Manufacturing, big transportation routes and a touch of nature in commuter-friendly Old Bridge
Old Bridge is often considered a bedroom community of Manhattan, which is only 25 miles away. But this city of 68,000 people has a diverse local economy that generates buzz, including a popular dining and nightlife scene. Manufacturing is in the spotlight too, thanks to Old Bridge Chemicals, one of North America's biggest producers of zinc and copper compounds. Health care shares the stage, given the presence of Old Bridge Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center. But there’s an earthy quality to the area as well, with the Cottrell Homestead standing since 1831, marking the site of what used to be an apple orchard. The farmland was turned into a public park in 2024. “Old Bridge used to be a lot of farmland but it still has campgrounds and some of the biggest park space in all of New Jersey,” says Richard Adamski, Realtor with Re/Max First Realty. “It has an agricultural feel in parts.”
Just 30 miles from Newark, it’s important for the township to stay connected with modern transportation amenities – especially since this expansive suburb spreads across 42 square miles. In 2023 the mayor touted infrastructure improvements, including guardrails on U.S. Route 9 and electric vehicle charging stations throughout town.
There are many murals around town celebrating the history of Old Bridge Township.
Raritan Bay Medical Center is one of the larger hospitals in the area in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Cottrell Farm Park in Old Bridge was opened to much fanfare in 2024 on the site of an old orchard.
Celebrate the fall in Old Bridge with colorful flowers and fresh farm goods.
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Waterfront ranch-style homes and larger split-levels farther inland
One of Old Bridge’s more unique neighborhoods is Laurence Harbor, which borders Raritan Bay and a waterfront park. It’s hugged on the west side by Cheesequake State Park. Ranch-style properties and assorted single-level homes are common here. Prices range from $300,000 to $600,000. But prices change for similar styles if homebuyers are willing to explore farther inland. South of the Garden State Parkway on streets like Glenwood Drive, ranch-style homes range from $250,000 to $280,000. Farther south still, off Old Bridge Matawan Road, are larger suburban styles that sell for $550,000 to $650,000. Homebuyers can expect to see split-levels on broad lots with plenty of decorative plantings.
Laurence Harbor is a quiet suburban beach community.
A pretty ranch home is decorated for the fall season in Old Bridge.
Laurence Harbor’s housing stock consists almost entirely of ranch-style homes.
Cute and colorful houses are found throughout Laurence Harbor.
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Highly rated Old Bridge Township Public Schools
Old Bridge Township Public Schools earns an A rating overall from Niche. Over 8,000 students attend and there’s a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio. “For people leaving New York, it’s one of the first towns they’ll encounter that has a really good school system,” says Adamski. There are several religious private education options, including Saint Thomas the Apostle School.
Students in Old Bridge attend Old Bridge High School.
Welcome to Carl Sandburg Middle School.
James McDivitt Elementary School in Old Bridge.
Alan B. Shepard Elementary School serves students grades K-5.
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Old Bridge Golf Course brings $15 million facility to community
Access to nature is part of the city’s identity. Cheesequake State Park offers an immersive experience, spreading across 1,600 acres and offering a chance to camp, boat and go on nature walks. It’s right next to the Laurence Harbor neighborhood, which has a 3-mile stretch along Raritan Bay open to joggers and bikers. Dog owners can enjoy Mannino Park, which separates its two dog parks by pet size. This is also the site of the Old Bridge YMCA. Athletic facilities and playgrounds are scattered across town in places like Veterans Park and Geick Park. In fall 2023, the city opened Old Bridge Golf Course, which was the state’s first municipal golf course in a decade. The resulting $15 million dollar complex has an 18-hole course, driving range and mini-golf course. For fun off the beaten path, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park has events for motocross and Formula 1 racing. Skaters and youth league hockey players can make use of the John Piccolo Ice Arena.
Cheesequake State Park in Old Bridge has many paths for walking and exercising.
Mannino Park in Old Bridge is a sprawling park with a dog park, sport courts anf a playground.
Old Bridge Waterfront Park in Laurence Harbor has a walking path that offers amazing views of New York.
There is plenty of room to walk your dog at Cheesequake State Park
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Live music at Café Luna and expanding shopping choices
Even though Manhattan offers glitzy fun just a short distance away, Old Bridge has its own nightlife. “Café Luna is a spot you go to near the end of the week. It has live DJ sets on Thursdays, and you’ll see valet out front,” says Adamski. “But then we have diners and pizzerias. The scene covers everything from upscale places to everyday places.” U.S. Route 9 is a commercial corridor with plenty of national retailers. Spring 2024 brought expansion to the Glenwood Green Shopping Center, which added a Target and a Shop Rite grocery store. There’s much anticipation around Riverton, a major commercial center under construction in Sayreville, five miles north. “This is a huge $2.5 billion mixed-use project. It’s the biggest restaurant and retail development going on in the state,” says Joe DeVizio, Realtor with J.J. Elek Realty. Anchored by Bass Pro Shop, the complex is expected to open in 2025.
