Spanning 665.32 square miles and considered part of the New York metropolitan area, Monmouth County in New Jersey is known for its awesome beaches and waterways, rich history, and charming boroughs and townships. Living here is like returning to an old haunt – there’s a certain familiarity to it and yet, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in its tree-lined streets, historic structures, scenic nature trails, and modern attractions. Whether you’re a single upwardly mobile professional or with a growing family in search of a place to put down roots, you can expect something for everyone in this county.
If you’re putting Monmouth County, NJ on your radar for real estate to purchase, this guide on the best towns in this area can help you in making an informed choice.
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MONMOUTH COUNTY: A BRIEF HISTORY
Located in the Garden State’s central region, Monmouth County has a rich and diverse history that dates back even to prehistoric times. The area now known as Monmouth County was originally inhabited by the Lenape people who lived off the land and hunted in the area’s forests and marshes. This changed with the arrival of the first European settlers in the mid-1600s and the county’s formal establishment in 1683.
Since its founding, Monmouth County has played a significant role in many important events in history, one of which was the Battle of Monmouth in 1778 − one of the largest battles of the American Revolution. The county was also instrumental in the establishment and movement of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by African-American slaves − including abolitionists Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass − as they fled to their freedom.
Today, Monmouth County is a thriving community with a strong sense of cultural tradition, with numerous historic sites and museums scattered across the region. But apart from being a historical landmark, Monmouth County is also a thriving economic center. In fact, the area boasts a diverse mix of industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance. Moreover, the county is home to several top-rated colleges and universities, making it a prime destination for families with school-age children.
BEST TOWNS AND NEIGHBORHOODS IN MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ
Whether you’re looking for a beach community with a Boho vibe or a peaceful suburban oasis, Monmouth County has it all. The area offers a plethora of towns, each with its distinct charm. Here are some of the best towns in Monmouth County, NJ on our list.
Freehold Township
Those looking for a charming and welcoming community to call home may want to take a look at Freehold Township.
Spanning approximately 38 square miles, Freehold Township is surrounded by other townships such as Manalapan, Marlboro, and Howell. New York City and the Jersey Shore are both approximately within an hour’s drive from this township.
Once home to the Lenape for several thousand years, Freehold Township is now populated by around 36,000 residents with diverse ethnic backgrounds, the majority of which are families, young professionals, and retirees.
LIVING IN FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP
One of the many benefits of living in Freehold Township is the abundance of recreational activities and facilities available to its residents. These include numerous parks and playgrounds, sports fields, hiking trails, and even horse racing amenities that add color to the sparse suburban feel of this township.
Foodies on a quest for interesting culinary finds in Freehold Township will be amazed by the wide variety of food spots offering everything from casual eats to fine dining. For instance, if you’re looking to grab a quick bite, there are many popular chain restaurants to find here. But for something finer for your taste buds, you can try out community favorites such as La Cipollina, which serves top-quality Italian fare, and Aarzu, which is famous for its modern take on Indian cuisine.
Shopping options in Freehold Township are just as diverse, with stores ranging from sprawling shopping centers to cozy mom-and-pop stores. For a more complete retail experience, check out Freehold Raceway Mall, which offers a wide variety of shops and dining spots all in one convenient location.
One of Niche.com’s best towns in Monmouth County and the rest of New Jersey to live in, Freehold Township is also well-known for its top-rated school system, with several elementary, middle, and high schools offering excellent academic programs and extracurricular activities to the community’s young population. You can also find a good number of private schools and institutions of higher learning where your kids can get a high-quality education. Given the area’s proximity to some of the best schools in the state, it’s no surprise that this New York suburb is a preferred place among growing families with parents employed in the Big Apple.
REAL ESTATE CLIMATE IN FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP
Among residential properties for sale in Freehold Township, the most common of them all is the single-family home. This property type gives home buyers the advantage of having many styles and layouts to choose from. Popular architectural designs and floor plans among homes here include Colonial, Cape Cod, and Ranch. Bungalows and split-level types with three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms are also common among homes here. A single-family home in the area would cost around $445,000, but this price point could change based on the home’s size, location, and amenities.
