Somerville, New Jersey

Somerville, New Jersey, located in Somerset County, New Jersey, is a borough with a rich history dating back to the American Revolutionary War. The borough is situated near the Raritan River and is home to the Bridgewater Commons and the Somerville Circle. Somerville is also close to the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 287, making it an important transportation hub, with connections to New York City and Philadelphia.

Geography

The borough of Somerville is nestled in the heart of Somerset County, New Jersey, surrounded by the Bridgewater Township and the Hillsborough Township. The Raritan River flows through the borough, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities, similar to those found in Princeton, New Jersey and New Brunswick, New Jersey. Somerville is also near the Watchung Reservation and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, which offer hiking and biking trails, as well as historic sites like the Princeton Battlefield State Park and the Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The borough's geography is similar to that of other nearby towns, such as Bound Brook, New Jersey and Dunellen, New Jersey.

History

The history of Somerville dates back to the Lenape Native American tribe, who originally inhabited the area, similar to the Lenni-Lenape in Pennsylvania and the Wampanoag in Massachusetts. The borough was later settled by European Americans in the early 18th century, with many Dutch Americans and English Americans moving to the area, similar to the settlement of New Amsterdam and Plymouth, Massachusetts. During the American Revolutionary War, Somerville played a significant role, with the Battle of Short Hills taking place nearby, involving George Washington and the Continental Army. The borough was also home to the Somerville Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1770 and is still standing today, similar to the Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts and the Trinity Church in New York City.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough of Somerville had a population of 12,098, with a diverse range of residents, including African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The borough is also home to a large number of Italian Americans and Irish Americans, similar to the demographics of Newark, New Jersey and Jersey City, New Jersey. Somerville has a mix of young professionals and families, with many residents commuting to nearby cities like New York City and Philadelphia for work, using transportation hubs like Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. The borough is also close to several major universities, including Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and Princeton University.

Economy

The economy of Somerville is driven by a mix of retail, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, with major employers including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Sanofi. The borough is also home to a number of small businesses and restaurants, similar to those found in Red Bank, New Jersey and Montclair, New Jersey. Somerville is located near several major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 287, making it an attractive location for businesses and commuters, with connections to Newark Liberty International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. The borough is also close to several major shopping centers, including the Bridgewater Commons and the Menlo Park Mall.

Culture

Somerville has a vibrant cultural scene, with a number of annual events and festivals, including the Somerville Street Fair and the Central Jersey Jazz Festival. The borough is also home to the Somerville Public Library, which offers a range of programs and services for residents, similar to the New York Public Library and the Boston Public Library. Somerville is located near several major cultural institutions, including the Princeton University Art Museum and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and is also close to several historic sites, including the Princeton Battlefield State Park and the Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The borough is also home to a number of community organizations, including the Somerville YMCA and the Somerville Elks Lodge.

Government

The borough of Somerville is governed by a Mayor-council government, with a Mayor of Somerville, New Jersey and a six-member Somerville Borough Council. The borough is also part of the Somerset County, New Jersey government, with several county offices and facilities located in Somerville, including the Somerset County Courthouse and the Somerset County Jail. Somerville is located in the 7th Congressional District and is represented in Congress by Tom Malinowski, and is also represented in the New Jersey State Senate by Christopher Bateman and in the New Jersey General Assembly by Andrew Zwicker and Roy Freiman. The borough is also home to several community organizations, including the Somerville Rotary Club and the Somerville Lions Club.