Colts Neck Township, New Jersey


Colts Neck Township is a township in Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is located in the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 9,957, a decrease of 185 from the 2010 census count of 10,142, which in turn reflected a decline of 2,189 from the 12,331 counted in the 2000 census.
The municipality of Colts Neck Township was initially established by an act of the New Jersey Legislature as Atlantic Township on February 18, 1847, carved from portions of Freehold Township, Middletown Township, and Shrewsbury Township. The name was changed to "Colts Neck Township" as of November 6, 1962, based on the results of a referendum held that day.
The township has been ranked as one of the state's highest-income communities. Based on data from the American Community Survey for 2013–2017, Colts Neck residents had a median household income of $167,480, ranked fifth in the state among municipalities with more than 10,000 residents, more than double the statewide median of $76,475.
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History

Colts Neck Township was first settled in the 17th century and formally established as a township in 1847. Its history spans interactions with Native Americans, colonial settlement, wartime significance, and modern suburban development.

Early settlement

The area that became Colts Neck was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape, part of the Unami or Turtle Clan, who used the land for hunting and crafting wampum from shells gathered near present-day Obre Road. Dutch and English settlers arrived in the late 17th century, drawn by fertile soil, abundant wildlife, and marl deposits used for fertilizer. Early records note a 1676 sale of 205 acres called 'ColtsNeek' by two Indians, Amesse and Landsand, to Henry Leonard. The Matthews and Van Mater families were among the earliest settlers, establishing farms and mills.

Revolutionary War

During the Revolutionary War, Colts Neck was a site of conflict due to its proximity to the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. British troops retreating through the township plundered farms and refreshed at the Colts Neck Tavern. Local hero Captain Joshua Huddy, captured by Loyalist Refugees in 1782, was hanged near Sandy Hook, sparking outrage and a notable incident involving General Washington. Michael Field, a Revolutionary soldier, was killed and buried in Colts Neck during a skirmish with the retreating British.

19th century

Colts Neck was set off from Shrewsbury, Freehold, and Middletown as Atlantic Township on February 18, 1847, with its first town meeting held at Samuel Laird's hotel on March 9. Early officials included Moderator Thomas G. Haight and Town Clerk Tunis Statesir. The North American Phalanx, a utopian socialist community inspired by Charles Fourier, operated here from 1843 to 1856, marketing the first boxed cereal and leaving a lasting legacy. Churches, schools, and mills, like Bucks Mill, emerged as the township grew.

20th century

The township retained its rural character into the 20th century, officially renaming itself Colts Neck Township in 1962. Suburbanization accelerated in the 1980s, transforming farmland into residential estates, though equestrian farms persisted. The Farmland Preservation Committee, established later, has protected nearly 1,000 acres, balancing growth with heritage.

Community

Since the late 20th century, Colts Neck has been a wealthy bedroom community of New York City, located in Central New Jersey within the New York metropolitan area. Many people choose to move to Colts Neck due to its open space and proximity to the Jersey Shore, while still being within commuting distance of New York and North Jersey. The township's strict zoning ordinances have long kept out urban development and chain stores, allowing for locally owned businesses, while still being close to malls, movie theaters, and other amenities in neighboring communities.
The township has a Farmland Preservation Committee which to date has preserved nearly of land, providing one way in which Colts Neck has been able to prevent large-scale development. The township has strict zoning regulations, and because there is no public water or sewage service, most homes must be built on lots covering a minimum of 2, 5 and.
Originally a farming community, Colts Neck has long been known for its large number of equestrian farms. From the 1950s into the 1970s many of Colts Neck's heavily wooded areas were developed with large colonial and ranch-style houses on acre-sized lots. In the 1980s and continuing into the 2000s much of the town's farm land has been replaced with large houses, mansions and sprawling estates, although a large number of equestrian farms remain. During this time period increasing home prices in northern New Jersey and New York City resulted in large numbers of people moving to central New Jersey, causing real estate prices in Colts Neck and surrounding towns to rise considerably over the course of the two decades. Colts Neck real estate prices remain high despite the economic downturn: as of November 2012, the average listing price of a house was $1,433,112 and the number of home sales is down 41.4% from the previous year.
Many of Colts Neck's residents are professional business people who commute into New York City's financial district, as could be seen in the unusual proportion of the small community who were lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. A memorial garden dedicated to the five members of the community who were lost was created at the municipal center by sculptor Jim Gary, a member of the community who was raised in Colts Neck. The central feature of the memorial garden is his sculpture of metal and stained glass.
In 2018, Colts Neck made national headlines for a 2018 incident in which a man was charged with setting a mansion on fire, which resulted in the death of his brother, sister in law and their two children.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 31.79 square miles, including 31.72 square miles of land and 1.08 square miles of water. Colts Neck's geography, with its fertile soil, abundant wildlife, and extensive marl beds along streams like Hop Brook, attracted early settlers. The township's rolling uplands and waterways, including the Yellow Brook and Mine Brook, supported farming and milling, shaping its early development. These natural resources remain evident today, preserved in part through efforts like the Farmland Preservation Committee.
Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Bucks Mill, Cooks Mills, Hominy Hill, Lippincott, Montrose, Phalanx, Scobeyville, Swimming River and Vanderburg.
The township borders the Monmouth County communities of Freehold Township, Holmdel Township, Howell Township, Marlboro Township, Middletown Township, Tinton Falls and Wall Township.

