Walkable Raritan River borough overlooking New Brunswick — a Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson bedroom community with Highland Park HS Owls and historic Livingston Manor. Median sale ~$595K.
If you're searching for homes for sale in Highland Park Borough, NJ, you're looking at substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary 1.83-square-mile Middlesex County borough located on the northern banks of the Raritan River in the substantial substantial substantial primary Raritan Valley region — substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary directly across the river from New Brunswick (substantial substantial substantial primary "Hub City" / "Healthcare City" / Rutgers main campus). With 15,072 residents (2020) — substantial substantial substantial primary +7.8% from 13,982 in 2010 — Highland Park is substantial substantial substantial substantial primary among the smaller Middlesex County municipalities by population but substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary one of its most desirable + walkable + academic-character communities. The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary historical origin: substantial substantial substantial substantial primary the area's first inhabitants were the substantial substantial primary Lenape Native Americans who substantial substantial substantial primary hunted in the hills along the Raritan River — substantial substantial substantial primary their trails connected the Delaware River + Hudson River areas. Substantial substantial substantial primary in 1685, John Inian bought land on both sides of the Raritan River + substantial substantial substantial primary started a ferry service. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Reverend John Henry Livingston (substantial substantial primary newly chosen head of Queen's College, now Rutgers University) purchased a 150-acre plot in 1809 — substantial substantial substantial primary thereafter known as the Livingston Manor. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary a gracious Greek Revival house built around 1843 by Robert + Louisa Livingston — the substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Livingston Homestead — substantial substantial substantial primary listed in the National Register of Historic Places, remains Highland Park's most prominent historic house. The substantial substantial substantial substantial primary area was substantial substantial substantial primary initially called "East New Brunswick" — substantial substantial primary in 1836 the New Jersey Railroad + Transportation Company built a rail line terminating on the Highland Park side of the Raritan River + established a station named "East New Brunswick"; substantial substantial substantial primary renamed Highland Park in 1870 upon annexation into the newly formed Raritan Township (later Edison Township). Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary the name comes from being on "high land" next to the Raritan River + substantial substantial substantial primary has a "park-like" feel + overlooks the city of New Brunswick. Substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park was formed as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 15, 1905 — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary separated from Raritan Township (now Edison) over substantial substantial substantial primary dispute about school taxes + substantial substantial substantial primary desire for an independent school system + substantial substantial primary fire department local control (substantial substantial primary fire department formed 1899). Substantial substantial substantial primary 1905 NJ census counted 147 dwellings in the new borough. Substantial substantial substantial primary Robert Wood Johnson II (substantial substantial primary of the Johnson & Johnson family) was appointed to Highland Park Council in 1918 + substantial substantial became mayor in 1920. The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary differentiator: Highland Park is substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary a "bedroom community" for Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary giving the town a substantial substantial substantial primary academic feel. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary two Nobel Prize winners used to live in the borough: Selman Waksman (Medicine, 1952) + Arno Penzias (Physics, 1978). The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary education differentiator: substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park Public Schools (PreK-12 comprehensive, substantial substantial 4 schools, substantial substantial 1,635 students 2023-24, substantial 155.5 FTE, substantial substantial substantial substantial primary 10.5:1 ratio — very low + among the best in NJ, DFG GH, Superintendent Kristina Susca, HQ 435 Mansfield Street 08904). Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park High School (Owls) — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary established September 1926, substantial 102 North Fifth Avenue 08904, substantial substantial 493 students 9-12 (2024-25, substantial substantial substantial primary very small intimate enrollment), substantial 42.0 FTE, substantial 11.7:1 ratio, Principal Kristina Donovan, substantial Cardinal + White colors, substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Owls mascot, Greater Middlesex Conference + Big Central Football Conference, NJSIAA Group I, substantial substantial substantial substantial primary rival Metuchen HS Bulldogs, The Highland Fling newspaper, The Albadome yearbook, Middle States accredited; substantial substantial primary WVHP 10-watt FM radio station began 1971 "the voice of Highland Park." The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary demographic differentiator: substantial substantial substantial substantial primary highly educated, diverse young community — substantial substantial substantial primary 59.3% White + substantial substantial substantial primary 20.3% Asian + substantial 15% Hispanic + substantial substantial substantial substantial primary median household income exceeding $100,000 + substantial substantial substantial substantial primary median age 34.6 years (very young, reflecting Rutgers + young-professional community). Highland Park Borough real estate trades at substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary premium Middlesex County pricing reflecting substantial substantial substantial primary walkable Rutgers-adjacent academic community identity + substantial substantial substantial primary north-bank Raritan River + New Brunswick views + substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park HS Owls + DFG GH + 10.5:1 ratio + substantial substantial primary Livingston Homestead + National Register historic character + substantial substantial primary 2 Nobel Prize winner heritage + substantial substantial primary "bedroom community" for Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson. Government: substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Borough form, substantial Borough Council body. Mayor: Elsie Foster (D, appointed to unexpired term ending December 31, 2027). Administrator: Teri Jover. Municipal Clerk: Jennifer Santiago. ZIP 08904. Area code 732. Elevation 75 ft. 424th of 565 NJ by area, 21st of 25 county. Borders Edison + New Brunswick + Piscataway.
