By Taylor Smith 

Many neighborhoods, one Middletown!

The sprawling township of Middletown borders the Monmouth County communities of Atlantic Highlands, Colts Neck Township, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright and Tinton Falls. The Sandy Hook peninsula is also within Middletown Township, though it is not connected to the township by land, but can be accessed along Raritan Bay by boat. 

During the American Revolutionary War, Middletown and much of Monmouth County was occupied by the British. Following the Battle of Monmouth, the British retreated from Freehold Township to their embarkation points at Sandy Hook and back to New York City. 

Depending on which part of the township you are in today, the modern-day scene varies from casual beach and marina communities to horse farms and riverfront estates. Restaurant options are plentiful with many residents choosing to venture to neighboring Red Bank for varied nightlife and entertainment. 

In terms of the commute, New Jersey Transit trains from Middletown to Penn Station take 67 minutes. The fastest route to New York City is by ferry. New York Waterway’s ferry rides take 40 to 65 minutes from the Belford port in Middletown to Lower Manhattan and Midtown. Travel times by bus or car to New York City take approximately an hour to an hour and a half. 

Middletown has a highly-ranked public school system that is an attractive lure for New York City transplants. There are 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools – Middletown South and Middletown North. Brookdale Community College is a public community college in Middletown’s Lincroft, NJ. The college offers associate degrees in more than 60 programs, plus non-credit and certificate programs. 

For families, there is easy access to a number of popular New Jersey beaches, including Sandy Hook, a six-mile barrier island that is part of Middletown but run by the National Park Service. Other nearby beaches include Long Branch, Asbury Park Boardwalk, and Sea Bright. 

The varied Monmouth County Park System offers year-round recreation, such as a variety of summer camps and swim lessons, music festivals, healthy living workshops, nature walks, and golf outings. Not to be missed, Deep Cut Gardens, on Red Hill Road, is also part of the Park System.

To learn more, visit https://www.middletownnj.org.