North Brunswick, Nj: A Great Place To Be

North Brunswick is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. It is centrally located in the Raritan Valley region within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the township's population was 43,905, an increase of 3,163 from the 2010 count. North Brunswick was first mentioned in Middlesex Freeholder Board minutes in 1779 and was incorporated as a township in 1798. The township is named after its neighbour, South Brunswick, which in turn was named after New Brunswick. New Brunswick was named after the German city of Braunschweig, formerly translated into English as Brunswick. North Brunswick is part of the watershed of the Lawrence Brook, a tributary of the Raritan River.

North Brunswick's history and demographics

History

North Brunswick, New Jersey, was settled by the Lenape Native Americans before being acquired by European settlers from France and the Netherlands in 1772. It was first mentioned in the Middlesex Freeholder Board minutes of February 28, 1779, and was incorporated as a township on February 21, 1798. The name Brunswick comes from New Brunswick, which was named after the German city of Braunschweig, formerly translated into English as Brunswick. Alternatively, the city may have been named after King George II of Great Britain, the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg.

North Brunswick was once a part of a larger township that included present-day East Brunswick, which separated in 1860, and Milltown, which became a separate municipality in 1889.

Demographics

According to the 2020 census, North Brunswick has a population of 43,905, a median household income of $103,488, and a median age of 37.4 years. The racial makeup of the township is 39.3% White, 20.9% Black or African American, 24.6% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 3.8% multiracial. Hispanic or Latino persons of any race made up 20.9% of the population.

The largest racial/ethnic groups in North Brunswick are White (29.5%), followed by Asian (24.0%), and Hispanic (22.6%). Foreign-born residents make up 12.0% of the population, with Asia, Latin America, and Europe being the most common regions of origin.

The median household income in North Brunswick is $110,285, with 5.0% of families living in poverty. The most common industries in the township are educational services, professional and technical services, finance and insurance, and accommodation and food services.

Transportation and roads

North Brunswick is served by NJ Transit and Amtrak trains on the Northeast Corridor Line. NJ Transit provides frequent services north to Pennsylvania Station, in Midtown Manhattan, and south to Trenton. Amtrak's Keystone Service and Northeast Regional trains also service the New Brunswick station. The Jersey Avenue station is also served by Northeast Corridor trains.

The North Brunswick Train Station is a new train stop in the county along the Northeast Corridor, providing substantial relief to one of the state's busiest rail lines, reducing traffic along Route 1, and attracting new revenue to the region. The project was proposed 15 years ago, and in 2017, the New Jersey State Legislature allocated $50 million for it through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (NJTTF). The project is managed by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA), in partnership with NJ Transit. The MCIA will coordinate input from NJ Transit, Amtrak, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the North Brunswick Township developer, and Middlesex County.

Local bus services are provided by NJ Transit's 810, 811, 814, 815, and 818 routes. Rutgers Campus Bus Network also provides an extensive bus network. The Middlesex County Area Transit (MCAT) shuttles provide service on routes operating across the county, including the M1 route, which operates between Jamesburg and the New Brunswick train station. DASH/CAT buses, operated by Somerset County on the 851 and 852 routes, connect New Brunswick and Bound Brook.

Suburban Trails offers intercity bus services to and from New York City on three routes: Route 100 between Princeton and the Port Authority Bus Terminal; Route 500 between New Brunswick and along 42nd Street to the United Nations; and Route 600 between East Windsor and Wall Street in Downtown Manhattan.

Intercity bus services from New Brunswick to Columbia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., are offered by OurBus Prime.

New Brunswick was historically served by the interurban Newark–Trenton Fast Line, which covered a 72-mile route that stopped in the city from 1872 to 1936. The Raritan River Railroad also ran to New Brunswick but is now defunct.

The closest commercial airports to North Brunswick are Princeton Airport, 14 miles (a 23-minute drive) southwest, and Newark Liberty International Airport, 22 miles (a 31-minute drive) north.

Schools and education

North Brunswick Township School District contains 8 schools and serves around 5,800 students. The district's minority enrollment is 90%, and 21.7% of students are economically disadvantaged. The student body is 15.3% White, 21.2% Black, 19.2% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, 41.1% Hispanic/Latino, 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.2% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. 2.7% of students are two or more races, and 48% of students are female.

The North Brunswick Township School District provides all students in preschool through to 12th grade with a 1:1 device that can be used in class and brought home for continued learning. The district has been recognised as one of the nation's "Best High Schools" by U.S. News and World Report magazine and is ranked in the top 40% of all high schools in the country.

The district spends $20,488 per student each year, with an annual revenue of $139,866,000. The student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1, lower than the state average of 13:1. 88.4% of teachers are licensed, and 80.2% have three or more years of experience.

North Brunswick Township High School is ranked 206th within New Jersey. Students can take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams, with an AP® participation rate of 37%. The total minority enrollment is 83%, and 33% of students are economically disadvantaged.

The North Brunswick Township Middle School opened in September 2020, featuring maker-spaces, a T.V. studio, a Knowledge Resource Centre, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and several indoor and outdoor athletic spaces.

