Bridgewater

Located roughly halfway between the major urban centers of New York City and Philadelphia, Central Jersey’s Bridgewater Township presents a diverse character in many ways. Not only is this town located at a crossroads of two of the Northeast’s most important economic hubs, but it also offers homebuyers the options of both suburban and rural living, a variety of housing styles, and an abundance of dining and retail options.

Bridgewater is one of the first 104 townships of New Jersey to be incorporated in 1798, with a history dating back to the colonial era; it draws its name from the English port town of Bridgwater. This town, too, sits along a major river, as it embraces the Raritan River to the south. Bridgewater was a farming community for most of its history, and it was not until the 1970s that Bridgewater became a booming suburb of Plainfield and Newark. Both the job opportunities of the Raritan Valley and proximity to New York City helped Bridgewater to develop into the sprawling suburban town it is today, with a population of over 46,000 people.

Realtor Corey Jones of Prestige Properties says, “Bridgewater is geographically spread out, and it is much larger than neighboring towns such as Somerville. It’s very much a high-demand location in Central Jersey and is one of its best-known larger townships.” This township has a diverse character: rural and suburban meet here, as do rustic tranquility and commercial vibrancy. Jones says, “It’s a comfortable, suburban environment, and many areas of town give off a rural feeling, located on farmland, with dirt roads, and in the woods.” In the northwestern parts of Bridgewater, homes have a spacious feel, with large colonial residences and the occasional Tudor sporting vast yard areas and quiet residential streets. Jones also says, “Schools are very high-rated, contributing to Bridgewater’s demand and market value. Properties range from $600,000 to $800,000 if you’re looking for a home that may have four bedrooms; smaller homes will be in the $400,000-$500,000 range.” In the parts of town closer to the Bridgewater Commons, homes vary in size and style from modest Tudors and bungalows to large colonials, while large townhouse developments just off Interstate 287 offer additional housing options.

Bridgewater is locally known as the retail hub of Somerset County, owing to the presence of the Bridgewater Commons shopping center. Here, residents will find a wealth of shopping and dining options, with an impressive food court serving dishes from fish and chips and Thai food to Japanese grilled meats and the famously large, hearty meals at the Cheesecake Factory. A local favorite restaurant is Maggiano’s Little Italy, a semi-upscale restaurant with an ornate interior and a menu of Italian-American classics from chicken parmesan to baked ziti. Clothing shopping is made easy by the presence of big-name retailers such as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, while home goods, toy stores, and even watch and sunglasses stores are among the 170 stores that fill the Commons’ halls.

Bridgewater makes use of its natural scenery to offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The 18-hole Green Knoll Golf Course has long been a fixture of the community, with a “hard par, easy bogey” design. Also within Bridgewater is the Raritan Valley Country Club, where members can not only golf, but also meet and dine with friends at the clubhouse or swim in its pool during the warm summer months.
Bridgewater’s public school system has achieved national recognition, with Bridgewater-Raritan High School being awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence. This school has ranked among the top hundred schools in the country and the top fifty in the state, ensuring that Bridgewater’s students will receive a high-quality public education.

Bridgewater stands out among its neighbors for its convenient access to both New York and Philadelphia via major highways. Jones says, “Here in Central Jersey, you won’t find that the train is a major factor, but Bridgewater is just slightly beyond an hour’s drive from New York City. Bridgewater residents may work locally or want to be able to commute to both Philadelphia and New York City.”

With a combination of rustic charm and modern conveniences, Bridgewater stands out as one of Central Jersey’s most unique communities.

Written By

Jacob Adelhoch

Video By

Daric Clarke