ON THE TOWN
An inside look at Middlesex County towns
Safe. Quiet. Small-town feel. Excellent schools. Friendly. Peaceful neighborhoods. These are all terms
Middlesex County residents use to describe their hometowns.
Known as the “Heart of New Jersey,” Middlesex County has 25 individual municipalities
within its 318 square miles, ranging from quiet rural towns to vibrant city centers, diverse enough to
make all people feel comfortable in these ideal places to live and work.
According to NJ Advance Media, four Middlesex municipalities rank in the top 25 on New Jersey’s
Diversity Index, which measures how well balanced racial and ethnic groups are in an area: Piscataway,
North Brunswick, Carteret and Edison.
You’ll find descriptions of all 25 municipalities as well as spotlights on featured towns in the
pages that follow.
Carteret Borough [M1]
carteret.net
Carteret is a booming borough with its eye on redevelopment and growth. Overlooking Staten Island and
New York City and bordered by the Arthur Kill and Rahway River, Carteret boasts a marina and Waterfront
Park, a popular site for festivals, concerts and endless recreational opportunities.
Cranbury Township [G10]
cranburytownship.org
Listed on both the National and the New Jersey Registers of Historic Places in 1979, Cranbury has been
recognized as the best-preserved 19th-century village in Middlesex County. Cranbury has preserved
hundreds of acres of farmland and open space through its participation in the New Jersey Farmland
Preservation, the State Green Acres and the Middlesex County open space programs.
Dunellen Borough [H1]
dunellen-ni-gov
Established in 1887, Dunellen boasts an impressive selection of shops and restaurants with a mix of
small-town values, business activity, great public education, a variety of community programs, five
parks and quiet suburban neighborhoods. Dunellen provides small-town responsiveness and
large-city-quality services to its citizens, businesses and visitors.
East Brunswick Township [I6]
eastbrunswick.org
East Brunswick’s 22.5 square miles are home to a diverse population of nearly 50,000 people. A
strategic location and a progressive outlook have fostered the dynamic growth of desirable residential
developments, an excellent school system, shopping centers, state-of-the-art office complexes and
medical services. The western side of town is the sparsely developed 6.7-square-mile Rural Preservation
Zone. Recreational offerings include Crystal Springs Aquatic Facility, tennis courts, private health and
swim clubs and 14 public parks on 600 acres, as well as county-owned Tamarack Golf Club.
Edison Township [J2-3]
edisonnj.org
Visitors are always welcome to Edison, one of America’s Best Places to Live, according to Money
Magazine. This 32-square-mile township of more than 100,000 residents is the home of Thomas Alva
Edison’s famed Menlo Park laboratory, where the incandescent light bulb was perfected and sound
was first recorded. Its high-achieving public schools, central location, vibrant business environment
and diverse community make Edison a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Helmetta Borough [I7]
helmettaboro.com
Helmetta was established around a snuff mill, and the G. W. Helme Snuff Mill District is a classic
example of a late 19th century mill town. About 115 buildings were originally in the district, which was
named to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in
1980. The borough, just under one square mile, currently has a population of about 2,220 people.
Highland Park Borough [I3]
hpboro.com
Primarily a residential town, Highland Park boasts corporate industry as well as numerous family
businesses dating back many decades. The earliest record of European settlers in this area is in the
late 17th century.
Jamesburg Borough [H8]
jamesburgborough.org
Named for the inclusive school started by James Buckelew in 1847, Jamesburg was once an important
railroad town, with two main lines and a roundhouse. The first canned tomatoes were produced in
Jamesburg in 1847. Home to Thompson Park and Manalapan Lake, Jamesburg has over 6,000 residents in its
0.8 square miles and is 99.9% built up. Some of its quaint historic architecture has been preserved.
Metuchen Borough [J3]
metuchennj.org
Metuchen has a rich history as a place where innovative, creative and artistic people gather.
Metuchen’s downtown is the historic heart of this central New Jersey community and features a
growing and vibrant restaurant scene. The Middlesex Greenway is a beautiful open-space resource within
the communities of Metuchen, Edison and Woodbridge. A vibrant public art program has brought murals,
painted Adirondack chairs and a stage for performances and poetry reading in Imagination Alley just off
of Main Street. Visit downtownmetuchen.org to
find everything from shopping to dining and fun in walkable Metuchen.
