Helmetta

If any community in America can lay claim to being founded on tobacco, Helmetta, a borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey, can. Snuff and other chewing tobacco products were produced at the G. W. Helme Snuff Mill District for nearly a century and a half. The mill opened in the 1820s and closed in 1993, but still looms large over the neighborhood. A drive down the community’s abundantly tree-lined Main Street will give you small-town USA vibes as you pass where the old snuff mill used to operate, now turned into luxury rental apartments. Across the way was Bo’s General Store, which shuttered in 2003 — the spot was the site of Helmetta’s general store since the 1800s. And the borough is proud of its small-town status. When asked what words best describe Helmetta, Mayor Christopher Slavicek says. “Small town, big heart. I often refer to our community as a Hallmark-style movie. Hallmark in Helmetta.”

The median price for a home in Helmetta is $254,900 and nearly 75% of residents own their house. According to Slavicek, the housing styles vary. “Being it’s an old factory town, the housing is a combination of row-style housing and quaint neighborhoods,” he explains. Since Helmetta is small, less than a square mile, Century 21 Realtor Chris Geist says don’t expect big lots. “Older towns like this were densely populated,” he says. “Everything leads up to Main Street. It cuts the town. This is Mayberry, 2023. You’ve got one church, one liquor store, one grocery store.” He adds that there are more condos and apartments in the neighborhood and newer homes don’t exist. Helmetta is conveniently situated — exit 8A on the New Jersey Turnpike is less than 5 miles, connecting you to Philadelphia, 57 miles, and New York City, 44 miles.

Kids living in Helmetta can attend Spotswood Public School District schools, which received a B from Niche. E.R. Appleby Elementary School and Spotswood Memorial Middle School have B-minus grades from Niche. Students can receive more attention considering the 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio at both schools. Spotswood High School also has small class sizes, 12-to-1, and earned a B-plus Niche rating. Additionally, with more than 26 extracurricular clubs, including Youth in Government and Snow Sports Club, parents can be confident their teens will keep busy after school. “The school system offers a robust opportunity for the kids with sports, theater and academic extracurricular programs,” Slavicek says.

The nearby Jamesburg Park Conservation Area is an outdoor wonderland for those who love serene green spaces and wetlands. Stretching across more than 1,400 acres, the Jamesburg Park Conservation Area is the northernmost portion of New Jersey Pine Barrens. You will find fragrant pine and Atlantic white cedar trees and towering post oaks within the park. On the hiking trails, you’ll run across blueberries, huckleberries, and cranberry bogs covering portions of the wetlands. Shutterbugs will love the photo opportunities of nature and wildlife and hikers will be ecstatic about the miles of trails. Anglers will love dropping a line at Helmetta Lake Park. This 38-acre lake features piers, docks and a public boat launch. Largemouth bass tend to be the catch of the day.

Combining two regional favorites is just what you’ll need after hiking at the park. The gooey American cheese mixed with peppers, onions and steak will excite your tastebuds as you grab a slice of Villa Borghese II’s cheesesteak pizza. The Mayor’s go-to slice? “I’d have to say the white pizza — with or without broccoli is delicious,” Slavicek says. For those who love cooking at home, the closest grocery stores are the Shop Rite of Spotswood and the Jamesburg Deli & Grocery. The closest mall is the Brunswick Square Mall in East Brunswick — 14 miles away.

So, what does a typical Helmetta day look like? “To quote the late Mr. Rogers, ‘It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,’” Slavicek explains. “You’ll always catch neighbors milling around their yards giving a wave, dog walkers, kids riding bicycles, neighbors walking to the post office, the Conrail train passing by and church bells ringing.” Slavicek says he’s used to it, but newcomers will know when the train comes; it shakes and rattles the homes.

Written By

Robb Crocker

Video By

Antoine Allen