www.magazinevolume.com/DiscoverMiddlesex 41
Helmetta Borough I7
www.helmettaboro.com
The community was established around a snuff mill and Helmetta
Pond, which once served as a power source for the mill. The G. W.
Helme Snuff Mill District is a classic example of a late 1800s mill
town. About 115 buildings were originally in the district, which was
named to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National
Register of Historic Places in 1980. The borough, just under one
square mile, currently has a population of about 2,220 people.
Highland Park Borough I3
www.hpboro.com
The earliest record of European settlers in this area is in the late
17th century. Once known as East New Brunswick, Highland Park’s
current name was first used in 1870, and in 1905 it became an
independent borough. Although it is primarily a residential town,
Highland Park also boasts corporate industry as well as numerous
family businesses dating back many decades.
Jamesburg Borough H8
www.jamesburgborough.org
Named for the inclusive school started by James Buckelew in 1847,
Jamesburg was once part of Monroe Township. It was also an
important railroad town, with two main lines and a roundhouse. The
first canned tomatoes were produced in Jamesburg in 1847. Home
to Thompson Park and Manalapan Lake, Jamesburg has over 6,000
residents in its 0.8 square miles and is 99.9% built up. Some of its
quaint historic architecture has been preserved.
Metuchen Borough J3
www.metuchennj.org
For more on Metuchen, see page 46 of this guide.
Middlesex Borough G1
www.middlesexboro-nj.gov
Nestled in the heart of Middlesex County between East Brunswick
and North Brunswick, Middlesex is a thriving community with
nearly 15,000 residents, dozens of local businesses and many
redevelopment projects. It boasts high-ranking public schools,
beautiful parks, access to train lines, an impressive library, an
expanding recreation department and an active senior citizen
center. Nearby is TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots
baseball team.
Milltown Borough I5
www.milltownnj.org
In 1678, Thomas Lawrence, a New York baker, acquired a large area
around the Lawrence Brook, which likely included today’s Milltown.
The names and marks of several Native Americans appear on the
bill of sale. Since its official establishment in 1896, Milltown has been
a special place to live, work and play. The Borough is a 1.6-mile
tract with about 7,000 residents. From its vibrant Main Street shops,
churches and homes to its fine schools, parks and pools, Milltown
is an ideal environment to raise a family and enjoy a tight-knit
community where everyone is thought of as a neighbor.
Monroe Township H9
www.monroetwp.com
Monroe Township, named for U.S. President James Monroe, was
founded in 1838. Initially a farming community, the suburbs spread
into the northern parts of Monroe Township in the 1960s, when the
NJ Turnpike opened Exit 8A in Monroe, prompting the construction
of new schools, shopping centers, a synagogue, a recreation center
and a library. Residential development in the southern portion of the
township has surged in recent years, including senior communities
and luxury homes.
New Brunswick City H4
www.newbrunswick.com
For more on New Brunswick, see page 48 of this guide.
North Brunswick Township G5
www.northbrunswicknj.gov
North Brunswick Township was incorporated in 1798. Portions of
the township have since separated into East Brunswick (1860) and
Milltown (1889). A highlight is the five-day Carnevale Italiano in July,
organized by the Italian-American Social Club of North Brunswick,
which features a fireworks show by Grucci.
Old Bridge Township L7
www.oldbridge.com
For more on Old Bridge, see page 50 of this guide.
Highland Park by Jenifer Rutherford
Photo courtesy New Brunswick City Center
/DiscoverMiddlesex
/www.helmettaboro.com
/www.hpboro.com
/www.jamesburgborough.org
/www.metuchennj.org
/www.middlesexboro-nj.gov
/www.milltownnj.org
/www.monroetwp.com
/www.newbrunswick.com
/www.northbrunswicknj.gov
/www.oldbridge.com