Eatontown, New Jersey
Eatontown is a small borough situated in Monmouth County in the US State of New Jersey. The borough has been named after Thomas Eaton, an early settler who had established a grist mill in the present-day Wampum Lake Park in 1670. Eatontown was officially incorporated as a borough on March 8, 1926, and is currently administered under a ‘borough form of New Jersey municipal government.’
Geography Of Eatontown
The borough of Eatontown covers a total area of 15.26 sq. km, of which 0.13 sq. km is occupied by water, and 15.13 sq. km is occupied by land. Eatontown is bordered by Oceanport borough in the northeast; Ocean Township in the south; Shrewsbury borough in the north; Tinton Falls borough in the west; and West Long Branch in the east. The unincorporated community of Locust Grove is also situated within the Eatontown borough.
Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Eatontown experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The warm season lasts from June to September, with July being the hottest month, having an average high temperature of 28.3°C and a low temperature of 20°C. The cold season lasts from December to March, with January being the coldest month, having an average low temperature of -2.2°C and a high temperature of 5°C. The borough receives an average annual rainfall of 48 inches and an average annual snowfall of 25 inches.
The Population And Economy Of Eatontown
In 2019, the borough of Eatontown had a population of 12,214 people with a median age of 42.8. As of 2019, about 2,580 people (21.1% of residents) of Eatontown were born outside the country. The most common birthplace of the foreign-born residents of New Jersey was India, followed by the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The largest ethnic groups in Eatontown are the non-Hispanic White representing 63.2% of the borough’s population, Hispanic White at 9.55%, African Americans at 9.06%, Asians at 7.93%, and two and more races at 4.84%. All the households in Eatontown speak English as their primary language, and 92.3% of the borough residents are US citizens.
As of 2019, the median household income in Eatontown was $66,223, and the median property value was $336,200. The average car ownership in Eatontown was two cars per household. The economy of Eatontown employs around 6,400 people in different industries, with the most significant industries being Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services.
Tourist Attractions In Eatontown
Monmouth Mall
Monmouth Mall is a large shopping center located at the meeting point of the state highways Route 35 and Route 36 at the heart of Eatontown. At present, the Monmouth Mall has a gross leasable area of 140,000 sq.m and contains more than 150 shops, restaurants, and a 15-screen cineplex. Established on March 1, 1960, Monmouth Mall is New Jersey’s fourth-largest shopping mall and is currently managed by Brookfield Properties.
80 Acre Park
The Leon Smock 80 Acre Park is a large suburban park located at the Industrial Way East and Wall Street intersection in Eatontown. The park is mainly used for informal picnics, recreational activities, and sports. The park provides two baseball fields, a softball field, a basketball court, a utility sporting field, a play area, restrooms, and nature trails. The park’s paved pathways attract cyclists, joggers, walkers, etc. The park also serves as a venue for several annual events that the Eatontown Recreation Department hosts.
Bliss Price Arboretum And Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bliss Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the northern side of Wyckoff Road in Eatontown. The arboretum boasts many acres of walking paths through the woodlands and serves as a perfect place for watching birds, deer, and small animals, hiking, relaxing, and enjoying a quiet walk. The arboretum remains open from dawn to dusk.
Brief History Of Eatontown
Thomas Eaton first surveyed the area in 1670 and established a grist mill in the present-day Wampum Lake Park. By 1796, a village began to develop in the region with the establishment of a general store and a tannery. At the meeting point of the Main and Broad Streets, a tavern for the New York-Philadelphia stage coach trade was also constructed. By 1850, the village included about 40 homes and four stores on Main Street. On April 4, 1873, the present-day borough of Eatontown was initially incorporated as “Eatontown Township” by an Act of the State Legislature. The Eatontown Township included parts of Ocean Township, Shrewsbury Township, Oceanport, and West Long Branch. On March 8, 1926, Eatontown was reincorporated as a borough. Fort Monmouth – an installation of the United States Army operated here from 1917 till its closure in 2011.
