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
Carissa Marshall,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Old Bridge, NJ sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Bridge, NJ over the last 12 months is $617,500, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Why settle for a townhome when you can enjoy your own private backyard and the benefits of homeownership?Additional value comes from paid-off solar panels, allowing the next owner to enjoy significant savings on utility costs without the burden of a lease or loan. Newer windows enhance energy efficiency, help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round, reduce outside noise, and allow
Your next dream begins here--welcome to 47 Southwood, the one that truly has it all. This bright and inviting home offers a seamless, open layout designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. Sunlight pours through the spacious living room, flowing beautifully into the kitchen and formal dining area, creating a warm and connected space at the heart of the home. With 4 bedrooms
An exceptional opportunity to own one of Madison Crossing's most desirable residences, uniquely positioned to capture rare privacy and tranquil preserved views. This beautifully appointed 2-bedroom, 2 full and 2 half-bath townhome with a 1-car garage blends refined design with effortless, low-maintenance living in a sought-after 55+ community. Gleaming hardwood floors enhance the open-concept
Welcome to this exceptional brick-front Colonial in the heart of Old Bridge, where timeless elegance meets resort-style living. A grand two-story foyer with a motorized retractable chandelier sets the tone, leading into formal living and dining rooms with rich cherrywood flooring and upgraded moldings throughout. The gourmet eat-in kitchen features high-end stainless steel appliances, granite
Welcome to President's Estates, where timeless charm meets refined living in the heart of Old Bridge Township. This beautifully appointed Colonial residence offers four spacious bedrooms, two and one-half baths, and a thoughtfully designed layout ideal for both everyday living and elegant entertaining. Recent enhancements include a brand-new roof (2025) and furnace (2026), providing both comfort
WOODED LOT on the Old Bridge/Marlboro border NOT on a main road,but sits behind another house Down a Paved Driveway on a secluded 1.41 acre lot backing to trees*Electric and Public Water at property*Gaze Scattered sunlight with the sunsets out Back*Land is cleared and ready to build*Deep private lot reaches into the woods leading towards recreation Soccer Fields*Awesome Location!!
Raritan Bay waterfront opportunities like this one are genuinely rare, and this is your chance to secure one. 283 Bayview Avenue in Lawrence Harbor is a prime waterfront lot measuring 35 x 80 feet, perfectly positioned to capture sweeping Raritan Bay water views and set just steps from the beloved Old Bridge Waterfront Park. The hard work has already been done for you. Two fully developed sets of
Why settle for a townhome when you can enjoy your own private backyard and the benefits of homeownership?Additional value comes from paid-off solar panels, allowing the next owner to enjoy significant savings on utility costs without the burden of a lease or loan. Newer windows enhance energy efficiency, help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round, reduce outside noise, and allow
Your next dream begins here--welcome to 47 Southwood, the one that truly has it all. This bright and inviting home offers a seamless, open layout designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. Sunlight pours through the spacious living room, flowing beautifully into the kitchen and formal dining area, creating a warm and connected space at the heart of the home. With 4 bedrooms
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.
Showings begin Sunday, June 7thh, A must-see, this highly desirable 2nd floor Harrington model is a winner indeed! The living room with its gleaming wood floors and recessed lighting is complemented by its sunny octagonal window views. The dining room opens to a private terrace with cool exterior views of greenery. Our wonderful condo kitchen has a pantry PLUS a window (a rarity in condo living)
Luxury, privacy, and modern elegance come together in this stunning, renovated end-unit townhome in the sought-after Heritage Woods community! Set in a quiet, private location backing to mature trees and a serene creek, this beautifully refreshed home offers the perfect peaceful retreat with stylish finishes throughout. Step inside to find LVP flooring throughout the first and second floors, an
Welcome to one of the most charming and thoughtfully updated Georgetown Colonials in the heart of Old Bridge's highly desirable Sayrewoods South community. This 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home blends classic colonial appeal with the major updates today's buyers demand, all while offering a backyard retreat designed for making memories. From the moment you arrive, the gorgeous front porch added in 2022
Last 2 Willow Models in this Luxurious Townhouse Community in Old Bridge; 3 and 4 Bedrooms; 9' ceilings, formal Dining Room, full finished WALKOUT Basement; spacious rear deck; Master Bedroom suite with tray ceiling, ceiling overlooking the vaulted Family Room; Last chance to own a Willow Model in Woodhaven Crossing. OCCUPANCY SEPTEMBER 2026. You are going to love living in WOODHAVEN CROSSING
Need Flexibility, short-term lease available. All Utilities included in Rent. Spacious split-level home in very nice neighborhood. Home can be furnished or unfurnished, utilities included in rent (Up to $300) & flexible lease options. Hardwood floors, backyard deck and fenced-in yard. The landlord will consider a pet. Located near NYC buses, trains, shopping & dining. Ideal for a short-term need
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.
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
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
AN ADDRESS OF SOPHISTICATION99 Bridge in Old Bridge offers thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom residences in a well-connected New Jersey location. These Old Bridge, New Jersey apartments place residents near local shopping, dining, and commuter routes for seamless daily living. Ideal for those seeking modern comfort and convenience, the community blends contemporary interiors with
Welcome to life at Enclave at Woodhaven! An engaging community for adults 55 and older, nestled in scenic Old Bridge offering a collection of inviting 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes. Enjoy a picturesque retreat in a convenient location. Living at Enclave lets you experience everything the surrounding area has to offer, including quick access to major roadways, a limitless variety of retail and
Avalon Old Bridge is now leasing one, two and three bedroom apartments and townhomes convenient to Routes 9, 18 and the NJ Transit Park N Ride. This pet friendly and smoke free community features spacious layouts and modern finish schemes with open concept kitchens, stainless steel appliances, quartz or granite countertops, tile backsplash, and hard surface flooring. Community amenities include a
Madison Arms Apartments is conveniently located in Old Bridge near shopping, dining and public transportation. Close to everything you want need to feel at home, these residences offer bright and spacious floor plans with modern kitchens, generous closet space, and hardwood or carpeted floors based on availability. With heat, hot water and cooking gas included, Madison Arms you will experience
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
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
NEWLY RENOVATED UNITS! At Claridge Court in Old Bridge, NJ, find your new home. The professional leasing team will assist you in finding the perfect place. Come by to check out the apartment floorplan options. At this community, you'll have a wide selection of amenities like basketball courts, swimming pool, dog park, play ground and convenient on-site parking. Schedule your tour today!
At Maher Manor, you’ll find an Old Bridge apartment home designed with your active senior lifestyle in mind. Directly adjacent to Raritan Bay Medical Center and with excellent access to major roadways, at Maher Manor you’ll be part of a friendly and vibrant 62+ community that will help you live the active, fulfilling life you desire! Whether you choose a one or two-bedroom apartment, you’ll find
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