Middlesex Borough [G1]
middlesexboro-nj.gov
Nestled in the heart of Middlesex County between East Brunswick and North Brunswick, Middlesex is a
thriving community with nearly 15,000 residents, dozens of local businesses and many redevelopment
projects. It boasts high-ranking public schools, beautiful parks, access to train lines, an impressive
library, an expanding recreation department and an active senior citizen center. Nearby is TD Bank
Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots baseball team.
Milltown Borough [I5]
milltownnj.org
Since its official establishment in 1896, Milltown has been a special place to live, work and play. The
Borough is a 1.6-mile tract with about 7,000 residents. From its vibrant Main Street shops, churches and
homes to its fine schools, parks and pools, Milltown is an ideal environment to raise a family and enjoy
a tight-knit community where everyone is thought of as a neighbor.
Monroe Township [H9]
monroetwp.com
Monroe Township, named for U.S. President James Monroe, was founded in 1838. Initially a farming
community, the suburbs spread into the northern parts of Monroe Township in the 1960s, when the NJ
Turnpike opened Exit 8A in Monroe, prompting the construction of new schools, shopping centers, a
synagogue, a recreation center and a library. Residential development in the southern portion of the
township has surged in recent years, including senior communities and luxury homes.
City of New Brunswick [H4]
newbrunswick.com
Voted Best Destination of 2025, New Brunswick is nestled along the banks of the Raritan River, its
bustling downtown City Center is lively, trendy, and close to everything you’re seeking:
first-class nightlife, acclaimed restaurants, Big Ten sports, an inspiring riverfront,and a premier arts
and culture scene like none other. New Brunswick is the county seat of Middlesex County. A regional
commercial hub for central New Jersey, the city is both a college town and a commuter town and has
evolved into a major center for sciences and health innovation. Sophisticated living offers panoramic
views to residents. Enjoy over 270 acres of sprawling parks, and gardens, many with bicycle routes. The
city is centrally located with access from US Rt.#1, NJ Turnpike,Rt.#18,Rt.#27 and NJ Transit’s
northeast corridor rail.
North Brunswick Township [G5]
northbrunswicknj.gov
The Township of North Brunswick offers a suburban feel with a mix of families, young professionals and
retirees. North Brunswick takes pride in its diversity, with a Niche.com ranking of #3 in the most diverse suburbs and #5 in the most
diverse places to live in New Jersey. The Township celebrates its rich history and diversity each
October at its annual Heritage Day at Community Park off Route 130 South. Main Street North Brunswick
transit village, currently under construction, will feature a new commuter bus lot and new passenger
station for NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor rail line.
Old Bridge Township [L7]
oldbridge.com
Home to 70,000 residents and voted one of the safest cities in the country to raise a family, the
Township of Old Bridge is located centrally between the Shore and Gateway Regions of New Jersey. Old
Bridge has one of the largest inventories of municipal open space in the state and is home to many
sporting associations, as well as the John Piccolo Ice Arena. The Laurence Harbor beachfront features a
3-mile running and biking path parallel to the Raritan Bay. Visit the website for a full listing of fun
family events throughout the year.
Perth Amboy City [L3]
perthamboynj.org
Perth Amboy has served as a lively commercial center, center of government and active port since the
colonial era, and, as in the past, visitors will find much to enjoy in the City by Raritan Bay. Perth
Amboy has a beautiful waterfront, fine parks, a diverse range of international cuisine, plenty of
choices for shopping and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation on land and water.
Piscataway [H3]
piscatawaynj.org
Founded in 1666 and officially incorporated in 1798, Piscataway is one of the links in the earliest
settlement of the Atlantic seacoast that ultimately led to the formation of the United States.
Piscataway is home to a significant portion of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Busch and
Livingston campuses of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, as well as many notable
corporations. Piscataway maintains a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to
live, work and play.
