Suburban New Jersey township known for convenience
South Brunswick began as a farming community in the late 1700s, drawing settlers for the fertile soils and favorable growing conditions that earned New Jersey its nickname, the Garden State. Today, the township is suburban rather than agrarian, though it maintains the old pastoral vibe with acres of preserved fields and forests between pockets of residential, commercial and industrial development. Modern South Brunswick appeals to homebuyers for its convenient location and competitive home prices. “People like the proximity to Princeton and the proximity to the Princeton Junction train station, which takes them into New York. And you get more house for less money,” says Amanda Botwood, a Compass Realtor with over five years of experience.
A variety of housing styles and a wide price range
The township comprises five smaller communities: Dayton, Deans, Kendall Park, Kingston and Monmouth Junction. They have a mix of New Traditional, Colonial Revival, split-level and ranch-style single-family homes, as well as townhomes and condos. While the collective median sale price is close to $655,000, single-family home prices start under $150,000 and rise to more than $1 million. Townhomes and condo units typically go for between $130,000 and about $900,000. “Monmouth Junction often has slightly higher prices, but it’s more down to the different neighborhoods. The mcmansions here and the mcmansions there are similarly priced, and the townhouse communities are similar everywhere,” Botwood says. Carnegie Lake and the creeks nearby are prone to flooding.
South Brunswick School District is highly rated
South Brunswick School District earns an A-plus from Niche. The district serves about 8,000 students across two preschools, seven elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Controlled open enrollment is available. Princeton University, a top regional employer, is a little over 10 miles away. The private Ivy League research university offers nearly 40 undergraduate concentrations and more than 50 minors and certificate programs.
Outdoor recreation abounds at South Brunswick parks
There are more than 20 parks and trail systems scattered throughout the township, including Beach Woods Park. The over 85-acre park has a nature trail, a playground and a picnic pavilion. Woodlot Park, nearby, has a community center and a playground, as well as tennis and basketball courts. It also hosts outdoor movie nights in the summer, with food trucks and sometimes live music. South Brunswick Soccer Club youth teams play on the turf and grass fields at Harvest Woods and Sondek parks. “South Brunswick doesn’t really have big events, but in Princeton, you get the annual Christmas tree lighting, lots of 5k races, that kind of thing,” Botwood says.
Shopping/dining on U.S. Route 1 and other main roads
U.S. Route 1 is lined with national chain retailers, from Target and ShopRite to Home Depot. Von Thun’s Country Farm Market, on County Road 522, sells fresh, seasonal produce and other farm goods. Pick-your-own blueberries are available in the spring. Dining options aren’t limited to one district or shopping center. There’s Monmouth Junction Kitchen, a vintage-inspired diner, off Ridge Road, near Pizza Delizia Restaurant. On Georges Road, there are several Indian eateries, including Dear Delhi and Rasoi III. La Taverna, at the corner of Ridge and Georges, is known for traditional Italian fare.
Quick access to the New Jersey Turnpike, trains and big employers
U.S. Routes 1 and 130, and the New Jersey Turnpike/Interstate 95 run through South Brunswick. Major regional employers like Guardian Drug Company and L’Oreal fill the industrial parks between Route 130 and the turnpike. Most are within about 5 miles of most homes. Train stations in the neighboring communities of New Brunswick and Princeton Junction are within about 15 miles of most homes, as are medical facilities like Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, St. Peter’s University Hospital and Princeton Hospital. Newark Liberty International Airport is about 30 miles away. New York City is a little over 40 miles away. “Traffic’s a problem everywhere, but you’re an hour away from New York City by train or by car, so it’s nice to have options,” Botwood says.
