Tinton Falls, NJ

Tinton Falls became a municipality in 1950, containing high density housing for military families and civil servants who worked at nearby military bases. In the midst of the beautiful farmland sprung a population of 3,500 which has evolved today to a rural community of families and commuters enjoying the countryside.

A historic district comprised of 21 points of historic and archaeological significance within the borough includes the site of an applejack distillery, a seventeenth century grist mill, a mineral spring and a blacksmith shop. The Pine Brook Waterfall anchors the historic district and is known to be the highest waterfall on New Jersey's coastal plain.

Monmouth's Festival of the Arts, a juried art show exhibiting some of the finest local talent, is held every year as an initiative to support art and art education in the community. Over 2000 visitors flock to the area for the event.

A variety of restaurants sit in and within the outlet mall as well in the nearby foodie destination of Red Bank. There are also some good options right in Tinton Falls. Dubbed "the altar of sushi heaven" by Asbury Park Press, Kanji serves up fresh sushi, steaks and entertaining hibachi. With clean lines and a modern ambiance, the restaurant's decor matches its attention to food presentation. Kanji's volcano roll proves to be the best in the area; other options include a traditional bento box with shrimp shumai, vegetable tempura, a California roll and white rice.

For those interested in cooking, Mumford's Culinary Center brings culinary school right to the table. Students of all levels are welcome to join a class alongside the chef to prepare delicious fare you can replicate at home. Mumford's serves up breakfast and lunch with favorites such as a stuffed avocado or a walnut raisin bread French toast. Daily specials include innovative variations on traditional favorites in a cozy bistro setting.

If you're looking to grab a beer after hours, stop by The Pour House, which features an extensive drink menu and friendly service. With exposed beams, stained glass and slate brick walls, the atmosphere continues to be a favorite with the locals. Whether you're after one of the 15 beers on tap, a carafe of wine or a mixed drink, The Pour House has both the ambiance and local crowd that makes for a great night out.

Tinton Falls spans four parkway exits from 100 to 109 on the Garden State Parkway. Major county routes 547 and 537 pass through the borough. With so many thoroughfares remaining accessible, many commuter families have moved to the area to share in the rural landscape and the convenience of commuting.

The Academy Bus Company runs service to New York City and NJ Transit offers rail service on the North Jersey Coast Line in nearby Red Bank. Uber does not service this rural area and taxi service continues to be available with call ahead service. With most of the area being rural a community, streets are walkable and safe for cyclists.

With a dozen area parks among the rural landscapes, finding a place to take the kids or a good trail to run remains effortless. Hockhockson Park contains three lighted baseball fields, a basketball court, playground, tot-lot and concession stand. Atchison Fields houses two soccer fields, tennis courts, picnic area, and nature trails for walking, hiking and biking. The parks are free and open throughout the year. Dogs are welcome at all borough parks on leash with Liberty Park containing an enclosed off leash dog park.

The Recreation Department provides educational and recreational opportunities like art classes, basketball camps and dance classes for both adults and children. An annual 5K run/walk event raising money for Tinton Falls Excellence in Education, a non profit organization dedicated to supplementing funding to teachers, students and the community is held every fall and attracts droves of community members. In step with the event, The Pour House offers an after party with $1 drafts and soft drinks, bringing the community together for a day of fun for a cause.

With close proximity to both city and shore, star school systems and an overall family vibe, Tinton Falls continues to attract growing families looking to put down their roots in a beautiful rural setting. This makes for a higher cost of living, with a 20 percent jump over the state's average. A one bedroom residence rents for nearly $1300 a month, coming in well above other municipalities.

A train ticket to New York City costs $15 one way and gas prices run about 10 percent less than the national average. A beer runs $6 at a local pub or bar.

The Jersey Shore Premium Outlets remains Tinton Falls number one attraction. With its location right off of the Garden State Parkway, it serves as a stop for commuters traveling through the area to get to the beach as well as a destination for a shopping day. Within its village setting find over 120 stores and a food court. Stores include Adidas, Coach, Swarovski and Kenneth Cole, with Auntie Anne's, Nathan's Hot Dogs and Dairy Queen for concessions.

Find Hannah Andersson within the outlet mall, featuring organic cotton sleepwear for the munchkins, notably durable clothing for the kids and even mother-daughter outfits. Known for its affordable prices and killer sales, Hannah has garnered itself a cult following among mothers looking for quality pieces for their children.

Kate Spade also has an outlet store location housed within the village's walls. Known for her clean designs, bold styles and structured bags, Kate Spade continues to be a designer for the fashion forward woman. Find leather bags, wallets and accessories at this store chock full with discounted pieces from her collection.

A&P serves the community with its grocery store on Shrewsbury Ave. and nearby you will find Trader Joes, a specialty grocer quickly becoming known for its quality, affordable prices and quirky atmosphere.

A 20 minute drive away, Delicious Orchards Market houses 60,000 square feet of fresh produce, baked goods made on-site and a bountiful meat and cheese selection. This is not your average grocery store, with specialty items abounding. Pecan pie cream cheese, Guatemalan coffee and famous apple cider donuts keep this market packed throughout the year. The fresh juice bar and cafe add a nice touch in the warmer months, where sitting under the maple trees adds an extra plus to this shopping experience.