Marlboro is an escape with larger homes, nearby stores and top schools
Some people establish their careers in busy Newark or New York City but feel cramped in the crowded residential streets. So when they want space to breathe and direct routes to work, they move south to areas like Marlboro Township in Monmouth County. “Marlboro is probably one of the most desirable areas in Central Jersey,” says Alan Kurlander, a Realtor, team leader and global luxury expert at The Alan Kurlander Team with Coldwell Banker. “When we Realtors get a listing in Marlboro, we know it’s gone. We go in on a Thursday, and by Sunday we’re wrapping up.” Compared to homes in Newark and NYC, Marlboro homes are larger and have much bigger yards. “Marlboro has a wide range of houses,” Kurlander says. “You can buy anything from a starter home up to a mega mansion.” U.S. Routes 9 and 18 are nearby for commuters, but residents who spend most of their time in the township are close to highly regarded restaurants, top-rated schools, and diverse places of worship. Marlboro gives residents access to everything they need, but when work calls, nearby highways lead to northern destinations.
From starter homes to grand mansions in one township
The township’s desirability has translated into comparatively high prices for real estate in Marlboro. “Right now, if you want that 3,000 square foot mansion, you’re looking at $1 million or $2 million,” Kurlander says . “You can get smaller houses or townhouses, because Marlboro is loaded with those.” The median sale price in Marlboro is $805,000, nearly twice the national median of nearly $423,000. Grand Colonial Revivals with six bedrooms have sold for as high as $3 million, while manufactured homes like those in Wickatunk Village have sold for as low as $145,000. Marlboro also has Craftsman townhouses and single-family homes with split-level or ranch-style designs. Most subdivisions closer to Route 18 have sidewalk-lined streets and moderate yards, but subdivisions in the northeast, like Winding Brook, have sidewalk-free streets and sprawling yards.
Drivers head north to Newark or NYC
Commuting up to New York City can take about an hour when driving the nearly 40 miles up Interstate 95. Newark and the Newark Liberty International Airport are closer, about 30 miles away. State Route 18 leads to beaches like Long Branch Beach, 24 miles east. There are churches and synagogues within Marlboro, but the largest place of worship is the Hindu American Temple and Cultural Center. Like the rest of Monmouth County, Marlboro occasionally sees severe weather, from snowstorms to intense thunderstorms. Residents can sign up for alerts through the township’s email bulletin system or the Smart911 app.
Three highly rated school districts serve Marlboro
Kids can attend elementary through middle school in the Marlboro Township School District, which gets a B from Niche. Marlboro is also served by the Freehold Regional High School District, rated A and ranked as the second-best district in Monmouth County by Niche. Monmouth County is sought after for its Monmouth County Vocational School District, rated A-plus. Marlboro students entering high school can apply to specialized schools like Biotechnology High School, rated A-plus, in Freehold to get a head start in their careers and college educations.
Popular Italian restaurants on Routes 9 and 79
While Marlboro Township is close enough to New York City for a day of shopping, residents here don’t need to go that far to satisfy their retail urges. “It’s got a ton of great shopping,” Kurlander says. “There are Route 9 businesses, but there are many more areas, like Route 79. There are some really fine restaurants.” Koy Grill along Route 9 specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, and Il Nido pairs its Italian dishes with a wine menu and signature desserts. There are also popular restaurants along Highway 79. Cuzin's Seafood & Clam Bar opens for lunch and dinner, as does the Italian Osteria Cucina Rustica down the road.
Marlboro Commons along Route 9 has a Whole Foods Market and Ulta Beauty, while Marlboro Plaza across the street features Livoti's Old World Market. This specialized grocery store sells Italian staples, from fresh baked goods to store-branded products. The Asian Food Market Marlboro on Highway 79 is a popular spot to grab fresh produce, international items or pastries from the bakery. Marlboro Farmers Market, also near Highway 79, opens on Sunday mornings from June through October. Residents typically bring reusable bags and support local vendors.
Wide-open parks, like Big Brook Park
Big Brook Park was originally farmland used by the Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital, which has since been torn down. Today, visitors can park near the entrance before walking or biking along the paved Henry Hudson Trail, which winds past the park’s open fields and down to Freehold. The in-ground pool is only open for summer camps and groups registered through the RecAssist for Groups Program, but anyone can search for fossils, like shark teeth, in the Big Brook stream bed. The Marlboro Recreation Center has paved basketball courts and a playground, while Marlboro County Park features tennis and pickleball courts, a community pool and a baseball field. The members-only Bella Vista Country Club is in the area, and club members can play the 18-hole course, enjoy the club’s restaurant or visit for social events.
