10 Smart Reasons to Move to Middlesex County, New Jersey – 2025 Guide
Thinking about relocating to Middlesex County, NJ? Explore this full guide on housing, schools, jobs, transport, diversity, and why it’s one of NJ’s best places to live.
📍 What Is Middlesex County, New Jersey?
Middlesex County, NJ is one of the most dynamic, diverse, and economically vital regions in the entire state. It’s where business, culture, and family life meet — just 40 minutes from NYC and an hour from Philly.
Located in Central Jersey (yes, it’s real!), Middlesex offers affordable suburbs, urban hubs, and elite education — all in one place.
Quick Snapshot:
- County Seat: New Brunswick
- Population: ~860,000
- Major Cities: Edison, Woodbridge, East Brunswick, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy
- Known for: Rutgers University, top hospitals, global companies, diversity
It’s where professionals, families, and students all feel right at home.
🌦️ Geography & Climate – Right in the Sweet Spot
Living in Middlesex means you’re never far from anything — city, shore, mountains, or countryside.
🗺️ Landscape:
- Raritan River runs through New Brunswick
- Close to the Jersey Shore and Delaware-Raritan Canal
- Mix of cities, leafy suburbs, and parks
☀️ Climate Overview:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Local Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Breezy & refreshing 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Hot & active ☀️ |
| Fall | 55–70 | Colorful & crisp 🍁 |
| Winter | 25–40 | Cold but manageable ❄️ |
🏘️ Where to Live in Middlesex County
From high-rise apartments near train stations to quiet neighborhoods with top schools — Middlesex County has a home for everyone.
🏡 Top Towns Breakdown:
| Town/City | Vibe & Lifestyle | Avg Home Price | Commute to NYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edison | Diverse, convenient | $510,000 | 45–60 min |
| East Brunswick | Family-friendly, suburban | $470,000 | 55–65 min |
| New Brunswick | Urban, student-focused | $380,000 | 50 min |
| Woodbridge | Affordable, commuter hub | $440,000 | 45–60 min |
| Highland Park | Artsy, walkable | $460,000 | 55 min |
Edison is a tech hotspot, East Brunswick is family-central, and New Brunswick is college-town energy all day.
💼 Job Market & Economy – Careers Start Here
Middlesex County is a massive job hub, with top employers, innovation centers, and access to NYC and Philly.
🚀 Top Industries:
- Technology & Pharmaceuticals (J&J, Merck, Colgate)
- Education (Rutgers University)
- Healthcare (Robert Wood Johnson, Saint Peter’s)
- Logistics & Warehousing (Amazon, FedEx hubs)
- Government & Public Services
💰 Career Stats:
- Median Household Income: ~$97,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~4.3%
- Major boom in remote & hybrid jobs
Want big-city income with small-city rent? This is the sweet spot.
🏠 Real Estate – Balance Between Value & Location
Homes here offer more space and affordability than North Jersey or NYC boroughs — plus strong resale value and solid appreciation.
🏘️ Real Estate Comparison:
| Area | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edison | $510,000 | $2,300 | ~2.1% |
| New Brunswick | $380,000 | $1,900 | ~2.3% |
| East Brunswick | $470,000 | $2,200 | ~2.2% |
| Highland Park | $460,000 | $2,100 | ~2.1% |
| Woodbridge | $440,000 | $2,000 | ~2.0% |
Looking to invest? Properties near Rutgers and hospitals are always in demand.
🚆 Transportation – Commute-Friendly by Design
Middlesex is one of NJ’s most commuter-friendly counties, with fast train and highway access to NYC, Philly, and everywhere in between.
🛣️ Transit Options:
- NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line 🚆 (major stops in Edison, New Brunswick, Metropark)
- Amtrak at Metropark Station
- Routes: NJ Turnpike, Route 1, Route 18, Garden State Parkway
- Buses & Local Transit
- Newark Liberty International Airport: ~30 min away
You don’t have to choose between the suburbs and the city — you can live in both.
