New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a city in the United States. It is the seat of Middlesex County and is located on the Raritan River, 27 miles southwest of Manhattan. The area was first inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans and was given its current name in 1714, derived from the German city of Braunschweig. New Brunswick has a rich history, dating back to pre-revolutionary times, and was incorporated as a city in 1784. It is known for its ethnic diversity, with notable populations of Hungarians, Hispanics, and African Americans. The city is a hub for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, and is home to Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location | Middlesex County, New Jersey, US |
Population | 55,266 (2020) |
Population Density | 10,556.4 per square mile (2010) |
Area | 5.75 square miles |
Mayor | James Cahill |
Notable Institutions | Rutgers University, Johnson & Johnson, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Saint Peter's University Hospital |
Notable People | Michael Douglas, Joe Theismann, Paul Wesley, Laurie Hernandez, Joyce Kilmer |
What You'll Learn
New Brunswick's history dates back to pre-Revolutionary times
New Brunswick, New Jersey, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-17th century. The area that would become the city was initially a Native American village in a dense cedar forest with swampland along the Raritan River. The first European inhabitant of the area was Daniel Cooper, who resided near the present site of the Albany Street bridge approach and operated a ferry that was later purchased by John Inian.
In 1681, Inian purchased two lots from the Leni-Lenape, containing one mile of riverfront and two miles inland, or 1280 acres. This was the first purchase of land in what is now the City of New Brunswick. The area was initially referred to as "River" by the Leni-Lenape. In the 1690s, the area became known as Prigmore's Swamp, named after John Prigmore (or Pridmore) who lived along the river banks.
In the 1700s, Inian envisioned an expanding and useful transit system and purchased ferry rights on the river. Around 1713, Prigmore's Swamp became Inian's Ferry. In 1724, the town was renamed New Brunswick in honour of King George I, the Duke of Brunswick. The city was then incorporated on December 30, 1730, two weeks before New York City. During the 1730s, there was a large Dutch immigration from Albany, New York, settling on what would later be named Albany Street.
New Brunswick became an important crossroads between Philadelphia/Trenton and New York City. George Washington, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams are just a few of the prominent leaders and innovators who made history in the city before, during, and after the Revolutionary War.
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New Brunswick is known as the 'Healthcare City'
New Brunswick, New Jersey, is known as the "Healthcare City" due to its concentration of medical facilities, including hospitals, medical schools, and corporate headquarters of pharmaceutical companies.
The city is home to five nationally recognised hospitals, including Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Saint Peter's University Hospital. It also houses the medical school, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and medical school, which is the largest in the state. The city's healthcare sector is further strengthened by the presence of global biotechnology and pharmaceutical corporations, such as Johnson & Johnson and Bristol Myers Squibb, which have their corporate headquarters and production facilities in the city.
New Brunswick's healthcare landscape is also characterised by internationally recognised medical research facilities and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the only National Cancer Institute in the state. The city's healthcare ecosystem is further enhanced by Rutgers University, which attracts significant federal funding for research, surpassing all other colleges and universities in New Jersey combined.
The city's reputation as a healthcare hub is also reflected in its educational offerings, with the New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School, a magnet secondary school, offering a specialised curriculum focused on health sciences.
The concentration of healthcare resources in New Brunswick has contributed to its economic vitality and diversity, making it a desirable location for businesses and residents alike.
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New Brunswick is ethnically diverse
New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a city with a diverse population. According to the 2020 census, the city's population was 55,266, with a projected population of 55,846 for 2023. The majority race in New Brunswick is Hispanic, making up 40.2% of residents, while the next most common racial group is White at 30.1%. The city's diversity score is 98 out of 100, making it much more diverse than other US cities.
New Brunswick's diverse population can be traced back to its early history. The area was first inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, and the first European settlement was made in 1681. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city was home to a significant Hungarian population, with one-quarter of the state's Hungarian population residing in New Brunswick at one time. In the 1930s, one out of three city residents was Hungarian. The Hungarian community remains an active and cohesive group, with 3,200 residents accounting for 8% of the population in 1992.
In addition to its Hungarian population, New Brunswick has growing Hispanic and Asian communities, particularly around French Street near Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The city's Hispanic population has been steadily increasing, and it now has the 12th largest number of Hispanic residents in the state. The Asian population is also growing, especially in suburban areas of Middlesex County.
New Brunswick's diversity is further reflected in its educational institutions. Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey, is located in the city and offers a wide range of academic programs. The university's student population is diverse, with White, Asian, Hispanic, and Black or African American students making up significant proportions of the student body.
The city's diverse cultural offerings include the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, which hosts a variety of productions, including ballet, theatre, and musicals. The city also boasts a dynamic dining scene, with a diverse mix of international cuisines available in the downtown area.
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New Brunswick is a college town
New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a college town. It is home to Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey and its sports teams, which have been making big news in college sports. Rutgers University is one of the oldest universities in the United States, and its campus is made up of several famous colleges. The town's extensive history dates back to pre-Revolutionary times.
New Brunswick has a rich dining scene, with over 50 restaurants and eateries offering a diverse mix of international cuisines and colourful ambiances. The award-winning Frog and Peach, for example, is a high-end American restaurant set in a greenhouse. For Japanese cuisine, there is Sakana, a unique all-you-can-eat sushi, teriyaki and more. For those who love Italian, Stuff Yer Face offers oversized strombolis. There is also Noodle Gourmet, a Cantonese-style restaurant specialising in heaping bowls of noodle soup.
New Brunswick also has a thriving arts and culture scene. The New Brunswick Performing Arts Centre is a dynamic space that hosts just about any kind of production you could imagine. The city is also home to several museums, including the Zimmerli Art Museum, which regularly hosts special exhibitions.
New Brunswick is a great place to live, with a population of about 56,000 in 5.2 square miles. It is known as "The Hub City" and "The Healthcare City", owing to its status as a regional commercial hub and its wide array of public and private healthcare services.
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New Brunswick has a growing skyline
New Brunswick, New Jersey, has been undergoing a transformation over the last few decades, with a growing skyline of high-rise towers. The city, which is home to Rutgers University, has seen several new residential towers constructed, with a mix of luxury housing and student accommodation.
The Aspire, a 17-storey residential high-rise, is an example of the former, with a community kitchen and lounge, a green roof and rooftop patio and garden, a 24/7 doorman, onsite parking, and a fitness and yoga centre.
The Heldrich Hotel and Conference Centre, located in the entertainment district, is another example of the new high-rises, with an in-house bar and lounge, restaurant, pool, and conference rooms.
The Yard is another example of the redevelopment of New Brunswick, with a high-rise apartment building, trendy eateries, a big TV screen, and a lawn with chairs for lounging students.
Other projects include the New Brunswick Performing Arts Centre, which added 23 stories to the skyline, and the Rutgers Cancer Centre, a proposed 12-storey building.
The city's growing skyline is the result of a collaboration between Rutgers University, the New Brunswick Development Corp. (Devco), the mayor’s office, and private firms, who have been working to revitalise the downtown area.
New Brunswick's new skyline is a symbol of the city's rebirth, with a focus on healthcare, education, arts, and culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Is New Brunswick, NJ, a part of the United States?
What country did New Brunswick, NJ, get its name from?
What is New Brunswick, NJ, known for?