The County's 21 municipalities contain a diversity of landscape, population and development that reflects the varied lifestyles of its 300,000 residents. As one of America's oldest counties, Somerset is steeped in colonial and Revolutionary War history with monuments, historic sites and buildings found in virtually every town. The County has preserved more than 4,000 acres of farmland through its Agriculture Development Program. The Surrounding Area Newark, New Jersey's largest urban center, is just a short 25 miles from Basking Ridge. After decades of decline and disinvestment, Newark today is attracting national attention for its ongoing rebirth and renewal.
Population is on the rise.
Businesses are relocating to Newark and significant educational reforms are underway. In the heart of the downtown district flows the Passaic River, now the focus of a waterfront restoration and development project. The reality of Newark is of a city on the rise. Newark has arts, sports, and entertainment facilities that rival or exceed those found in far larger cities. The most admired are the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Newark Museum, the New Jersey Historical Society, and the Newark Public Library.