North Brunswick: Exploring New Jersey's Map

North Brunswick is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, centrally located in the Raritan Valley region within the New York metropolitan area. It is bordered by East Brunswick, Milltown, New Brunswick, and South Brunswick in Middlesex County, and Franklin Township in Somerset County. As of the 2020 census, the township's population was 43,905, with a population density of 3,649.0 inhabitants per square mile. North Brunswick is a diverse community with a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. The public schools in North Brunswick are above average, and the township is served by the North Brunswick Township Public Schools district. The township is governed using the Faulkner Act's Mayor-Council-Administrator form of local government, with the Mayor of North Brunswick being Francis Mac Womack III, whose term ends in 2027.

North Brunswick's location in the Raritan Valley region

North Brunswick is located in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It is bordered by the municipalities of Piscataway, Highland Park, and Edison, across the Raritan River to the north. It is also bordered by North Brunswick to the southwest, East Brunswick to the southeast, and Franklin Township in Somerset County.

The Raritan Valley is the region along the middle reaches of the Raritan River and its North and South Branches. The Raritan River forms at the confluence of the North and South Branches just west of Somerville. It flows 16 miles before slowing in tidewater at New Brunswick, which is located on the southern banks of the river. The Raritan Valley region includes communities in Somerset and Middlesex Counties, such as Branchburg, Bridgewater, Somerville, Raritan, Dunellen, Middlesex, and New Brunswick.

The Raritan Valley is part of the larger Central Jersey region, which includes Middlesex County and tends to include much of Monmouth, Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties. Central Jersey is distinct from North Jersey and South Jersey, with a population of 3,580,999 as of the 2020 census.

North Brunswick's population and demographics

North Brunswick, New Jersey, is a township in Middlesex County. 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 (7.8%) from the 2010 census. The racial makeup of the township was 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 median household income in North Brunswick was $103,488, and the mean income was $129,117. Both numbers were reported in 2021 inflation-adjusted dollars. The per-capita income was $46,291. Of the 30,408 people aged 25 or older, 88.88% had at least a high school diploma, 50.95% had at least a bachelor's degree, and 21.95% had a graduate or professional degree. The township's population density was 3,649.0 inhabitants per square mile.

North Brunswick's population has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. The 2000 census counted 36,287 people in the township, while the 2010 census counted 40,742. The population of North Brunswick is diverse, with a significant Asian population and a growing number of Hispanic or Latino residents. The township is located within the New York metropolitan area and is home to a variety of communities, including an Italian American community that celebrates its heritage annually at the Carnevale Italiano.

North Brunswick's history and European settlement

The history of North Brunswick, New Jersey, is closely tied to the history of its neighbour, New Brunswick. The area that would become North Brunswick was settled by the Lenape Native Americans before European settlers from France and the Netherlands acquired land from the Lenape in 1772.

European colonisation of New Jersey began in the early 17th century, when Dutch and Swedish colonists settled in the region. In 1664, the Dutch surrendered the entire area to England, and London formally gained control of the region with the Treaty of Westminster in 1674.

In 1681, the first European settlement at the site of New Brunswick was made by a man named John Inian, who 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 settlement was called Prigmore's Swamp (1681-1697), then Inian's Ferry (1691-1714), before it was renamed New Brunswick in 1714. The city was named after the German city of Braunschweig, formerly translated into English as Brunswick.

In 1779, North Brunswick was first mentioned in Middlesex Freeholder Board minutes, and it was incorporated as a township in 1798.

North Brunswick's public transport

North Brunswick in New Jersey is set to benefit from a new train station, which will bring a new train stop to Middlesex County along the Northeast Corridor. The project, which is being managed by the Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA), will provide numerous benefits, including 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 has been allocated $50 million in funding from the New Jersey State Legislature through the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund (NJTTF).

Currently, the city of New Brunswick has a well-developed transit system, offering local shuttles, bus and train services. Over 90 NJ Transit trains stop in New Brunswick each day, serving two stations: New Brunswick Station in the heart of downtown New Brunswick, and Jersey Avenue in the southern portion of the city.

In addition to the train services, there are several bus options for residents and visitors to New Brunswick. Rutgers operates the second-largest bus system in New Jersey and the largest campus bus system in the country, connecting all campuses and downtown New Brunswick for free. NJ Transit also operates five bus routes through New Brunswick: 810, 811, 814, 815, and 818.

For those who need a little extra help getting around, New Brunswick offers Dial-A-Ride, a free curb-to-curb transportation service for elderly (60+), disabled, and low-income residents. This service provides transportation to non-emergency medical, mental health, and physical therapy appointments, as well as visits to social service agencies.

With a range of public transport options already available in New Brunswick and the upcoming addition of the North Brunswick Train Station, getting around the area without a car is made convenient and accessible for residents and visitors alike.

North Brunswick's schools

North Brunswick Township Schools is a school district in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The district's mission is to "educate, inspire and empower our students to meet challenges and achieve success". The district is made up of 12 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools.

The district's high school 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 school received this distinction in 2020 and 2021.

The North Brunswick Township School District provides all students in grades PK-12 with a 1:1 device that is used in each class daily and can be brought home for continued academic use. The district also participates in the New Jersey Department of Education's Preschool Expansion Aid program.

The district's middle school, which opened in September 2020, features maker-spaces, a TV studio, a Knowledge Resource Centre, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and several indoor and outdoor athletic spaces. The curriculum includes STEM-infused courses such as AMPED on Algebra and Data Science.

The North Brunswick Township School District received a grade of B+ and a rating of 3.99 out of 5 from 78 reviews. One reviewer said:

> "The teachers care about students' success and well-being. Teachers go above and beyond to help students with their academics. There are many great clubs and programs offered there. Students have school spirit and feel included in all activities. The school has great sports teams and coaches who are professional and make sure students are physically active and safe."

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