23,851 people live in Somerset, where the median age is 40.9 and the average individual income is $57,140. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Luxurious suburban environment with quaint downtown elegance
In addition, Somerset has many diverse neighborhoods, which makes it unique. It has five downtown centers with fine dining restaurants and entertainment experiences. These downtowns include Somerville, Bound Brook, Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, and Raritan.
Somerset, NJ, one of the oldest communities in the state, traces its origins back to the late 17th century when it was settled by Dutch and English colonists as part of the larger Somerset County. Officially chartered in 1688, the area was named after Somerset in England, reflecting its deep colonial roots. The region grew as a rural settlement centered around farming, thanks to its fertile soil and strategic location along early trade and transportation routes.
During the American Revolution, Somerset played a pivotal role. Its location made it a key site for troop movement and encampments, particularly around the historic Middlebush and Franklin Park areas. Several landmark estates in Somerset, such as the Van Liew-Suydam House and the Hageman Farm, served both residential and military purposes during this period and still stand today as preserved reminders of that era.
The early 19th and 20th centuries brought development in stages, with the Delaware and Raritan Canal and later the railroads boosting the region’s economic and residential growth. While neighboring towns industrialized rapidly, Somerset maintained a more suburban and estate-like character. Prominent architects and landowners, including families like the Wyckoffs, Linskys, and Hoags, developed large parcels into homesteads, many of which evolved into today’s quiet residential enclaves.
Somerset’s identity today is a unique blend of preserved colonial charm and modern suburban planning. The legacy of its founders and early estates continues to define its tree-lined streets, historic corridors, and commitment to community preservation.
Somerset, NJ offers a quiet yet deeply rooted cultural identity shaped by community engagement, local creativity, and a strong tradition of civic participation. While not overtly urban or bohemian, Somerset’s cultural personality is defined by its balance, where suburban life meets diverse heritage and active local involvement.
The township regularly hosts community-driven events like the Franklin Day Festival at Colonial Park, which draws thousands for live music, local art showcases, and nonprofit booths supporting causes from youth literacy to environmental sustainability. Seasonal farmers markets and multicultural fairs reflect the area's diverse population and emphasize locally grown produce, global cuisines, and handmade crafts.
Local talent is often spotlighted through grassroots organizations like the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council, which supports visual artists, musicians, and writers through rotating exhibits and open mic nights. The nearby Villagers Theatre also plays a vital role, offering year-round performances by community actors and fostering youth programs that nurture the next generation of creatives.
Nonprofits such as the Franklin Food Bank and the Franklin Woman’s Club not only provide critical services but also reinforce the town’s spirit of volunteerism. These organizations are deeply embedded in Somerset’s cultural rhythm, often collaborating with schools, churches, and civic groups to address local needs while cultivating a sense of shared identity.
Somerset’s lifestyle is defined by intention: community-focused, inclusive, and quietly vibrant. It’s a place where residents know their neighbors, support local causes, and take pride in a culture that, while subtle, is both dynamic and enduring.
Somerset, NJ offers a well-rounded array of attractions that reflect its relaxed suburban lifestyle, rich natural landscape, and historical depth. While it lacks coastal beaches, Somerset makes up for it with expansive green spaces, recreational landmarks, and family-friendly destinations that anchor the local experience.
Colonial Park is the centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Somerset. Spanning over 680 acres, it features botanical gardens, tranquil walking trails, a scenic lake, and the award-winning Spooky Brook Golf Course. The park also includes a putting course, tennis courts, and picnic areas, making it a central hub for leisure and weekend gatherings.
For history enthusiasts, the Franklin Inn, originally built in 1752, and the Van Liew Cemetery offer glimpses into Somerset’s colonial and Revolutionary War past. These sites are preserved and maintained as historical landmarks, often used as educational resources during local heritage events.
Nature lovers frequently visit Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve, a 164-acre conservation site known for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful walking paths through wildflower fields and native habitats. Nearby, the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail provides miles of scenic routes for biking, hiking, and running along the historic waterway.
Golfers appreciate access to both Spooky Brook Golf Course and the nearby Quail Brook Golf Course, both public 18-hole courses managed by Somerset County and popular for their well-maintained fairways and peaceful surroundings.
While Somerset isn’t a tourist destination, its understated attractions cater to residents who value green space, community-centered recreation, and access to history without the crowds. These places help define the town’s lifestyle: peaceful, rooted, and quietly enriching.
Somerset, NJ offers a laid-back but diverse dining and entertainment scene shaped by its multicultural population and suburban refinement. While it may not boast luxury resorts or high-rise nightlife, the area excels in quality local favorites, global cuisine, and community-based venues that provide an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
Culinary highlights include Sophie's Bistro, a long-standing French restaurant known for its charming ambiance and classic dishes, and Kumo Asian Bistro, a favorite for sushi and pan-Asian fare. For elevated American cuisine, Stage House Tavern (set in a 17th-century farmhouse) combines rich history with hearty menus and seasonal cocktails, making it a popular gathering spot year-round.