Freehold Township also has a good number of condos and townhouses for those looking for more affordable housing options, as well as empty nesters looking to downsize their living space. Properties of this type typically start out at approximately $150,000 and include amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and community centers.
Manalapan Township
For the finest option in suburban living in Monmouth County, NJ, take a look at Manalapan Township − easily one of the best towns for a suburban lifestyle with a rural feel.
A charming community in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Manalapan Township is located about 20 miles south of the state capital of Trenton and is surrounded by Marlboro to the north, Freehold Township to the west, and Millstone Township to the south, with the Manasquan River forming its eastern border.
Home to more than 40,000 residents, Manalapan Township offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere – and why not? The locals are used to the regular tourist activity here, especially since the township itself figured prominently in one of the biggest battles of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Monmouth. As a memorial to the countless soldiers who died in battle, the site was developed into the Monmouth Battlefield State Park.
Other open public spaces and recreation areas can be found here, including the Manalapan Recreation Center and Thompson Grove Park, both of which have walking trails and picnic areas. Moreover, the town’s community events and activities, as well as its top-rated school system, help foster a welcoming environment for everyone − from young professionals to families to retirees.
LIVING IN MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP
When in Manalapan Township, people need not go far for an extraordinary dining experience or for some of the most interesting attractions to visit.
Whether it’s good soul food served hot and fast or culinary treats made with the finest ingredients, you’re sure to find just the food spot for your craving in and around the area. One of the most popular spots in town is the Manalapan branch of Turning Point, a breakfast and brunch chain that serves delicious pancakes, eggs Benedict, and avocado toast. For lunch, check out Tuscany Grill‘s Manalapan branch which offers classic Italian fare like homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza. If you’re in the mood for some Greek fare, then Anemos Greek Cuisine will give you that authentic Mediterranean flair in its dishes.
Of course, there’s Manalapan Township’s crowning glory that brings the historical flavor to Monmouth County − Monmouth Battlefield State Park. It’s a Manalapan attraction that draws in tourists from all over the country and beyond due to its relevance in laying the groundwork for this great nation.
Meanwhile, Happy Day Farm brings back visitors to the county’s agricultural past. Pick fruits, berries, and vegetables on this 130-acre farm, try your hand at making maple syrup, or simply relish the day out with family here.
Golf enthusiasts also trek to Manalapan Township for the golf courses found here. Most popular are the 18-hole, par-61 executive-length Pine Brook Golf Course and the semi-private Knob Hill Golf Club.
Eager for some sun, sand, and surf? You’ll be glad to know that Manalapan Township is less than an hour away from the lovely beaches of the Jersey Shore.
REAL ESTATE CLIMATE IN MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP
Manalapan Township offers a wide variety of real estate options but the dominant property type is the single-family home, a good number of which have been constructed between the 70s and just before the onset of the new millennium. Much like the rest of Monmouth County, architectural styles here are largely Colonial, Cape Cod, and Ranch. Most houses have large yards, open floor plans, and contemporary features like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and hardwood floors. These homes can cost anywhere from $645,000 to over $1.6 million, depending on their size, location, and condition
Manalapan Township also offers townhomes and condominiums with contemporary fixtures and features like open floor plans, modern kitchens, and in-unit laundry rooms. Much like their single-family counterparts, these properties tend to range from about $200,000 for standard one-bedroom units and up to $445,000 for the larger, more spacious options.
Marlboro Township
Located in the northeastern region of New Jersey is Marlboro Township, a picturesque neighborhood that has Freehold Township, Colts Neck Township, Manalapan Township, and Old Bridge Township for its borders and is considered another one of the best towns in Monmouth County, NJ.
Despite being a relatively sizeable township, Marlboro still exudes a charming, small-town charm that draws both residents and tourists. The neighborhood is known for its lovely tree-lined streets, well-kept lawns, and welcoming locals, making it a great place to live, work, or raise a family.
LIVING IN MARLBORO TOWNSHIP
There was a time when all one can find in Marlboro Township were acres upon acres of potato and tomato farms as these were the prime produce of this area until just before World War II. Interspersed with these farms were rickety inns and taverns for the occasional visitors. But when the war erupted, this region pretty much turned into a leading producer of eggs to fulfill military requirements. Development of structures began slowly after the war and, up to the 70s, the area has become a preferred suburb of people with careers in New York City.
