A riverside suburb with plenty of park space, near Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Somerset takes charming countryside elements and blends them with modern suburban lifestyles. This mix is largely due to Somerset’s location: New Brunswick to the east bustles with the oldest campus of Rutgers University, but traveling west brings parks, gardens and trails. The city is also part of Franklin Township, a municipality rich with history. “It’s got such a long history. It was originally settled by Lenape Native Americans many years ago, and Franklin Township was originally incorporated on February 21, 1798,” says Mark J. Schmidt, a Realtor with RE/MAX Country.
Somerset’s 20,000 people have easy access to nearby amenities. “You’re close to everything. You’ve got shopping and entertainment nearby, it’s a quick trip to the beach, and it’s great for commuters, as you’ve got easy access to the train and buses to New York. There’s lots of parks, and we have a great library,” says Schmidt. Heavy duty industries provide support for the local economy. Meda and Catalent deal in pharmaceuticals, and New Brunswick next door is nicknamed “The Healthcare City.” Manufacturing and IT infrastructure jobs are also present.
Embrace the charm of Somerset, NJ's homes.
Step into a peaceful oasis along Somerset's enchanting canal.
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Traditional suburban styles rule in Somerset, but townhouses and condos are available too
The bulk of Somerset is residential and full of winding streets with names like Cedar Brook Drive and Magnolia Road. Suburban surroundings are enhanced by classic styles, like three-bedroom and four-bedroom split-level homes with driveways, attached garages and fenced backyards. Prices range from $475,000 to $700,000. Oftentimes there are colonial influences on these homes, with covered front porches and slender white columns and railing. Modern traditional homes appear, too, priced between $775,000 and $1 million. Many of these larger properties are located on the west side.
But for those who prefer to look beyond single-family options, Somerset is full of townhouses and condos. Priced from $200,000 to $560,000, these can grow to over 2,200 square feet and contain three bedrooms. Congruent with the area’s historic look, many of these units are colonial influenced – but they aren’t vintage. “The townhouses here are newer than in Middlesex County, and they’ve done really well over the past decade, because of a friendly price point, too,” says Pratiksha Kumar, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway. The national median is $418,700, reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Charming homes are nestled in the heart of Somerset, NJ.
Somerset is also full of townhouses and condos, priced in the $200,000 to $560,000 range.
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Franklin Township Public Schools earns a B from Niche
Students in Somerset can attend Franklin Township Public Schools, which enrolls over 7,000 learners and is rated B by Niche. Franklin High is known for diverse extracurriculars. The Model United Nations Club won awards at the Rutgers Model Congress competition in 2022. Rutgers University’s New Brunswick campus next door is the oldest of three campuses. It has undergraduate and graduate programs, but the campus is best known as the birthplace of college football. Cedar Hill Preparatory School is a popular private school, and Central Jersey College Prep is one of many charter schools, serving kindergarten through 12th grade. “The charter school options are a big reason people like the area,” says Kumar.
Students in Somerset can attend Franklin Township Public Schools, which enrolls over 7,000 learners and earns a B from Niche.
Where knowledge blooms and friendships thrive in Somerset, NJ
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Colonial Park is large, scenic and dog-friendly
Outdoor recreation is an important asset for Somerset. The Raritan River runs across the north end, providing amenities like the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail. Buccleuch Park is also on the water. It has athletic facilities, gardens and a historic colonial mansion. As the terrain becomes more rural on the west side, residents will find scenic spots like Colonial Park, a massive 680-acre facility full of gardens and nature trails. There’s even a dog park. “Colonial Park is beautiful, it’s good for picnics and I prefer to take my dog there because it’s so big,” says Kumar. On the south side there’s an earthy touch, too, with Snyder’s Farm offering berry picking, a farmers market and meet-and-greet opportunities with farm animals.
Buccleuch [book-loo] Park is also on the water. It has athletic facilities, gardens and a historic colonial mansion.
Be sure to make time to walk down to the the water and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
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Brew pubs are popular hangouts in Somerset
The dining scene focuses on comfort foods and classics, while also riding the latest trends in favor of community hangouts and locally produced beverages. Stateside Tap + Tavern is a popular place to congregate, tucked in a strip mall but presenting colorful cocktails and bar bites inside. Beer fans can go to Jersey Cyclone Brewing Company, which offers craft pours in an expansive neo-industrial setting. Shopping centers are also where residents run errands. Franklin Towne Center contains a Stop & Shop and is surrounded by cosmopolitan dining options like sushi and Indian food. Hamilton Street also presents diverse restaurants, from Chinese takeout to barbecue to French fine dining.
Somerset's brewery culture is in full swing.
