10 Clear Reasons to Move to Edison, New Jersey – 2025 Suburban Life Guide
Discover why Edison, New Jersey is one of the top places to live in NJ. Explore homes, schools, jobs, and lifestyle in this complete suburban living guide.
📍 Where Is Edison, New Jersey?
Edison is located in Middlesex County, right in Central New Jersey. With a prime location between NYC and Philadelphia, and quick access to highways, transit, and shopping, it’s no surprise that it’s one of NJ’s most desirable suburbs.
Quick Overview:
- Population: ~108,000
- Distance to NYC: ~35 miles (about 45–60 min)
- Known For: Diversity, top public schools, suburban convenience, and Thomas Edison’s historic Menlo Park lab 🔋
Big enough to have everything you need. Small enough to still feel like home.
🌤️ Climate & Landscape – Balance in All Seasons
Edison has a classic Northeast climate, offering all four seasons with suburban comfort — perfect for families who enjoy both parks and porches.
☀️ Weather Breakdown:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Blossoms & family walks 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | BBQs & green lawns ☀️ |
| Fall | 50–70 | Leafy and crisp 🍂 |
| Winter | 25–40 | Cozy snow days ❄️ |
🗺️ Local Perks:
- Flat suburban layout
- Beautiful parks & trails
- Nearby rivers + Raritan Bay
- Great for biking, strollers, and yard space
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods in Edison
Edison is made up of well-maintained residential areas with excellent schools, retail access, and parks. Whether you want a starter home, luxury living, or an investment property, Edison has it.
🏡 Neighborhood Breakdown:
| Area | Vibe | Avg Home Price | Commute to NYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Edison | Top schools, upscale | $780,000 | ~55–65 min |
| South Edison | Family-friendly, diverse | $630,000 | ~60–70 min |
| Clara Barton | Quiet, older homes | $540,000 | ~60 min |
| Menlo Park area | Convenient, historic | $610,000 | ~50–60 min |
| Oak Tree Road | Cultural hub, vibrant | $580,000 | ~55 min |
North Edison = schools and prestige. Oak Tree = food, festivals, and fun.
💼 Jobs & Economy – Local Work or Easy Commute
Edison’s job scene is diverse, well-rounded, and commuter-friendly. Many residents work in tech, healthcare, finance, or commute to NYC or New Brunswick.
👔 Top Employers:
- Hackensack Meridian Health (JFK Medical Center)
- Middlesex County College
- FedEx + UPS hubs
- Amazon Fulfillment Centers
- Close to Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, and corporate campuses
💰 Quick Stats:
- Median Household Income: ~$108,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.6%
- High presence of IT, STEM, medical professionals
Plenty of jobs locally, and even more within 45 minutes.
🏠 Real Estate – Big Value for Central NJ
Edison is popular for good reason: strong resale value, low crime, and great school districts make real estate a smart long-term move.
🏠 Housing Snapshot:
| Neighborhood | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Edison | $780,000 | $2,700 | ~2.1% |
| South Edison | $630,000 | $2,400 | ~2.0% |
| Clara Barton | $540,000 | $2,100 | ~2.0% |
| Menlo Park Area | $610,000 | $2,350 | ~2.1% |
Real Estate Perks:
- Mostly single-family homes with yards
- New developments + older ranch-style homes
- Excellent rental income potential near colleges & hospitals
You won’t find a better combo of price, space, and location in NJ.
🚆 Transportation – Commute Made Easy
Edison is a major transit hub, with fast trains, buses, and highway access that make it easy to work in NYC, Newark, Jersey City, or Princeton.
🚆 Getting Around:
- Edison Train Station (NJ Transit to NYC)
- Metropark Station (nearby in Iselin) – express trains
- NJ Transit buses to NYC, Newark, local towns
- Close to I-287, Garden State Parkway, NJ Turnpike
- ~30 minutes to Newark Airport (EWR)
Metropark has Amtrak and NJ Transit — it’s a commuter’s secret weapon.