Somerset's diversity shines through in its wide range of international options, including Pho 99 for Vietnamese comfort food, Masala Bay for upscale Indian dining, and Buen Provecho for authentic Dominican plates. Casual eateries like Hamilton Street Café and King Palace offer accessible, well-loved menus that locals return to time and again.
Entertainment in Somerset is more community-focused than commercial, with venues like Villagers Theatre in nearby Franklin Township hosting high-quality local productions and youth performances throughout the year. For moviegoers, Regal Commerce Center is the nearest full-service cinema offering mainstream films and reserved seating.
While Somerset doesn’t have luxury resorts, nearby The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick provides an upscale experience just minutes away, often chosen for business travel or weekend retreats. Additionally, the township’s close proximity to New Brunswick’s arts district and Rutgers University expands its entertainment options without sacrificing its residential calm.
Dining and entertainment in Somerset reflect the town’s essence: unpretentious, multicultural, and driven by quality over flash. It’s where a quiet dinner, a local play, or a hidden gem of a takeout spot can make an ordinary night feel personal and memorable.
Somerset, NJ is defined by its access to expansive green spaces and a lifestyle that values nature, movement, and wellness. While it’s inland and lacks coastal beaches, the area more than compensates with wooded trails, riverside paths, nature preserves, and year-round recreational amenities that cater to all ages and activity levels.
At the heart of outdoor life is Colonial Park, a sprawling 680-acre space that offers everything from paddle boating and fishing to tennis courts, softball fields, and the highly regarded Spooky Brook Golf Course. The park’s Perennial Garden and Arboretum provide quiet spaces for walking and reflection, while families make frequent use of the playgrounds, spray parks, and picnic groves.
For more natural terrain, the Negri-Nepote Native Grassland Preserve and John Clyde Memorial Native Grassland Preserve offer well-maintained hiking trails through wildflower meadows and protected habitats, often visited by birdwatchers and photographers. These areas also serve as quiet escapes for joggers, nature walkers, and those looking to unwind in open space.
The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, stretching along the historic canal route, is a key outdoor attraction. Ideal for walking, cycling, and long-distance running, the trail connects Somerset to neighboring towns and gives residents miles of scenic views, shaded paths, and occasional glimpses of waterfowl and local wildlife.
Though Somerset doesn’t feature equestrian centers within its borders, nearby facilities in Hillsborough and Montgomery (such as Lord Stirling Stable) are easily accessible and offer horseback riding lessons and trail rides through preserved woodlands.
Somerset’s recreational identity is rooted in accessibility and peacefulness. Whether you're walking a riverside trail at dusk, enjoying a round of golf, or spending weekends picnicking under the trees, the town supports an outdoor lifestyle that is both rejuvenating and community-oriented.
Education in Somerset, NJ is a major draw for families seeking a well-rounded and supportive academic environment. The community is served primarily by the Franklin Township Public School District, which includes a network of elementary schools, Franklin Middle School, and the modern Franklin High School, known for its robust AP offerings, award-winning STEM programs, and diverse student body. The district emphasizes technology integration, college readiness, and multicultural inclusion, consistently scoring well in state performance reports.
Beyond the public system, Somerset is home to several highly regarded private institutions. St. Matthias School offers a faith-based curriculum with a strong emphasis on academic discipline and community service. Rutgers Preparatory School, just minutes away in Somerset County, is one of New Jersey’s top-ranked private schools, serving PreK through 12th grade with a global curriculum and exceptional college placement rates.
Families focused on early education benefit from reputable Montessori programs and preschools such as Cedar Hill Prep, which blends academic rigor with enrichment programs in music, languages, and the arts.
Proximity to Rutgers University in neighboring New Brunswick also enhances the intellectual tone of the area. Many local programs partner with Rutgers faculty, and the university’s cultural and academic resources (lectures, libraries, and youth outreach programs) extend benefits to Somerset residents.
Overall, the educational landscape in Somerset balances academic excellence with accessibility. Whether families prefer public, private, or specialized programs, the area offers meaningful choices that support long-term academic growth and community engagement.
Somerset, NJ offers strategic accessibility for both local and regional commuters, making it a practical choice for professionals and families who value connectivity without sacrificing suburban comfort.
The neighborhood is well-situated near major transportation corridors. Interstate 287 and Route 27 run directly through or near Somerset, providing quick access to regional hubs like Edison, Piscataway, and New Brunswick. For longer commutes, Interstate 78 and the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) are reachable within 15–20 minutes, enabling efficient travel to New York City, Philadelphia, and Newark.
Commuters to Manhattan often utilize the NJ Transit train system via the New Brunswick or Bound Brook stations, both within a short drive. Express trains to Penn Station typically take under an hour, offering a realistic public transit option for professionals working in NYC.
