Smart suburban life with NYC access
Strong schools, Fortune 500 jobs, parks, and proximity to New York/Newark define this area – and yet it feels like a cozy hometown away from the buzz. Middlesex County is one of the best places to live in New Jersey.
Why it matters: You get big-city opportunities – universities, nearby Fortune 500 companies and employers, transit – without big-city homes or stress. Think Monmouth Battlefield State Park, New Jersey state parks, or a train ride to NYC for Broadway performances.
What’s ahead: We’ll explore the top 10 suburbs with housing styles, school quality, safety insights, local perks, and what makes each shine.
1. Plainsboro Center
Princeton-adjacent, top-tier, and peaceful
Population: 2,683 | Median Home: $474K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 36 min
Housing: Townhomes, single-family, hidden new-home neighborhoods
Education: OutstandingPlainsboro SD; close to Princeton University
Safety: Very low crime
Perks: Princeton University events, golf courses, farm stands, scenic parks
Why it’s #1: Ivy-level schools, safe streets, and a village feel right next to the action
2. Metuchen
Walkable charm with train-town credentials
Population: 15,470 | Median Home: $565K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 38 min
Housing: Colonial homes, bungalows, townhouses
Education: Metuchen SD; near Rutgers University
Safety: Low crime
Perks: NJ Transit station, downtown shops/restaurants, access to healthcare and corporate jobs
Why it’s loved: Big-city convenience with hometown character
3. Monmouth Junction
Growing, well-schooled, and community-focused
Population: 9,728 | Median Home: $497K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 35 min
Housing: Suburban single-family homes, townhouses
Education: South Brunswick SD; Rutgers nearby
Safety: Low crime
Perks: Community events, parks, annual festivals, diverse restaurants
Why it’s special: Family-friendly suburb with great schools and a strong social fabric
4. Princeton Meadows
Convenient, cultured, and commuter-ready
Population: 15,491 | Median Home: $636K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 33 min
Housing: Ranch homes, townhouses, condos
Education: South Brunswick SD; near Princeton/Princeton Junction
Safety: Very safe
Perks: Parks, restaurants, shopping, quick train to NYC/Philly
The allure: A commuter’s dream with small-town roots and big-city ease
5. Highland Park
Young, vibrant, and green
Population: 15,386 | Median Home: $464I | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 28 min
Housing: Early-20th-century homes, duplexes, downtown apartments
Education: Highland Park SD; Rutgers adjacent
Safety: Low property crime
Perks: Roosevelt Park Zoo, easy commute, riverfront trails, farmers’ market, local breweries
Why it’s great: Artsy, walkable village with collegiate energy and lots of green space
6. Dayton
Family-first, friendly, and flourishing
Population: 8,185 | Median Home: $472K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 35 min
Housing: Suburban single-family homes, planned neighborhoods
Education: South Brunswick SD
Safety: Safe environment
Perks: Parks & sports fields, family restaurants, local shops
Why it’s a win: Quiet, quality suburban life with excellent schools and plenty for kids
7. Heathcote
Prestige, parks, and planned perfection
Population: 7,056 | Median Home: $564K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 34 min
Housing: Large-lot homes, upscale developments
Education: South Brunswick SD
Safety: Quiet and safe
Perks: Golf clubs, woods and trails, upscale shopping, strong school support
Why it works: Luxury living with top schools and parks at your doorstep
8. Kendall Park
Quiet, connected, and community-bright
Population: 10,560 | Median Home: $555K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 32 min
Housing: 1960s/70s splits, newer infills
Education: South Brunswick SD
Safety: Family-friendly, safe
Perks: Neighborhood parks, walking trails, Asian markets, family events
Why it’s noteworthy: Cheerful streets, strong schools, great local flavor
9. Cranbury
Historic, upscale, and peaceful
Population: 2,304 | Median Home: $795K | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 38 min
Housing: Historic farmhouses, large lots, custom new homes
Education: Cranbury SD (K–8), Princeton HS
Safety: Ultra-low crime
Perks: Thompson Park, quaint downtown, horse farms, wineries
The takeaway: Quiet, upscale escape with character and top-tier education
10. Edison Township
Diverse, convenient, and culturally rich
Population: 110,002 | Median Home: $482K | School Rating: A | Commute: 34 min
Housing: Colonials, ranches, newer townhomes and condos
Education: Edison Township SD; close to Rutgers, NJIT
Safety: Moderate crime (higher property crime)
Perks: Thomas Edison Center, parks, ethnic dining, NJ Transit, business hubs
Why it’s appealing: Affordable, diverse suburb with strong schools and cultural assets
The Bottom Line
Middlesex County delivers balanced suburban living – affordable homes, strong schools, low crime, and close proximity to NYC/Philly. Whether you seek top-tier schools and Ivy League energy or small-town charm and open spaces, there's a community here that fits your lifestyle.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Commute Time | School Rating | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
| Bridgeville | 2,661 | $397K | 23 | B | 33 | 4 |
| Greenwood | 1,800 | $230K | 33 | B | 16 | 4 |
| Seaford | 82,55 | $224K | 23 | C+ | 420 | 64 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Delaware Resources
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Delaware
How to Build a House in Delaware
6 Most Affordable Cities in Delaware
Sarah Scott
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.