🎓 Education – Some of NJ’s Best Public Schools
Edison is home to top-rated public schools, diverse educational programs, and multiple private and charter options.
🏫 Best Public Schools:
- John P. Stevens High School (North Edison)
- Edison High School (South Edison)
- Woodbrook Elementary School
- Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
- Herbert Hoover Middle School
Higher Education:
- Middlesex College – affordable, quality 2-year programs
- Rutgers, Princeton, and Seton Hall all nearby
One of the main reasons families choose Edison is education. Period.
🏥 Healthcare – Local and Highly Rated
From urgent care to advanced surgical centers, Edison has top-notch healthcare without the big-city stress.
🏥 Providers:
- JFK University Medical Center – full hospital
- Hackensack Meridian Health clinics
- Saint Peter’s + RWJBarnabas Health nearby
- Specialists in dermatology, cardiology, pediatrics, and dental care
🌿 Parks, Sports & Family Fun
Edison isn’t just a bedroom community — it’s active, green, and community-centered.
🌳 Outdoor Hotspots:
- Roosevelt Park – tennis, fishing, theater, fitness trail
- Thomas Edison Park – ball fields, playgrounds
- Oak Tree Pond Park – relaxing and historic
- Papaianni Park – splash pad, events, picnics
- Close to Cheesequake State Park + Raritan Bay beaches
⚽ Activities:
- Youth soccer, baseball, basketball leagues
- Community centers + seasonal rec programs
- Farmers markets, concerts, and holiday parades
Weekends here are for parks, people, and pancakes.
🍽️ Dining & Culture – Diversity on Every Plate
Edison is one of NJ’s most diverse towns, and you can taste it. From Indian street food to Italian bakeries, your appetite will never be bored.
🍴 Foodie Favorites:
- Moghul Restaurant – upscale Indian
- Pho Minh’s – Vietnamese comfort food
- Seasons 52 (Menlo Park Mall) – modern grill
- Saravana Bhavan – legendary vegetarian fare
- Stuff Yer Face (near Rutgers) – calzones & student vibes
Oak Tree Road is known statewide for Indian cuisine, sweets, saris, and gold.
🕊️ Community, Diversity & Family Life
Edison is proudly:
- 40% Asian-American, including Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Korean
- A vibrant mix of Jewish, Hispanic, African-American, Arab, and Italian communities
- Interfaith, LGBTQ-friendly, and known for civic engagement
- Full of festivals, temples, mosques, churches, and local organizations
🛡️ Safety & Peace of Mind
Edison consistently ranks as one of NJ’s safest large towns.
| Area | Safety Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Edison | 1/10 | Suburban, quiet, safe |
| Clara Barton | 2/10 | Family vibe, low crime |
| South Edison | 2/10 | Diverse, active, monitored |
Great police presence + neighborhood pride = peace of mind.
📊 Edison Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~108,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$650,000 |
| Median Household Income | ~$108,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | ~2.0% |
| Top Employers | Healthcare, education, logistics |
| Commute to NYC | ~50–60 minutes |
✅ Should You Move to Edison?
You’ll love Edison if you want:
- Top-tier schools without moving to the city
- Access to NYC without NYC prices
- A safe, culturally rich place to raise kids
- Commute-friendly living
- Real estate that holds value
Pros:
- Great public schools
- Easy access to trains, highways, and NYC
- Diverse food, faith, and cultural community
- Strong property values
- Family-friendly with great parks
Cons:
- Traffic on Route 1 (it’s real)
- Property taxes can add up
- Not much nightlife (quiet town vibe)
🔗 External Resource
Visit the Township of Edison Official Website for local news and services.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Edison, New Jersey is a town that checks all the boxes: safe, diverse, connected, and full of opportunity. Whether you’re raising a family, commuting to the city, or looking for a smart real estate move — Edison is ready to welcome you.