Mainstreet NJ: Metuchen

On Nov 16, 2022

Metuchen’s walkable Main Street is near full occupancy with locally owned businesses. Since 2016, the city has added 387 apartments and 149 businesses with a net increase of 19 restaurants. A concentration of creative people have chosen to live here including artists, designers, architects and writers from the 19th century through today. Metuchen is a great place to raise a family. Something is always happening with opportunities for anyone to get involved and make an impact.

About Metuchen

Year Founded: March 20, 1900

Population: 15,034

Mayor: Jonathan Busch

County: Middlesex

Shopping District: Main Street / New Street / Middlesex Ave / Amboy Ave

Number of stores downtown: 289

Special Improvement District: Yes

Town Favorites

Popular Restaurants: Mangia Toscano
The Greek

Popular Stores: Newmarket
Terrace Plant Shop

Other Attractions:
Hailey’s Harp & Pub, Hailey’s Parlor

Upcoming Events

Nov 26 – Small Business Saturday

Dec 3 – Winter Market

Dec 17 – ‘Twas the Weekend Before Christmas

Dec 30 – New Year’s Party on the Plaza

Famous Locals

Magician David Copperfield was born in Metuchen on September 16, 1956 as David Seth Kotkin. His father owned/operated a clothing/tailor shop for men and boys on Metuchen’s Main Street.

Marqus Blakely (b. 1988), 2-time America East Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, winner of 2010 slam dunk contest

Barbara Buono (b. 1953), NJ State Senator

John Ciardi (1916–1986), poet

Paula Danziger (1944–2004), children’s author who wrote more than 30 books, including her 1974 debut young adult novel, “The Cat Ate My Gymsuit”

Gail Fisher (1935–2000), first black actress to win an Emmy

Thomas Mundy Peterson (1824–1904), first African-American to vote in an election under the just-enacted provisions of the
15th Amendment to the US Constitution

Quinn Shephard (b. 1995), actress, writer, director and producer, whose directorial debut film “Blame” was shot in Metuchen

Learn More: downtownmetuchen.org

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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