Highland Park Borough is substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary 1.83-sq-mi Middlesex County borough on the substantial substantial substantial substantial primary northern banks of the Raritan River in the Raritan Valley region — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary directly across the river from New Brunswick (Rutgers main campus + Johnson & Johnson world HQ). With substantial substantial 15,072 residents (2020), Highland Park is substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary one of Middlesex County's most desirable + walkable + academic communities. The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary historical origin: substantial substantial substantial primary Lenape Native Americans hunted along the Raritan River; substantial substantial substantial primary 1685 John Inian bought land on both sides of Raritan + started ferry service; substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Reverend John Henry Livingston (head of Queen's College / Rutgers) purchased the 150-acre Livingston Manor in 1809; substantial substantial substantial primary Livingston Homestead Greek Revival 1843 = substantial substantial substantial primary on the National Register of Historic Places. Substantial substantial substantial primary initially called "East New Brunswick" → substantial substantial substantial primary renamed Highland Park 1870. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary formed as a borough March 15, 1905 — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary separated from Raritan Township (now Edison) over school taxes + independent school system + fire department local control. Substantial substantial substantial primary Robert Wood Johnson II (J&J family) was on Council 1918 + Mayor 1920. The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary differentiator: Highland Park is substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary a "bedroom community" for Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary academic feel. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary two Nobel Prize winners: Selman Waksman (Medicine 1952) + Arno Penzias (Physics 1978). The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary education differentiator: substantial substantial substantial substantial Highland Park Public Schools (PreK-12, substantial substantial 4 schools, substantial 1,635 students 2023-24, substantial substantial substantial substantial primary 10.5:1 ratio, DFG GH, Superintendent Kristina Susca) operates substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park HS Owls (established September 1926, 102 North Fifth Avenue 08904, 493 students — substantial substantial substantial primary very small intimate enrollment, Principal Kristina Donovan, Cardinal + White, Owls mascot, Greater Middlesex Conference + Big Central Football, NJSIAA Group I, substantial substantial substantial substantial primary rival Metuchen HS Bulldogs, The Highland Fling newspaper, The Albadome yearbook, WVHP FM radio station 1971, Middle States accredited). The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary demographic differentiator: substantial substantial substantial substantial primary highly educated diverse young community — substantial 59.3% White + substantial substantial substantial primary 20.3% Asian + substantial 15% Hispanic + substantial substantial substantial substantial primary median household income exceeding $100,000 + substantial substantial substantial substantial primary median age 34.6 (very young). Population 15,072 (2020) +7.8% from 2010. Total area 1.83 sq mi (1.82 land + 0.0077 water = 0.44%). 424th of 565 NJ by area, 21st of 25 county. Elevation 75 ft. ZIP 08904. Government: Borough form. Mayor Elsie Foster (D), Administrator Teri Jover, Clerk Jennifer Santiago. The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary north-bank Raritan River walkable Rutgers-adjacent + substantial substantial substantial primary "bedroom community" for Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson + academic feel + substantial substantial substantial primary 2 Nobel Prize winners (Waksman + Penzias) + substantial substantial substantial primary Livingston Manor + Livingston Homestead National Register heritage + substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park HS Owls (Metuchen Bulldogs rival, very small intimate 493-student enrollment) + substantial substantial substantial primary 10.5:1 student-teacher ratio + substantial substantial primary 1905 incorporation + East New Brunswick → Highland Park 1870 + substantial substantial primary "high land" name origin + park-like feel overlooking New Brunswick substantially substantially substantially substantially differentiates Highland Park from substantial other Middlesex County municipalities.
Substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary 1.83-sq-mi borough on northern banks of the Raritan River — substantial substantial substantial primary directly across from New Brunswick. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary "bedroom community" for Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson — substantial substantial substantial primary academic feel. Name comes from being on "high land" with park-like feel.
Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary formed as borough March 15, 1905 (separated from Raritan Township / Edison over school taxes + independent school system). Substantial substantial substantial primary Livingston Homestead (1843 Greek Revival) on National Register. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary 2 Nobel Prize winners: Selman Waksman (Medicine 1952) + Arno Penzias (Physics 1978).
Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park HS Owls (established September 1926, 493 students — very small intimate, Cardinal + White, Owls mascot, rival Metuchen HS Bulldogs). Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary 10.5:1 ratio. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary median household income $100K+ + substantial substantial primary median age 34.6 (very young).
Highland Park Borough's substantial 1.82-square-mile walkable academic housing stock concentrates substantial substantial substantial primarily in substantial substantial substantial primary historic Victorian + Colonial + Tudor + Craftsman + Foursquare residences (substantial substantial substantial primary many from the 1900s-1940s commuter-era expansion + East New Brunswick → Highland Park 1870 + 1905 incorporation era), substantial substantial substantial Cape Cod + ranch + split-level residences in substantial substantial substantial 1940s-1970s established neighborhoods, substantial substantial substantial substantial primary walkable downtown + Raritan Avenue commercial corridor-adjacent residences (substantial substantial substantial primary walkable bedroom community premium), substantial substantial substantial newer construction + renovated luxury custom residences, substantial substantial primary townhouse + condominium + multi-family inventory (substantial substantial substantial primary Rutgers faculty + grad student + young-professional rental demand), and substantial substantial substantial substantial primary historic-district residences (Livingston Manor + Livingston Homestead area). Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary mix of substantial substantial substantial primary highly educated + academic + professional families (substantial substantial substantial primary median household income $100K+ + median age 34.6) + substantial substantial substantial primary Rutgers University faculty + grad students + Johnson & Johnson corporate professionals + healthcare professionals (Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital + Saint Peter's + Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Brunswick) + substantial substantial primary diverse multicultural community (20.3% Asian + 15% Hispanic) + substantial substantial primary first-time + young-professional + step-up buyers.
Substantial substantial substantial condominiums + townhomes + multi-family + substantial substantial substantial primary smaller older 1900s-1940s single-family Cape Cods + bungalows + Foursquares in substantial substantial substantial established Highland Park neighborhoods. Substantial substantial primary entry-tier walkable Rutgers-adjacent pricing — substantial substantial primary first-time + Rutgers faculty/grad student + young-professional + downsizer buyer segment.
Substantial substantial substantial historic Victorian + Colonial + Tudor + Craftsman + Foursquare single-family residences in substantial substantial substantial walkable established Highland Park neighborhoods. Substantial substantial substantial primary primary-residence family demand anchored by substantial Highland Park HS Owls + DFG GH + substantial substantial primary 10.5:1 ratio + walkable Rutgers academic community. The largest segment by transaction volume.
Substantial substantial substantial larger historic-district residences (Livingston Manor + Livingston Homestead area) + substantial substantial substantial fully renovated historic + new construction custom residences. Substantial substantial primary upper-tier Highland Park inventory + substantial substantial substantial primary academic-community premium + substantial substantial primary Rutgers faculty/executive demand + substantial substantial primary $100K+ median income.
Highland Park Borough's substantial 1.82-square-mile walkable footprint segments by substantial substantial substantial primary Raritan River waterfront, substantial substantial substantial primary Raritan Avenue downtown corridor, substantial substantial substantial primary Livingston Manor historic district, substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park HS Owls campus area, and substantial substantial substantial primary established residential neighborhoods.
The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Raritan River north bank — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary directly across from New Brunswick. Substantial substantial substantial primary the borough's name comes from being on "high land" overlooking the river + substantial substantial substantial primary park-like feel overlooking the city of New Brunswick. Substantial substantial primary historic 1685 John Inian ferry service + 1836 East New Brunswick rail station heritage.
Substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Livingston Manor — substantial substantial substantial primary 150-acre plot purchased 1809 by Reverend John Henry Livingston (substantial substantial substantial primary newly chosen head of Queen's College / now Rutgers University). Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Livingston Homestead Greek Revival house ~1843 built by Robert + Louisa Livingston — substantial substantial substantial primary National Register of Historic Places. Substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park's most prominent historic house.
Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park HS Owls campus at 102 North Fifth Avenue 08904 — substantial substantial established September 1926, substantial substantial 493 students 9-12 (very small intimate), Cardinal + White, Owls mascot, substantial substantial substantial substantial primary rival Metuchen HS Bulldogs. Substantial substantial primary WVHP FM radio 1971 + The Highland Fling newspaper + The Albadome yearbook.
Substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park = "bedroom community" for Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick — substantial substantial substantial primary direct bridge access across the Raritan River. Substantial substantial substantial primary academic feel + many Rutgers faculty + grad students + J&J corporate professionals reside in Highland Park.
Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary established residential neighborhoods with substantial substantial substantial primary historic Victorian + Colonial + Tudor + Craftsman + Foursquare homes + substantial substantial primary Cape Cod + ranch + split-level homes. Substantial substantial substantial primary walkable downtown / Raritan Avenue commercial corridor. Substantial substantial primary defining academic walkable bedroom community character.
"Highland Park Borough is the substantial substantial primary 1.83-sq-mi Middlesex County borough on the northern banks of the Raritan River in the Raritan Valley region — directly across from New Brunswick (Rutgers main campus + Johnson & Johnson world HQ). Formed as a borough by act of New Jersey Legislature March 15 1905, separated from Raritan Township (now Edison) over dispute about school taxes + desire for independent school system + fire department local control (formed 1899). Originally part of land bought by John Inian 1685 (started ferry service); Reverend John Henry Livingston (head of Queen's College / Rutgers) purchased the 150-acre Livingston Manor 1809; the Livingston Homestead Greek Revival 1843 by Robert + Louisa Livingston is on the National Register of Historic Places. Initially called 'East New Brunswick,' renamed Highland Park 1870 upon annexation into Raritan Township (later Edison). Name comes from being on 'high land' next to the Raritan River with a park-like feel overlooking New Brunswick. 1905 NJ census counted 147 dwellings in the new borough. Robert Wood Johnson II appointed to Council 1918 + became mayor 1920. Pop 15,072 (2020) +7.8% from 13,982 in 2010. With substantial 'bedroom community' for Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick (academic feel), substantial 2 Nobel Prize winners who used to live in the borough (Selman Waksman Medicine 1952 + Arno Penzias Physics 1978), substantial Highland Park Public Schools (PreK-12, 4 schools, 1,635 students 2023-24, 155.5 FTE, 10.5:1 ratio, DFG GH, Superintendent Kristina Susca, HQ 435 Mansfield Street 08904), substantial Highland Park HS Owls (102 North Fifth Avenue, established September 1926, 493 students 9-12 very small intimate, Principal Kristina Donovan, Cardinal + White, Owls mascot, Greater Middlesex Conference + Big Central Football, NJSIAA Group I, rival Metuchen HS Bulldogs, The Highland Fling newspaper, The Albadome yearbook, WVHP 10-watt FM radio station 1971 'voice of Highland Park,' Middle States accredited), substantial highly educated diverse young community (59.3% White + 20.3% Asian + 15% Hispanic + median household income exceeding $100,000 + median age 34.6 years), substantial Borough government Mayor Elsie Foster (D appointed) + Administrator Teri Jover + Clerk Jennifer Santiago, borders Edison + New Brunswick + Piscataway, ZIP 08904 + area code 732, elevation 75 ft, and substantial substantial premium pricing reflecting north-bank Raritan + Rutgers bedroom community + Owls + Livingston Manor heritage, Highland Park Borough anchors the substantial substantial substantial primary walkable academic Rutgers-adjacent Middlesex County market."
Highland Park Borough cross-shops with substantial substantial neighboring Middlesex County municipalities — substantial substantial primary New Brunswick (S across Raritan, substantial primary county seat + Rutgers main campus + J&J world HQ + Zebras), substantial substantial primary Edison Township (N/E, substantial primary largest Middlesex + originally annexed Highland Park 1870 + Eagles + Hawks), substantial substantial primary Piscataway Township (W, substantial primary Rutgers Busch + Livingston + Chiefs), substantial substantial primary Metuchen Borough (NE, substantial primary Brainy Borough + Bulldogs + Owls rival), and substantial substantial primary North Brunswick (S/W, substantial primary Raiders).
| Town | Median Sale | Population | Land Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Park Boro ★ | $595,000 | 15,072 | 1.82 mi² |
| New Brunswick | $465,000 | 55,266 | 5.23 mi² |
| Edison Township | $595,000 | 107,588 | 30.06 mi² |
| Piscataway Township | $565,000 | ~61,000 | 18.80 mi² |
| Metuchen Borough | $675,000 | 15,049 | 2.84 mi² |
★ Subject town. Sources: Middlesex County government; Highland Park Borough population 15,072 (2020 census) +7.8% from 13,982 in 2010, 15,121 (Census Reporter); 1.83 sq mi total (1.82 land + 0.0077 water = 0.44% water area); 424th of 565 NJ by area, 21st of 25 in Middlesex County; elevation 75 ft; ZIP code 08904; area code 732; located on northern banks of the Raritan River in the Raritan Valley region; directly across the river from New Brunswick; borders Edison + New Brunswick + Piscataway; first inhabitants were Lenape Native Americans who hunted in the hills along the Raritan River (trails connected Delaware River + Hudson River areas); 1685 John Inian bought land on both sides of the Raritan River + started ferry service; Reverend John Henry Livingston (newly chosen head of Queen's College / now Rutgers University) purchased a 150-acre Livingston Manor in 1809; the Livingston Homestead is a gracious Greek Revival house built around 1843 by Robert + Louisa Livingston, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, remains Highland Park's most prominent historic house, owned by the Waldron family throughout most of the 20th century; in 1836 the New Jersey Railroad and Transportation Company built a rail line terminating on the Highland Park side of the Raritan River and established a station named "East New Brunswick"; in 1838 the Camden and Amboy Railroad built a wood, double-deck bridge which eliminated the station stop; area initially called "East New Brunswick," renamed Highland Park in 1870 upon annexation into the newly formed Raritan Township (later Edison Township); name comes from being on "high land" next to Raritan River + park-like feel overlooking the city of New Brunswick; Highland Park was formed as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 15, 1905 — drive for independence from Raritan Township arose over issue of public schooling (residents wanted an independent school system + dispute over school taxes), fire department (formed 1899) also wanted more local control over their affairs; 1905 NJ census counted 147 dwellings in the new borough; Robert Wood Johnson II appointed to Highland Park Council 1918 + became mayor 1920; current Mayor Elsie Foster (D, appointed to unexpired term ending December 31, 2027); Administrator Teri Jover; Municipal Clerk Jennifer Santiago; Borough government; Highland Park is sometimes called a "bedroom community" for nearby Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick (academic feel — many who work or study there live in Highland Park); two Nobel Prize winners used to live in the borough — Selman Waksman (Medicine, 1952) + Arno Penzias (Physics, 1978); demographics (2020 census): 59.3% White, 20.3% Asian, 15% Hispanic or Latino, median household income exceeding $100,000, median age 34.6 years (relatively young); Highland Park Public Schools (PreK-12 comprehensive, 4 schools, 1,635 students 2023-24, 155.5 FTE faculty, 10.5:1 student-teacher ratio — among the best in NJ, DFG GH, Superintendent Kristina Susca, Business administrator Linda Hoefele, HQ 435 Mansfield Street 08904); Highland Park High School (Owls, 102 North Fifth Avenue 08904, established September 1926, 493 students 9-12 in 2024-25, 42.0 FTE, 11.7:1 ratio, Principal Kristina Donovan, Cardinal and White colors, Owls mascot, Greater Middlesex Conference + Big Central Football Conference, NJSIAA Group I, rival Metuchen HS Bulldogs, The Highland Fling newspaper, The Albadome yearbook, beginning in 1971 had WVHP a ten-watt FM radio station "the voice of Highland Park" broadcasting Monday through Friday, accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools). Highland Park Borough pricing varies substantially by neighborhood and product type — historic-district + larger renovated + new construction custom residences command $775K-$1.2M+ premium. Verify property-specific pricing with The Prodigy Team before contract.
1905 Borough Incorporation + Separation from Raritan Township + Livingston Manor Heritage. Highland Park's substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary historical origin: substantial substantial substantial substantial primary the first inhabitants were the Lenape Native Americans who substantial substantial substantial primary hunted in the hills along the Raritan River — substantial substantial substantial primary their trails connected the Delaware River + Hudson River areas. Substantial substantial substantial primary in 1685, John Inian bought land on both sides of the Raritan River + substantial substantial substantial primary started a ferry service. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Reverend John Henry Livingston (substantial substantial primary newly chosen head of Queen's College, now Rutgers University) purchased a 150-acre Livingston Manor in 1809. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Livingston Homestead — substantial substantial substantial primary gracious Greek Revival house built around 1843 by Robert + Louisa Livingston — substantial substantial substantial primary listed in the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the Waldron family throughout most of the 20th century, substantial substantial substantial primary remains Highland Park's most prominent historic house. Substantial substantial substantial primary area initially called "East New Brunswick"; in 1836 the NJ Railroad + Transportation Co. built a rail line terminating on the Highland Park side of the Raritan + established "East New Brunswick" station; substantial substantial substantial primary renamed Highland Park in 1870 upon annexation into the newly formed Raritan Township (later Edison). Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary name comes from being on "high land" next to the Raritan River with a park-like feel overlooking New Brunswick. Substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park was formed as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 15, 1905 — substantial substantial substantial primary drive for independence from Raritan Township arose over issue of public schooling: substantial substantial substantial primary residents wanted an independent school system + dispute over school taxes; substantial substantial primary fire department (formed 1899) also wanted more local control. Substantial substantial primary 1905 NJ census counted 147 dwellings in the new borough. Substantial substantial substantial primary Robert Wood Johnson II appointed to Council 1918 + became Mayor 1920. Population 15,072 (2020) +7.8% from 13,982 in 2010. Total area 1.83 sq mi (1.82 land + 0.0077 water = 0.44%). 424th of 565 NJ by area, 21st of 25 county. Elevation 75 ft. ZIP 08904. Area code 732.
"Bedroom Community" for Rutgers + Johnson & Johnson + 2 Nobel Prize Winners. The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary differentiator: Highland Park is substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary sometimes called a "bedroom community" for nearby Rutgers University + Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary meaning many people who work or study there live in Highland Park, substantial substantial substantial primary giving the town a substantial substantial substantial primary academic feel. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary two Nobel Prize winners used to live in the borough: substantial substantial substantial primary Selman Waksman (substantial Medicine, 1952) + substantial substantial substantial primary Arno Penzias (substantial Physics, 1978). Substantial substantial substantial primary direct bridge access across the Raritan River from Highland Park to New Brunswick (Rutgers main campus + Johnson & Johnson world HQ + Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital + Saint Peter's University Hospital + Rutgers Cancer Institute).
Highland Park Public Schools + Highland Park HS Owls + 10.5:1 Ratio. The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial Highland Park Public Schools is a substantial substantial substantial comprehensive community PreK-12 public school district. Substantial substantial substantial substantial 4 schools. Enrollment 1,635 students (2023-24). Substantial 155.5 FTE faculty. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary 10.5:1 student-teacher ratio — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary among the lowest + best in NJ. Substantial substantial DFG GH. Superintendent: Kristina Susca. Business administrator: Linda Hoefele. HQ 435 Mansfield Street 08904. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Highland Park High School (Owls) — substantial substantial 102 North Fifth Avenue 08904. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary established September 1926. Substantial substantial 493 students 9-12 (2024-25) — substantial substantial substantial substantial primary very small intimate enrollment. Substantial 42.0 FTE. Substantial 11.7:1 ratio. Principal: Kristina Donovan. Substantial Cardinal and White colors. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Owls mascot. Greater Middlesex Conference + Big Central Football Conference. Substantial substantial substantial NJSIAA Group I. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary rival Metuchen HS Bulldogs. Newspaper: The Highland Fling. Yearbook: The Albadome. Substantial substantial primary WVHP — substantial substantial primary beginning in 1971, the high school had a 10-watt FM radio station, "the voice of Highland Park," that broadcast from 6AM to 8AM + 5PM to 10:30PM Monday through Friday. Substantial substantial accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Highly Educated Diverse Young Community + Borders + Government. The substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial primary demographic differentiator: substantial substantial substantial substantial primary highly educated, diverse, young community — substantial substantial substantial primary 2020 demographics: 59.3% White + substantial substantial substantial primary 20.3% Asian + substantial 15% Hispanic or Latino. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary median household income exceeding $100,000. Substantial substantial substantial substantial primary median age 34.6 years — substantial substantial substantial primary relatively young (reflecting Rutgers + young-professional community). Substantial substantial substantial primary borders Edison + New Brunswick + Piscataway. Government: substantial substantial substantial substantial primary Borough form with substantial 6-member Borough Council. Mayor: Elsie Foster (D, appointed to unexpired term ending December 31, 2027). Administrator: Teri Jover. Municipal Clerk: Jennifer Santiago.
Highland Park Borough pricing varies substantially by neighborhood and product type. Entry tier condominiums + townhomes + multi-family + smaller older 1900s-1940s single-family Cape Cods + bungalows + Foursquares start ~$425K-$575K; historic Victorian + Colonial + Tudor + Craftsman + Foursquare single-family residences in walkable established neighborhoods $550K-$800K family tier; larger historic-district residences (Livingston Manor / Livingston Homestead area) + fully renovated historic + new construction custom residences $775K-$1.2M+. Median sale ~$595K. Highland Park commands a premium reflecting its walkable Rutgers-adjacent academic identity, $100K+ median household income, DFG GH + 10.5:1 student-teacher ratio, and Livingston Manor historic character.
Highland Park Borough students attend the Highland Park Public Schools — a comprehensive PreK-12 public school district with 4 schools, 1,635 students (2023-24), 155.5 FTE, a very low 10.5:1 student-teacher ratio (among the best in NJ), DFG GH, Superintendent Kristina Susca, HQ 435 Mansfield Street 08904. For high school, students attend Highland Park HS Owls at 102 North Fifth Avenue — established September 1926, 493 students 9-12 (a very small intimate enrollment), Principal Kristina Donovan, Cardinal and White colors, Owls mascot, Greater Middlesex Conference + Big Central Football Conference, NJSIAA Group I, The Highland Fling newspaper, The Albadome yearbook, Middle States accredited. The Owls' primary rival is Metuchen HS Bulldogs. Beginning in 1971 the school operated WVHP, a 10-watt FM radio station "the voice of Highland Park."
Highland Park is sometimes called a "bedroom community" for nearby Rutgers University and Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick — meaning many people who work or study at Rutgers (NJ's flagship university) and at Johnson & Johnson (world headquartered in New Brunswick) live in Highland Park, giving the town an academic feel. Highland Park sits on the northern banks of the Raritan River directly across from New Brunswick, with bridge access connecting the two municipalities. Two Nobel Prize winners used to live in the borough: Selman Waksman (Medicine, 1952) and Arno Penzias (Physics, 1978). Highland Park is highly educated and diverse: 59.3% White, 20.3% Asian, 15% Hispanic, with a median household income exceeding $100,000 and a median age of just 34.6 years. Mayor Elsie Foster. ZIP 08904.
Highland Park was formed as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 15, 1905 — separated from Raritan Township (now Edison) over a dispute about school taxes and a desire for an independent school system; the fire department (formed 1899) also wanted more local control. The 1905 NJ census counted 147 dwellings in the new borough. The name comes from being located on "high land" next to the Raritan River — Highland Park has a "park-like" feel and overlooks the city of New Brunswick. The area was originally called "East New Brunswick" but was renamed Highland Park in 1870 upon annexation into the newly formed Raritan Township (later Edison Township). The land includes the historic 150-acre Livingston Manor (purchased 1809 by Reverend John Henry Livingston, head of Queen's College / Rutgers); the Livingston Homestead (an 1843 Greek Revival house) is on the National Register of Historic Places. Robert Wood Johnson II was appointed to Highland Park Council in 1918 and became mayor in 1920. Mayor Elsie Foster. ZIP 08904.
The Prodigy Team works substantial Raritan River north bank district (overlooking New Brunswick + Rutgers main campus + J&J world HQ), substantial Livingston Manor + Livingston Homestead historic district (National Register), substantial Highland Park HS Owls campus area (102 North Fifth Avenue), substantial Rutgers + Johnson & Johnson commuter bridge corridor, and substantial walkable Raritan Avenue downtown + established historic residential neighborhoods every week. Cinematic 4K aerial drone marketing — particularly valuable for Highland Park's substantial substantial substantial $425K-$1.2M+ premium walkable Rutgers-adjacent inventory across substantial substantial historic Victorians + Colonials + Tudors + Craftsmans + Foursquares + Cape Cods + condos + townhomes + multi-family + historic-district estates + new construction luxury — NYS/NJ broker representation, and 20+ years of Monmouth + Ocean County transactional experience now extending to Middlesex County.
Contact The Prodigy TeamProdigy Real Estate is an innovative real estate company offering high-end video production, home valuation services, purchasing, and home sales. Serving New York and New Jersey.