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Matawan,NJ Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhoods in Matawan, NJ – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights

Neighborhood Map

Discover the Charm of the Best Neighborhoods in Matawan, NJ

Nestled in Monmouth County, Matawan, NJ offers a delightful blend of suburban comfort and vibrant community life. Known for its rich history and scenic waterfront views along the Raritan Bay, Matawan boasts a variety of neighborhoods each with its own unique character. Whether you're seeking quiet streets lined with charming homes or bustling areas with local eateries and shops, the best neighborhoods in Matawan provide something for everyone. If you’re curious about where to settle or just want to explore, the Matawan neighborhoods map is a great tool to pinpoint the diverse pockets that make this town so special.

Demographic Insights & Community Composition

Matawan’s neighborhoods showcase a welcoming mix of families, young professionals, and retirees. The community is predominantly middle-class, with a strong emphasis on family life and local engagement. Areas like Cliffwood and Old Matawan are known for their tight-knit feel, where neighbors often know each other by name. You'll find a good balance of longtime residents and newcomers, creating a dynamic atmosphere that values both tradition and growth. This diversity is reflected in local schools, community events, and neighborhood organizations that foster a sense of belonging.

Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer

Each Matawan neighborhood has its own lifestyle appeal. For instance, the waterfront communities along Raritan Bay offer stunning views and easy access to boating and fishing. Downtown Matawan buzzes with activity, featuring popular spots like The Pour House and local coffee shops that give it a lively, social vibe. Meanwhile, neighborhoods such as Freneau provide a more suburban atmosphere with spacious parks and family-friendly amenities. Whether you want an active nightlife, serene nature spots, or family-oriented spaces, Matawan’s neighborhoods deliver a varied lifestyle palette.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

Housing options in Matawan range from historic single-family homes to modern townhouses and condominiums. Neighborhoods like Old Matawan offer charming older homes with character, while areas near Route 34 feature newer developments catering to growing families. The real estate market here remains relatively affordable compared to other parts of Monmouth County, making Matawan a popular choice for first-time homebuyers and those looking to settle down without breaking the bank. Keeping an eye on the Matawan neighborhoods map can help prospective buyers identify ideal locations within budget.

Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility

Matawan is well-connected for commuters and travelers alike. The Matawan train station, located near downtown, is part of the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line, providing easy access to New York City and other major hubs. This makes neighborhoods close to the train station, like Downtown Matawan and Harborview, highly desirable for daily commuters. Additionally, major roadways such as NJ Route 34 and Route 79 run through the borough, offering convenient routes for drivers. Public bus services and local shuttles also support residents in getting around town and beyond.

Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Activities

Residents and visitors enjoy a variety of attractions across Matawan’s neighborhoods. The Historic Downtown area is a favorite for dining and shopping, with spots like The Commodore Bar & Restaurant offering a cozy local vibe. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the scenic Matawan Creek and nearby parks, such as the Matawan Waterfront Park, perfect for picnics, fishing, and kayaking. Seasonal events like the Matawan Day Festival bring the community together with live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, highlighting the town’s strong neighborhood spirit.

Matawan Demographics

Population 9,546
Density (People/sqml.) 4,213
Median Age 38.0
Married Couples
53%
53% of the population of Matawan aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
29%
29% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Strathmore 42.7 29.5% $421,460 $145,101 2.9

Matawan neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Matawan—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Matawan, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Matawan

Violent Crime 100% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 99% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 99% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Matawan
/100k
NJ
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 0 0.0 2.3 5.0
Rape 0 0.0 17.3 37.5
Robbery 0 0.0 49.3 60.6
Assault 0 0.0 148.8 256.1
Total Violent Crime 0 0 218 359
Burglary 0 0.0 145.3 229.2
Theft 0 0.0 1,119.4 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 2 20.5 162.6 258.8
Total Property Crime 2 20 1,427 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 2 20 1,645 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.