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
Dawn M Tonnessen,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Old Bridge, NJ sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Bridge, NJ over the last 12 months is $615,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful End-Unit Townhome in a Prime Location! Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath end-unit townhome offering a perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience. Enjoy an open-concept layout filled with natural light, ideal for modern living and entertaining.The home features a great size kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, and newer flooring.
*This is a COMING SOON listing and cannot be shown until 4/23/26. Stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath Colonial in highly sought-after Lakeridge West. Bright, beautifully decorated, and set on a prime corner lot, this home offers exceptional style and comfort. Updated throughout with a warm farmhouse aesthetic, including a newly renovated primary bathroom and sun-filled living spaces that feel inviting and
Giovanna Leonardo-DolanKeller Williams Realty West Monmouth
Sitting on a corner lot, this 3 bedroom 1.5 Bath Ranch home is move in ready! Property has been renovated inside and out. Plenty of parking with two separate driveways on either side connected by a beautiful paver walkway. Hardwood floors throughout have been refinished. Full and Half baths both recently completely redone. Kitchen open to the spacious dining room with 42 cabinetry, corian
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
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 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
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
Charming 3-bedroom ranch home located on a quiet street, offering comfort, space, and convenience. The main level features an eat-in kitchen, three spacious bedrooms, living room and a full bathroom, providing easy one-level living. Enjoy a fully fenced backyard with an above-ground pool, perfect for entertaining, summer gatherings, and outdoor living. The oversized driveway offers ample parking
Premier 55+ community where luxury meets convenience! Beautifully maintained 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath condo w/1 car garage.. Spacious, light filled open layout w/gleaming wood floors, recessed lighting & a neutral color palette. Sliding glass doors to balcony. The kitchen features granite countertops, a breakfast bar & ample cabinet space. The primary suite is complete with a walk-in closet & a private
Opportunity knocks with just under 2.5 acres in Old Bridge. This lot offers a private setting in a sought-after location for the construction of your dream home. It is conveniently located near the New Turnpike, providing easy access to both Philadelphia and NYC. Don’t walk, run to this opportunity. Call your builder and schedule your tour today!
This is a Coming Soon listing and cannot be shown until 4/18/26.Welcome to this beautifully updated Colonial in the highly desirable Woodhaven community, offering style and functionality throughout. A grand two-story entry opens to a sun-filled foyer, flanked by formal living and dining rooms. The inviting family room features a stone fireplace and sliders to a spacious backyard. The kitchen
Welcome to the your dream home in the heart of Old Bridge! Boasting the largest two bedroom, three bathroom (2 full 1 half) in the development, this one for sure won't last! Priced well below market value for quick sale! Best location! Enjoy recently updated flooring, and fresh paint throughout; This cathedral-ceiling townhome is move-in ready! Dual Master Suites, each sporting a full bathroom
TRULY MOVE-IN READY 3 Bedroom 2 Full Bathroom SPACEMAKER MODEL Located In The Highly Sought-After SAYREWOOD SOUTH Section Of Old Bridge, NJ! Bring Your Bags And Unpack! This Home Located On A Corner 80x100 Lot Has Been Meticulously Maintained Throughout! Every Inch Of This Home Has Been Cared For and Utilized Accordingly! Storage Galore! Commuter's Dream! Close To Route 9, All Major Highways,
Looking for space, light, and functionality?This 3-bedroom Cape Cod offers approximately 1,486 Sqft of living space, with vaulted ceilings and skylights that create an open, airy feel throughout.The oversized kitchen features abundant cabinetry, generous counter space, and a walk-in pantry. A separate dining area adds to the home's flexible layout.Enjoy a private 2nd floor primary
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.
Excellent Rental Opportunity in this beautifully renovated 2 Bed 2.5 Bath Townhome with Master Suite in highly desirable Old Bridge, ready and waiting for you! Situated in the sought after Maiden Woods Community, with easy access to major roads for a seamless commute, close to shopping, parks, dining and more. Step in to find a spacious, light and bright interior with generous room sizes, newer
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
Luxury townhouse community located in Old Bridge area. Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse with hardwood floors, spacious living room, fireplace and oversized eat-in kitchen. Kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a center island. Two story living room with high windows & ceilings. Finished Basement. Sit & Enjoy the woods on your backyard patio/deck. Great
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
Hands down, one of the best location in the community. End unit townhouse in Society Hill, Old Bridge. Updated with 2 Large master bedrooms with own master bath. Crown molding throughout down stair. Recessed lighting. Stainless steel appliance package. Laminated flooring throughout. Unit located at end of cul de sac with backyard facing the woods. Lots of storage spaces. Washer/ Dryer in unit.
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
Beautiful 2 bed, 2 full bath w/garage, 2nd floor ''BARNSTABLE'' in luxurious elevator building. 9' ceiling, upgraded kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile. Upscale adult community. Each building has its own library and game room. Clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis court, exercise room. Wonderful location, minutes from Rt.9
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
This 3 bedroom, 2.5-baths townhouse w/ finished walk-out basement exudes comfort & style! Upon entering this beautiful home, you'll be greeted w/ a cozy fireplace that creates a warm & inviting ambiance. The living room is bright and airy w/ large windows that allow plenty of natural light to flow through. The spacious layout of this townhouse provides ample room for both entertaining &
Welcome to Middlesex County's premier location for all of Central New Jersey. Close to everything you need, including Shopping, Entertainment, Restaurants, Golf, Recreation and more. Commuters especially will enjoy the proximity to convenient service to Manhattan. Easy access to NJ Turnpike, Rt. 9, Rt. 18 and Rt. 1. You're close to all major roadways for quick trips to everywhere! Luxurious 1 and
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