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.
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.