Welcome to Hunterdon County
Thrilling outdoor adventure with picturesque homes
Hunterdon County is one of the most picturesque regions in New Jersey. It is well-known for its beautiful vineyards and outdoor scenery, including lovely rivers and green mountains. The county has many historic sites, from taverns to schools to homes. When in Hunterdon County, there is always something fun to do or something stunning to behold.
There are various styles of home architecture to select from when homebuying in Hunterdon County. Greek Revival homes are quite common and beautiful with their exquisite columns and distinct symmetry. Victorian homes with Gothic influences and unique wraparound porches are stunning sights to behold in the Hunterdon County community. Given the area’s rural nature, farmhouse-style homes characterized by large, open spaces and wooden features are also available. No matter the style, you are guaranteed to find some gorgeous homes in Hunterdon County.
Hunterdon County has a dynamic, exciting community culture. The area is very neighborly and attracts artistic values such as dance, photography, and writing. Its intense natural beauty is inspiring for many creatives, allowing Hunterdon County to be rich with art galleries and museums.
What to Love
- Historic sites like the Doric House
- Stunning landscapes full of rolling hills and lakes
- Incredible school system
- Over 8,500 acres of parks
- Over 350 farms to visit
Local Lifestyle
The lifestyle in Hunterdon County combines a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere with fun outdoor activities. The area is relatively quiet and quaint, allowing for peaceful living. There are many hiking and biking trails, as well as lakes for kayaking and swimming during the warmer months. Hunterdon County is home to leading universities such as Princeton University and Rutgers University. The intellectual, sophisticated environment of the area is very strong.
History
Hunterdon County, founded in 1714, is steeped in rich history and has played a pivotal role in the development of New Jersey. Named after Robert Hunter, the governor of New York and New Jersey, the county has a storied past that includes its involvement in the American Revolution. Notably, the county was the site of several critical skirmishes and provided substantial support to the Continental Army. During the 19th century, Hunterdon's agricultural landscape thrived, with its rolling hills and fertile soil making it ideal for farming. The arrival of the railroads in the mid-1800s further transformed the county, fostering growth in towns like Flemington, which became a bustling commercial hub. Today, Hunterdon County preserves its historical heritage through various landmarks and restored buildings, offering a window into its significant past.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
There are many delicious dining options in Hunterdon County. Matt’s Red Rooster Grill is set in an elegant Victorian home and serves eclectic American dishes. It has a more intimate upstairs setting and a bustling downstairs. The Grill at The Pittstown Inn is an upscale restaurant serving contemporary American classics in a refined manner.
Hamilton’s Grill Room is a quiet and picturesque dining spot serving a variety of Mediterranean fare. It is located on the riverfront and is an excellent place to have a social event.
The Clinton House is a fine dining restaurant and bar located in a historic building. It serves mouthwatering seafood options as well as scrumptious steaks. When in Hunterdon County, you will never have a hard time finding amazing meals.
Things to Do
There are so many things to do in Hunterdon County. The
Cooper Hill Country Club is a spectacular club with a challenging golf course. It has several excellent amenities, including a dining hall, restaurant, pool, and tennis courts.
Beneduce Vineyards is another popular attraction for wine lovers. Private wine tastings and vineyard tours are the perfect way to spend a weekend day.
Another fun outdoor activity not far from Hunterdon is exploring
Ringing Rocks County Park. The park is full of beautiful rock formations. People bring hammers to strike the boulders to hear the rocks ring, as well as picnic sets for a quick lunch. It also has the biggest waterfall in Bucks County. Finally, the
Lost River Caverns has five chambers of natural limestone to roam through with a tour guide. It is a stunning experience that seems other-worldly.
Parks and Recreation
Hunterdon County boasts an array of parks and recreational facilities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Among the most popular is
Round Valley Reservoir, which offers hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. The reservoir's scenic trails provide breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife observation. Another favorite,
Spruce Run Recreation Area, features a large reservoir perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. For those interested in hiking and biking, the
Columbia Trail is a must-visit, stretching over 15 miles through picturesque landscapes.
Additionally,
Voorhees State Park not only offers beautiful hiking trails but also houses the New Jersey Astronomical Association Observatory, making it a unique spot for stargazing. The county's commitment to preserving natural spaces ensures that residents and visitors alike have ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
Cultural Scene
Hunterdon County's cultural scene is vibrant and diverse, reflecting its rich history and community spirit. The
Hunterdon Art Museum, located in a historic stone mill in Clinton, showcases contemporary art and design through rotating exhibitions and educational programs. For theater enthusiasts, the
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse offers a variety of performances ranging from musicals to comedies, providing top-notch entertainment.
The
Red Mill Museum Village, also in Clinton, is a fascinating historical complex that features exhibitions on local history, industry, and culture. The county is also home to numerous galleries and cultural events, such as the annual
Hunterdon County 4-H and Agricultural Fair, which celebrates the region's agricultural heritage with livestock shows, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
These cultural institutions and events contribute to the county's dynamic and engaging cultural landscape, making it a vibrant place to live and visit.
Schools & Education
Hunterdon County is renowned for its high-quality educational institutions, which include a mix of public, private, and charter schools. The public school system is highly regarded, with several districts consistently ranking among the best in the state. Notable public high schools include
Hunterdon Central Regional High School in Flemington, which offers a comprehensive curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular activities. Another top public school is
North Hunterdon High School, located in Annandale, which is known for its strong academic programs and competitive sports teams.
For families seeking private education,
The Hun School of Princeton, located nearby, provides a rigorous academic environment and a strong emphasis on character development. Hunterdon County also hosts several well-regarded charter schools, such as the
Central Jersey College Prep Charter School, which provides a college preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
Moreover, Hunterdon County Vocational School District offers specialized programs in fields like health sciences, engineering, and culinary arts, providing students with hands-on experience and pathways to career success.
Public Transportation
Hunterdon County offers several public transportation options that make commuting within the county and to surrounding areas convenient. New Jersey Transit provides bus and rail services that connect Hunterdon County to major cities like New York and Philadelphia. The Raritan Valley Line is a key rail service, with stations in towns such as High Bridge and Annandale, offering direct access to Newark and connecting services to Manhattan.
For local travel, The Hunterdon County LINK bus service provides reliable transportation across the county. It operates several routes, including demand-response and deviated fixed routes, covering major towns and connecting residents to shopping centers, medical facilities, and employment hubs. The LINK system is particularly beneficial for seniors and those with disabilities, offering curb-to-curb services.
Commute & Accessibility
Hunterdon County's strategic location and well-developed infrastructure make it highly accessible and commuter-friendly. Major highways such as Interstate 78 and Route 22 run through the county, providing direct routes to New York City and other significant destinations in New Jersey. Additionally, Route 31 traverses the county north-south, connecting residents to Interstate 95 to the south and Interstate 80 to the north.
The proximity to these major highways means that commuting to cities like Newark, New Brunswick, and even Philadelphia is relatively straightforward. For those who prefer not to drive, park-and-ride facilities are available near major transit stations, offering a convenient option for accessing bus and rail services.
The county's transportation infrastructure also supports cycling and walking, with numerous trails and bike lanes integrated into the road networks, promoting eco-friendly commuting options. Overall, the ease of access to major highways and public transportation makes Hunterdon County an ideal location for commuters seeking a balance between rural living and urban convenience.
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