One can still find vestiges of Marlboro’s glorious agricultural past in the quaint rural feel of the place that rewards its residents with much-needed peace and quiet, as opposed to the din of nearby urban spaces. It has tree-laden nature trails like the Henry Hudson Trail, as well as lovely public spaces like Big Brook Park. These facilities offer a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
The learning institutions of Marlboro Township do not disappoint, either. Families here can choose to send their children to schools under the Marlboro Township Public Schools, which serves students from preschool to the eighth grade.
Students in ninth through twelfth grades, on the other hand, can attend either Marlboro High School or Colts Neck High School, both of which are part of the Freehold Regional High School District. The township is also home to the Marlboro Free Public Library, which boasts an expansive and diverse selection of books, as well as youth-oriented academic services.
Marlboro Township also offers great spots for foodies, from the usual Starbucks outlet to the more edgy or regional cuisine-specific ones. For a taste of Italy, you can try Osteria Cucina Rustica, which serves an impressive assortment of classic dishes such as carpaccio, wood-fired pizza, and expertly-cooked bronzini and cartoccio. Another dining destination to visit is Il Nido, which serves modern, reimagined classics such as wagyu meatballs, black spaghetti, and dry-aged ribeye, all of which are creatively prepared using healthy, high-quality, organic, and sustainably raised ingredients from local sources.
REAL ESTATE CLIMATE IN MARLBORO TOWNSHIP
The real estate market in Marlboro Township offers a wide range of properties that will fit home buyers of any lifestyle and budget, from sprawling estates to modest homes.
The most common properties available in Marlboro Township are single-family homes, with architectural styles ranging from traditional Colonial to Contemporary. Homes in Marlboro Township are being sold at a median price that’s a little above $500,000 but the more luxurious offerings in the area can fetch a price of around $15 million.
One of the standout features of homes in Marlboro Township is the ample living space they offer to residents. Many of the homes in the area come with large yards and plenty of interior square footage, making them ideal for residents who want enough room for their families to grow. Additionally, many homes feature high-end finishes like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood floors, adding to their appeal.
BUYING A HOME IN MONMOUTH COUNTY: POINTERS TO CONSIDER
In a competitive market like Monmouth County, buying a home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. Here are some pointers to help you navigate the process:
- Before you begin looking for a home, make sure to scout and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Doing this will help simplify the purchasing process and give you a better idea of what you can afford.
- Set a budget and stick to it. Take into account all expenses related to purchasing a home, including closing costs, real estate taxes, and homeowner’s insurance.
- Select a knowledgeable real estate agent with a solid reputation. Doing this means having someone who can help you every step of the way and find the ideal house that fits your needs and budget.
- Do some research on the areas you are considering moving to. Make sure to consider things like schools, commute times, and access to amenities that are important to you such as shopping centers and parks before making your decision.
- Visit open houses and arrange private showings to get a feel for the properties that are available in the area you are interested in. If you can’t make it to an actual on-site visit, try to arrange for a virtual showing.
- Once you find the perfect home, ask your agent to help you find a professional home inspector to ensure that there are no major issues with the property.
FIND YOUR NEW HOME IN MONMOUTH COUNTY WITH ALEKSANDR PRITSKER
If you’re looking to buy a home in Monmouth County, NJ, working with Aleksandr Pritsker should be at the top of your list. Aleksandr is the founder and team lead of Team Blackstar − one of NJ’s top-ranked real estate teams. He and his able team have the knowledge and expertise that will be of great value to you in finding your dream home.
Aleksandr has held the title of #1 ranked Realtor in the Monmouth / Ocean MLS since 2019 − a feat that he attributes to his competitive spirit and drive for success. He also has a proven track record of success, with him and his team raking in $500 million in sales in 2019 alone.
One of the standout qualities of Aleksandr and Team Blackstar is their commitment to building lifelong relationships with their clients. They are dedicated to providing personalized and exceptional service to each person they work with, whether they are looking to sell, buy, invest in, or rent a property.
Ready to invest in your own home in some of the best towns in Monmouth County, NJ? Call Aleksandr Pritsker and Team Blackstar today at 732.688.3819 or send an email here to get started.