Welcome to Middlesex, New Jersey – a vibrant community where small-town charm meets big-city convenience. Nestled in the heart of the Garden State, Middlesex offers an exceptional living experience that captures the essence of suburban bliss.
Living in Middlesex means embracing an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Explore the numerous recreational opportunities available, from hiking and biking along scenic trails to engaging in sports at our state-of-the-art facilities. For nature enthusiasts, nearby nature reserves provide tranquil retreats to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.Middlesex is also a haven for food lovers and shopaholics. Savor an array of culinary delights, from cozy cafes to family-owned restaurants that serve up mouthwatering dishes from diverse cuisines. Enjoy a delightful shopping experience in our charming downtown area, where boutique stores and specialty shops offer unique treasures to satisfy every taste.
Middlesex, New Jersey, truly has it all—a blend of small-town tranquility and modern conveniences, a tight-knit community, and an abundance of recreational and cultural opportunities.
Middlesex Area Communities
Highland Park
Highland Park offers a mix of charming historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a lively arts scene. It also has easy access to major highways and public transportation.
Metuchen
Often referred to as the “Brainy Borough,” Metuchen is a close-knit community with excellent schools and a quaint downtown filled with local shops and restaurants. It features beautiful homes, well-maintained parks, and a strong sense of community.
East Brunswick
With a variety of housing options, good schools, and convenient amenities, East Brunswick is a popular choice for families. It has an abundance of recreational facilities, parks, and a robust community center.
North Edison
Located in the northern part of Edison Township, North Edison offers a suburban atmosphere with excellent schools and a wide range of housing options. The area is known for its well-maintained neighborhoods and easy access to major highways.
Plainsboro
Situated near Princeton, Plainsboro is an attractive neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It boasts top-rated schools, beautiful parks, and a diverse community. The town also has a prominent corporate presence, with several major employers located there.
Cranbury
Known for its historic charm and well-preserved buildings, Cranbury is a picturesque neighborhood with a small-town feel. It features a quaint downtown area, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community.
Top Middlesex County School Districts
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Middlesex County Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of New Jersey, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Best Private K-12 school in Middlesex County: The Wardlaw + Hartridge School
The Wardlaw + Hartridge School has an A+ rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, college prep, and clubs and activities. It has 652 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. According to public data 100% of students of The Wardlaw + Hartridge School graduate.
Best public elementary school in Middlesex County: Monmouth Junction Elementary School
Monmouth Junction Elementary School has an A+ rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, and diversity. It has 323 students in grades K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. According to state test scores, 72% of students are at least proficient in math and 62% in reading.
Best public middle school in Middlesex County: Community Middle School
Community Middle School has an A+ rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, and diversity. It has 1,126 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. According to state test scores, 56% of students are at least proficient in math and 76% in reading.
Best public high school in Middlesex County: Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Technologies
Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, & Engineering Technologies has an A+ rating on Niche.com, and ranks highly for academics, teachers, and college prep. It has 629 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, 95% of students are at least proficient in math and 90% in reading.
Top Employers in Middlesex County
Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies are two of the largest employers in Middlesex County.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is the largest employer in Middlesex County, providing over 5,000 jobs in the healthcare industry.
Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is another major employer in Middlesex County, and the biggest pharmaceutical employer operating in Middlesex County.
Wakefern Food Corp
Wakefern Food Corp is a New Jersey Original, employing many people in Middlesex County in its grocery store food co-ops.
J.F.K. Medical Center
The JFK Medical Center is another major health system operating in Middlesex County, providing healthcare services and jobs.
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is another major pharmaceutical company that employs thousands of people in Middlesex County.
Middlesex County Area Museums
Zimmerli Art Museum
Located on the campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, the Zimmerli Art Museum is one of the largest and most distinguished university-based museums in the country. It houses an extensive collection of over 60,000 works of art, including Russian and Soviet art, American art, European art, and more.
Voorhees Hall
This art museum is also part of Rutgers University and is located in Voorhees Hall on the College Avenue Campus in New Brunswick. It primarily features contemporary art exhibitions and installations, showcasing the works of emerging and established artists.
Old Bridge Township Raceway Park Museum
Situated within the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, this museum is dedicated to motorsports and racing history. It showcases an impressive collection of vintage race cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia.
Rutgers Geology Museum
If you love learning about natural history, you’ll love visiting the Rutgers Geology Museum. Also known as Geology Hall, this amazing museum features stunning specimens that look lovely and teach you more about the history of the earth.
Stone Museum
The Stone Museum is another natural history museum in Middlesex County. The Stone Museum focuses on beautiful rocks and fossils, and has a number of hands on classes and exhibits to let visitors really get a feel for geology.
Great Parks in Middlesex County
Thompson Park
Located in Monroe Township, Thompson Park is a sprawling park spanning over 675 acres. It offers a wide range of amenities, including walking trails, picnic areas, a lake for fishing, tennis courts, playgrounds, and an off-leash dog park. The park also features the Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, which hosts art exhibits and workshops.
Roosevelt Park
Situated in Edison, Roosevelt Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities. The park encompasses 217 acres and features picnic areas, walking paths, tennis courts, sports fields, a lake for fishing, and a playground. The centerpiece of the park is the beautiful 7-acre Roosevelt Park Lake, where visitors can rent paddleboats during the summer months.
