local theatrical productions, plays in the park, an active YMCA, county and local parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and tennis courts.
Monroe, Jamesburg
Monroe Offices
732-656-4573
https://www.monroetwp.com/
Jamesburg Offices
732-521-2222
https://www.jamesburgborough.org/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
Over the past 25 years, sprawling Monroe Township has changed its character from an agricultural region to one filled with residential development, thriving industry, and quality retirement communities. Although still comparatively sparsely populated for its size, the township’s sprawling 42 square miles clearly invites additional growth. Well-developed recreational amenities include organized activities for all age groups and a 15,000-square foot Community Center that serves as the heart of cultural and leisure attractions. In contrast, the small community of Jamesburg Borough is one of the Middlesex County’s most densely populated. However, the adjacent county park matches the borough in size to create a backdrop of natural beauty and an “open” feeling. Colorful annual events bring friends, families, and neighbors together.
New Brunswick, Highland Park
New Brunswick Offices
732-745-5007
https://www.cityofnewbrunswick.org/
Highland Park Offices
732-572-3400
https://www.hpboro.com/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
Home of Rutgers University, New Brunswick has long maintained preeminence as a pharmaceutical and a university town. Leaders like Johnson & Johnson and Squibb have been joined by hundreds of medical and dental professionals in this thriving and growing community. Highly developed retail facilities, quality community services, excellent schools, and a pleasing housing selection characterize this area. Quality expansion and revitalization work together to keep New Brunswick at the peak of popularity. Neighboring Highland Park Borough offers a quaint, quiet setting that blends residential clusters with wooded areas for a scenic, suburban setting near the Raritan River.
North Brunswick
Township Offices
732-247-0922
https://northbrunswicknj.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
Although the thriving township of North Brunswick boasts a relatively modest population, it is also home to more than 800 businesses. Even with this extensive industrial and commercial activity, North Brunswick has managed to retain the flavor and charm of a small town. A myriad of municipal, recreational, educational, and cultural services add balance to the strong economy. Newcomers will discover a pleasing blend single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses. One of the lowest tax rates in the county makes North Brunswick a promising site for future growth. Recreational amenities include parks, sports fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, and league sports.
Old Bridge
Municipal Offices
732-721-5600
https://www.oldbridge.com/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
The expansive township of Old Bridge was primarily farmland until the early 1950s. While significant stretches of land are still devoted to agriculture and the 1000-acre Cheesequake State Park, the community is developing into a residential haven with considerable retail activity. Horse properties, larger lots, and generous acreage are still available. The township offers an ideal location in the Gateway Region near cultural attractions, urban amenities, the recreational paradise of the shore region. Ample farmland, green space, a beachfront, boat marinas, and lush municipal parks add to the quality of life.
Perth Amboy
Municipal Offices
732-826-0290
https://www.perthamboynj.org/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
Established as a center for commerce and government before the American Revolution, Perth Amboy is located at the head of the Raritan Bay, which offers a deep water port for tankers and heavy freighters. This highly developed and long-standing industrial center offers residents a balanced mix of retail centers, social services, excellent transportation facilities, and quality education. Housing options range from single-family homes in a variety of architectural styles to duplexes and condominiums. The city is accessible to major highways including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, U.S. 1 and I-287, Routes 9 and 35, and Highway 440 to the Outerbridge crossing.
Piscataway, South Plainfield
Piscataway Offices
732-562-2300
https://www.piscatawaynj.org/
South Plainfield Offices
908-754-9000
www.southplainfieldnj.com
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
One of the oldest municipalities in New Jersey, rapidly growing Piscataway Township has provided a home base for an impressive collection of businesses and industries since the 1600s. The diverse selection of housing includes both well-kept older homes and newer construction. Local shopping facilities are well developed and blend retail centers with shops. This land-rich township is also home to UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and 189 buildings on the Busch and Livingston campuses of Rutgers, the State University. The influence of Interstate 287 has transformed nearby South Plainfield Borough from a small village into a suburban and industrial town. Middlesex Mall is only minutes from either community, providing expanded shopping and entertainment opportunities.
Plainsboro
Municipal Offices
609-799-0909
https://www.plainsboronj.com/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
Maturing from rich agricultural roots, Plainsboro Township is located in southern Middlesex County. Many newcomers are drawn to the area’s diverse housing opportunities, from quaint old farmhouses to new construction on generous acreage. In recent years, Plainsboro has become a center for major corporate offices and research facilities, providing a strong economic base in highly desirable and progressive industries. Nearby Quakerbridge Mall expands the merchandise available in local shops. This suburban-rural community offers a premier location for major corporate and Princeton University office and research facilities. Located conveniently along major commuter rail lines and highways, the township is an equally desirable residential community with parks, a conservation area, sports fields, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a golf course.
Sayreville, South River
Sayreville Offices
732-390-7025
www.sayreville.com
South River Offices
732-257-1999
https://www.southrivernj.org/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
The well-developed community of Sayreville Borough supports a broad range of commercial, retail, and industrial enterprises. Major malls complement locally owned shops and services for a convenient urban lifestyle. Bounded on three sides by rivers and rich, heavily forested land with room to grow, Sayreville has become one of the fastest growing areas in the county. South River is another growing riverfront community. Maintaining the quiet character of small town life, South River is characterized as a “needle trade” borough that produces fine ladies clothing as well as other trades and industries. The downtown district features small shops with friendly local owners.
South Amboy
Municipal Offices
732-727-4600
www.southamboynj.gov
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
The compact residential community of South Amboy City offers the coastal delights of life on the Raritan Bay within easy access to larger nearby municipalities and major urban centers. Newcomers can choose from a variety of housing styles and price ranges, many of which are distinctive older homes graced by large shade trees in quiet neighborhoods. Although retail activity is scattered through out the city, Sayrewood Shopping Center in Old bridge provides the closest major outlet. Recreational amenities include a youth center, playgrounds, athletic fields, public and private tennis courts, a private swim club, sports leagues, and holiday activities.
South Brunswick
Municipal Offices
732-329-4000
https://www.southbrunswicknj.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
732-745-8090
https://www.mcrcc.org/
As one of the largest municipalities in Middlesex County, the growing community of South Brunswick offers a wide selection of housing options, from sprawling single-family residences to apartments and condominiums. Mixing a rural flavor to the suburban atmosphere is an abundance of rich farmland, gently rolling fields, and woodlands. Major transportation arteries traverse the township, ensuring continued growth and expansion. South Brunswick is also convenient to Princeton’s many attractions and abundant recreational amenities from state parks and trails to developed sports facilities.
Woodbridge, Carteret
Woodbridge Offices
732-634-4500
https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/
Carteret Offices
732-541-3800
http://www.ci.carteret.nj.us/
Chamber of Commerce
732-636-4040
https://www.woodbridgechamber.com/
Distinguished as the oldest original township in the state, Woodbridge grew slowly until the Garden State Parkway was built in the 1950s. Today, the township is a highly developed center for commercial and industrial activity as well as an attractive residential haven. New construction here is abundant, adding to the variety of housing options. Woodbridge Center Mall is one of the largest indoor climate-controlled shopping centers on the entire East Coast. Carteret Borough, separated from Staten Island by the Arthur Kill, offers an older established community of quiet neighborhoods. The borough supports significant business and industry including shopping centers. Many of its older homes are ideal for renovation.
