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Rumson, NJ

Area Guide

An idyllic suburb on the cusp of Manhattan

Upscale Luxurious Suburban

Tucked between the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers in Monmouth County, Rumson is a small New Jersey borough where tree-lined streets and waterfront views set the tone for everyday life. The borough sits within the New York Metropolitan Area, and Manhattan is reachable in roughly an hour by car, ferry, or commuter rail from nearby stations in Little Silver and Red Bank. That accessibility, combined with Rumson's quiet, riverside setting, gives the area a character all its own. Monmouth University is just a short drive away, adding a dose of academic energy to the broader region.

Rumson's six parks and its position along two rivers make outdoor pursuits a natural part of the routine, from boating and fishing to waterfront strolls. River Road connects the borough's small commercial pockets, where local shops and cafes give the town a low-key, walkable feel. Neighboring Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach offer quick access to the Atlantic shore.

The rental landscape here leans toward spacious single-family homes and classic colonial-style residences, reflecting the borough's established, residential character. Charming rental homes and occasional apartment communities offer a range of options for those looking to settle into one of New Jersey's most storied riverfront communities.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$228,845

Average: $224,484

Education

3,705

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

3,249

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

42 Years

Largest Age Group

15-24 Years

Approximately 18% of Residents

Under 20

28%

Over 65

16%

Housing Distribution

Rumson has more homeowners than renters.

Renters
10%
Non-Renters
90%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
49%
Other Education
51%

Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

30 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

90 / 100

Fairly Bikeable

Bikeability

50 / 100

Schools

Deane-Porter Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

384 Students

Forrestdale Middle School

Public

Grades K-8

525 Students

Forrestdale Middle School

Public

Grades K-8

525 Students

Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School

Public

Grades 9-12

876 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Huber Woods Environmental Center
  • Hartshorne Woods Park
  • Twin Lights State Historic Site
  • Murray Farmhouse and Barn
  • Poricy Brook Fossil Beds

Airports

  • John F Kennedy International
  • Newark Liberty International

Top Apartments in Rumson

Houses for Rent in Rumson

Living in Rumson

History

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Rumson traces its roots to 1907, when the borough separated from Shrewsbury Township to become its own municipality. The name itself is believed to derive from either a local Native American term or the Scottish word for red, referencing the area's distinctive soil. Today, the borough's riverside setting along the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers reflects its long connection to maritime activity and waterfront living.

While Rumson developed primarily as a residential community, its location near historic sites like Twin Lights State Historic Site offers connections to the region's broader maritime heritage. The area maintains its small-town character through preserved neighborhoods and local landmarks, with River Road serving as the main corridor linking the community's historic core. The architectural landscape features elegant homes and tree-lined streets that speak to the borough's early 20th-century development.

Transportation

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Rumson is a small, upscale borough on the Jersey Shore that residents largely navigate by car. Route 520 and Route 35 are the main roads connecting Rumson to surrounding Monmouth County communities. For commuters heading to New York City, NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line stops in nearby Red Bank and Little Silver, offering a direct rail connection to Manhattan. The Garden State Parkway and Route 36 provide broader regional highway access. While Rumson's quiet, tree-lined streets are pleasant for walking and cycling within the borough, most daily errands and longer trips require a vehicle. Newark Liberty International Airport is about an hour away, and Monmouth Executive Airport serves smaller regional flights nearby.

Parks

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Rumson's park scene is defined by its scenic waterfront setting along the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. Victory Park serves as a community gathering spot with open fields and recreational space, while the borough's tree-lined streets and riverfront access provide a naturally green backdrop for outdoor enjoyment. Nearby Fair Haven Fields Natural Area offers scenic wooded hiking just a short drive away. Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, is also within easy reach and features beaches, nature trails, and sweeping views of the Atlantic coast.

Highlights

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Rumson, NJ, is an upscale borough on the Jersey Shore nestled between the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers, offering scenic waterfront views and easy access to beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches. With a charming downtown, top-rated schools, and a quick commute to New York City via the nearby rail line, Rumson combines coastal living with suburban convenience, making it one of Monmouth County's most desirable addresses.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.