New Providence

New Providence

Welcome to New Providence, NJ

With over 12,000 residents and covering just over 3.6 square miles, the Union County borough of New Providence, New Jersey has a reputation for being an idyllic suburb that is both family and business-friendly. The town’s motto is “Nice place. Nice People,” and it describes the community perfectly. Throughout the year, New Providence rallies together to put on a events like car shows, 5K races, street fairs, summer concerts, and holiday events. Parks, churches, restaurants, and shopping destinations are convenient to every home in town.

New Providence has a reputation for its excellent school district, and both its middle school and high school have received awards and recognition over the last decade. New Providence Middle School received the National Blue Ribbon School Award from the United States Department of Education, and New Jersey Monthly has considered New Providence High School one of the top 5 high schools in the state, even reaching the number one spot in 2012. In 2011, Salt Brook Elementary School became a National School of Character.  Combine that information with the borough’s extremely low crime rate and the ample recreational opportunities here, and New Providence is an excellent place to raise a family.

However, it is also a great place for career-minded adults, whether they work here in town or commute into the city. From small startups to major corporations, jobs are plentiful in New Providence’s growing economy. Companies with offices here include Linde, Lexis Nexis, Alcatel Lucent Technologies, C.R. Bard, and NJ Sharing Network. The Gladstone Line of the New Jersey Transit Rail System runs right through the center of New Providence, and Interstate 78 runs just south of the borough. Newark is about 17 miles away, while New York City is about 26 miles from the borough.

Parts of Murray Hill and Berkeley Heights lie within New Providence, along with the communities of Johnsons Bridge and West Summit. The Passaic River runs along the town’s northern boundary.

History of New Providence

The history of New Providence dates all the way back to 1664 when the brother of King Charles II, James, Duke of York, purchased the land from the Lenape Native Americans. By 1720, European settlers established a Puritan colony here, and they named it Turkey Town due to the number of wild turkeys living in the area. Today, the borough’s police uniforms feature a turkey in honor of its history.

A Presbyterian Church was established in 1737, and when the balcony collapsed over two decades later, surprisingly no one was hurt. Locals believed it was a divine miracle and changed the name of the town to New Providence to celebrate the event. That church stands today in the middle of town, as does a home where George Washington once spent the night. In 1899, New Providence officially became a borough.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment in New Providence

Another part of the appeal to young families in New Providence is the lack of bars or restaurants with liquor licenses (though some are BYOB). Even so, the borough is still home to some amazing dining opportunities. For Asian, enjoy Cantonese food at Dum Sum Villa, sushi at Fan Bistro, or Chinese at Szechuan Delight. When you crave Italian cuisine or pizza, Coppola Ristorante & Pizzeria has been wowing the locals for years. Other favorites are Prestige Diner & Restaurant, Tables for Two, and Smashburger.

As for shopping, the Village Shopping Center is home to businesses, restaurants, and stores for all of your daily needs. They include Starbucks, CVS, A&P, Choice Pet, Jersey Mikes, and Wine Outlet. New Providence is also just minutes from the upscale Mall at Short Hills, one of New Jersey’s most exciting shopping destinations. It is home to stores and brands like Chanel, Burberry, Hermes, Coach, Dior, Kate Spade, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Pottery Barn, Nordstrom, and Crate & Barrel.

Many people in town take advantage of the New Providence Memorial Library and the programs it offers throughout the year for all ages. Story hours for children, book clubs, movie showings, and art displays are just a few of the fun events that take place here. Those interested in the history of New Providence can also visit the Salt Box Museum which is home to maps, pictures, documents and artifacts from the last four centuries of the area’s history.

Parks and Playgrounds in New Providence  

Parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas are spread through New Providence. The small Jaycees Park features a playground and fitness court, while Lincoln Field is home to two baseball fields, a soccer field, a basketball court, and swings.

The New Providence Community Pool is a popular spot to visit during the summer. Oakwood Park is one of the larger neighborhood parks in the area, and it features baseball and soccer fields, a basketball court, a horseshoe pit, a bocce court, nature trails, a canoe launch, covered picnic areas, ice skating ponds, playgrounds, and more.

Real Estate Information

The average home price is around $629,000. Most of the residential streets are tree-lined with sidewalks and attractive homes on well-maintained landscaped lots. You will find a selection of homes built during the mid-1900s, such as ranch, colonial, split level, and Cape Cod styles. Larger, more expensive homes sit in the Murray Hill portions of New Providence.

Schools in New Providence

Elementary Schools:

• Allen W. Roberts Elementary School (Kindergarten to 6th grade)
• Salt Brook Elementary School (Kindergarten to 6th grade)

Middle Schools:

• New Providence Middle School (Grades 7th to 8th)

High Schools:

• New Providence High School (Grades 9th to 12th)