Economy

Colts Neck's economy historically centered on agriculture, with farming and milling dominant in the 18th and 19th centuries. Bucks Mill, built in 1854, exemplifies this era's grist mills. Snyder's Mill, and Heyer's Mill were also large milling sites in the township, the latter site of a 1902 flood that killed four workers. The North American Phalanx introduced innovative industries, including the production of the first boxed cereal.
Laird & Company produces Laird's Applejack at its facility in the Scobeyville section of the township. The only remaining producer of Applejack in the United States, the company received the first U.S. distillery license in 1780 after providing George Washington with its applejack recipe. The distillery operated in Colts Neck until 1850, then moved to Scobeyville after a fire. Since the end of distilling in Colts Neck in 1972, the company has had its apples picked and distilled in Virginia, and then brought north to be aged, blended and bottled at its facility in the township. the company received the first license granted by the United States Department of the Treasury, which was granted in 1780.
The town has been noted for horse breeding since the 1700s; an ad for the stallion "Liberty" appeared in 1780 newspapers. By 1877, township real estate was valued at $1,112,900.
Four JG's Orchards & Vineyards is a winery based in the township, named for the shared initials of the owners and their two children.

Demographics

A 2007 study of New Jersey's highest-income communities shows Colts Neck had a median household income of $166,495, up from $109,190 in 2000, and the average household income was $232,520, which ranked it 16th in the state. The per capita income for the township as of 2007 was $70,781 up from $46,795 in 2000. The average household net worth, not including equity in homes, is $1,088,351 and the average disposable income for a household is $140,507.

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 10,142 people, 3,277 households, and 2,848 families in the township. The population density was 330.0 per square mile. There were 3,735 housing units at an average density of 121.5 per square mile. The racial makeup was 92.17% White, 1.67% Black or African American, 0.01% Native American, 4.58% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.54% of the population.
Of the 3,277 households, 43.1% had children under the age of 18; 77.4% were married couples living together; 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present and 13.1% were non-families. Of all households, 11.0% were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 3.33.
28.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 17.0% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 96.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 94.5 males.
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that median household income was $154,491 and the median family income was $166,909. Males had a median income of $117,917 versus $67,188 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $65,919. About 2.0% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census there were 12,331 people, 3,513 households, and 3,193 families residing in the township. The population density was. There were 3,614 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the township was 85.51% White, 7.89% African American, 0.23% Native American, 3.63% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.45% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.22% of the population.
There were 3,513 households, out of which 50.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 83.1% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 9.1% were non-families. 7.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.17 and the average family size was 3.33.
In the township the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.4 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $109,190, and the median income for a family was $117,980. Males had a median income of $55,609 versus $38,457 for females. The per capita income for the township was $46,795. 2.8% of the population and 2.2% of families were living below the poverty line, including 2.2% of under eighteens and 2.8% of those over 64.

