Welcome to New Providence
The history of New Providence can be first traced back to 1664 when James, Duke of York and brother to King Charles II, purchased the land from Native Americans. Situated on the western slope of the Watchung Mountains, it is no wonder why this piece of land was so attractive. Today, the small town of New Providence is famous for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and charming downtown center. Only 28 miles west of Midtown Manhattan, this town offers families plenty of green spaces, outstanding schools, excellent hiking trails, bike paths, fishing streams, and over 2,000 acres of the historical Watchung Reservation. Additionally, this close knit community offers a variety of festivals, summer concert series, street fairs, and an annual fishing derby.
Schools
Recently ranked in the top 10% best school districts in New Jersey by Niche.com, The New Providence School District has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence.
Commute
There are two train stations offered to town residents. Both the New Providence Station and Murray Hill Station have direct lines to Manhattan and Hoboken on the NJ Transit Gladstone Branch Line.
If commuting by car, New Providence offers easy access to routes I-78, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Garden State Parkway.
Restaurants and Shopping
Boasting darling ice cream shops, diners, Italian eateries, craft breweries, and American cafe’s, New Providence has no shortage of restaurants. Founded over 80 years ago in Irvington, the gourmet grocery store, Barth’s Market, relocated to New Providence in the ’60s. Today, you can find artisan butchers, specialty seafoods and locally sourced produce, poke bowls, fabulous sandwiches, and much more.
The Village Shopping Center located on Springfield Avenue offers a variety of novelty stores, markets, and clothing boutiques. New Providence’s downtown business district owes its success to its’ Business and Professional Association, a group of merchants and professionals who have come together to make New Providence a premiere shopping destination. The Association sponsors and organizes a wonderful Farmer’s Market that sells fresh fruits, vegetables, pies, and specialty items.
Recreation
The town’s Recreation Department sponsors a variety of activities throughout the year including summer camps, youth and adult leagues, and sports programs. The Recreation Department maintains three playgrounds, an ice skating rink, eight baseball fields, and eight public tennis courts in addition to a community pool that has two Olympic-sized pools, a kiddie pool, basketball court, shuffleboard, and eight tennis courts. New Providence also borders the 2000+ acre Watchung Reservation, which is the largest park in Union County containing over 6 miles of hiking trails, horse trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Oakwood Park Complex (athletic fields, basketball court, a nature trail, ice skating ponds, bocce court, horseshoe pit, snackbar, and canoeing)
- Watchung Reservation (hiking trails, spraygrounds, dog parks, gardens, ice skating, nature center, deserted village, horse stables, science and nature center, archery range, and golf courses)