Shop Rite in Old Bridge always has a nice selection of fresh flowers.
Fine Wine and Grill in Lawrence Harbor offers a great deli selection and grocery items.
Cafe Luna in Old Bridge is a favorite among locals for its restaurant and lounge atmosphere.
The Old Bridge Diner is a "Where the Locals Go" to enjoy breakfast and lunch all day long.
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Plenty of key roadways for commuters who drive
Several busy pathways cross Old Bridge: U.S. Route 9 and state Route 18, plus the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. Commuters can expect a roughly 90-minute drive to New York City during peak hours, but closer to 50 minutes during quieter stretches. NJ Transit buses along U.S. Route 9 go to Midtown Manhattan, or commuters can take a train. There are stations in Aberdeen-Matawan, South Amboy and New Brunswick. One of the most popular stations in the area is in Woodbridge. “The Metro Park train station in Iselin goes all the way up to Boston,” says Robert Durso, Realtor with Re/Max Select.
New police chief after three-year search
In March 2024, the township settled on a new police chief, ending a three-year search. According to data reported to the FBI by the Old Bridge Township Police Department, violent crime decreased nearly 5% from 2022 to 2023. Property crime increased 15% during the same period.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Diane Notarfrancesco,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Old Bridge, NJ sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Bridge, NJ over the last 12 months is $611,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully rebuilt ranch-style home with low taxes located at 1299 Englishtown Road in desirable Old Bridge. Renovated in 2026, this 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath home has been completely rehabbed from the foundation up using premium materials and high-end finishes, offering decades of worry-free living. The open and inviting layout features hardwood flooring and recessed lighting
Standing tall on the corner of a cozy cul de sac, is this massive 2100 square foot masterpiece, ready for new owners to carry on the traditions of love, care, and hard work ethic for many years to come. Step inside to that instant loving feeling as you see the wood floors drawing you closer to the soon to be big gatherings that this house was made for. The upper level flows effortlessly
Welcome to 21 Warren Drive--a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom center hall colonial in convenient central Old Bridge. This very well-maintained home has had only one owner. The home could benefit from some cosmetic updating and is priced accordingly. Updated kitchen with electric cooking. Hardwood floors throughout most of the home (under carpet in two bedrooms). Famly room and kitchen lead to spacious
Welcome to this beautifully rebuilt ranch-style home with low taxes located at 1299 Englishtown Road in desirable Old Bridge. Renovated in 2026, this 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath home has been completely rehabbed from the foundation up using premium materials and high-end finishes, offering decades of worry-free living. The open and inviting layout features hardwood flooring and recessed lighting
Freshly Painted 2 Br Cape With 2 Car Garage On nice level lot ( 75 x 115 ) Clean & Ready for new buyer to bring their vision. Laminate Flooring, Access to basement from house, attic, super sized 2 car garage and lovely yard for entertaining Home Is Also Offered For Rent
Great opportunity to build your dream home in Old Bridge. this lot has many possibilities. Don't miss out on this opportunity, Buyer is responsible for all due deligence and city's approvals.
Estate Sale .... Priced to move Fast ..... Lovely 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home in desirable Oakwood section of Old Bridge. This home is very spacious with large bedrooms, plenty of closets , two car garage, and private backyard. The location is perfect for access to Restaurants, parks, and easy commute to NYC.
Maddison Crossing at its finest. This pristine top-floor residence, privately set against a tranquil wooded backdrop, is truly move-in ready. Meticulously updated by the original owner, every detail has been thoughtfully curatedthere's nothing left to do but unpack and enjoy. The light-filled, open floor plan offers two generously sized bedrooms and two full bathrooms, including a spacious
Standing tall on the corner of a cozy cul de sac, is this massive 2100 square foot masterpiece, ready for new owners to carry on the traditions of love, care, and hard work ethic for many years to come. Step inside to that instant loving feeling as you see the wood floors drawing you closer to the soon to be big gatherings that this house was made for. The upper level flows effortlessly
Welcome to 23 Orchard Drive~A Refreshed Split Level Home in a Great Neighborhood~Most Big Ticket Items have been done~Newer Windows, Siding, Furnace, C/A and Driveway in 2022, New Kitchen Appliances 2023~1st Floor has 2 Bedrooms, 1 could also be the Family Room and 1 with a powder Room~Vaulted Ceilings in the freshly painted Living Room & Dining Area~Seller is in the process of installing
Rare Investors OPPORTUNITY!!!! GREAT LOCATION, Corner lot of Marlboro Rd and Texas Rd near to Rt 9 and Rt 18. High activity Developing area. Located near Old Bridge Hospital. Strong Demographics area. EDO-3 Zoning, Block 21000, Lot 20.12. Previously approved for Medical building. Buyer to conduct all due diligence.See Attached Survey and other documents.
Here is your chance to own 3.4 acress off of Texas road in Old Bridge Township NJ. Surrounded by many new construction projects this acreage has many possibilities. This sale is for two parcels of land together. First parcel is Block 20001 lot 56 2.065 acres. The second parcel is Block 20002 lot 1 with 1.363 acres.
