373 victoria drive, Bridgewater Twp., NJ 08807

Are you looking for a prime location in central New Jersey? Close proximity to conveniences ranging from shopping and dining to transportation and recreation? Established suburban neighborhoods where well-kept homes are set along leafy tree-lined streets? If so, Bridgewater Township is a top choice for many who choose to live in Somerset County.

This 33-square mile municipality has a population of about 44,000 residents, making it the second most populous in the county after Franklin Township. Noted for being one of the state's first 104 townships, it was incorporated in 1749. Early links to British settlers are evidenced from origins of the township's name: Bridgwater in Somerset, England.

Community Life

While Bridgewater was mostly a rural farming community until the 1970s, today it houses a variety of top corporations including MetLife, Sanofi-Adventis, Philips-Van Heusen and Johnson & Johnson. In contrast, there are many established residential enclaves throughout the township, as well as 3,600 acres of parkland. Recreational options include taking in a Somerset Patriots game at the TD Bank Ballpark. Shoppers have long been drawn to the extensive offerings at the Bridgewater Commons Mall and the major chain stores surrounding it.

Transportation

New York City commuters use Interstate 78 or the Bridgewater New Jersey Transit station to head east, but many locals are employed by nearby telecommunication, financial and pharmaceutical firms. A network of local highways includes Interstate 287, Route 22, 28, 202 and 206, linking the area to other major routes.

Real Estate

There are numerous housing options in Bridgewater that collectively offer a wide variety of sizes, price ranges and architectural styles. Bradley Gardens contains a mix of older and newer neighborhoods; Finderne presents a collection of older homes, recent developments and multi-family dwellings; the rural Country Club/Meadow Road area appeals to those looking for additional space; Milltown/Vanderveer Road has a variety of newer home styles; the charming Sunset Lake community was developed around a man-made lake; and Martinsville, a hilly portion of the Watchung Mountain range, retains some of the township's most historic homes.

Local Attractions

A lively local calendar of events for Bridgewater residents includes the Fourth of July encampment at Middlebrook, the former campgrounds of General George Washington's troops; summertime drive-in movies at Duke Island Park; the 4-H Fair every August; a storytelling festival in October and an annual visit by the Big Apple Circus each spring.