South Brunswick, New Jersey


South Brunswick is a township in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The township is centrally located within the Raritan Valley region and is an outer-ring suburb of New York City in the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 47,043, its highest ever decennial census count and an increase of 3,626 from the 2010 census count of 43,417, which in turn reflected an increase of 5,683 from the 37,734 counted in the 2000 census.
South Brunswick was first mentioned in minutes of the Board of Chosen Freeholders on February 28, 1778, as being formed from the township of New Brunswick. It was formally incorporated as one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships on February 21, 1798. Portions of the township have been taken to form Cranbury and Plainsboro Township.
Niche.com placed Monmouth Junction in the top 10 of its "2021 Best Places to Live in New Jersey". In 2021, SafeWise placed South Brunswick in the "100 Safest Cities in America".
WWW twp.south-brunswick.nj.us

History

file:GULICK HOUSE, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ.jpg|thumb|left|Red Maple Farm
South Brunswick Township was incorporated by the New Jersey Legislature Act on February 21, 1798. The community was primarily agricultural in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Straight Turnpike, now [U.S. U.S. Route 1 in New Jersey|Route 1 in New Jersey|Route 1], was constructed in 1804. The township got its name from New Brunswick, which in turn was named after the city of Braunschweig, in the state of Lower Saxony, in Germany. Braunschweig was an influential and powerful city in the Hanseatic League, later in the Holy Roman Empire, and was an administrative seat for the Duchy of Hanover. Shortly after the first settlement of New Brunswick in colonial New Jersey, George, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, and Elector of Hanover, of the House of Hanover, became King George I of Great Britain. Alternatively, the city derived its name from King George II of Great Britain, the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg.
In 1872, the Legislature first reduced the size of South Brunswick by creating Cranbury from the southern portion of South Brunswick. In 1885, it redefined and enlarged the boundaries of Cranbury, and Plainsboro Township was formed in 1919. The present boundaries of South Brunswick date back to this last change.
During the 20th century, South Brunswick saw extensive transformation with the impact of changes in transportation technology. The New Brunswick and Trenton Fast Line began operation in 1900, a trolley line running parallel to the Old Straight Turnpike of 1804, intersecting George's Road just north of the Five Corners intersection in Dayton. This trolley provided daily passenger and freight service, stopping at a local crossroads. The New Jersey Turnpike opened in 1951, again roughly parallel to Route 1, on the eastern edge of the Township. One effect of the Turnpike opening up Interchange 8A was transforming the agricultural area on the southeast corner of South Brunswick into a burgeoning industrial development. Significant portions of land between Route 130 and the turnpike consist primarily of warehouses.
In 1980, the township's population approached 18,000. In 1990, this figure reached 25,792; by 2020, South Brunswick had over 47,000 residents. Much of the township's remain undeveloped and there are still significant amounts of wetlands, woodlands, and open space within the community.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 41.02 square miles, including 40.61 square miles of land and 0.40 square miles of water.
Dayton, Deans, Heathcote, Kendall Park, Kingston and Monmouth Junction are unincorporated communities and census-designated places located within South Brunswick.
Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include: Cottageville,, [Franklin Park, Middlesex County, New Jersey|Middlesex County, New Jersey|Franklin Park], Fresh Ponds, Little Rocky Hill, Sand Hills, South Brunswick Terrace and Ten Mile Run.
Because the township is served by several different zip codes, Dayton, Monmouth Junction, Kendall Park, Kingston, Jamesburg, Cranbury, Princeton and even North Brunswick are often used in place of the township's name, even when referring to areas located beyond their defined boundaries.
Dayton was first known simply as The Cross Roads, where James Whitlock built a tavern on Georges Road around 1750. Early enterprises included a brick manufacturer and a large nursery. In 1866, the name was changed from Cross Roads to Dayton, in honor of William L. Dayton, an attorney for the Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad. Dayton had helped settle disputes arising from the location of a railroad right-of-way. He was later a United States Senator, was the first Republican nominee for Vice President, and Minister to France.
Deans originated from its location on both Crosswicknung Trail and Lawrence Brook. Dams were built on the brook, creating Deans Pond.
With increased mobility and a growing population, the suburban-style residential development was born after World War II. Kendall Park, located off Route 27, the old Native American trail and major thoroughfare of earlier centuries, was begun in 1957.
Kingston's location on the Lenape Assunpink Trail where it crossed the Millstone River was the prime factor in its early prominence. Kingston was by far the most active and important community, being situated on both the heavily traveled King's Road and Millstone River, combining commercial activities of both mills and taverns. The Kingston Village Advisory Committee, jointly appointed by the South Brunswick and Franklin township councils, reports to the South Brunswick township council on matters of concern to residents of Kingston. Kingston has been designated as a Village Center by the New Jersey State Planning Commission and is overseen by an advisory commission that consists of seven members from Franklin Township and South Brunswick.
Monmouth Junction was created as the junction of three rail branches, the New York division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Rocky Hill and the Jamesburg and Freehold Railroad.
The Lawrence Brook, a tributary of the Raritan River, flows through the center of the township. The area also lies within the Manalapan Brook watershed in the eastern portion of the township and the Millstone River watershed in the western portion of the township, which are both also subwatersheds within the Raritan Basin.
Pigeon Swamp State Park is a New Jersey state park located on Deans Rhode Hall Road. The park has of undeveloped land.
The Pigeon Swamp Ledger is a 1780 document that is an accounting log of South Brunswick landowners regarding the draining of the Pigeon Swamp. This was made possible by a .
The township borders Cranbury, East Brunswick, Monroe Township, North Brunswick and Plainsboro Township in Middlesex County; Princeton in Mercer County; and Franklin Township in Somerset County.

Climate

South Brunswick is in the humid continental climate zone. Average Winter-time high temperatures range from, and the lows range from degrees with the record low being. Average summer-time high temperatures range from, though temperatures exceed often with the record high being. The summertime lows range from degrees. South Brunswick can receive much snow during the winter months, sometimes up to. About of rain falls every month and is evenly spread throughout the year, though the area can go through long periods of drought or long-lasting periods with little to no rain. During winter and early spring, South Brunswick can in some years experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States. Hurricanes and tropical storms, tornadoes, and earthquakes are rare.

Demographics

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 47,043 people in the township, which was a gain of 8.4% from the 2010 census. The racial makeup was 48.1% Asian, 35.5% white, 7.6% Black, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.5% reported two or more races. There were 16,647 households in the township.

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 43,417 people, 15,069 households, and 11,694 families in the township. The population density was. There were 15,708 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup was 52.08% White, 7.71% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 35.91% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.52% from other races, and 2.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.04% of the population.
Of the 15,069 households, 44.3% had children under the age of 18; 66.1% were married couples living together; 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 22.4% were non-families. Of all households, 18.8% were made up of individuals and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.33.
27.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.9 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.4 males.
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that median household income was $100,950 and the median family income was $116,127. Males had a median income of $81,297 versus $55,477 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $40,468. About 2.1% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census there were 37,734 people, 13,428 households, and 10,084 families residing in the township. The population density was. There were 13,862 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the township was 70.49% White, 7.88% African American, 0.13% Native American, 18.04% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.37% from other races, and 2.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.08% of the population.
As of the 2000 census, 10.48% of South Brunswick's residents identified themselves as being of Indian American ancestry, which was the seventh-highest of any municipality in the United States and the fourth highest in New Jersey – behind Edison, Plainsboro Township and Piscataway – of all places with 1,000 or more residents identifying their ancestry.
There were 13,428 households, out of which 43.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.9% were non-families. 19.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.27.
In the township, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 36.7% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $78,737, and the median income for a family was $86,891. Males had a median income of $61,637 versus $41,554 for females. The per capita income for the township was $32,104. About 2.1% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Top employers

Major employers in the township include:
EmployerCommunity
Dow Jones & CompanyMonmouth Junction
Maserbuild Industries LLCDayton
South Brunswick Public SchoolsMonmouth Junction
International Flavors & FragrancesDayton
Liberty Coca-ColaMonmouth Junction
High Grade BeverageDeans
Freeze Division-Central MillsMonmouth Junction
Tris Pharma Inc.Monmouth Junction
Guardian Drug CoDayton
L'OréalMonmouth Junction
Canon IncMonmouth Junction
United Parcel ServiceMonmouth Junction

Government

Local government

South Brunswick operates within the Faulkner Act, formally known as the Optional Municipal Charter Law, under the Council-Manager form of municipal government. The township is one of 42 municipalities statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and the four-member Township Council. Members of the Township Council are elected at-large to four-year terms in partisan elections on a staggered basis with two seats up for election in even-numbered years. The mayoral seat is up for election directly by the voters. At a reorganization meeting held in January after each election, the council selects a deputy mayor from among its members.
, members of the Township Council are Mayor Charles Carley, Deputy mayor Kenneth Bierman, Patricia Germain, Archana "Ann" Grover and Josephine Hochman.