The dining scene focuses on comfort foods and locally produced beverages, and includes spots like Stateside Tap + Tavern.
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Train service to NYC from nearby New Brunswick
Despite Somerset’s web of smaller residential streets, there are a few main thoroughfares used for traversing the city. Easton Avenue tracks along the river, moving east-west. John F. Kennedy Boulevard stretches north-south, providing access to area churches and synagogues, as well as connecting with Easton Avenue at the site of Rutgers Plaza shopping mall.
Commuters can go to the New Brunswick train station, about 7 miles away. From here, riders reach New York City in a little over an hour. Drivers can make the 35-mile journey on Interstate 95. Or there’s the option of the New Brunswick Park & Ride, where bus riders get to the city in about two hours.
Somerset County updates emergency response program
Somerset County police enact a new mental health program in 2024. Officers will respond to certain emergencies in the manner of a psychiatrist or doctor, determining such things as what drug a person may have taken. According to the office of the state attorney general, in Franklin Township, of which Somerset is a part, there was a 34% increase in total crimes from 2021 to 2022.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
Chris Pirone
Video By
Everett Hall-McNeill
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christina Winka,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Somerset, NJ sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Somerset, NJ over the last 12 months is $550,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**PREMIUM LOCATION!** This pristine Casante three-bedroom model with loft and sunroom backs to a private wooded setting, offering peaceful views and exceptional privacy. Enjoy resort-style living in a vibrant active adult community designed for comfort and connection. The spacious open floor plan features soaring 10-foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout most of the first level. The
Welcome to this beautifully appointed Danbury model in the highly desirable Canal Walk 55+ active adult community in Franklin Township, Somerset, NJ, offering 2,267 square feet per tax records plus a fully finished basement. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this home features a sought-after main-floor primary suite with two professionally organized walk-in closets and a private
Welcome to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2 full bath home located in a quiet and desirable neighborhood of Somerset. Offering a flexible layout and generous living space, this home is ideal for today's lifestyle. The lower level features a 2-car garage, laundry room, a spacious family room with direct access to the backyard, and a bedroom, perfect for guests, a home office, or extended living.
**PREMIUM LOCATION!** This pristine Casante three-bedroom model with loft and sunroom backs to a private wooded setting, offering peaceful views and exceptional privacy. Enjoy resort-style living in a vibrant active adult community designed for comfort and connection. The spacious open floor plan features soaring 10-foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout most of the first level. The
Discover an exceptional opportunity to build your dream home on this nearly 1-acre, shovel-ready lot at 56 Gates Road in the serene neighborhood of Somerset, NJ. This flat, tree-free parcel is ideal for constructing a new single-family residence. Located on a quiet street, the lot offers a perfect setting for peaceful living. It features public utilities, including electric, sewer, and gas,
A grand three-story residence offering timeless design with modern refinement across approximately 4800 square feet, including a fully finished basement level. A circular paved driveway leads to a three gate indoor garage equipped with an electric vehicle charging setup, setting the tone for both elegance and convenience. The chandelier-accented foyer opens to sun-filled living spaces where
Property is tenant occupied. Lease exp. June 30. Tenant may vacate by May. Subject to change. New owener may assume remainder of the lease.Two bedrooms and full bath on the second floor can be used as a guest area. New hot water tank as of Dec 2025, other recent replacements. Electrical panel, replaced. Sewer drain line from the house to the street replaced, sump pump replaced, AC system
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome located in the desirable Quailbrook Community. This home features an open-concept living and dining area highlighted by a corner fireplace. The dining room opens to the updated kitchen, which offers white cabinetry, granite countertops, and sliding doors leading to a spacious deck perfect for outdoor enjoyment. The second level includes three
Large 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath Townhome in the Quailbrook section Somerset. The Kitchen has been recently renovated. There is a full basement providing plenty of storage or extra space. The step-down living room has cathedral ceilings and a gas fireplace with a sliding door leading you to a rear paver patio backing to the woods for extra privacy. The two story unit also features an attached garage for
Welcome to 10 Liberty Ln, a property that exudes charm and comfort. The heart of the home is a cozy fireplace, perfect for those chilly evenings. The kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with stainless steel appliances, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic. The property also features a storage shed, providing ample space for your tools and outdoor equipment. Enjoy the outdoors on the spacious
Welcome to the Emerald model in Somerset Run. The largest unit in Somerset Run. This home faces the back looking at the woods. A second level end unit also has two parking spots (# 5 & 7). A storage unit (23) is also on the second level. Water heater 2014; Washer/dryer 12/2025.