Johnson Park
Johnson Park is a picturesque park located along the Raritan River in Piscataway. It offers scenic views, walking paths, picnic areas, sports fields, and playgrounds. The park is also home to the East Jersey Old Town Village, a reconstructed 18th-century village that provides a glimpse into the region’s colonial history.
Living in Monmouth County
With its picturesque neighborhoods and tree-lined streets, Middlesex County boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly feels like home. Here, you’ll discover a tight-knit community where neighbors become friends and lifelong connections are forged. Whether you’re strolling through our beautiful parks or enjoying local events, a sense of belonging permeates every corner of Middlesex County.
Middlesex County Housing Trends
With a great blend of hip downtown neighborhoods and family-friendly suburbs, there are many housing options depending on the kind of lifestyle you are looking for.
Housing costs are rising over time, but there are still a variety of options depending on your pricepoint, as there are many suburbs and cities surrounding Middlesex County.
Median Home Price: $465,000
The median home price in Middlesex County is higher than the national median home price, but you can still settle down here.
Amazing Middlesex County Restaurants
Good eats are easily found in Middlesex County. Amazing Italian food is on the menu in Savannah.
Catherine Lombardi
Catherine Lombardi is a renowned Italian restaurant that specializes in traditional Italian cuisine. It is known for its authentic dishes, including handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and delicious desserts. The restaurant has an old-world charm and offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Steakhouse 85
Steakhouse 85 offers a wide selection of prime cuts of steak, as well as other grilled specialties, fresh seafood, and decadent sides. The restaurant has a sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive wine list.
Delta’s
Delta’s is a soul food restaurant that serves up flavorful Southern cuisine. From fried chicken and collard greens to cornbread and macaroni and cheese, Delta’s offers a taste of traditional Southern comfort food in a casual and welcoming environment.
Skylark Diner
Located in Edison, Skylark Diner is a classic American diner with a modern twist. It offers an extensive menu featuring breakfast favorites, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and comfort food classics. Skylark Diner is known for its generous portions, friendly service, and 24-hour availability.
Cinnamon Indian Restaurant
Cinnamon Indian Restaurant is a popular destination for authentic Indian cuisine. They offer a wide range of flavorful dishes from various regions of India, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The restaurant provides a warm and inviting ambiance.
Great Attractions for Middlesex County Stay-cations
East Jersey Old Town Village
East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway provides a living history experience. It is a reconstructed 18th-century village that showcases the region’s colonial heritage. Visitors can explore historic buildings, participate in interactive demonstrations, and learn about the daily life and customs of early settlers.
The Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park
This iconic Edison (the town, not the inventor) tower is a memorial to the eponymous inventor. Honoring his unique vision and the spirit of science, you can learn more about an American original at the The Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park.
Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe
Located in New Brunswick, Harvest Moon is a brewpub and restaurant that combines a cozy atmosphere with a menu featuring American comfort food. They offer a variety of handcrafted beers brewed on-site, along with dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and tasty pub fare.
SeaQuest Woodbridge
Aquariums, animals, playgrounds, oh my! SeaQuest Woodbridge is a fun place to visit to see amazing animals from all over the world. This family friendly space also has event hosting for the best birthdays ever.
South Amboy Arena Rollermagic
Head over to the South Amboy Arena Rollermagic to unwind and have a great time! This retro roller disco is a fun place to go with friends, and you can also rent it out for parties.
Shopping
Middlesex County has a great mix of unique local shops and big-name stores, often found side by side in shopping areas. There’s plenty of opportunity to shop ‘til you drop in this city.
Pino’s Gift Basket Shoppe and Wine Cellar
Pino’s Gift Basket Shoppe and Wine Cellar is your one stop shop for all your favorite micro brews and wines. This comfortable bar and bottle shop has a laid back atmosphere, so you can have as much fun shopping for your beverages as you do drinking them.
Woodbridge Center
Woodbridge Center is a multi-story shopping mall that has all your favorite stores. This bright, clean shopping space is a wonderful spot to engage in some retail therapy and get your new favorite things!
Menlo Park Mall
The Menlo Park Mall is another convenient shopping mall in Middlesex County. This two story mall has all your favorite stores and shopping destinations.
Places of Worship
Middlesex County has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral
St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral is a historic Catholic cathedral with a warm congregation that welcomes the people of Middlesex County to worship.
Congregation Knesseth Israel
Congregation Knesseth Israel is a convenient Middlesex County synagogue that serves the Conservative Jews of the area.
Muslim Center of Middlesex County (MCMC)
Muslim Center of Middlesex County (MCMC) welcomes the Islamic population of Middlesex County with a wide range of worship and community services.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is conveniently located temple in Edison, NJ. This peaceful temple has a welcoming enviroment where you can worship.
After graduating in 2016 from The University of Texas with a degree in English, Sanda Brown became a content writer for the BDX with a focus on website copy and content marketing.
At the BDX, Sanda helps write and edit articles on NewHomeSource.com, writes website copy for builders, and manages a team of freelancers that work on additional content needs.