Town Historian John Katerba spent his entire life in Monroe Township, growing up in a farm town 18 miles southwest of New Brunswick. "You could never get away with anything," he says. "Everyone knew everyone." As the years passed, Katerba witnessed Monroe shift from a small farming town to a well-to-do place of white picket fences and retirement communities. "The real building boom was 1995-2008," Katerba recalls from the research he used to write several local history books. "We probably moved in 30,000 people during that time." When it was time for him to move out of his childhood home, Katerba subdivided a piece of land from his parents and built a new home for his family.
Monroe is home to many well developed areas.
Monroe is home to quiet, treelined neighborhoods.
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Thompson Park has a small zoo
While Monroe Township has four parks to choose from, many locals find Thompson Park—with hiking trails, a fishable Lake Manalapan and a disc golf course—the most accessible and enticing pick of the bunch. At 675 acres, Thompson Park is the largest county park and sits near the center of the neighborhood. Many golf aficionados with the funds to pay for membership join the Forsgate Country Club. Located on Forsgate Drive in the west part of town, members enjoy a 36-hole golf course, swim laps at the pool, play tennis or pickleball and dine at the Gatenby Grille and Bar. Retirees often utilize the clubs their own retirement communities provide.
Thompson Park
Play Bocce with your friends at Thompson Park.
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Spooky spiders and pony rides at the Fall Festival
The Monroe Township community is exceptionally large, with its own subdivisions. While these places have their own small events like the occasional single’s party at a retirement community or local pickleball tournament, the community at large also has its own festivities. One worth noting is the annual Fall Festival held in October. Last held at Owens Park, the celebration hosted hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin decorating and the annual Halloween Parade with floats and costumes.
Don't drink too much sangria at Ciro's Ristorante Italiano
"All of the retirement communities have their own restaurants in their clubhouses,” Katerba says, but they aren’t the only ones with places to eat. “We have a great array of pizzerias, a Thai restaurant, a Mexican restaurant…" Ciro's Ristorante Italiano is among the community's most popular dining spots, with many customers loving its sangria and seafood appetizers like the fried calamari. Many people browse the aisles of the local Stop & Shop on Perrineville Road when they need day-to-day home goods. Brunswick Square is an 8-mile drive north, making it the closest shopping mall. Pop’s Farm Market and Garden Center sits much closer on Station Street in the neighborhood's south, where customers buy fresh local produce.
Molino's serves fresh Italian delights in Monroe.
Homely, friendly service is what you can expect at Christos Restaurant.
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There are some million dollar homes is this neighborhood
Retirement communities have dominated Monroe Township’s landscape since the 1960s when the community of Rossmoor opened. Rossmoor, along with the other 13 communities in the area, offer homes selling for between $275,000 and $350,000. An 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse, a fitness center and miles of sidewalks are also included in Rossmoor’s amenities. Families and individuals who don’t meet the 55 minimum age requirement live in neighboring areas with single-family homes occupying a range of styles and sizes. Houses under 3,000 square feet, mostly built in the ranch style, sell for prices between $300,000 and $600,000, while larger homes, mostly made up of new traditional builds, deal for prices between $650,000 and $2 million. A few outliers even reach as high as $3.5 million.
Large Colonial style homes are just outside of downtown Jamesburg in Monroe.
Monroe features two story single family homes.
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This is a Turnpike town
"The Rossmoor retirement community put Monroe on the map," Katerba says. "And with it, Exit 8A of the New Jersey Turnpike was built in 1966." The exit on the communities west side, combined with the neighborhood’s proximity to the New York Metropolitan Area, has proven vital to Monroe Township’s growth. Katerba says modern-day residents choose Monroe because of the location. "Within two hours, you can get to New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Amish Country and all the Jersey Shore towns," he says. Besides easy turnpike access, locals enjoy the intercommunity travel provided by Highway 33, cutting through the south side and Interstate 95. These factors make the area extremely car-dependent, with minimal bus stops and almost no pedestrian and biking infrastructure.
NJ Turnpike.
Monroe features newly constructed multifamily homes.
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Learn 3D design at Monroe Township High School
According to Niche, the neighborhood offers some excellent schools, such as Barkley Brook Elementary, a National Blue Ribbon School with an A-minus. Monroe Township Middle on Perrineville Road is students’ next step and holds a Niche score of A-minus. Afterward, they can round the corner to Schoolhouse Road, where Monroe Township High School offers an A-rated education and advanced programs like a 3D design club working with 3D printers and modeling software.
Monroe students attend Monroe High School.
Welcome to Monroe Township Middle School.
