Montgomery Township
New Jersey’s Best Towns For Families 2017 Somerset County Winner
Population: 22,078
Average Home Price: $598,819
David Cheskis knew he had the best of both worlds when he moved to Montgomery Township 18 years ago. “It’s well known for our great schools, great location and character,” he says “We’re big enough to have great resources, but small enough to have that hometown feel.”
Montgomery is convenient to much of what New Jersey has to offer, and that’s why it ranked second overall on our Best Towns For Families list for the second year in a row. Sitting on the edge of Somerset County, residents get peace and quiet (not to mention amazing country views), plus easy access to grocery stores, shopping, restaurants and kid-friendly things to do.
Known for its rural feel, Montgomery recently got a huge upgrade in the parks department: Skillman Park, which has a 2.2-mile-long trail where kids can ride their bikes, got a major face lift two years ago. It’s also nestled next to Veterans Park in Belle Mead with miles of trails and a gorgeous arboretum.
Cheskis says it’s a real selling point: “There are so many things for families to do, like outdoor activities [and] township-sponsored extracurricular programs that keep us active and entertained, but also bring us together as a community.”
There are also practical benefits of living in the center of the state, especially if you’re a working parent. Commuters take NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor line from nearby Princeton Junction to New York City (under an hour) or to Philadelphia (85 minutes).
Another huge perk is its proximity to Princeton University, making it easy for your squad to catch a soccer or basketball game, sit in on a lecture (if they’re old enough!) or grab a cone from The Bent Spoon in downtown Princeton without missing bedtime. – by Murphy Moroney
See New Jersey’s Best Towns
for Families for 2017
Plus: The Top Town in Every County
See New Jersey’s Best Towns
for Families 2016
See New Jersey’s Best Towns
for Families for 2015 list