Red Bank, NJ

Red Bank is a borough of 2.16 square miles situated along the Navesink River in Monmouth County, New Jersey. With a population of around 12,856 residents, it is located roughly 48 miles from New York City and part of the larger metro area.

An artistic spirit permeates Red Bank, from live music venues and theater performances to galleries showcasing local work.

Population

As of 2022, the population is estimated at 12,856 residents. This represents a moderate growth of 6.0% since 2010.

Race/Ethnicity	Percentage of Population
White Alone	63.8%
Hispanic or Latino	23.6%
Black or African American Alone	8.3%
Asian Alone	1.8%
Two or More Races	3.8%

The current median age of residents is 42.7 years. 

Household income levels are relatively high, with a median of $80,781 reported in 2021. At 7,408.9 people per square mile, Red Bank has a densely settled urban environment. 

Foreign-born residents make up 11.5% of the population. The poverty rate of 11.0% indicates a small percentage of residents living below the income threshold. Overall, Red Bank has a diverse yet educated population with growth outpacing the national average in recent years.

History

Red Bank's extensive history dates back to the 17th century. Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, the area was later settled by English colonists who were drawn to its location along the Navesink River for shipbuilding purposes. It was named for the red soil found along the riverbanks.

Through the 18th and 19th centuries, Red Bank grew into an important trading and transportation hub between Monmouth County and Manhattan. Its population rapidly increased after 1809 as it developed into an industrial and commercial center. Red Bank was incorporated as a borough in 1908.

Today, several historic sites from Red Bank's early colonial period remain. Notable among these are the T. Thomas Fortune House, a National Historic Landmark honoring the African American civil rights pioneer, as well as the Monmouth Boat Club, North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club, and Red Bank train station. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts shedding light on daily life at that time.

More recent history includes the iconic Count Basie Theatre, which opened in 1926 and was named for the famous jazz musician. Continuing its legacy, the theater hosts diverse musical and theatrical acts. 

Meanwhile, the town has preserved its historic character through the adaptive reuse of buildings from prior eras while adding new residential and mixed-use developments to meet modern needs. This balanced approach has maintained Red Bank's rich architectural landscape and cultural vibrancy.

Education

Red Bank offers a variety of educational opportunities to its students. The latest figures reveal 86% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, and 39.4% have attained a bachelor's degree or above. The Red Bank Borough Public School District serves nearly 1,400 students from preschool through 8th grade across two schools. 

Red Bank Primary School educates preschool through 3rd grade with a favorable 10:1 student-teacher ratio. Red Bank Middle School houses grades 4 through 8 and maintains a 13:1 ratio, the same as the ratio in Red Bank Regional High School.

Academic performance across the district's schools varies. At the elementary level, Red Bank Primary School's most recent scores show 29% proficiency in reading and 11% in math based on state tests. 

Red Bank Middle School students demonstrated 28% proficiency in reading and 12% in math. Test results tend to improve at the secondary level, with Red Bank Regional High School achieving 49% reading proficiency and 34% proficiency in math.

The district is committed to continuously raising academic standards to meet students' needs. In addition to traditional public schools, Red Bank Charter School offers an alternative education for preschool through 8th-grade students.

Healthcare

Residents of Red Bank can expect to live, on average, about 80 years. Chronic diseases responsible for many deaths in New Jersey, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes, also impact the local community. These conditions accounted for 59% of lives lost statewide in recent years.

Mental health is prioritized through a range of support services. Red Bank Resource Network collaborates with community partners to address health concerns holistically. For clinical care, Relief Mental Health provides evidence-based therapies including TMS and Spravato treatment for issues like depression and PTSD.

• Medical care is led by Riverview Medical Center, ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for specialized maternal and newborn services. The hospital features a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit. 
• Nearby Abby Road Psychiatric Services complements mental healthcare through inpatient and outpatient addiction and mood disorder programs, as well as medical marijuana evaluations and substance abuse medication-assisted treatment.

Quality of Life

Red Bank enjoys a high quality of life for its residents and visitors. Known for its eclectic shops, cafes, and eateries lining Broad Street, it has earned a reputation as the "Greenwich Village of New Jersey." Beyond vibrant commercial areas, the borough also boasts numerous parks and recreational amenities.

Red Bank Recreation offers diverse programs and events to promote an active lifestyle. Opportunities include youth and adult leagues for various sports throughout the year. Community-building activities like the Spring Egg Hunt and Riverside Gardens concerts bring residents together.

Public safety helps sustain Red Bank's livability. The overall reported crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents is below average for New Jersey towns. Property offenses and violent crimes remain relatively infrequent for a community of similar size. 

The Red Bank Police Department prioritizes compassionate community policing. Through strategies like neighborhood patrols and youth outreach, the force aims to prevent issues and respond quickly in emergencies.

Transportation

As a borough with a busy downtown, transportation infrastructure is important to Red Bank. Traffic patterns center around major thoroughfares like West Front Street, Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury Avenue, and Dr. James Parker Boulevard. 

Residents have multiple parking options. On-street metered spots and free two-hour zones complement private and public lots. Two downtown garages provide covered parking near shops and eateries. More information on specific lot rules is available through the borough website. Parking is also free on Sundays and the holidays in December.

Those seeking carpool matches can use platforms like CarpoolWorld and NJ Rideshare. These services pair people with similar schedules and destinations.

The average commute for Red Bank residents of 29.6 minutes slightly exceeds the national average. Most commuters—approximately 71.8%—drive to work, generally outside the borough.

Congestion is common, especially during peak periods downtown. A recent four-way stop was added at Drs. James Parker Boulevard and Leighton Avenue aim to enhance traffic flow and safety. The town also works continuously to update infrastructure and patterns by addressing congestion problem areas identified through traffic analyses.

Points of Interest

• T. Thomas Fortune House, designated a National Historic Landmark, once housed the influential African-American journalist and civil rights activist T. Thomas Fortune.
• Red Bank Train Station stands as a historic transportation hub and architectural landmark in the heart of town.
• Riverside Gardens Park, situated along the Navesink River, provides scenic views and is popular for picnics, local events like concerts, and stunning sunsets.
• Red Bank Marina offers boat rentals, allowing exploration of the Navesink River and nearby shore towns by water.
• The Monmouth Museum consists of 15,000 square feet containing two children's wings and two galleries that feature rotating exhibits.
• Located within a historic building, Chetkin Gallery showcases impressionist paintings and other art pieces.
• Owned by a family, Red Tank Brewing crafts various beers and hosts live music, trivia nights, and other activities.
• Named for jazz musician Count Basie, Count Basie Theatre schedules diverse performances and events throughout the year within its historic venue.