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The rushing rivers of Monroe Township
Waterways such as Manalapan Brook cover the community like veins in a wrist. This means that when the creeks and brooks overflow, much of the town gets hazardously wet with road closures and flooded homes. Properties farthest from the water banks may be spared inundation, but closer homes may deal with water as deep as 3 feet or more.
Manalapan Brook
Thompson Park Lake
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Written By
Samuel Grom
Video By
Taylor Noll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristen Lewis,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Monroe, NJ sell after 178 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Monroe, NJ over the last 12 months is $520,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lovely 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath colonial situated on a private, fenced 1-acre lot, offering both luxury and functionality. A dramatic two-story foyer welcomes you with a stunning crystal chandelier featuring an electric pulley for easy maintenance, complemented by picture molding and upgraded lighting throughout. The formal living and dining rooms flow beautifully into the updated kitchen, featuring
Welcome to this 5 bedroom/3.1 bath home offering space, style, and thoughtful updates throughout. The inviting exterior features classic brick and cedar shingle siding, a paver walkway, and a two-car garage set on a picturesque property. The updated kitchen is the heart of the home, showcasing cherry raised-panel cabinetry, granite countertops, a center island, tile backsplash, and stainless
This is the kind of home that just feels right from the moment you arrive - bright, open, and designed for real life. Step through the front door into a sunlit two-story foyer with warm hardwood floors and an easy, welcoming flow. The living room is filled with natural light and soaring ceilings, while the dining room - framed by a bay window and detailed molding - is ready for everything from
Lovely 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath colonial situated on a private, fenced 1-acre lot, offering both luxury and functionality. A dramatic two-story foyer welcomes you with a stunning crystal chandelier featuring an electric pulley for easy maintenance, complemented by picture molding and upgraded lighting throughout. The formal living and dining rooms flow beautifully into the updated kitchen, featuring
Welcome to this stunning 4,812-square-foot Colonial Westminster Model in the prestigious Reserves community. This luxurious home offers 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and 1 half bath, designed for both comfort and style. As you step inside, you're greeted by an impressive two-story foyer that sets the tone for the entire home. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring elegant
Enjoy the great Clearbrook lifestyle with this wonderful 3-bedroom, two full bath Braeburne 3 home located on a beautiful tree-lined corner lot with lots of natural light. Updated bathrooms and kitchen plus oversized 2 car garage! Private patio area to relax and enjoy your flowers plus enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a clubhouse, two community pools, golf, pickleball, billiards, woodworking shop,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2 bedroom home with a private office, in the desirable Encore community in Monroe. This spacious residence has been freshly painted and offers a large living room, formal dining room, comfortable family room and an inviting kitchen - perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. Residents enjoy resort style amenities including indoor and outdoor pools,
This is a WINNER --Welcome to Rossmoor,a 55 plus gated community, where this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath rare and updated Connecticut Model ranch is ready to impress. With recently upgraded vinyl siding This home truly reflects pride of ownership, inside and out. Park right outside your front door on Old Nassau Rd. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the attractive curb
Look at the Lowest Price Home on 1st Floor in Whittingham. Welcome to this Manor Model in Whittingham's sought-after 55+ community! This ground-floor home offers a smart, open floor plan with 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The eat-in kitchen is a highlight, featuring stainless steel appliances, center island, and plenty of space to enjoy your morning coffee. The spacious living room with a cozy
Nestled on an expansive 2-acre estate, this stunning Colonial residence embodies the essence of luxury living, offering a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort. Built in 1981, this meticulously maintained home features a timeless architectural style that invites you to experience a lifestyle of sophistication and tranquility. As you approach the property, the stately brick and block exterior
GREAT NEW PRICE!! Are you looking for a great location for your business? This property sits on a high traffic corner with a traffic light and offers lots of commercial potential. Zoned Neighborhood Commercial. House is not currently inhabitable and must be renovated/razed. Some possible uses include a general office building, professional services building (medical, legal), vendor services, etc.
