We started out by searching Google for lifestyle information on Central New Jersey and found links to active adult community builders, plus some other "unique" sites.
Central New Jersey has areas that range from inner city to horse farm estates, with most everything in between represented. It is not at all like the misconceived notion of a concrete jungle.
Many who live here do travel distances to work, in New York, Philadelphia, etc. The New Jersey Turnpike, US Route 1 and the Northeast Cooridor trains offer residents various means of transportation. The proximity to Trenton also means many people commute to the state capitol to work.
Mostly suburban townships with tree-lined streets are what you will find. Many areas have attempted to set aside open space (green acres) designated for "permanent" non-development.
There are over 350 high schools New Jersey spread over its 21 counties, so local control over the schools is closely held. Elementary, middle and secondary schools for the townships this site covers are listed in the township information pages.
From Mercer and Middlesex counties to the shore to the east, many active adult communities are sprouting. See New Jersey Active Adult Communities for more information.
Recreational activities would include organized sports (such as Little Leagues and Police Athletic Leagues), proximity to ski areas and ocean front activities. New York and Philadelphia sports franchises all have their rooters in this area.
Shopping? Yeah, we got that. Many large malls, smaller strip malls, and several "big box" shopping plazas are convenient to most townships. As my wife would say, "It's only 20 minutes away."
We Jerseyites don't tend to measure by distance but by the time it takes to get there.
We would invite you to contact us if you feel this small article needs embelishment.