Welcome to 21 Warren Drive--a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom center hall colonial in convenient central Old Bridge. This very well-maintained home has had only one owner. The home could benefit from some cosmetic updating and is priced accordingly. Updated kitchen with electric cooking. Hardwood floors throughout most of the home (under carpet in two bedrooms). Famly room and kitchen lead to spacious
Welcome to this stunning 2024-built townhome offering over 2,700 sq ft of finished living space, including a fully finished basement, in one of Old Bridge's most desirable newer communities. This move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home combines modern design, spacious living, and low-maintenance convenience.The open-concept main level features abundant natural light, generous living and dining
Welcome to Plaza Grande at Old Bridge, a premier 55+ community offering comfort, convenience, and an active lifestyle. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo features fresh paint and brand-new carpets, providing a bright, open layout and a blank canvas to make your own. Enjoy spacious rooms, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light. The community offers amazing amenities including a clubhouse, pool,
Gina TraniBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Manalapan
Garden apartment living at an affordable price!Spread out amidst the quiet greenery of Old Bridge, Madison Gardens offers unparalleled comfort and convenience at an extremely reasonable price. Each beautifully bright and spacious apartment is packed with a multitude of features. The warm and cozy environment created makes it a pleasure to come home to at the end of a hard day on the job.
Be the first to live in this beautifully finished lower-level apartment in a 2-family home featuring a spacious open-concept layout, large bedrooms, and lots of closets for excellent storage. Enjoy the convenience of two full bathrooms, a private separate entrance, and a small private yard perfect for relaxing outdoors. A fantastic rental opportunity offering modern living, privacy, and extra
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE...at Glenwood Apartments. We provide you a convenient location, quiet and gracious living, recreation, superior service and free heat, hot water and cooking gas! With access to all major highways, you'll start your day with an easy commute to New York City, Staten Island, New Brunswick or Trenton. You'll end your day relaxed in our spacious apartments with private patio or
Welcome to Madison Crossing ,55+ Adult community. Beautiful 2 bed, 2 full bath first floor apartment has high ceiling, hardwood floor, gorgeous kitchen w/granite countertop, 42'' cabinets and stainless steel appliances, upgraded bathrooms and washer /dryer.Great location , minutes from Rt 9, shopping and restaurants.
Stratford Apartments offers easy access to the world with a premium location directly off US Highway 9 and just a 45 minute ride to the city. Our garden style apartments in Old Bridge, NJ are located in close proximity to fine shopping and dining and just a few minutes from state parks and Old Bridge Waterfront. Choose from 1 Bedroom or 2 Bedroom apartments with semi-private entrances and elegant
For Rent 3 bed 2, 5 bath colonial style home with open floorplan , large lot , 2 car garage , basement for storage . House is Offering Open Floorplan , 2 story foyer ,Living room, dining , kitchen, half bath and family room on the 1st level . Second floor offers nice size 3 bed 2 full bath and a laundry room . Central AC and Heat, doublewide driveway for parking , nice size deck and patio, Great
AN ADDRESS OF SOPHISTICATIONWelcome to 99 Bridge Apartments, the luxury community youve been seeking. With brand-new interiors, fantastic amenities, and sought-after location, our homes will give you the sense of sophistication that you can only expect on the East Coast. In other words, you can expect sleek fixtures and finishes such as luxury plank floors, quartz countertops, and
Discover this exceptionally clean and spacious end-unit duplex that offers 3 generously sized bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with a modern, open-concept layout. Located just blocks from the NYC express bus and minutes from a variety of shopping destinations, this home is perfectly situated for convenience. The fully fenced backyard features an oversized paver patio, perfect for outdoor relaxation and
We are proud to offer Brentwood Gardens as your next home. We're conveniently located on Rt 516 in the 08857 area of Old Bridge. Our community has a top selection of amenities. Enjoy email, surf the web and get some work done with high speed internet access, and feel the warmth of an apartment with hardwood floors. Other features include: available parking options, intercoms, and eat-in kitchen
Welcome to The Franklin at Marlboro community, where luxury meets convenience in every detail. Nestled in the vibrant town of Marlboro, our homes redefine modern living with an array of amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle. Hosted within the community is a state of the art fitness center, private clubhouse, BBQ grill, swimming pool and cabanas, walking/running trails, dog run and outdoor
Woodhaven Commons is a brand new enclave of two-story apartment buildings offering a choice of two- and three-bedroom, two-bath apartments for rent in Old Bridge, NJ. Each Old Bridge apartment home is open, spacious and graced with large windows and balconies that make Woodhaven's natural beauty an integral part of the Woodhaven Commons experience. From the private entry and luxurious finishes
From quartz countertops and vanities to luxury plank flooring and tile baths, no detail of luxury living has been overlooked at The Villas at Glenwood. Gorgeous finishes welcome you home each time you step foot in your luxury apartment. The community's spacious, open layouts offer large kitchen islands, W/I closets with custom shelving, patios or balconies and full-sized washers and dryers among
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