All About Middlesex County, NJ

Nestled in the pocket of Central Jersey (yes, it exists!) that connects North Jersey to the Northern Jersey Shore, Middlesex County proudly offers everything you could want – easy access to not only the hills of Northwestern New Jersey, but also Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, New York City, and the northern hook of the Jersey Shore. With close proximity to parks with fishing, sports facilities and hiking trails, as well as world class dining and shopping, our communities in Middlesex County are sure to appeal to everyone. If you’re looking for a reason to move to NJ, we’ve got plenty.

History of Middlesex County

In 1683, Middlesex County was first established as East Jersey and soon after, in 1693, the townships of Piscataway, Perth Amboy, and Woodbridge were partitioned. Settlers chose this area because of its easy access to the Raritan River, allowing for trading opportunities. The Lenni Lenape tribe, the first known inhabitants of this area, created and maintained an extensive system of wagon trails, many of which are still used today as roads. This complex system became one of the most widely used transportation networks in the nation. In fact, most NJ Transit rail lines runs through Middlesex County.

Public Transportation

NJ Transit Bus picking up and dropping off passengers
NJ Transit Bus Line. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Residents living in one of our Middlesex County communities are perfectly situated to take public transportation wherever they would like to go. Whether it’s into New York City, out to Princeton, or down to Asbury Park, living in Middlesex County makes it easy to get around to the best cities in New Jersey. Rahway is a hub for both the NJ Coast and Northeast Corridor lines, connecting passengers from Bayhead and Trenton to Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond to New York City. Metropark, a commuter hub in the heart of Middlesex County, allows for access to New York City in 30-40 minutes. In fact, there are more than 12 stations within Middlesex County on lines that terminate in New York City. The bus system is also great, allowing you to travel from place to place within Middlesex County with ease. If you cannot or choose not to drive, you will be able to safely and swiftly get around.

Schools

Main entrance to the Highland Park High School during Springtime
Highland Park High School. Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Middlesex County Public School System is top-notch. With over 26 school districts, you’re sure to find the best school for your child. Most schools in the county have an A or B rating, which means that not only will your child be part of a diverse cultural environment, but they will be getting a top-tier education. Middlesex County is also home to Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, which is rated the 63rd Best University in the United States, tied with George Washington, Penn State, and UConn. And that is out of approximately 5,300 colleges and universities in the country!

Parks

Roosevelt Park
Roosevelt Park. Source: Yelp

You might think that being so close to NYC would mean that green space is minimal, but you would be wrong! There are so many opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts in Middlesex County. Encompassing over 2,900 acres of land, the 18 public parks here have everything: fishing and boating, sports facilities (including basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, cricket, street hockey, bocce, ice skating, disc golf, football and more), hiking trails, biking paths, dog parks, playgrounds and even a butterfly garden! If you are looking for something more performative, you can check out Plays in the Park at the Steven J Capestro Theatre in Roosevelt Park, the oldest park in Middlesex County, dating back to 1917. There is also a Veteran’s Memorial in Roosevelt Park, allowing for respectful contemplation and remembrance of our troops in honor of their courage and sacrifices.

Family Fun

The Tower at the Thomas Edison Center
The Thomas Edison Center. Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Middlesex County Parks and Recreation System has tons of family fun available, but what if you are looking for something more specific? The Thomas Edison Center in the Menlo Park Museum is fun for all ages. Want to learn about rocks and geology? Check out the Rutgers Geology Museum! If you are looking to cool off in the summer months, you can also visit the Crystal Springs Family Waterpark. For something more imaginative, there is also the Zimmerli Art Museum, also on the Rutgers – New Brunswick College Avenue campus.

Shopping

Menlo Park Mall Food Court
Menlo Park Mall. Source: Yelp

It does not get better than Middlesex County when it comes to shopping. Home to Menlo Park Mall, the Woodbridge Center, Brunswick Square, and more, you are sure to find anything you are looking for. Not only that, but you’ve got multiple highways, Routes 1, 9, 18 and 27, running through the county that have tons of great shopping along them.

Dining

Front Entrance of The Metuchen Inn
The Metuchen Inn. Source: Facebook

If you’re looking for Italian food, you’re in the right place. If you’re looking for South Asian food, you’re also in the right place. And, truly, any cuisine you could think of—you are in the right place! Middlesex County is exceptionally culturally diverse, meaning that the restaurants are authentic, fresh, and delicious. Café Luna is a traditional, Sicilian style restaurant in Old Bridge. The Metuchen Inn has been serving world class food since 1843! Check out The Fisherman, open since 1976, for authentic Portuguese food. And best of all, Edison, NJ, has the nickname of Little India, because it is home to some of the best, most authentic Indian food on the East Coast. Our personal favorite is Swagath Gourmet, a family owned, no-frills diner that serves up delectable vegetarian Indian dishes.

Move Here Today!

The Frederick apartment building
The Frederick.

With so many wonderful things to do, see, learn, eat, and more, moving to Middlesex County, NJ, may be the best plan for you. We have so many wonderful communities in this county with great amenities, luxury upgrades, and more.

One of the newest communities in Middlesex County is The Frederick in Highland Park. It has all the bells and whistles like a state-of-the-art fitness center, in-apartment washer and dryer, a communal entertainment lounge with flat-screen television and fireplace, and so much more.

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