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.
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