Eatontown, NJ

A former home to the U.S. Army's Fort Monmouth, Eatontown has remained a base of sorts for army personnel. Until its closure in 2011, the town was also home to the United State Military Academy Preparatory School, a training center for freshman entering at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The town's population has remained steady throughout the century, and local business and the nearby Jersey Shore has kept the economy thriving.

An area rich in history, the Monmouth County area takes pride in preserving local relics. Housed in a family home dating back to the 1700's, The Eatontown Historical Museum opens itself the first Sunday of the month. Tour the home, furnished with artifacts collected from Eatontown residents from days gone by for a rich look into the town's heritage.

Restaurant options abound in Eatontown and surrounding towns, no need to travel for a good meal here. World renowned chef Bobby Flay opened up Bobby's Burger Palace, a funky burger joint serving Bobby's juicy burgers and fries. Large communal tables and funky 70's decor combine with inventive flavors and a laid back vibe to make this a local favorite. The Crunchburger, the signature menu offering comes complete with a hearty burger stacked with cheese and potato chips between two toasted buns.

For an authentic Thai meal, Bangkok House will transport you right back to Asia. Find fragrant dishes, faint string music, and a relaxing atmosphere as you walk through the doors of this traditional Asian restaurant. Try the classic dishes such as pad thai or a green curry for a sure bet.

Bars in Eatontown can be found every other block and nearby Red Bank houses a raucous district of lounges and clubs. Close to home, The Nip-N-Tuck houses a cozy dive bar rife with drink specials and guffawing locals. The dark wood and the low lighting make the spot a great place for canoodling in the corner while using their pool table or playing a game of darts. The highlight of the bar has to be an old school jukebox packed with the songs you want to hear. The 12 taps of craft beers and chill atmosphere bring droves of beer aficionados to this local watering hole.

A car will be necessary for getting around the neighborhood. County routes 537 and 547 pass directly through the town, and the Garden State Parkway can be found at Exit 105. Commuting remains a viable option to nearby cities because of the close proximity to major thoroughfares. The residential areas have ample space for walking, while bike lanes are provided with expansion underway.

NJ Transit provides local bus service and commuter stations have locations in nearby Long Branch and Red Bank offering rail service. Cab stands can be found at the train stations and can pick up with call ahead service. Uber does not operate in the area.

Wolcott Park has something for everyone within its facilities. A covered pavilion, bocce courts, grills, shuffleboard, playground and tennis courts draw locals to bask in the parks serenity. For the fitness enthusiast, nearby Leon Smock 80 Acre Park offers nature trails for running, hiking and cycling alongside baseball and soccer fields. Wolf Hill Recreation area has an enclosed 4 acre dog park where dogs can run free off leash.

Every October, the town converges on Wolcott Park for the annual Eatontown Community Day. Kids rides, live music, food vendors, and hay rides make for a fun family day out in support of local business and the community. A pumpkin decorating contest and displays by local ambulance and fire trucks draw a crowds of families with children.

Living in Eatontown carries with it a higher cost of living, but the trade-off lies within the amenities of the neighborhood and surrounding area. The average one bedroom residence costs $1122 a month.

A train ride to New York City's Penn Station costs about $15, while gas prices stick to 10 percent lower than the national average. A beer at a local pub or bar will set you back $6.

Eatontown houses The Monmouth Mall, the fourth largest shopping mall in the state. Home to a collection of 120 places to shop and eat, the property also contains a multiplex movie theater featuring 15 screens and seven restaurants on the premises.

Outside the mall, Cherry Pick Children's Consignment and Specialty Boutique offers high end, competitively priced children's clothing, accessories, gifts, and equipment. Brand name new clothing lines the shelves alongside gently used, affordable items on consignment. With a chic and trendy atmosphere matching its clothing, Cherry Pick has a recipe for an engaging shopping trip.

Earth Treasures Jewelers located on Route 35 has a selection of gemstones, diamonds and sterling silver available for perusal. With a never ending selection and a wide array of eclectic choices and friendly personnel, the store remains a local favorite for fine jewelry.

Acme has a grocery store on Broad Street, and a Trader Joes can be found a few miles away in Shrewsbury. The company prides themselves in offering value and quality wrapped up in a quirky and fun atmosphere.

Eatontown Downtown Farmers Market hosts a Sunday market at the Wampum Park from June to October. Residents find locally grown organic produce, fresh honey, and baked goods under the tent. Affordable prices and support of local farms make this market a popular one with the locals.