Not many towns can claim the illustrious Meryl Streep as one of their own! Before making it big Streep was a waitress at Hotel Somerset, proving that even multiple Oscar-winning actresses have true blue Jersey hometown roots.
Located within Franklin Township with a population just past the 22,000 mark, Somerset is a densely urban area. The climate tends to be hot and humid during the summer months and the winter is usually mild and cool. However, this is not a hard and fast rule as Mother Nature is so fond of showing us! Somerset has a profusion of museums, county gardens, excellent farm-to-table restaurants and world renowned beaches all tucked into one small but thriving area of the Garden State.
Preparing for Your Move
Moving to Somerset is thrilling, but it can also be a little overwhelming if you are searching on your own. If you can, enlist the help of a local friend or find a local real estate agent to help search for properties. Most homes and apartments here do not put signs out in the front yard, so peruse the local newspaper listings or seek out professional assistance. Begin your search well in advance of your move-out date (think 6-8 weeks). Also, having all of your references -- both credit and professional -- ready to share with the realtor and potential landlord can make the wheels turn faster. Lastly, be sure to set money aside (cashier checks are preferred usually) for all deposits and fees associated with your move.
Somerset Neighborhoods
East Millstone/ Blackwell Mills: Tucked between the Millstone River and Lincoln Hwy, this suburban neighborhood offers many choices for your rental housing needs. From adorably cozy studio apartments to spacious three and four bedrooms, this incredibly diverse neighborhood features Six Mile Run Park at its center: in other words, residents have no excuse not to get out and get healthy!
Zeraphath: Bordered by the Weston Canal and Raritan River, this charming neighborhood is perfect for anyone who wants the simplicity of suburban living with urban conveniences within arm's reach. Finding the perfect apartment isn't too challenging, but get an early start; the best places get scooped up fast!
Town Center: With Inman Park at it's heart, Town Center radiates charm with its stately historic homes, many of which have been restored and converted into multi-family homes. So if front stoops and flower boxes appeal to your hipster/history buff side, this is your neighborhood.
Middlebush: Despite its silly name, this neighborhood gets an A+ for its beautifully tended lawns, well maintained roads and excellent restaurants (Piazza Orsillo on Cedar Grove Lane is a neighborhood favorite). Most renters stick around, so don't dally if you find that dream two bedroom.
Easton Ave./Girard Ave.: Located along the shores of the Raritan River, this urban area is filled with gorgeous, historic style homes that ooze charm and personality.
Demott Lane: This suburban neighborhood has an eclectic mix of small to medium sized homes and town homes, as well as adorable apartment rentals (think studio apartments through 3 bedrooms). Residents enjoy the sounds of the Raritan River flowing along the northeastern edge of the community, as well as easy access to the Quail Brook Golf Course which flanks the western end of the neighborhood.
Getting Around Somerset
Most residents use the SCOOT Bus, the DASH (Davidson Avenue Shuttle) or the CAT (Community Access Transit) to commute to work or out for a night on the town. Persistent car buffs who can track down a permanent parking spot enjoy getting about town as well as road trips into the country!