Central Jersey: Geography, Culture, and Economic Growth

For many years, the identity of Central Jersey was a subject of spirited debate among residents of the Garden State. While New Jersey was traditionally viewed as a binary split between the North and South, a distinct middle region has long been recognized by those who live there. This region is not just a cultural sentiment but a rapidly growing administrative and geographic entity.

As of the 2020 census, Central Jersey is home to 3,580,999 people. It is currently the fastest-growing region in the state, driven by robust new housing construction and a significant influx of diverse populations, including Indian, Chinese, and Orthodox Jewish communities.

The official status of the region was solidified in August 2023, when Governor Murphy signed legislation designating Central Jersey as an official region for tourism. This legislation defines the region as including, at a minimum, the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset, though broader definitions often include Union and Ocean counties.

The counties of Central Jersey highlighted in green: Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon; Union and Ocean counties are sometimes also included within the region's geographic parameters.

Key Facts

Official Status: Legally recognized for tourism as of August 24, 2023.
Population: 3,580,999 (2020 Census).
Core Counties: Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset.
Key Infrastructure: Home to the Driscoll Bridge, the world's widest motor vehicle bridge.
Academic Hub: Hosts world-renowned institutions including Princeton University and Rutgers University.

Geography and Historical Boundaries

The geography of Central Jersey is defined by its strategic position between the major metropolitan hubs of New York City and Philadelphia. Historically, the region's boundaries were shaped by colonial divisions. Between 1674 and 1702, the state was split into East and West Jersey. The Keith Line, a diagonal demarcation running through present-day Mercer County, determined political and ownership boundaries until 1745.

The since discarded regions of West New Jersey (in yellow) and East New Jersey (in green) that existed from 1674 to 1702 during the colonial era of New Jersey; the map also indicates location of the Keith Line (in red) and the Coxe and Barclay Line (in orange).

Today, these colonial remnants are still visible in the borders of Hunterdon-Somerset, Ocean-Burlington, and Monmouth-Burlington counties. Modern geographic markers include telephone area codes; 732 and 848 cover Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Union, and northern Ocean, while 609 and 640 serve Mercer, Hunterdon, Somerset, and southern Ocean.

The Delaware and Raritan Canal in Lambertville, connects the Delaware and Raritan rivers in Central Jersey.

Demographics and Cultural Diversity

The Asian Indian Community

Central Jersey, particularly Middlesex County, is globally recognized for its high concentration of Asian Indians. Middlesex County has the highest concentration of Asian Indians in the United States, reaching nearly 20% as of 2020. A primary cultural hub is the Little India commercial strip along Oak Tree Road, spanning Edison and Iselin. This area is the largest and most diverse South Asian cultural hub in the country.

The region's cultural landscape is further enriched by the BAPS Hindu temple in Robbinsville, the largest Hindu temple outside of Asia, inaugurated in 2014. In Monroe Township, the Indian American population has seen explosive growth, with the community celebrating Diwali as a Hindu holiday. Additionally, Carteret hosts the state's largest concentration of Punjabi Sikhs.

Aerial view of some of the numerous housing tracts of Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Significant new housing construction is rendering an increasingly affluent and suburban environment to Monroe Township, while maintaining the proximity to both New York City and top-ranked Princeton University sought by Indians in this township and the surrounding India corridor of central New Jersey, with the fastest-growing Indian population in the Western Hemisphere.

Korean and Chinese Populations

The region is also a center for Korean-American life. This is evidenced by the presence of major retailers like H Mart in Edison and Woo-Ri Mart in West Windsor, as well as numerous Korean churches in Somerset and Mercer counties. The economic impact of this community is highlighted by KPOT Korean BBQ, which is headquartered in East Brunswick.

Economy and Education

The economy of Central Jersey is a powerhouse of telecommunications, high technology, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. The legacy of innovation is epitomized by the former Bell Labs site in Holmdel.

The Bell Labs water tower in Holmdel was designed to resemble a transistor. Telecommunications remains an important industry in Central Jersey.

Education is a cornerstone of the region. Princeton University, consistently ranked as one of the best universities globally, is an Ivy League research institution. Rutgers-New Brunswick serves as the flagship campus for the state university. For religious scholarship, Lakewood is home to Beth Medrash Govoha, the largest Yeshiva in the Western Hemisphere.

Nassau Hall, the oldest building at Princeton University in Princeton, was the largest academic building in the American colonies when it was built in 1756 and briefly served as the U.S. Capitol in 1783.[68][69]

New Brunswick, home to Rutgers University in Central Jersey

Regional Infrastructure and Tourism

Transportation is vital to the region's connectivity. The Central Jersey Expressway (I-195) connects the capital of Trenton to the Jersey Shore. Other major arteries include the Garden State Parkway, the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), and I-287.

Interstate 195, which travels from the state capital of Trenton to the Jersey Shore, is sometimes referred to as the Central Jersey Expressway.

Tourism is driven by massive attractions and retail centers. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is the second-largest theme park in the world and features Kingda Ka, the world's tallest roller coaster as of 2023. For shoppers, the Freehold Raceway Mall stands as the third-largest mall in New Jersey.

Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is the second-largest theme park in the world after Disney's Animal Kingdom in Central Florida.[74] It is home to many famous rollercoasters, most notably being the Kingda Ka which, as of 2023, is the tallest roller coaster in the world.[75]

Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold Township, with a gross leasable area of 1,671,000 sq ft (155,200 m2),[63] is the third largest shopping mall in the state.

Regional Summary

County	Population	County Seat	Area (sq mi)
Middlesex	829,685	New Brunswick	311
Monmouth	621,354	Freehold Borough	472
Mercer	369,811	Trenton	226
Somerset	331,164	Somerville	305
Hunterdon	124,714	Flemington	430

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Central Jersey officially recognized?

Yes. As of August 24, 2023, legislation signed by Governor Murphy officially designated Central Jersey as a region, specifically for tourism purposes, including Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties.

What is the widest bridge in the world?

The Driscoll Bridge on the Garden State Parkway in Central Jersey is the world's widest motor vehicle bridge, featuring 15 travel lanes and six shoulder lanes.

Which university in Central Jersey is ranked as the best in the nation?

Princeton University was ranked as the best university in the nation in the 2023-24 issue of U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking.

What makes the Asian Indian community in Central Jersey unique?

Middlesex County has the highest concentration of Asian Indians in the U.S. (nearly 20% as of 2020) and is home to the largest South Asian cultural hub in the country along Oak Tree Road.

What is the tallest roller coaster in the world located here?

Kingda Ka, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, was the tallest roller coaster in the world as of 2023.