Our school district's reputation may be behind Raritan Borough's population rise

Raritan Borough is growing fast—and the state of New Jersey has noticed.

The small community that is tucked in Somerset County has made it big, according to Michael Symons, the Statehouse Bureau Chief for the New Jersey 101.5 website. He announced his report on the fastest growing towns in the Garden State on the commercial radio station’s news website on August 2.

According to Symons, his report was based on the U.S Census Bureau and its findings between the 2020 Census and mid-2021.

Symons explained that the Census Bureau makes its annual estimates of the population of each city and town, representing their estimated count as of July 1 of each year. He stated that the figures are not actual head counts but estimates based on the number of new housing units and other trends

In terms of percentage gain from April 20 to June 2021, Raritan Boroug  is No. 1 in all of New Jersey. The borough's percentage during that period was 16 percent for a total population of 9,096.

Overall, Raritan Borough is fourth among the 25 fastest growing towns in New Jersey with its growth of 1,256 residents to the total of 9,096.

What has been the attraction and has resulted in people swarming to this community?

Well, it could be the outstanding reputation of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District.

Mayor Zachary Bray of Raritan Borough strongly agrees that the school system has been a major recruiting tool.

“I certainly think that the school system is a big attraction for young families,” Mayor Bray declared. “Furthermore the municipal services and housing costs are major draws, while still benefiting from the school district. Again, pair that with being close to many attractive destinations (New York City and Philadelphia, smaller amazing towns like Morristown, Somerville, Westfield, Princeton, etc, and the shore). It is definitely a great place to raise a family.”

Bray also explained where the new residents are settling in.

“We see more people renting than ever before, so coupled with the developments in town, the population was bound to surge,'' the mayor said.  “I also contribute a heavy move to the suburbs to the pandemic, as people left cities and continue to work remotely in a more affordable location, while still being close enough to what the city has to offer.”

The three communities that were stationed ahead of Raritan Borough in the list of the 25 fastest growing towns during that time period according to the U.S. Census Bureau is each larger and is each situated in the ever-growing Ocean County. Lakewood is No. 1, with a rise of population of 2,911 to the figure of 138,070. Toms River is second with a jump of 1,851 to 97,304 and Brick Township stands in third with an increase of 1,299 to a total of 74,903.