Enjoy the great Clearbrook lifestyle with this wonderful 3-bedroom, two full bath Braeburne home located on a beautiful tree-lined corner lot with lots of natural light. Updated bathrooms and kitchen plus oversized 2 car garage! Private patio area to relax and enjoy your flowers plus enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a clubhouse, two community pools, golf, pickleball, billiards, woodworking shop,
Enjoy the great Clearbrook lifestyle with this wonderful 3-bedroom, two full bath Braeburne home located on a beautiful tree-lined corner lot with lots of natural light. Updated bathrooms and kitchen plus oversized 2 car garage! Private patio area to relax and enjoy your flowers plus enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a clubhouse, two community pools, golf, pickleball, billiards, woodworking shop,
GREAT NEW PRICE for the perfect spot to build your home or business!! Are you looking for a great location for your business? This property sits on a high traffic corner with a traffic light and offers lots of commercial potential. Zoned Neighborhood Commercial. House is not currently inhabitable and must be renovated/razed. Some possible uses include a general office building, professional
Welcome to Clearbrook, where comfort, space, and opportunity come together in this Masterlodge II model. This thoughtfully designed home offers a unique layout with two spacious primary bedrooms, each featuring its own private bath and direct access to the sunroomcreating a peaceful retreat for both homeowners and guests alike. The home features an eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room, and a
Welcome to this beautifully situated rental in the desirable 55+ community of Concordia, where comfort and peaceful surroundings come together effortlessly. Nestled along the golf course, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers scenic views and a relaxing lifestyle. Inside, you'll find a spacious living and dining room that flows naturally, creating an inviting space for both everyday living
Waterside Villas offers a vibrant 100-unit community designed for comfort and elegance. Nestled in the heart of historic Monroe Township, Middlesex County we offer you our thoughtfully designed studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, each featuring bright, open kitchens with granite countertops and convenient in-unit washers and dryers. Experience a lifestyle of luxury and ease in a welcoming
4 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms approx 2,317 sq ft colonial home available for rent. Elegant hardwood flooring throughout & bedrooms are with carpet. Cozy fireplace for those cooler evenings Bright and spacious entrance foyer and living room Well-appointed kitchen with modern appliances (refrigerator, range/oven, dishwasher, microwave) In-unit washer & dryer for ultimate convenience Attached garage with
The Lofts at Monroe Parke bring a new level of style and luxury to Monroe Township. Featuring not only a luxurious apartment community, but a mixed-use environment that will be home to exciting retail and dining options, this is Monroe’s next destination.
Beautiful and spacious 2nd floor unit, light and bright with an open floor plan. Newer eat-in kitchen with sliders to balcony and newer ceramic floors. Newer laminate flooring and renovated bathrooms. Larger than you might expect. Washer/Dryer and Water/Sewer included in rent. Move-in condition. Great community with an active clubhouse and many amenities. NYC bus right outside main gate.
Property Id: 2478194STUNNING 2BR/2BA CONDO WITH PRIVATE PATIO — LOFTS AT MONROE PARKE, NJWelcome to Lofts at Monroe Parke — one of Central Jersey's most desirable newer communities. This spacious ~1,200 sq ft UNIT offers the light, privacy, and layout you've been searching for.UNIT HIGHLIGHTS:• ~1,200 sq ft of open, airy living space loop• Private ground-level
Welcome to this 2018 built charming townhome nestled in the heart of Monroe. Boasting three stories of modern comfort and convenience, this residence offers a perfect blend of space, style, and functionality. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a bright and airy main level featuring a great room/den, ideal for home office, playroom or entertainment. There is a half bath as well on this floor.
Property Id: 8833732 bed / 2 bath brand new, I am the landlord. Both bedrooms have walk in closets and the master has a bathroom built in. Ground floor. Parking available. New construction with stainless steel appliances. In-unit laundry, dishwasher, etc. Unit also has a beautiful balcony Pets accepted on a case by case basis with an additional fee. Monroe
2 bedroom in desirable Clearbrook with 2 full baths. Renovated kitchen including custom cabinets and granite counters. Beautiful flooring, 1 car garage and driveway, sliders to sunroom and all of the Clearbrook amenities. Close to clubhouse, pool and main entrance. Fabulous landlord.
Jennifer KleinKeller Williams Realty West Monmouth
Property Id: 1247386Luxury 2 Bed / 2 Bath Loft - Ground Floor Bright and well-maintained 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom condo available for immediate rent in a well-kept community in Middlesex County, NJ.Beautiful loft-style 2BR / 2BA condo (approx. 1,300 sq ft) on the ground floor in a desirable Monroe Township community.This bright, modern home features an
2 bedroom in desirable Clearbrook with 2 full baths. Renovated kitchen including custom cabinets and granite counters. Beautiful flooring, 1 car garage and driveway, sliders to sunroom and all of the Clearbrook amenities. Close to clubhouse, pool and main entrance. Fabulous landlord.
Property Id: 2439957$1650/month. Two bedroom, 1 bath apartment includes heat, water and sewer. One and 1/2 month security. Tenant pays for cooking gas and electricity.Offstreet parking behind the building. Plenty of storage space. AC units available for your use. Updated kitchen.Close to transportation. Near NJ TPK, routes 130 and 33. Rtes 9 and 18 within 5 to 10
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