$465,038Average Value$335Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Helmetta is a Hallmark-style borough built on tobacco
If any community in America can lay claim to being founded on tobacco, Helmetta, a borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey, can. Snuff and other chewing tobacco products were produced at the G. W. Helme Snuff Mill District for nearly a century and a half. The mill opened in the 1820s and closed in 1993, but still looms large over the neighborhood. A drive down the community’s abundantly tree-lined Main Street will give you small-town USA vibes as you pass where the old snuff mill used to operate, now turned into luxury rental apartments. Across the way was Bo’s General Store, which shuttered in 2003 — the spot was the site of Helmetta’s general store since the 1800s. And the borough is proud of its small-town status. When asked what words best describe Helmetta, Mayor Christopher Slavicek says. “Small town, big heart. I often refer to our community as a Hallmark-style movie. Hallmark in Helmetta.”
Neighborhoods in Helmetta have tidy lawns and trees along their streets.
Helmetta is conveniently situated near the New Jersey Turnpike for access to cities.
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Row houses and condos reflect the community’s factory roots
The median price for a home in Helmetta is $254,900 and nearly 75% of residents own their house. According to Slavicek, the housing styles vary. “Being it’s an old factory town, the housing is a combination of row-style housing and quaint neighborhoods,” he explains. Since Helmetta is small, less than a square mile, Century 21 Realtor Chris Geist says don’t expect big lots. “Older towns like this were densely populated,” he says. “Everything leads up to Main Street. It cuts the town. This is Mayberry, 2023. You’ve got one church, one liquor store, one grocery store.” He adds that there are more condos and apartments in the neighborhood and newer homes don’t exist.
New townhomes can be found in downtown Helmetta.
Apartments now occupy what was once the world's largest tobacco snuff mill in Helmetta.
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Spotswood schools offer clubs, sports and small class sizes
Kids living in Helmetta can attend Spotswood Public School District schools, which received a B from Niche. E.R. Appleby Elementary School and Spotswood Memorial Middle School have B-minus grades from Niche. Students can receive more attention considering the 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio at both schools. Spotswood High School also has small class sizes, 12-to-1, and earned a B-plus Niche rating. Additionally, with more than 26 extracurricular clubs, including Youth in Government and Snow Sports Club, parents can be confident their teens will keep busy after school. “The school system offers a robust opportunity for the kids with sports, theater and academic extracurricular programs,” Slavicek says.
There are 334 students enrolled in the E. Raymond Appleby school in Spotswood.
Spotswood Memorial School has a B-minus grade from Niche.
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People explore pine forests, berry-lined trails and Helmetta Lake
The nearby Jamesburg Park Conservation Area is an outdoor wonderland for those who love serene green spaces and wetlands. Stretching across more than 1,400 acres, the Jamesburg Park Conservation Area is the northernmost portion of New Jersey Pine Barrens. You will find fragrant pine and Atlantic white cedar trees and towering post oaks within the park. On the hiking trails, you’ll run across blueberries, huckleberries, and cranberry bogs covering portions of the wetlands. Shutterbugs will love the photo opportunities of nature and wildlife and hikers will be ecstatic about the miles of trails. Anglers will love dropping a line at Helmetta Lake Park. This 38-acre lake features piers, docks and a public boat launch. Largemouth bass tend to be the catch of the day.
Helmetta Lake Park offers lakeside walks with water views in Helmetta.
Michael Road Play Area has a newly renovated playground.
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Local bites include Villa Borghese II’s flavorful pizzas
Combining two regional favorites is just what you’ll need after hiking at the park. The gooey American cheese mixed with peppers, onions and steak will excite your tastebuds as you grab a slice of Villa Borghese II’s cheesesteak pizza. The Mayor’s go-to slice? “I’d have to say the white pizza — with or without broccoli is delicious,” Slavicek says. For those who love cooking at home, the closest grocery stores are the Shop Rite of Spotswood and the Jamesburg Deli & Grocery. The closest mall is the Brunswick Square Mall in East Brunswick — 14 miles away.
Fresh burgers & finger foods can be found at Bovine Burger in nearby Jamesburg.
Villa Borghese has fresh pizza and sandwiches.
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New Jersey Turnpike access and the rattling Conrail train
Helmetta is conveniently situated — exit 8A on the New Jersey Turnpike is less than 5 miles, connecting you to Philadelphia, 57 miles, and New York City, 44 miles. Inside the borough, Slavicek says, “You’ll always catch neighbors milling around their yards giving a wave, dog walkers, kids riding bicycles, neighbors walking to the post office, the Conrail train passing by and church bells ringing.” Slavicek says he’s used to it, but newcomers will know when the train comes; it shakes and rattles the homes.
Written By
Robb Crocker
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Hammill
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lori Eipel,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Helmetta, NJ sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Helmetta, NJ over the last 12 months is $385,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Patrick CrocettaHometown America, a Manufactured Home Dealer
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