Federal, state and county representation

South Brunswick is located in the 12th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 16th state legislative district.

Politics

As of November 2, 2021, there were a total of 34,403 registered voters in South Brunswick.

Education

The South Brunswick Public Schools serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. As of the 2023–24 school year, the district, comprised of 12 schools, had an enrollment of 7,936 students and 665.4 classroom teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 11.9:1. Schools in the district are
Dayton Preschool with 94 students in PreK,
Deans Preschool with 108 students in PreK,
Brooks Crossing Elementary School with 540 students in grades K–5,
Brunswick Acres Elementary School with 444 students in grades PreK–5,
Cambridge Elementary School with 427 students in grades K–5,
Constable Elementary School with 504 students in grades PreK–5,
Greenbrook Elementary School with 395 students in grades PreK–5,
Indian Fields Elementary School with 473 students in grades K–5,
Monmouth Junction Elementary School with 281 students in grades PreK–5,
Crossroads Middle School North with 961 students in grades 6–8,
Crossroads Middle School South with 923 students in grades 6–8 and
South Brunswick High School with 2,728 students in grades 9–12.
The district has grown substantially, with district enrollment more than doubling in a two-decade period, from 4,000 in 1991 to more than 9,000 in 2011 and high school enrollment doubling to nearly 2,000 in the decade prior to 2001 and increasing by another 1,000 in the subsequent decade. Enrollment subsequently declined, from 8,620 students in the 2018-19 school year to less than 8,000 in 2023–24.
Eighth grade students from all of Middlesex County are eligible to apply to attend the high school programs offered by the Middlesex County Magnet Schools, a county-wide vocational school district that offers full-time career and technical education at its schools in East Brunswick, Edison, Perth Amboy, Piscataway and Woodbridge Township, with no tuition charged to students for attendance.
St. Augustine of Canterbury School is Pre-K–8 elementary school in Kendall Park operating under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen. In 2016, the school was one of ten schools in New Jersey, and one of the private schools, recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education, a recognition celebrating excellence in academics.

Religion

Religion in South Brunswick Township, New Jersey reflects the township’s **cultural diversity** and demographic change over recent decades. The township is home to a variety of religious traditions, including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and other faith communities, shaped by both historical development and recent immigration.

Overview

South Brunswick Township, located in Middlesex County, includes a variety of religious institutions reflecting its diverse population. The area’s religious landscape is characterized by longstanding Christian congregations as well as significant Hindu, Muslim, and Jewish communities. Although the U.S. Census does not collect official religious affiliation data, local institutions and community events illustrate a rich pluralistic environment.

Christianity

Christianity has been historically important in South Brunswick, with multiple denominations represented:
  • **Roman Catholicism** – Catholic parishes serve local Catholics and host community outreach and worship services. Catholic parish churches in the area are active in religious education and community service.
  • **Protestant Churches** – Various Protestant denominations, including Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and non‑denominational congregations, serve township residents.
  • **Other Christian Groups** – Additional smaller Christian congregations contribute to the township’s religious landscape.

Islam

South Brunswick’s Muslim community is served by the **Islamic Society of Central Jersey **, located in Monmouth Junction. ISCJ provides regular prayer services, educational programs, community outreach, and celebrates major Islamic observances.† 
The township government has recognized the contributions of Muslim residents; in January 2024, the **South Brunswick Town Council adopted a resolution recognizing January as “Muslim Heritage Month”**, acknowledging the role of the Muslim community in the town.†  New Jersey also designated **January of each year as “Muslim Heritage Month”** through a state joint resolution signed by the governor.†

Judaism

Jewish life in South Brunswick is supported through institutions such as **Chabad of North & South Brunswick **, which offers Jewish educational programs, holiday services, and community events for Jews of all ages and levels of observance.†