Government

Local government

Colts Neck is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state. The Township Committee is comprised of five members, who are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle. At an annual reorganization meeting, the township committee selects one of its members to serve as mayor and another as deputy mayor, each serving one-year terms.
, the members of the Colts Neck Township Committee are Mayor Tara Torchia Buss, Deputy Mayor Michael S. Viola, Dan Buzzetta, Sue Fitzpatrick and Frank Rizzuto.
Frank Rizzuto was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2018 that had been vacated by Michael Fitzgerald.

Federal, state and county representation

Colts Neck Township is located in the 4th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 11th state legislative district.

Education

The first schools emerged between 1813 and 1820 in Colts Neck village, Vanderburg, and Scobeyville. By 1873, six one-room schoolhouses served the township, including Montrose School and Phalanx School. Atlantic Elementary consolidated all districts by 1960.
Students in public school attend the Colts Neck School District for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 955 students and 116.3 classroom teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 8.2:1. Schools in the district are
Conover Road Primary School with 374 students in grades PreK-2, Conover Road Elementary School with 310 students in grades 3-5 and Cedar Drive Middle School with 324 students in grades 6–8.
Students in public school for ninth through twelfth grades attend Colts Neck High School, along with students from portions of Howell Township. The Freehold Regional High School District also serves students from Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell Township, Manalapan Township and Marlboro Township. As of the 2020–21 school year, the high school had an enrollment of 1,316 students and 91.4 classroom teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 14.4:1. Students may apply to attend one of the district's six specialized learning centers, including the Humanities Learning Center hosted at Howell High School. The FRHSD board of education has nine members, who are elected to three-year terms from each of the constituent districts. Each member is allocated a fraction of a vote that totals to nine points, with Colts Neck Township allocated one member, who has 1.0 votes.
About 20% of the township's K–8 population attend private schools. These include Ranney School, Rumson Country Day School and St. Leo the Great School. At the high school level about half of all students attend private schools, including Christian Brothers Academy, Lawrenceville School, Peddie School, Ranney School, Red Bank Catholic High School, Mater Dei High School and St. John Vianney High School.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Colts Neck's transportation history traces back to Indian trails like the Burlington and Minisink Paths, later adapted by settlers. By the 18th century, roads connected the township to Shrewsbury and Freehold, with the Colts Neck Tavern serving as a stop for stagecoaches and dispatch riders. These early routes evolved into modern highways like Routes 18 and 34.

Roads and highways

, the township had a total of of roadways, of which were maintained by the municipality, by Monmouth County and by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Two major state roads pass through the township: Route 18 and Route 34. Major county roads that traverse the township are County Route 520 and County Route 537.
The Garden State Parkway is accessible in neighboring Holmdel Township, Middletown Township, Tinton Falls and Wall Township. Interstate 195 is also outside the township, in neighboring Wall and Howell Township.

Public transportation

NJ Transit provides local bus service between Freehold Township and Sea Bright on the 838 route.
Ferry service is available through the SeaStreak service in Highlands, a trip that involves about a 25-30 minute drive from the township to reach the departing terminal. SeaStreak offers ferry service to New York City with trips to Pier 11 and East 35th Street in Manhattan. The ferry service also offers seasonal travel, such as to the public beaches on Sandy Hook, baseball games at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, trips to Broadway matinees, Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, college football games at West Point, fall foliage in the Hudson Valley, and to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, among other excursions.
Monmouth Executive Airport in Wall Township supplies short-distance flights to surrounding areas and is the closest air transportation service. The nearest major commercial airport is Newark Liberty International Airport, which serves as a major hub for United Airlines and located north from the center of Colts Neck Township.
Colts Neck was also home to Colts Neck Airport, a small general aviation facility located centrally in the town that operated from 1938 until its closure in 2002. The site is now occupied by the Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck and residential developments.

Healthcare

Colts Neck Township is served by CentraState Healthcare System. Located in neighboring Freehold Township, the 287-bed hospital is a partner of Atlantic Health System and is affiliated with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. CentraState Healthcare system also provides healthcare through its various family practices in communities across the central New Jersey region. One of those six family practices has an office located in the township.
The next closest regional hospitals to the township are Bayshore Community Hospital, located in nearby Holmdel Township, and the Old Bridge Division of Raritan Bay Medical Center, located in nearby Old Bridge Township. The closest major university hospital to the township is Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township, along with Saint Peter's University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Colts Neck Township include: