Edison, New Jersey

Edison, New Jersey
Name	Edison, New Jersey
Settlement type	Township

Edison, New Jersey is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, located in the New York metropolitan area, near New York City and Philadelphia. The township is home to Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Princeton University alumni, and is situated near the Raritan River, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Edison is also close to the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Interstate 287, making it an important hub for New Jersey Transit and Amtrak.

Geography

Edison is bordered by Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, Metuchen, New Jersey, South Plainfield, New Jersey, and Piscataway Township, New Jersey, and is located near the Edison National Historic Site, which commemorates the life and work of Thomas Edison at West Orange, New Jersey. The township has a total area of 32.84 square miles, and is situated near the Raritan Bay, Arthur Kill, and Kill Van Kull. Edison is also close to the Delaware and Raritan Canal, a National Historic Landmark that runs through New Brunswick, New Jersey and Trenton, New Jersey. The township's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Watchung Mountains and the New Jersey Highlands.

History

The area now known as Edison was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe, and was later settled by Dutch colonists in the 17th century, who established the Dutch West India Company in the region. The township was formed in 1870, and was named after Thomas Edison, who had a home and laboratory in the area, near Menlo Park, New Jersey. Edison is also close to the Battle of Short Hills, a American Revolutionary War battle that took place in June 1777, and is near the Middlesex County Courthouse, which was built in 1950. The township has a rich history, with many notable residents, including Woodrow Wilson, who was born in Staunton, Virginia, but lived in Princeton, New Jersey, and Eleanor Roosevelt, who was a frequent visitor to the area.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a population of 107,588, with a diverse range of residents, including people of Indian American, Chinese American, and Korean American descent. Edison is also home to a large Jewish American community, with many synagogues and Jewish community centers in the area, including the Rabbinical College of America and the Yeshiva of Edison. The township has a high percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher, with many attending Rutgers University, Princeton University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology. Edison is also close to the New Jersey Medical School and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Economy

Edison has a diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, technology, and retail. The township is home to the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, which hosts many events and conferences throughout the year, including the New Jersey Flower and Garden Show and the New Jersey Home and Garden Show. Edison is also close to the Newark Liberty International Airport and the John F. Kennedy International Airport, making it an important hub for United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. The township has a strong small business community, with many restaurants, shops, and services in the area, including the Menlo Park Mall and the Woodbridge Center.

Education

Edison is served by the Edison Public Schools district, which operates several high schools, including John P. Stevens High School and Edison High School. The township is also home to several private schools, including the Wardlaw-Hartridge School and the Bishop Ahr High School. Edison is close to several universities and colleges, including Rutgers University, Princeton University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology, and is near the Middlesex County College and the Union County College. The township has a strong commitment to education, with many residents attending Columbia University, New York University, and Harvard University.

Transportation

Edison has a well-developed transportation system, with several major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Interstate 287. The township is served by New Jersey Transit buses and trains, including the Northeast Corridor Line and the North Jersey Coast Line. Edison is also close to the Newark Liberty International Airport and the John F. Kennedy International Airport, making it an important hub for air travel. The township has several parking facilities and public transportation options, including the Edison Train Station and the Metropark Station, which provide access to New York City and Philadelphia. Edison is also near the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which offers biking and hiking trails along the Delaware and Raritan Canal.

Category:Townships in New Jersey