Plainsboro Township [D9]
plainsboronj.com
Plainsboro Township has evolved from a rural farming enclave to a vibrant, diverse community of 23,000
people. Its preservation of open space earned the township recognition as one of the top 10 Best Places
to Live in New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly magazine. Tour Plainsboro Village, the original settlement
in the center of town with buildings dating from the 18th century. Bike routes through Plainsboro
connect the main shopping districts and the D&R Canal cycle pathway. The 1,000-acre Plainsboro Preserve
includes a 50-acre lake, large wooded areas and an environment education center.
Sayreville Borough [K4]
sayreville.com
Sayreville, on the Raritan River near Raritan Bay, has an area of 16.3 square miles and offers easy
access to the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, I-287, and Routes 1, 9 and 35.
The area was an important river port for many decades, named for James R. Sayre, Jr., a co-owner of a
brick company that flourished here from the early 1800s until 1970. Hometown of rock icon Jon Bon Jovi,
the borough remains well-known as an industrial town and home to many technology companies and a growing
residential population.
South Amboy [L4]
southamboynj.gov
The City of South Amboy, a waterfront gem on the coast of the beautiful Raritan Bay, hosts an amazing
waterfront recreation area and a vibrant downtown district. At only one square mile, the city enjoys the
convenience of many urban amenities while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. South Amboy is a choice
location to live, work or just enjoy time at the Gateway to the Jersey Shore. If you’re looking
for a great place to live with convenient commuting options, nearby amenities and a kid-friendly
small-town vibe, pop in for a visit. You’ll see the City of South Amboy is on the move.
South BrunswickTownship [E7]
southbrunswicknj.gov
Spanning over 41 square miles, South Brunswick is home to almost 50,000 residents, with picturesque
parks, an esteemed school district and thriving businesses. South Brunswick hosts portions of the NJ
Turnpike, Route 27, Route 130 and Route 1, as well as a Park and Ride for public transport to New York.
South Brunswick is a modern and diverse suburban community that provides countless opportunities for
families and businesses and lives up to its slogan “Crossroads of Progress.” It was ranked
22nd Best Place to Live in America by CNN Money in 2011 and the 10th Safest City in America to Raise a
Child by Safewise in 2016.
South Plainfield Borough [I2]
www.southplainfieldnj.com
South Plainfield, originally part of Piscataway Township, established its suburban character after
World War II when Geary Farm was developed into Geary Park. Housing developments sprang up throughout
the north side, increasing the borough’s population from 8,000 in 1959 to 18,000 in 1960.
Commercial and industrial uses were attracted to the borough through the 1960s and ’70s. Today,
just over 24,000 people live within South Plainfield’s 8.4 square miles.
South River Borough [J5]
southrivernj.org
Originally part of East Brunswick Township, South River received its current name in 1870 and
officially became a borough in 1898. Its 2.9 square miles are home to about 16,350 people.
Spotswood Borough [J7]
spotswoodboro.com
Incorporated in 1908 from portions of East Brunswick, Spotswood Borough has an area of nearly 2.5
square miles and a population just under 8,500. Its first settler James Johnston originally called the
place “Spottiswoode,” named for his old place of residence in Scotland, and dates back to
the original settlement in 1685.
Woodbridge Township [L2]
Woodbridge Township is one of the largest municipalities in New Jersey. It comprises ten towns that
boast close-knit neighborhoods and embrace their individual identities and community personalities
– Avenel, Colonia, Fords, Hopelawn, Iselin, Keasbey, Menlo Park Terrace, Port Reading, Sewaren,
and Woodbridge. With its ideal location in northern Middlesex County – considered the Crossroads
of New Jersey – Woodbridge encompasses 26 square miles and is strategically located between New
York and Philadelphia. The plethora of transportation options offers residents, visitors, and businesses
easy access to employment, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities.
Outdoor Skating in Roosevelt Park
Roosevelt Park in Edison, home to Plays-in-the-Park and a charming Family Skating Rink, offers a wealth
of family-friendly entertainment and relaxation. The picturesque outdoor rink, set against the tranquil
lake, hosts ice skating from November to March, drawing thousands eager to enjoy outdoor fun right in
their backyard. In spring and fall, children can take roller skating lessons and participate in open
skate sessions. This beautiful facility provides year-round activities, including open skating, rink
rentals, and lessons for all ages, ensuring there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.