Bus routes operated by Suburban Transit also serve Somerset, with direct lines to Port Authority in Midtown Manhattan. These buses are popular with weekday commuters and offer onboard Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
Air travel is equally convenient, with Newark Liberty International Airport roughly 35 minutes away. For regional flights and private aviation, Somerset Airport in nearby Bedminster provides additional flexibility.
Despite its accessibility, Somerset maintains a quiet residential tone, with minimal through-traffic in most neighborhoods. This balance of proximity and peace is a defining feature for residents who want the best of both mobility and lifestyle stability.
Real estate in Somerset, NJ offers a diverse mix of property types that reflect the neighborhood’s long development history and its modern-day evolution. Buyers will find everything from colonial-era farmhouses and mid-century ranches to newly built townhomes and executive-style single-family homes in master-planned communities. This mix appeals to a wide range of buyers: from first-time homeowners to multigenerational households and move-up buyers seeking more space.
Many homes in Somerset offer large lots, quiet cul-de-sacs, and access to green space, which is a major draw for families and retirees alike. Planned communities such as Canal Walk and Somerset Run cater to active adults with upscale amenities, while developments like Cedar Manor and Hidden Woods offer newer construction with modern finishes and efficient layouts.
Property values in Somerset have remained stable due to its strong demand, school quality, and accessibility to major job centers. The market tends to be competitive, particularly for move-in-ready homes near top-rated schools and parks.
More than just square footage, Somerset’s real estate market offers a lifestyle supported by quality infrastructure, thoughtful planning, and a well-established sense of community.
Somerset’s architectural landscape is a reflection of its layered history and practical suburban growth. The area features a variety of styles that speak to both its colonial origins and its modern expansion.
The most historically significant properties include Dutch Colonial and Federal-style homes, especially near older parts of Franklin Township, featuring symmetrical facades, brickwork, and gabled roofs. These homes often sit on large lots with mature trees and preserved architectural details such as stone chimneys and original millwork.
Mid-20th century growth introduced Ranch-style and Split-level homes, prized today for their open layouts and single-story living. These homes often feature wide front lawns, brick accents, and large picture windows that embrace natural light.
More recent developments include Neo-Colonial and Craftsman-inspired homes that blend traditional aesthetics with modern efficiency, featuring open-concept interiors, attached garages, and energy-efficient materials. Townhome and condo complexes tend to favor Transitional designs with stone and vinyl facades, pitched roofs, and flexible floor plans.
Local architecture firms and builders such as Kalian Company and Garden Homes have helped shape these neighborhoods with attention to cohesive community aesthetics, landscaping, and livability.
The architectural variety in Somerset makes it attractive to style-conscious buyers, whether you're looking for timeless colonial charm, modern suburban convenience, or low-maintenance townhome living.
Somerset, NJ has several micro-locations that consistently attract high buyer interest due to their privacy, architecture, and overall prestige. These pockets of the neighborhood offer a deeper layer of exclusivity and lifestyle appeal beyond the general market.
One of the most sought-after streets is Mettlers Road, known for its custom-built estates and large, wooded lots that offer a retreat-like feel just minutes from Colonial Park and the golf course. Properties here are often tucked behind private driveways with manicured landscaping and elegant brick or stucco façades.
The Canal Walk community, often referred to as “The Walk” by locals, is a premier 55+ active adult enclave that features high-end amenities, gated entry, and a strong sense of community. It’s one of the most desirable lifestyle estates in the region for downsizers and retirees seeking both luxury and convenience.
New Brunswick Road and its intersecting cul-de-sacs (like Amwell Road and Highwood Drive) are also highly coveted due to their access to top schools, newer construction, and proximity to major commuter routes without sacrificing quiet, residential character.
Cedar Grove Lane and the homes around Colonial Park Drive offer some of the most scenic real estate, especially those backing onto wooded areas or near water features tied to the D&R Canal Trail.
Somerset, NJ appeals to a wide range of buyer personas, but its strongest pull is toward those seeking balance, between accessibility and tranquility, space and community, diversity and tradition.
Young professionals and commuters are drawn to Somerset’s strategic location near major highways and NJ Transit train lines, which allow for seamless access to NYC, New Brunswick, and central employment hubs. Many appreciate the opportunity to own rather than rent while staying close to dynamic urban centers.
Families are a core part of the community fabric, attracted by strong public schools, proximity to parks and extracurriculars, and a sense of safety. The variety of home sizes, from starter homes to large colonials, makes it easy for families to grow without leaving the area.
Multigenerational households benefit from Somerset’s larger properties and floorplans, as well as the cultural inclusiveness of the neighborhood. It's a common choice for buyers looking for homes that can comfortably accommodate extended family living.
Retirees and empty nesters often gravitate toward Somerset’s active adult communities like Canal Walk and Somerset Run, which offer maintenance-free living, social amenities, and a secure yet vibrant environment.
Somerset has 9,760 households, with an average household size of 2.4. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Somerset do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 23,851 people call Somerset home. The population density is 3,768.38 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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