Allentown is a historic community in Monmouth County
Allentown is a Monmouth County borough that values historic preservation. The town of about 1,800 features a well-maintained central historic district that showcases 18th- and 19th-century architecture. “It’s a beautiful community that’s really well kept,” says AnnaMarie Comforte, a broker associate with Keller Williams Premier, who graduated from Allentown High School. Horse farms, fields and countryside surround Allentown, and residents gather for community events throughout the year, adding to its small-town charm. But it’s roughly halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, and Trenton is a short drive away, ensuring residents can access big city amenities if they need.
What’s happening in the Allentown Historic District
The Allentown Historic District encompasses the downtown area surrounding Old York Road and Church Street and some roads branching off it. Here, 18th- and 19th-century buildings showcase Georgian, Greek Revival and Victorian architecture, church bells sound and leafy trees dot brick sidewalks. Locals can dine at spots like Woody’s Towne Café, a cozy restaurant that’s open for breakfast and lunch. “They have amazing burgers,” Comforte says. “It’s large plates of great food and it’s been there forever. My friends and I used to walk there after school.” Or, residents can opt for La Piazza Ristorante, a more upscale option that serves Italian favorites like lasagna and baked ziti. The Moth Coffeehouse pours lattes and dishes sandwiches and salads from an old mill building. It also offers mostly vegan baked goods that are made in-house and has views of Conines Millpond. “The Moth is very popular,” Comforte says. “It’s an Allentown staple.” There are also a few small local shops in this area. “Some of the historic houses downtown have been turned into flower shops and boutiques,” Comforte says.
Larger-scale shopping can be found about 4 miles northwest in Hamilton Township. Here, folks can shop at big-box stores like Walmart and the Home Depot, eat at chain restaurants like Longhorn Steakhouse or grocery shop at ShopRite.
Historic houses downtown and nearby homes on quiet streets
Colonial Revival, Federal-style, Georgian and Victorian homes line the downtown historic district. Many have unique features like original molding, doors and fireplaces or large front porches. These properties often have little space between their neighbors and are within walking distance of shops and restaurants. A house in this part of town can range in price from $380,000 to $990,000, depending on its size, age and condition.
Homes outside of this district often have green lawns and lie on quiet, tree-lined residential roads. “There’s not a lot of new construction in Allentown, so there’s not a lot of inventory,” Comforte says. Here, Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes are common, typically costing between $310,000 and $805,000. These prices also depend on size, age and condition.
Nearby outdoor spaces like Pete Sensi Park
Pete Sensi Park sits on the shores of Conines Millpond and is within walking distance of the historic district. From the parking lot, a stone path leads to a wooden walkway, where visitors can sit on benches and look at the water. This is a popular spot to fish, kayak and canoe. The park also features a grassy, manicured green space. Many town events are held at the park, such as the Allentown Lions Club’s Fishing Derby on Fourth of July weekend and the Economic Development Commission's Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. Nearby Heritage Park is an idyllic outdoor space where paved paths run through gently rolling fields. Oak and pine trees shade these trails, and benches and picnic tables lie in the shade. Byron Johnson Park is just outside the community and features a playground, lighted ball fields and a gazebo.
Allentown residents come together for annual events
Allentown is a connected community, and residents gather for events throughout the year. “Everyone kind of knows everyone,” Comforte says. Around Halloween, there’s a parade and costume contest, as well as the annual Witch’s Night Out festival, which includes tarot card readings and a séance spirit circle. In the spring, children look forward to the Easter Egg Hunt, while the annual Spring Stroll brings artisans downtown, as they sell their creations while live music floats through the air.
Students attend Upper Freehold Regional School District
Allentown is zoned for the Upper Freehold Regional School District, which also educates students from Upper Freehold Township. The district includes three schools. Newell Elementary and Stone Bridge Middle get B-plus grades from Niche. Allentown High School earns an A-minus and offers honors societies, from the National Honor Society to those recognizing individual subjects.
About halfway between NYC and Philly
The community is near U.S. Interstate 195 and U.S. Interstate 95, allowing for travel throughout the Northeast. Trenton is 13 miles east. The community is equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia, and residents can reach either city in roughly 50 miles. For air travel, Trenton-Mercer Airport is about 25 miles away, Philadelphia International Airport is about 50 miles away and John F. Kennedy International Airport is about 70 miles away.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