🎓 Schools & Education – Academic Excellence Starts Here
With top-rated public schools and world-class universities, Middlesex County is a magnet for families and students.
📚 Best School Districts:
- East Brunswick Public Schools
- Edison Township Schools
- Highland Park Public Schools
- South Brunswick Schools (bordering)
- Woodbridge Township Schools
🎓 Universities & Colleges:
- Rutgers University (flagship campus)
- Middlesex College (affordable, quality 2-year programs)
- Devry University & NJIT satellite campuses
Your kids can go from pre-K to PhD without ever leaving the county.
🏥 Healthcare – Access to Top-Tier Medical Services
Middlesex County has some of the best hospitals in the state, with specialties in trauma, cancer, maternity, and more.
🏥 Leading Medical Centers:
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (New Brunswick)
- Saint Peter’s University Hospital
- JFK University Medical Center (Edison)
- Urgent care clinics, pediatric centers, senior services county-wide
🌳 Parks, Nature & Recreation
Whether you’re into jogging trails or kayaking, Middlesex County’s parks and green spaces help you stay active and inspired.
🏞️ Favorite Outdoor Spots:
- Donaldson Park (Highland Park) – dog park, waterfront, walking trails
- Thompson Park (Monroe) – 675 acres of fields, playgrounds, and trails
- Rutgers Gardens – botanical beauty
- Raritan Bay Waterfront Park – fishing, biking, relaxing
- Cheesequake State Park – short drive for hiking & camping
🛍️ Shopping, Dining & Everyday Fun
You’re never more than 10 minutes from something delicious or something fun in Middlesex County.
🛍️ Shopping:
- Menlo Park Mall (Edison)
- Brunswick Square Mall (East Brunswick)
- Woodbridge Center
- Local farmers markets in Highland Park, Monroe, and Metuchen
🍴 Food Scene:
- Edison’s Oak Tree Road – Little India of NJ
- Downtown New Brunswick – top-tier dining & nightlife
- Edison Diner – a New Jersey classic
- Stuff Yer Face (famous Rutgers bar & strombolis!)
- Filipino, Korean, Chinese, Mexican, Italian — you name it
🕊️ Diversity, Culture & Community Life
Middlesex County is one of the most culturally diverse places in the U.S., and it shows in its food, festivals, languages, and neighborhoods.
- Major immigrant communities: Indian, Filipino, Chinese, Middle Eastern, African American, Latino
- Multilingual schools and services
- Cultural festivals: India Day Parade, Latino Festival of NJ, Diwali, Lunar New Year
- Mosques, temples, churches, and synagogues everywhere
- Pride-friendly and inclusive communities
🛡️ Safety & Quality of Life
Most of Middlesex County is very safe, especially in suburban towns like Edison, East Brunswick, and Monroe.
| Town | Safety Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Edison | 3/10 | Very safe, family-friendly |
| East Brunswick | 2/10 | Low crime, quiet neighborhoods |
| Highland Park | 2/10 | Walkable, well-policed |
| New Brunswick | 5/10 | Student-heavy = active |
Overall, people feel safe walking at night, especially outside the urban core.
📊 Middlesex County Snapshot
| Metric | Stat |
|---|---|
| Population | ~860,000 |
| Median Household Income | ~$97,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$460,000 |
| Avg. Property Tax Rate | ~2.1% |
| Top School Ranking | 8.8/10 average |
| Commute to NYC (avg) | 50–60 min |
✅ Should You Move to Middlesex County?
✅ Perfect for:
- Commuters who want more space
- Families looking for good schools
- Entrepreneurs & professionals
- Diverse, inclusive living
- Students and lifelong learners
🔄 Possible Cons:
- Property taxes can feel high
- Traffic on Route 1 can be frustrating
- Some neighborhoods still developing
🔗 External Resource
Explore more on the Middlesex County Official Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
Middlesex County, New Jersey is the real Central Jersey deal — diverse, connected, convenient, and full of opportunity.
You don’t have to give up quality of life for career access, or trade culture for comfort. In Middlesex, you can truly have it all — and be proud of where you live.