Elementary schools in the district include John Adams Elementary School, Livingston Park Elementary School, Arthur M. Judd Elementary School, and Parsons Elementary School.

Government and politics

The Township of North Brunswick has a Council-Manager form of government. The North Brunswick Township Council is composed of six Council Members elected at large for three-year terms, with two seats up for election each year. The Council's primary responsibilities include serving as the legislative body of the township, approving the annual budget presented by the Mayor, approving payment of bills, and serving as liaisons to several Boards and Committees. The Council President as of September 6, 2022, is Mary Hutchinson, and other Council Members include Bob Davis, Carlo Socio, Ralph Andrews, Amanda Guadagnino, and Rajesh Mehta.

The Business Administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Township and is responsible for directing and supervising the administration of all Township departments, offices, and agencies. They also assist the Township Council in preparing the annual budget and advise the Mayor and Council on the Township's financial condition and future needs.

The Municipal Clerk's Office serves as the secretary to the governing body and is responsible for issuing licenses, registering voters, and providing general information to the public. They also prepare meeting agendas, attend all Council meetings, and preserve all ordinances and resolutions. The Municipal Clerk is the Chief Elections Officer in all elections held in the municipality and the Chief Registrar of Voters in the Township.

The Township Council holds regular meetings, with the next upcoming meeting scheduled for June 24, 2024, at the Board of Education Meeting Room at Linwood School.

Things to do and see

North Brunswick in New Jersey is a vibrant town with a rich history, a lively arts scene, and a dynamic food culture. Here are some of the top attractions and experiences to enjoy during your visit:

Explore the Great Outdoors

• Boyd Park: This scenic park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and beautiful riverfront views along the Raritan River. It also features a dedicated dog park for pet owners.
• Rutgers Gardens: Nestled within the Rutgers University campus, this serene botanical garden boasts a wide variety of plants, themed gardens, and scenic walking trails. It hosts year-round events and programs, including horticultural workshops and garden tours.
• Buccleuch Park: Spanning 78 acres, this park features walking trails, flower gardens, a pond, and sports facilities. It also includes the historic Buccleuch Mansion, which dates back to the 1700s and played a significant role during the American Revolution.

Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture

• Zimmerli Art Museum: Located on the Rutgers University campus, this distinguished art museum showcases European, American, and Asian art. It hosts art camps for children during the summer and offers special exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year.
• Rutgers University Geology Museum: A free educational museum showcasing fascinating exhibits on geology, paleontology, and minerals. The highlight is the "Big Bone Room," featuring dinosaur fossils and interactive displays.
• New Brunswick Performing Arts Center: This cultural hub hosts exciting live performances, including stand-up comedy, live concerts, movie screenings, and performative arts. It supports local artists through workshops, studio spaces, and opportunities to showcase their work.
• George Street Playhouse: Known for its thought-provoking plays and commitment to promoting new works and emerging playwrights.
• State Theatre New Jersey: A historic performing arts venue hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. The Family Series features children's events, including classic movie screenings and live adaptations of popular children's stories.
• Mason Gross School of the Arts: The art school for Rutgers University, with a beautiful space dedicated to student exhibits and performances, including film, dance, and music.

Indulge in Delicious Cuisine

• Thomas Sweet Ice Cream: This iconic ice cream parlor offers a wide variety of homemade ice creams and sweet treats, including their famous "Blend-ins," where customers can customize their ice cream with mix-ins.
• Evelyn's Restaurant: Serves delicious Middle Eastern dishes and Mediterranean appetizers, along with a full bar of premium wine and cocktails.
• Old Man Rafferty's: A charming restaurant with a diverse menu of comfort food classics and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for families and those seeking a warm dining experience.
• Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe: A popular brewpub known for its house-made craft beers and a farm-to-table menu. Guests can enjoy beer-infused mussels, bruschetta pizza, and seasonal brews.
• Steakhouse 85: Renowned for its premium cuts of meat and elegant ambiance, making it a top choice for special occasions and steak connoisseurs. They offer a 'date night' special, often accompanied by live jazz performances.
• Esquina Latina Restaurant and Lounge: This vibrant spot serves Latin appetizers, including Cuban guacamole, empanadas, and croquetas. It's the perfect place to enjoy delicious margaritas and salsa dancing with friends.
• Destination Dogs: Known for its creatively crafted gourmet hot dogs, offering a fun and unique dining experience. Don't miss their signature "Jersey Ripper" hot dog, with deep-fried toppings.

Other Notable Attractions

• New Brunswick Free Public Library: A community hub offering an extensive collection of books, events, and resources for readers, students, and lifelong learners.
• American Hungarian Foundation: Dedicated to preserving and sharing the story of Hungary through the eyes of those who immigrated to America. It features a library with over 60,000 historical pieces and a gallery showcasing American-Hungarian artists.
• Middlesex County Fair: A lively county fair with various activities, entertainment, and food options, including pork BBQ and wild bill soda.
• Monster Mini Golf: A family-friendly miniature golf course, perfect for a fun day out.

Frequently asked questions