Green Brook keeps locals connected to NYC
Green Brook keeps residents connected to major hubs, provides highly rated schools and offers quick access to shops and outdoor attractions. The town’s compact size makes it a close-knit community, one that hosts a diverse selection of events throughout the year. “We have a great sense of community, and a small-town feel with access to everything you need,” says Roseann O'Keefe, broker associate for NextHome Premier, who’s been selling homes in the area for nearly 20 years. Commuters can easily get to New York City via three major thoroughfares, NJ Transit bus stops and a train station just outside of town.
Commuting via Route 22, NJ Transit express
Green Brook’s location makes for an easy commute to several nearby major hubs. “You’re an hour to the beach and an hour to New York City,” says O’Keefe. Commuters can take U.S. Route 22 and Interstate 78 just 25 miles north to get to Newark and 33 miles north to get to The Big Apple. Interstate 287 connects to the Garden State Parkway, taking residents 30 miles south to the Jersey Shore. NJ Transit offers express bus service stops along Route 22, providing daily service to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. Locals can also head 2 miles south to the Dunellen Train Station for service to and from Penn Station. The Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerset is 7 miles west. The closest airport, Newark Liberty International, is 20 miles north.
Traditional-style homes starting in the $400,000s
Homebuyers can find colonials and Cape Cods from the early 1900s, ranch-style homes and split-levels from later in the century and a handful of contemporary homes built in the past 25 years. “You have some new construction here and there, but no new developments,” says O’Keefe. Homes south of Route 22 are packed tighter together, while houses north of the highway have slightly larger lot sizes. Homes typically sell for $400,000 to $900,000, but the town’s largest houses range from $1 million to $1.5 million. At The Woods, a community of two- to four-bedroom condos, units range from $400,000 to $700,000.
Career concentration endorsements at Bridgewater-Raritan High
Students may start at Bayberry Elementary, which earns an A-minus from Niche, for kindergarten through fourth grade. Valley View School covers fifth through eighth grade and earns an A. Bridgewater-Raritan High also receives an A and offers concentrations in fields like computer science and music.
Shopping and dining along Route 22
Most of the town’s shopping and dining can be found along Route 22, including fast food chains and national retailers like Costco. There are also popular locally owned restaurants like Capital Craft for pints and pizza. Dan Zai serves ramen and sushi. “You have to try their pineapple fried rice,” says O’Keefe. One of the town's newest dining spots, Pachamama, serves Latin American dishes. And just 7 miles west, Bridgewater Commons offers over 150 additional stores and eateries.
Local parks, public golf course
Watchung Washington Rock State Park served as a lookout point during the American Revolution, but now it’s a large green space with a picnic area and views of the New York City skyline on clear days. Top of the World Park is in the north end of town and has tennis courts and a baseball diamond. In the south end, Arthur Lewis Park offers a large playground complex, an outdoor fitness court, sports facilities and a splash pad for warmer months. Warrenbrook Golf Course is open to the public and offers 18 holes.
Events at Arthur Lewis Park, Top of the World Park
There’s a free summer concert series each year at Arthur Lewis Park. Top of the World Park also hosts several events like the community’s Easter egg hunt. The Holi Festival in May is a Hindu celebration marking the arrival of spring, and the town’s event features the throwing of colored powders, Indian food and family activities. And in the fall, the town celebrates Oktoberfest with food and drinks, live music and activities for kids.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
