Middlesex

Middlesex County runs on Rutgers energy, diverse food, and a lot of personality. New Brunswick is a proper college city, the State Theatre hosts major acts, and the restaurant scene covers everything from landmark Hungarian spots to some of the best Filipino cooking in Jersey. Perth Amboy has a beautiful historic waterfront on the Raritan Bay and a food scene that reflects one of the most diverse cities in the state. And Metuchen – the “Brainy Borough” – has a small, walkable downtown with exactly the kind of independent shops you’re looking for.