Avenel is home to over 17,000 locals less than 25 miles south of New York City in northern New Jersey. The city landscape is a mix of urban and suburban atmospheres, with homes mixed into several thoroughfares lined with restaurants. “Avenel is a subsection of Woodbridge Township,” says Pete Maimone, a Realtor with Gloria Zastko Realtors. “It’s got a nice little downtown, which a lot of people like. There’s an art center and community theater. It’s a real good commuter location. There are plenty of stores, shops and parks, and a lot of shopping and a lot of food.” The vibrant mix of local establishments add flair to the largely residential area, with restaurants and stores running through the heart of suburban blocks on Avenel Street.
The vibrant mural on the streets of Avenel adds a touch of artistic beauty to the community.
Avenel offers residents a suburban rural mix feel.
1/2
A housing landscape with suburban and city elements
Most housing in Avenel is concentrated in the southwest part of the city, with single-family homes occupying a majority of the landscape there and beyond into Woodbridge Township. “Avenel has a very strong housing landscape,” Maimone says. “Everything I’ve listed out there goes for list price or above. It’s a healthy mix – we have the term urban-suburban, where it’s suburban-style housing but with a little influence of the city.” Homebuyers can find an assortment of colonial-style homes, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes in Avenel, and properties have a median price of about $440,000. Single-family homes often range from about $450,000 to around $600,000, and many date to the middle of the 20th century. The west side of Avenel is primarily residential, with sidewalk-lined suburban streets mingling with the main thoroughfares and restaurants.
Temperatures consistently dip below freezing in the winter, and Avenel averages several inches of rain across many months of the year. Its average snowfall in January often approaches half a foot.
Avenel homes are perfect for families seeking comfort and a peaceful atmosphere.
Avenel is a nice mix of older and newer homes.
1/2
Commuting via highways and state routes
Part of U.S. Route 9, which in its entirety runs for over 500 miles from southern Delaware to near the Canadian border, passes through Avenel. Newark is less than 15 miles north of the city via Route 9, while New York City sits less than 25 miles in the same direction and Trenton is under 50 miles south. However, traffic can make for longer drives. “Routes 1 and 9 are the closest,” Maimone says. “The 1 and 9 exchange is right there at the beginning of Avenel. The Garden State Parkway is nearby and there’s easy access into Staten Island.”
Residents can get on Interstate 95 via two nearby interchanges, both around 5 miles or less from central Avenel. Commuting into both major cities is common for Avenel residents, who can reach the larger areas by car or train. The Avenel station services NJ Transit rail travel, and buses run along St. Georges Avenue on the west side. Commuters are able to get into cities like New York within driving distance, and nearby employers include the city’s Amazon Fulfillment Center.
Bustling thoroughfares lined with dining options
Several main roads operate in tandem as hubs for shopping and dining in Avenel, and locals are often just a short drive, or even walk, away from restaurants depending on where they live. On the west side, St. Georges Avenue is lined with chain restaurants, while to its east Route 9 has Mexican and seafood eateries. Italian and Portuguese food can be found on Rahway Avenue, and all three primary thoroughfares are lined west-to-east by Avenel Street. International restaurants, pizza stops and delis are all among the options on the road sharing its name with the city. Grocery shoppers can head to a Lidl, ShopRite or Wegmans, all of which are less than 5 miles from the center of Avenel.
Sorrento's Pizzeria on Avenel Street beckons with its inviting ambiance
The Spanish Restaurant III has a fresh hot selection of your favorite spanish food in Avenel, NJ
1/2
Nearby wildlife preserves lined with trails
The Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve is the largest recreational space within the city. Trails, ponds, swampy areas and thickets of trees make up the landscape of the preserve, where visitors can walk along the paths and observe wildlife in a variety of ecosystems. “There’s plenty of recreation and plenty of activities,” Maimone says. On the north end of the city, along the Rahway River, Joseph Medwick Park and Hawk Rise Sanctuary offer more space to get outdoors. Skaters hit the ramps and rails at Woodbridge Skate Park on the south end of Avenel, and several other parks scattered around the area mean residents aren’t far from places to stay active.
Tennis courts are available in Merrill Park in Woodbridge, NJ.
Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve in Avenel is a popular spot for watching wildlife and walking.
1/2
Local theater, artwork and more
The Avenel Performing Arts Center serves as a hub for creativity in Woodbridge Township, while more community events are hosted by the township at large. “The bigger festivals are conducted by Woodbridge Township,” Maimone says. “Woodbridge is a huge township. They’ve got parks all over the place, live music going on at Parker Press Park, and more.” An Earth Day festival, a celebration commemorating the summertime and more are among local staples. BarronFest brings out local artisans to sell their creations, and locals can browse art, handmade items and more.
An expansive school district in the area
The Woodbridge Township School District serves the Avenel area and receives a B-plus rating from Niche. The district enrolls more than 13,000 students and encompasses 16 elementary schools, five middle schools and three high schools. Private schools in the surrounding include the St. James School, which gets an A-minus from Niche, and the A-plus-rated Overlake Preparatory Academy. Berkeley College Woodbridge Campus is about 3 miles south of central Avenel.
Avenel Middle School is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
John F Kennedy Memorial High School serves the Avenel community.
1/2
Increases in criminal offenses in the township
The Woodbridge Township Police Department serves the Avenel area. According to the latest information available from the FBI crime database, the department recorded increases in both violent and property crime from 2022 to 2023.
I’m a real estate professional and entrepreneur with a degree in Global Supply Chain Management. With over $40 million in closed real estate sales, I bring a strategic, results-driven approach to every transaction.
I currently manage a real estate company that has been proudly serving the community for over 55 years. In addition, I own a contracting and property management company, as well as a title company—allowing me to offer a full-service experience from acquisition to closing and beyond.
I also serve as a Commissioner on the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency, where I’m actively involved in driving responsible development and revitalization throughout the city.
With a passion for real estate and a deep commitment to my community, I’m focused on delivering exceptional results while helping shape a stronger, more vibrant future.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
