About Woodbridge, NJ

Woodbridge is part of a township in New Jersey that was chartered in 1669 by King Charles II of England. As one of the state’s oldest settlements, it predates the formation of the United States itself. Several historical buildings in the Oros Park Historical Site are older than the nation. In New Jersey, a township is a collection of smaller communities governed together under one local administration.

The area was originally settled by English Puritans from New England who built a village near the Raritan River. The fertile land and navigable waterways supported early farming and trade, and the town became a key colonial location during the American Revolution, positioned between British-controlled New York and patriot strongholds farther south.

In the 19th century, the discovery of high-quality clay led to the rise of a brick-making industry that put Woodbridge on the map. With the expansion of railroads and highways, the township evolved into a nationally recognized manufacturing center.

Today, Woodbridge Township includes ten communities: Avenel, Colonia, Fords, Hopelawn, Iselin, Keasbey, Menlo Park Terrace, Port Reading, Sewaren, and Woodbridge proper. Combined, the population totals 100,421, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

What To Do in Woodbridge, NJ

Woodbridge offers a blend of historic charm, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences for residents and visitors.

• Explore Downtown: Alvin P. William Park provides a quiet spot for picnics and watching ducks by the pond. For shopping and dining, the Woodbridge Center Mall offers a variety of options.
• Outdoor Recreation: The Woodbridge River Walk is ideal for strolling along the waterfront and enjoying seasonal blooms. Laurence Harbor Waterfront Park and Colonial Park Gardens are popular for biking, birdwatching, and fishing.
• Arts & Culture: Notable venues include the Barron Arts Center, Woodbridge Arts – Music on Main Street, Avenel Performing Arts Center, Gallery on Main, Woodbridge Community Players, and The Club at Woodbridge.
• Sports: The Woodbridge Athletic Complex features fields for football, soccer, and baseball.
• Community Events: Locals gather at Mayor Mac’s Cafe and participate in seasonal festivals, outdoor movie nights at Alvin P. William Park, and performances at the Woodbridge Community Center.

Working in Woodbridge, NJ

Woodbridge’s economy is diverse, supported by healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and education. The unemployment rate is 6.8%, higher than the national average of 4.3%. However, the median household income is $96,484, which is roughly $13,000 higher than the national median.

Job growth is projected to increase by 27.2% over the next decade, slightly below the national forecast of 33.5%.

Key employment sectors include:

• Professional, scientific, and technical services (14.4%)
• Healthcare and social assistance (13.7%)
• Manufacturing (10.1%)
• Retail trade (9.5%)
• Finance and insurance (8.1%)
• Transportation and warehousing (7.6%)
• Educational services (7.4%)

Woodbridge, NJ Neighborhoods

Woodbridge Township offers a range of upscale neighborhoods, many with homes priced above $500,000.

• Woodbridge Commons / Maple Hill Town Homes: Located near Woodbridge Center Mall; median home price $574,095; average rent $3,929; vacancy rate 5.7%.
• Boynton Park: Near Boynton Beach; median home price $559,534; average rent $4,341; vacancy rate 4.2%.
• Edgar: Home to Rahway Avenue Park; median home price $548,526; average rent $5,053; vacancy rate 11.4%.
• Town Center: Located north of I-95 and bordered by Highways 9 and 35; median home price $540,273; average rent $2,760; vacancy rate 0%.

Woodbridge, NJ School District

Public schools are operated by the Woodbridge Township School District, which spends $26,600 per student annually and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.

Private schools in town include:

• Children’s World Academy (PK–K)
• Kidsport Academy (PK–K)
• St. James Elementary School (PK–8)

While Woodbridge does not have its own colleges, there are eight institutions within ten miles and more than 100 within 25 miles. Nearby schools include:

• Middlesex County College (public, 2-year)
• CUNY College of Staten Island (public, 4-year)
• Kean University (public, 4-year)

Moving to Woodbridge, NJ Resource Guide

Woodbridge Township is governed by an elected mayor and an eight-member Council. Additional details are available on Woodbridge’s official website.

The Woodbridge Recreation Department oversees the township’s parks, recreation centers, swimming pools, youth programs, concerts, and boating facilities.

Woodbridge, NJ Housing

The median home price in Woodbridge is $550,000, reflecting a 30.2% increase over the past year. The market currently favors sellers, with high demand and limited supply. Housing costs are 64% above the national average, while the overall cost of living is 4% higher than other New Jersey cities and 25% higher than the U.S. average.

Military Bases Near Woodbridge, NJ

The following military installations are located within 50 miles of Woodbridge:

• Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
• Naval Weapons Station Earle
• Picatinny Arsenal
• MG William Weigel USARC (Edison, NJ) – U.S. Army Reserve Center