Immaculate 4 bedroom Split-level home in sought-after Somerset Section of Franklin Township. Recently refinished hardwood floors on the main floor. Hardwood floors and ceramic throughout. Updated kitchen and baths. Nice sprawling yard, perfect for those Summer parties. Beautiful almost Half Acre. Totally turn-key, just pack your bags and move-in. Close to all highways, easy hop onto Rt 287, Rt.
Nestled on over an acre and surrounded by preserved farmland, this stunning custom-built Colonial offers more than 5,000 square feet of elegant living space across three levels. Designed with both comfort and sophistication in mind, the home features five spacious bedrooms - each with a private en-suite bathroom - including a first-floor in-law suite. The modern gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream
Welcome to this beautifully appointed Danbury model in the highly desirable Canal Walk 55+ active adult community in Franklin Township, Somerset, NJ, offering 2,267 square feet per tax records plus a fully finished basement. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this home features a sought-after main-floor primary suite with two professionally organized walk-in closets and a private
Welcome home to your next luxury rental. FIRST FLOOR BED & attached FULL bathroom. 5 bedrooms 3.5 bath center hall colonial with a large fenced-in yard and a 2 car garage. Enter through your dramatic 2 story foyer with the formal living room on the left and formal dining on the right. Kitchen features granite countertops & stainless steel appliances along with an island overlooking the large
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence located in a one-story four-plex in desirable Franklin Township. This inviting home features a bright living room, a spacious eat-in kitchen ideal for everyday dining, and a relaxing open porch perfect for enjoying fresh air and quiet moments.Conveniently situated just minutes from NYC-bound transportation, major highways, shopping,
Discover comfort and charm in this beautifully maintained 2-level townhouse located in the highly sought-after Franklin Park community. The main level features a bright and welcoming living room that flows seamlessly into a well-equipped kitchen and a cozy dining area perfect for everyday living. A convenient half bath completes the first floor.Upstairs, you'll find three spacious bedrooms,
The Park at Franklin is the perfect balance of suburban living with the convenience of an urban lifestyle. Close to fine dining, shopping and entertainment, you won't need to go far to enjoy all of what highly sought after Franklin Township has to offer. Easy access to major highways including Route 287, Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike will make your commute a breeze. Our community
Beautifully updated 3 Beds and 2.5 Baths clean townhome. Large living room with a dining room combo. Large eat-in kitchen separate from the dining room with large windows allowing plenty of sunlight into the kitchen. Main floor has an updated 1/2 bath. Home is pet-free and smoke-free. Access to a beautiful backyard backing up to woods for privacy. Landlord pays maintenance fee which covers lawn
As the best Somerset, NJ apartments, The Harrison has studios, one bedrooms, and two bedrooms for rent. All homes are bright and spacious, with large windows, private balconies, custom kitchen cabinetry, hardwood flooring, and large spacious closets. The Harrison offers amenities like a refreshing swimming pool, fitness center, tennis court, and a modern clothes care center.The Harrison is steps
This 2nd floor rental is located on the corner of Kossuth and Hamilton stclose to stores,shopping and transportation and short drive to Rutgers campus**Vinyl flooring*redone Kitchen and Bath*Available for April
These new townhouse style apartments are over-sized and provide lots of extra space with either a finished loft or large basement with finished room. They also boast ample closets, granite & stainless steel appliances in the kitchens, balconies, full size washer and dryer, Energy Star design, security systems and ceramic tile baths and hardwood floors. In addition to beautifully finished
Contemporary 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with oversized floorplans featuring 9-foot ceilings, large kitchens with stainless steel, Whirlpool appliances and abundant counterspace and cabinetry, extra-large walk-in closets, and flexible living areas such as dining spaces, patio/balconies, or solariums that can be used as a home office or den, located on a meticulously landscaped 22-acre campus with
Pristine, updated colonial nestled in one of Somerset's nicest neighborhoods, Wildflower Ridge. This home offers a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience on a quiet cul-de-sac! Filled with natural sunlight, the open floor plan features high ceilings, generously sized rooms, & custom moldings in the dining room, family room, and living room. The family room also boasts a cozy wood burning
Tucked away in Franklin Township, Hempstead Gardens, a pet free community, offers perfect apartment style living. We provide the seclusion of a comfortable suburban community with easy access to major corporations, great shopping malls, wonderful restaurants and excellent schools. Enjoy our beautifully landscaped setting with friendly neighbors and professional on-site management. Our location is
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![Buccleuch [book-loo] Park is also on the water. It has athletic facilities, gardens and a historic colonial mansion.](https://imagescdn.homes.com/i2/eOQplLW6JmLtOkHHbSOFQlIdCi5Dvg6t_12T-XAY79I/117/somerset-nj.jpg?p=1)
