Is Bridgewater, New Jersey, on your list of possible new home locations? The bustling Central New Jersey township was named one of Money’s 50 Best Places to Live in 2020 for good reason. Bridgewater offers excellent schools, a busy shopping mall, and restaurants that range from fast food to upscale dining establishments.

Although the township is located close to major highways, homes offer large backyards and plenty of privacy. If you’re thinking about moving to Bridgewater, these tips will help you feel like a long-time resident instead of a newcomer.

Make a Trip to the Farmers Market Part of your Sunday

Everything tastes better when it’s locally grown. Luckily, you don’t have to devote a day to traveling to distant farm stands to find the freshest fruits and vegetables. The Bridgewater Farmers Market offers an incredible array of locally grown vegetables, fruits, and other necessities. Aquasprout Farm, Martenette Farms, and Norz Hill Farm & Market are regulars at the market, held from 10 a.m – 2 p.m. on Sundays from late June through late October. (During November through March, the market is open once a month.

The farmers market is also the place to find fresh pickles, delectable chocolate, premium granola, honey, hot sauce, deli meat, tacos, and other tasty treats. Whether you’re a gourmet cook or a beginner, building your menu around seasonally available produce is an excellent way to create tasty meals sure to please your family and friends.  

Avoid Route 22 During Rush Hour 

It may be called “rush” hour, but things certainly don’t move very fast when everyone is heading to and from work. In Bridgewater, Route 22 can be a little busy during the morning and evening rush hours. Depending on where you’re going, local roads might actually be the quicker option. Major highways aren’t the only option if you’re commuting to New York City or points in between. NJ Transit offers trains and buses that serve our area and offer a less stressful way to get to work.

Try the SCOOT Shuttle for a More Relaxing Commute

If you’ll be working locally, why not leave the driving to someone else and hop aboard a SCOOT Shuttle? Operated by Somerset County, the shuttles offer peak and non-peak schedules and travel to major local employers, like AT & T and Sanofi Aventis, in addition to making stops at Bridgewater Commons Mall and the Somerset Rail Station.

Don't Forget About the Library 

In addition to lending books and e-books, the Bridgewater Branch of the Somerset County Library System is the place to go for yoga classes, lectures and art exhibits. The library usually offers a full schedule of adults for kids, teens, and adults every month. Although pandemic restrictions have decreased offerings, more in-person events may be scheduled in the coming months.

Dine at the Local Hot Spots 

Thanks to its large selection of restaurants, Bridgewater is the ideal place to live if you enjoy the occasional restaurant meal or prefer to dine out every night. In addition to chain restaurants, you’ll find plenty of locally-owned dining spots. Area restaurants feature American, Japanese, Italian, Polish, Chinese, Korean, and other cuisines from around the world.

Is pizza one of your favorites? Russo’s Pizza Shop on Main Street offers thin and Sicilian pizza, in addition to pasta, hot and cold subs, veal parmigiana, and sausage rolls. Café Emilia on Route 202 or Top O’ Th’ Hill Tavern, also on Route 202, are good choices if you want upscale Italian or classic bar food.

Sign Up Your Kids for Recreational Programs 

Bridgewater Township offers many low-cost recreational programs designed to keep kids active and engaged while school’s out. Programs offered this summer include Crafternoons, Prime Suspect, Nerf Dart Challenge Camp, Flag Rugby Fun, Soccer Skills Clinic, Beginner Skateboarding Clinic, Tennis Mini-Camp, Wiffleball Camp, and Yoga for Kids.

Is Bridgewater your preferred location but you’re having a little trouble finding the perfect place? A brand new home offers the opportunity to personalize your home and select the cabinets, countertops, flooring, and other features. Contact us if you’re interested in becoming a homeowner of a Country Classics home in the Bridgewater, NJ area.