Linden, New Jersey
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| Linden, New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| Name | Linden, New Jersey |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The City of Trees" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Jersey |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Union |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1664 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | March 4, 1925 |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Derek Armstead (D) |
| Area total km2 | 29.58 |
| Area land km2 | 27.20 |
| Area water km2 | 2.38 |
| Area total sq mi | 11.42 |
| Area land sq mi | 10.50 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.92 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 43,738 |
| Population density km2 | 1608.0 |
| Population density sq mi | 4165.5 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 07036 |
| Area code | 908 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 34-40350 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0885280 |
| Website | https://www.linden-nj.org/ |
Linden, New Jersey is a city in Union County, situated within the New York metropolitan area. Originally part of Elizabeth and later Rahway, it was incorporated as an independent city in 1925. Known as "The City of Trees," it is a diverse, historically industrial community with significant transportation infrastructure, including a major ExxonMobil refinery and access to the New Jersey Turnpike.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement began in 1664 under the Elizabethtown Tract. For much of its early history, it was known as Linden Township, a section of Rahway. The community's development accelerated with the arrival of the Central Railroad of New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley Railroad, transforming it into a major industrial hub. Key industries included the Linden Assembly plant, which produced vehicles for General Motors, and the Bayway Refinery, now operated by ExxonMobil. The city formally separated from Rahway and was incorporated on March 4, 1925.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.42 square miles, of which 10.50 square miles is land and 0.92 square miles is water. It is bordered by Elizabeth to the north, Roselle and Cranford to the northwest, Rahway to the south, and the Arthur Kill waterway, across which lies Staten Island. Major geographical features include the Rahway River and several parks, such as Wilson Park. The city lies within the Atlantic coastal plain region.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 43,738, representing a diverse community. Historically, the city saw significant waves of immigration, including from Italy, Poland, and more recently from Latin America and the Caribbean. The racial makeup is varied, with notable Hispanic and African American communities. Population density is high, characteristic of the New York metropolitan area. The United States Census Bureau designates the city as part of the New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ–PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Economy
The economy has long been anchored by heavy industry and transportation. The Bayway Refinery, operated by ExxonMobil, is one of the oldest and largest refineries on the East Coast. The former Linden Assembly plant, which built cars for General Motors including the Chevrolet Corvair, was a major employer before its closure. Today, the city benefits from its strategic location near the New Jersey Turnpike, Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, and Newark Liberty International Airport, supporting logistics, warehousing, and distribution sectors. Retail and service industries are concentrated along St. Georges Avenue.
Government
Linden operates under the Mayor–Council system of municipal government. The mayor is elected at-large, while the nine-member City Council consists of six ward representatives and three at-large members. As of 2024, the mayor is Derek Armstead, a member of the Democratic Party. The city is part of New Jersey's 10th and 22nd legislative districts, represented in the New Jersey Legislature by officials including Joseph Cryan. It is located within Union County for administrative purposes.
Education
Public education is managed by the Linden Public Schools district, which operates several elementary schools, Joseph E. Soehl Middle School, and Linden High School. The district is overseen by the New Jersey Department of Education. Several private and parochial schools also serve the community, including St. Elizabeth of Hungary School. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at institutions like Kean University in Union and Union County College in Cranford.
Transportation
Major roadways include the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95), U.S. Route 1/9, and U.S. Route 27. The city is served by NJ Transit bus routes and the Linden station on the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line, providing direct rail service to New York Penn Station. Proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal makes it a key freight corridor. The Goethals Bridge connects the region to Staten Island and the rest of New York City.
Category:Cities in New Jersey Category:Union County, New Jersey