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East Brunswick Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, is a diverse and dynamic community that offers a unique blend of suburban charm and modern conveniences. Located about 29 miles from New York City, it is a popular place for commuters with its pristine suburbs and easy access to major highways. The township boasts a highly-rated school system, a variety of housing options, and a range of recreational activities, making it one of the best places to live in the state. Among its notable attractions are the Crystal Springs Aquatic Facility, the East Brunswick Public Library, and the Playhouse 22 community theatre. With a population of around 49,000, East Brunswick is a place where people can find a sense of community and enjoy a high quality of life.

East Brunswick Township's history

East Brunswick Township in New Jersey was incorporated in 1860 from parts of North Brunswick and Monroe townships, including the community of Old Bridge. The area was originally occupied by the Lenape Native Americans. By the mid-19th century, a small settlement had formed in the southeastern part, known as the Old Bridge section of the town, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

The township was formed from portions of both Monroe Township and North Brunswick Township. Portions of the township were taken to form Washington town within the township (1870), which became independent as South River in 1898. Other towns formed from East Brunswick Township include Helmetta (1888), Milltown (1889), and Spotswood (1908).

Since the 2000 census, the United States Census Bureau calculated that New Jersey's centre of population was located within East Brunswick Township. As of the 2020 census, the township's population was 49,715, its highest count ever.

East Brunswick Township, Pennsylvania, on the other hand, was formed in 1834 when Brunswick Township was divided into East and West Brunswick Townships. Brunswick Township was formed in 1801 as one of the original townships of Schuylkill County, named for Brunswick (Braunschweig), Germany.

The township's schools

The Township Schools in East Brunswick, New Jersey, are highly rated. The East Brunswick Public Schools serve students from kindergarten to the twelfth grade. The district is made up of 11 schools and, as of the 2018-2019 school year, had an enrollment of 8,260 students and 687 classroom teachers. The township's high school has been named a Star School by the State of New Jersey.

Local attractions

East Brunswick, New Jersey, has a lot to offer in terms of local attractions. Here is a list of some of the top places to visit:

Crystal Springs Family Waterpark

The Crystal Springs Family Waterpark is a great option for those looking for outdoor recreational water activities. It offers a range of pools, a splash park, water slides, and a lazy river. The waterpark is highly rated by travellers for its lifeguards and inexpensive food options.

Giamarese Farm & Orchards

Giamarese Farm & Orchards is a family-owned business that has been around since 1941. It offers hayrides, pony rides, mazes, and a store with a great selection of products. It is a popular seasonal attraction for East Brunswick residents and a wonderful place to spend the day with the family.

St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church

St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church is a fascinating place of worship with a rich historical and cultural heritage dating back centuries. Visitors are invited to explore and learn about the church's history and traditions.

Brunswick Square Mall

Brunswick Square Mall is a single-story regional shopping mall located on the corner of Route 18 and Rues Lane. It offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a movie theatre. It is a great place to spend a rainy day or to find everything you need in one place.

East Brunswick Museum

The East Brunswick Museum, formerly known as the Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church, is located in the community of Old Bridge. It features the works of local artist James Crawford Thom and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Playhouse 22

Playhouse 22 is a volunteer-run community theatre housed at the Elliott Taubenslag Theater within the East Brunswick Community Arts Center. It has staged numerous hit musicals, dramas, and comedies and is recognised as an excellent community theatre in New Jersey.

In addition to these top attractions, East Brunswick also boasts a variety of beautiful parks, such as Bicentennial Park, Heavenly Farms, and Ireland Brook Conservation Area, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.

Housing in the area

East Brunswick Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, offers a range of housing options. The township has a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. The eastern side of the town has a multitude of housing choices, including single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums, and apartment complexes. The western side, in contrast, is the sparsely developed 6.7-square-mile Rural Preservation Zone.

The real estate values for single-family homes vary, ranging from $150,000 to over $1,000,000 for a custom home with a tennis court and pool. The township's convenient location, excellent school system, and diverse population have made it a desirable place to live.

The township's population was 49,715 as of the 2020 census, with a population density of 2,189.6 per square mile (845.4/km2). There were 17,367 housing units at an average density of 800.4 per square mile (309.0/km2). The racial makeup was predominantly White (69.36%), followed by Asian (22.80%), African American (3.98%), and other races.

East Brunswick has something for everyone, from affordable homes to luxury residences, and its convenient location and amenities make it a sought-after place to live.

Transport links

East Brunswick, New Jersey, is a township in Middlesex County, located on the southern shore of the Raritan River. It is a suburb of New York City, situated roughly 29 miles (47 km) away, and is part of the New York City metropolitan area.

East Brunswick is well-connected to the surrounding areas, with easy access to major highways and public transportation options.

Highways and Roads

East Brunswick is conveniently located near several major highways, including Route 18, which runs through the eastern part of the township, and the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95). Route 18 provides vital access to the Jersey Shore and interior parts of the state. The New Jersey Turnpike's Exit 9 is located in East Brunswick, and the township is also easily accessible from Exits 8A and 10. The Turnpike's "dual-dual" configuration, with separate car-only and truck lanes, has been extended to Exit 8A in 1990 and Exit 6 in 2014, improving traffic flow.

Other important roads and highways in the area include County Roads 527 and 535, the Garden State Parkway in neighboring Sayreville and Old Bridge, and Interstate 287 in Edison. The five-mile stretch of Route 18 within East Brunswick is a busy commercial area lined with stores, offices, and eating establishments.

Public Transportation

For those who prefer public transportation, East Brunswick offers several options:

• Bus Services: NJ Transit provides bus services to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan (Route 138), Jersey City (Route 68), and local destinations within East Brunswick (Routes 811, 815, and 818).
• Shuttle Services: The MCAT (Middlesex County Area Transit) shuttle system operates local routes within East Brunswick and the surrounding areas, including Brunswick Square, Monroe Township, Jamesburg, Old Bridge Township, and South Amboy.
• Suburban Transit: This private bus company offers frequent bus services to New York City, with buses departing every 10-15 minutes from the Transportation Center and Tower Center. Destinations in New York City include the Port Authority Bus Terminal (Line 100), 59th Street and Madison Avenue (Line 300), the United Nations (Line 500), and Wall Street (Line 600).
• Rail Services: The Raritan River Railroad, a shortline railroad dating back to 1888, provides freight services through the township, although there are proposals to convert it into a light rail corridor for passengers.

Airports

For air travel, the closest major airport is Newark Liberty International Airport, located about 37 miles (or a 39-minute drive) from the center of East Brunswick via the New Jersey Turnpike. Other nearby airports include John F. Kennedy International Airport (roughly 36 miles away) and LaGuardia Airport (about 37 miles away). For shorter-distance flights, the Old Bridge Airport in Old Bridge Township offers convenient air transportation services.

Walkability and Downtown Area

While East Brunswick offers excellent road and public transportation connections, some residents have expressed a desire for more walkable spaces and a downtown area to unite the community.

Overall, East Brunswick benefits from its proximity to major highways and public transportation options, making it a well-connected township. However, some residents have highlighted the need for improved walkability and a central downtown area to enhance the sense of community.

Frequently asked questions