Middletown, NJ

Middletown Township stands out as one of Monmouth County's largest and most vibrant communities. With a population surpassing 67,000 spread across 41 square miles, Middletown has grown steadily into a bustling suburb known for its high quality of life and connections to major employment hubs.

Population

According to the 2020 census, Middletown's population was 67,106 people, representing a slight increase from 66,522 residents in 2010. The township has a population density of approximately 1,600 people per square mile. With this count, Middletown is the 20th most populated municipality in New Jersey.

Demographic	Percentage
White	88%
Hispanic/Latino	6%
Asian	3%
Black	1%
Two or more races	2%

• Household income levels are above state and national averages, with a median household income of $126,519. 
• Poverty rates are low at 2.8%. 
• Middletown has experienced steady population growth for decades, aligning with broader trends across New Jersey. 
• From 2020 to 2022, domestic migration rebounded after pandemic-related declines, with more people relocating to suburban communities like Middletown rather than urban centers.

History

Early History

Founded in 1664, Middletown was one of the earliest colonial settlements established in New Jersey. The town originated as English migrants arrived from Long Island and New England seeking new opportunities. 

Native Lenape people were the original inhabitants before being displaced by European settlement. During the Revolutionary War era, Middletown experienced internal conflicts as allegiances divided between pro-independence rebels and British loyalists. Several important battles occurred in close proximity.

Recent Events

In its continued appreciation for history, Middletown underwent the restoration of the historic Town Hall. The rebuilt structure celebrated its grand reopening in July 2022, welcoming residents with an exhibit on the township's past. 

In September, the annual Middletown Day Festival drew large crowds to enjoy live music, food, games, and more. Now a tradition, the event honors the community's spirit. At Poricy Park in October, the Halloween Spooktacular attracted families seeking hayrides, inflatables, snacks, and trick-or-treating fun. 

Additionally, the dedicated Middletown Historical Society actively shares the area's history through talks, guided walks, and other educational programs exploring various aspects of the town across eras.

Education

Middletown is served by several highly-rated public school districts. At the high school level, Middletown South serves around 1,500 students in grades 9-12. Rated an A- by school evaluation site Niche, South touts strong academics, skilled teachers, and extensive college preparation support. 

On state tests, approximately 53% of students demonstrate math proficiency, and 51% show reading proficiency. South also offers a diverse selection of Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular activities.

Middletown North, the other public high school, enrolls over 1,300 students from grades 9 through 12. Also earning an A- rating from Niche, North emphasizes rigorous academics alongside enrichment opportunities. On average, North students score 1210 on the SAT and 54% test proficient in math while 63% are proficient readers.

For middle school, Bayshore Middle School serves the community's 6th through 8th graders with a focus on developing students' character through community service projects and engagement opportunities. Around 45% demonstrate math proficiency on state assessments, with about 60% considered proficient readers.

At the elementary level, Middletown families can choose between Bayview Elementary and Fairview Elementary. Bayview educates approximately 400 young students in kindergarten through 5th grade, garnering above-average ratings from evaluation sites. Test scores show over 60% of Bayview children are proficient readers by 5th grade. Fairview 

Elementary offers a smaller learning environment of around 250 children, helping them achieve 45% reading proficiency by the end of elementary school.

Healthcare

Middletown residents have access to a robust network of mental healthcare services. Counseling, addiction treatment, trauma-informed care, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy are all available through hospitals, counseling centers, and community organizations.

Here are some notable health providers in the area:

• Riverview Medical Center: Offers beautiful waterfront views and is committed to providing the highest quality care, having been recognized as a top hospital by U.S. News & World Report. It has a comprehensive cancer center and women's health center.
• Hackensack Meridian Health: Has hospitals featuring advanced technology like 65-inch TVs that serve as virtual care platforms in every patient room. It also launched a new brand campaign emphasizing its expertise across specialties and readiness to handle any health situation.
• Atlantic Health System: Has a strong focus on sustainability, having been awarded for its environmental efforts. It also has a "Culture of Extraordinary Caring" with peer support programs to aid caregiver well-being.

Additional resources are offered via government programs and nonprofit groups. The Middletown Municipal Alliance and Crossroads Treatment Center provide mental health services and support to the community.

Quality of Life

Middletown residents enjoy a high quality of life with abundant recreational resources and a safe community environment. The township boasts over 70 parks encompassing 1,000 acres, providing outdoor spaces for families and community bonding. sport and recreational activities. 

Amenities include baseball fields, soccer and football pitches, basketball courts, indoor gymnasiums, playgrounds, and more.

The Middletown Recreation Department further enriches community life by offering programs tailored for all ages, such as youth dodgeball leagues, teen volleyball tournaments, running groups, and senior activities. Elders can also socialize at the local Senior Center.

Safety

Public safety statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts. Middletown sees a combined violent and property crime rate of just 5 per 1,000 residents—below the national average. 

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Middletown is 1 in 8,157. Since 1928, the dedicated Middletown Township Police Department has grown its capacity while receiving accolades for protecting neighborhoods.

Points of Interest

Residents and visitors never run out of places to spend the weekend (or weekday) for some much-needed time with family and for relaxation:

• Deep Cut Gardens - A scenic 54-acre park renowned for its beautiful gardens, greenhouses, and woodland walking trails.
• Ideal Beach - A local favorite offering swimming, sunbathing, and picnic areas along the Navesink River shoreline.
• Huber Woods Park - An expansive 258-acre forest setting with trails, an environmental education center, and a special sensory trail for visually impaired visitors.
• Monmouth Museum - A two-gallery, 15,000-square-foot museum housing rotating exhibits and children's wings exploring history, art, and more.
• Middletown Village Historic District - Home to some of the oldest colonial structures still standing from Middletown's origins as a 17th-century settlement.
• Murray Farmhouse - A Revolutionary War-era converted barn and farmhouse located within scenic Poricy Park.
• The Gravity Vault - An indoor climbing gym catering to climbers of all abilities on bouldering, top-rope, and lead routes.
• YESTERcades - Retro arcade downtown specializing in classic console and coin-op video and pinball gameplay.
• Sandy Hook Lighthouse - New Jersey's oldest standing lighthouse dating to the late 18th century.
• Marlpit Hall - Historic house museum from 1756 showcasing daily life for early colonial Middletown families.