Hinduism

South Brunswick is home to a significant Hindu community. One major religious institution is the **Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple ** in Monmouth Junction, which serves as a center for worship, spiritual activities, and cultural events for the local Hindu community.† 
In 2023, the **South Brunswick Township Council adopted a resolution declaring October as “Hindu Heritage Month”**, acknowledging the contributions of Hindu residents and promoting awareness of Hindu cultural and religious traditions.†

Other Faiths and Traditions

In addition to the major world religions described above, residents practice other faith traditions including Buddhism, Sikhism, and other minority religious communities. These groups contribute to the broader tapestry of spiritual life in the township.

Community and Interfaith Activities

While South Brunswick does not have a widely documented formal interfaith council, local religious institutions often participate in public and civic life, including collaboration in community events and acknowledgments of religious heritage through township resolutions.

Places of Worship

Representative places of worship and religious centers in South Brunswick include:
  • Islamic Society of Central Jersey – Mosque and community center in Monmouth Junction.† 
  • Chabad of North & South Brunswick – Jewish community center and synagogue.† 
  • Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple – Hindu temple and cultural center.† 
  • Various Christian churches representing Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and non‑denominational traditions.

Historic district

The Kingston Mill Historic District is a historic district encompassing the community of Kingston, New Jersey. In 1683, Henry Greenland built the first tavern here for travelers between New York City and Philadelphia. The current Kingston Mill, also known as the Kingston Gristmill, was built in 1888, the third one at this site. In 1755, Jacob Skilman built a gristmill and sawmill here on the Millstone River, located along the historic King's Highway. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 10, 1986 for its significance in engineering, exploration/settlement, industry, and transportation. The district includes 16 contributing buildings and 2 contributing structures.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Roads and highways

, the township had a total of of roadways, of which were maintained by the municipality, by Middlesex County and by the New Jersey Department of Transportation and by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
The most prominent highway passing through South Brunswick is a section of the New Jersey Turnpike. This highway crosses the eastern part of the township, and a few ramps that lead to the toll gate for Interchange 8A pass through the township, with the majority of the interchange just outside the municipality's border in Monroe Township. Other major highways that the township also hosts include U.S. Route 1, U.S. Route 130, Route 27 and Route 32. County Route 535 and County Route 522 pass through the township.
A number of proposed Turnpike Authority maintained roads were to traverse South Brunswick. The first was the Driscoll Expressway which was to start from the Garden State Parkway at exit 80 in Toms River and end north of exit 8A along the turnpike in South Brunswick. This was cancelled in the 1980s. The other proposed road was a west-east spur, Route 92. While the majority of the spur was to be in South Brunswick, it was to begin at US 1, just north of the intersection with Ridge Road in South Brunswick, and terminate at the tollgate for Exit 8A. However this was cancelled on December 1, 2006.

Public transportation

Near the intersection of Route 32 and 130, there is a park and ride, where commuters can take buses to New York City. Suburban Transit offers service on Line 300 to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal and Manhattan's East Side, while Line 600 serves Downtown Manhattan / Wall Street.
Commuter bus service to Midtown Manhattan is also offered by discount commuter transportation company OurBus, during peak hours.
The Middlesex County Area Transit Shuttle offers scheduled service across the county, with connections to NJ Transit buses and train service.
The Monmouth Ocean Middlesex Line is a proposal by New Jersey Transit to restore passenger railway service to the region. Herrod Boulevard and Monmouth Junction would be potential stops on the 'MOM' Line in South Brunswick.
The nearest train stations to the township are located at Princeton Junction and New Brunswick along the Northeast Corridor Line.

Healthcare

Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center is a regional hospital and healthcare network located in neighboring Plainsboro Township. The hospital services the greater Princeton region in central New Jersey. It is owned by the Penn Medicine Health System and is the only such hospital in the state of New Jersey. PMC is a 355-bed non-profit, tertiary, and academic medical center. Various physician services are located in South Brunswick, including in the community of Dayton.
Other nearby regional hospitals and healthcare networks that are accessible to the township include CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township, the Old Bridge Township division of Raritan Bay Medical Center, and Saint Peter's University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in nearby New Brunswick.

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with South Brunswick include: