Somerset County

Somerset County is located in the center of New Jersey, with Mercer County to the south and Morris County to the north. In the east it borders Middlesex County, in the west, Hunterdon County. Somerset County has a population of about 320,000 in its 21 municipalities over its 305 square miles. The public education system in the municipalities of Somerset County is highly regarded. That fact makes the county attractive to employers. The county has very good rail transportation to Manhattan, the site of employment for many Somerset County residents. The northern end of the county is best connected, boasting "one-seat rides" (no transfer of trains). Property values along those lines tend to be higher than those along, say, the Raritan Valley Line, from which a rider has to transfer in Newark to get into Manhattan. 

The quality of life in Somerset County is largely defined by the fact that most of its communities are what are called "distant suburbs." Rural areas are close by the towns of Somerset County. If you have any doubts, just know that 4-H has a very active program in Somerset County.  Another feature of recreational life in Somerset County is the Somerset County Environmental Education Center of the Somerset County Parks Commission(http://www.somersetcountyparks.org). The county's park commission also oversees five public golf courses. Somerset County also has many parks and recreational areas, and works with communities in providing funding for the acquisition of land for preservation. The park commission oversees as well the 4000 acre Sourland Mountain Preserve. The Sourland Mountain Preserve offers recreational opportunities in an undisturbed natural setting, including hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, bouldering, and horseback riding.

Somerset County offers a relaxed lifestyle with many outstanding recreational and employment opportunities within it borders.