ABOUT MONROE TOWNSHIP 

People who move to Monroe Township love the town for its school system, for the variety of cultural, educational and athletic activities, and the rural feeling and large, open spaces. The ease of commuting to New York, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore are a plus, and Monroe Township has some of the lowest tax rates in Middlesex County. 

Monroe Township, the southernmost town in Middlesex County, is the largest town in the county in terms of land area – 42 square miles - and borders South Brunswick, Cranbury, Helmetta, Spotswood, East Brunswick and Old Bridge, as well as Englishtown in Monmouth County and East Windsor in Mercer County.  

In 1960 when Exit 8A of the New Jersey Turnpike opened in Monroe Township, the Leisure World Community known as Rossmoor was developed, and today the township has become popular as a center for Adult Communities. Following Rossmoor, Clearbrook was founded, followed by Concordia, Whittingham and Greenbriar, The Ponds, Encore, Renaissance, Regency and Stonegate. Many single family new home developments have arisen in the town as well, adding numerous younger residents to the township population. Developers from Centex, to Renaissance, Toll Brothers to Lennar and Hovnanian/Matzel & Mumford are among some of the many builders of new homes in the town. According to the 2007 United States Census Bureau statistics the current population is approximately 36,500 people, with approximately 50% of the population over age 55.  

For further information go to www.monroetwp.com 

HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIP 

In 1685 an immigrant named James Johnstone came from Scotland to what was then known as East Jersey to settle on the 50 acres of land that were offered to him. For each additional family member that came with him he would receive another 25 acres. After sending letters home he was able to convince Scottish, English and Dutch religious dissenters to settle in Monroe after hearing of land with fertile soil and a plentiful water supply. Originally Monroe was a part of Piscataway, then part of South Amboy, but on April 9, 1838, Monroe was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature, and named after President James Monroe.  

Monroe continued primarily as a farming community for many decades but when parts of the township became more densely populated those sections broke off, becoming separate towns. In 1860 East Brunswick, Helmetta and Spotswood broke off from Monroe to form 3 separate towns, followed in 1872 by Cranbury and in 1887 by Jamesburg. They have all remained separate towns ever since. In the 1830’s and 1840’s railroads came into Monroe, starting with the Camden and Amboy Railroad but farming continued as the primary occupation for another hundred years. One of the farms, the Dey farm, dating back to the 1820’s, is currently undergoing restoration as a historical farm and museum to demonstrate what farming was like in Monroe in the 1800’s. Another farm, the Etsch Farm, located on Rt. 522, has been an active farm for over 75 years. Numerous other farms and horse properties remain active even today in Monroe – and the fresh produce and flowers sold by these farms are some of the best in the area! 

MONROE TOWNSHIP IS STILL GROWING! 

The current Monroe Township Public Library, one of the busiest libraries in Middlesex County, has undergone an extensive remodeling, doubling its 20,000 square feet. The new section, open in December, 2008, is a beautiful addition to the library. A new high school is also under construction, scheduled to open in September of 2011, with the current high school to be used as a middle school. Although there is a highly active Senior Center, a new free standing facility is expected to be built in the near future. Also planned is a new development consisting of new luxury homes, a new supermarket, a performing arts center, restaurants and businesses, and a new baseball park being developed along Route 33 near Applegarth Road.  

SCHOOL INFORMATION 

Monroe Township has 5 elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. The new high school is scheduled to open in September of 2011, and the current high school will be used as a middle school. According to Mayor Richard Pucci the “community is proud of its respected Blue Ribbon school district”.  

For further information go to www.monroe.k12.nj.us/monroenj 

TRANSPORTATION 

Public transportation to New York City is available via Coach USA at the Transportation Hub located at the intersection of Routes 32 & 130, as well as at bus stops throughout the township. Trains to New York’s Penn Station run from Princeton Junction, New Brunswick and Edison, all approximately 20-30 minutes from Monroe Township. The New Jersey Turnpike’s Exit 8A is located in Monroe, and the Garden State Parkway is approximately 20-30 minutes from Monroe Township. The Jersey Shore is approximately 45 minutes from Monroe, and Philadelphia and New York are about an hour ride.
Additionally, the Township offers a 12 fleet shuttle bus service that can be used by all Monroe residents, regardless of age to shopping locations, medical facilities and transportation hubs in both Princeton and Freehold. 

For further information go to www.monroetwp.com/transportation 

PARKS & RECREATION 

A Community Center, including Senior Center, Roller Rink, Football Stadium, Baseball Park and Girls Softball Park are part of the recreational facilities in the township. Thompson Park, a 675 acre Middlesex County park, is also located in Jamesburg and Monroe Township, and includes a lake, tennis courts, athletic fields, picnic grounds, dog parks, horse arena, playgrounds and hiking trails. Additional soccer fields will be opened in September of 2009. Numerous adult and children’s programs are also available throughout the year. 

For further information go to www.monroerec.com 

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