Jamesburg

Jamesburg, a small borough spliced together from portions of Monroe Township — which the borough sits inside — is a no frills place. There's no supermarkets, no high schools and roughly 30 years ago, not even a single traffic light existed. But residents don't mind. They honestly prefer it this way. Jamesburg has been the home to many generations of the same families.

The borough's name is derived from James Buckelew, who established a mill that became the town's nucleus. In 1847, he funded the construction of a school open to all children after Monroe Township officials refused to admit a Black student into one of its schools. Each year, Jamesburg residents honor Buckelew's legacy with the annual Buckelew Day celebration. The borough also hosts an annual fall festival where residents come together and enjoy festival food, vendors and all-around fun.

With Jamesburg being so small and generations of families living in town, it is no surprise that neighbors become extensions of one's family. John Katerba, a lifelong Monroe Township resident who has written history books about Monroe and Jamesburg, recalled growing up, "You could never get away with anything. Everyone knew everyone." However, in the modern day, there are a lot of transplants from Manhattan, Staten Island and Long Island who have settled in the borough. Katerba says new residents without ties choose the area because of the location. "Within two hours, you can get to New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Amish County and all the Jersey Shore towns," he says. No matter if you've lived in Jamesburg your whole life or merely discovered it on a whim, chances are you've settled into a single-family home on a quiet street. Homes in Jamesburg run the gamut in both prices and styles. You can find Cape Cods, ranch-styles, colonials, bi-levels, and a few townhome communities on its residential streets. Prices range from $275,000 to $1.15 million.

Neighborhood children can attend Jamesburg Public Schools for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Kids begin their educational journeys at John F. Kennedy Elementary School before attending Grace M. Breckwedel Middle School. Students from Jamesburg attend the highly ranked Monroe High, which has earned an overall A rating on Niche, including an A in college preparation and an A- in teachers and academics. During the 2022-2023 school year, a Monroe High School student successfully launched the first-ever high school cricket club in New Jersey.

Catch a little league game at the Knights of Columbus Park. This 5-acre park has a few ball fields and a small playground. At Thompson Park, you can spend the day hiking, fishing on Lake Manalapan or visiting the small zoo. At 675 acres, Thompson Park is the largest county park and straddles Jamesburg and Monroe Township. Another beloved park, minutes from Jamesburg, is Veteran's Park. Here, little kids can splash around at the spray park or play in the jungle gym. You'll probably spy a recreational baseball or soccer game happening on one of the many fields. If golf is your game, become a member of the nearby Forsgate Country Club, where you can hit the course, swim laps, play tennis or pickleball and dine at the Gatenby Grille and Bar.

Between the train tracks downtown, there are plenty of places to eat, shop and run errands. Fuel up at Jamesbrew Cafe and stick around for chess club or live music evenings. Residents rave about Don Pepe Bar & Grill, a Peruvian eatery. Enjoy several types of ceviche, chicken and beef dishes and traditional Peruvian breakfast. Like most Jersey towns, Jamesburg has a diner. Simply called The Diner, residents love this bustling gem, complete with classic diner fare and atmosphere. Cool off with a soft serve swirl cone from Four Boys Ice Cream on a hot summer day. Also, around the railroad tracks, you can go to the bank, mail a letter, get your hair done and fill a prescription. The closest supermarkets are about five miles away in Monroe Township and East Brunswick.

If you're looking for a quiet, close-knit neighborhood where residents are proud of their community, Jamesburg may be the place for you.

Written By

Jess Nocera

Video By

Syd Silberman