History
Long Branch, located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, has a long and fascinating history as a beach resort town. The area was initially settled by colonists in 1668, who purchased the land from the Delaware Indians. Its name comes from its location along a branch of the South Shrewsbury River that flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
In the 19th century, Long Branch became a popular destination for theatrical performers and wealthy visitors. It also hosted several United States presidents such as Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Woodrow Wilson and James Buchanan. Today, visitors can still see many historic landmarks that have been preserved throughout the city’s rich past.
Despite facing economic decline and urban decay in the mid-20th century, Long Branch underwent revitalization efforts to preserve its history and enhance its modern amenities. As a result of community restoration efforts over the years, it remains an attractive destination for travelers seeking sun-drenched beaches and historical charm.
Population
Keyport, a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 7,200 residents is often referred to as “The Pearl of the Bayshore” and “Gateway to the Bayshore”.
It was established as a borough in 1908 from parts of Raritan Township (now Hazlet) and located on Raritan Bayshore. Since the year 2000, Keyport’s population has decreased somewhat from its recorded 2000 count of 7,568.
With a population density of 6,696.9 people per square mile, Keyport’s racial background data shows that it comprises mainly of whites at 75.9%, followed by Hispanics/Latinos at 11.1%. Blacks or African Americans account for about 7.5% while Asians account for around 3.6%. The remaining percentage is made up of other races.
Health
Keyport’s health stats and healthcare system are part of the larger Monmouth County and New Jersey context.
- Life expectancy: 80.3 years for New Jersey, 80.7 years for Monmouth County
- Infant mortality: 4.2 deaths per 1,000 live births for New Jersey, 3.8 deaths per 1,000 live births for Monmouth County
- Cancer incidence: 477.9 cases per 100,000 population for New Jersey, 489.5 cases per 100,000 population for Monmouth County
- Diabetes prevalence: 9.4% of adults for New Jersey, 8.5% of adults for Monmouth County
- Obesity prevalence: 25.7% of adults for New Jersey, 23.6% of adults for Monmouth County
Bayshore Community Hospital is a top-tier hospital with all-encompassing emergency and surgery services. The hospital delivers cardiology, cancer, and rehabilitation services as well. Keyport Medical Group is a community primary care clinic, providing preventive care, chronic disease management for patients with acute illnesses. Equally impressive, they are available to serve families or individuals within the community.
Keyport Dental Associates offers cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and general oral hygiene procedures while utilizing advanced diagnostic technology to ensure quality oral healthcare for all their clients. Its friendly staff and compassionate approach make it an excellent experience for anyone in need of such services.
Keyport Counseling Center (KCC) is an essential establishment that is fully accredited in mental health practice. As a result of its devoted staff offering individual therapy, medication management alongside family therapy groups and specialized evaluations from certified psychiatrists.
Education
Keyport School District provides education from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, with two schools – Keyport Central School (PK-8) and Keyport High School (9-12). The district also has a sending/receiving relationship with Union Beach, where some students attend Keyport High School. As of the latest report, the district has 960 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1. The student body is 54.7% White, 7.9% Black, 3.6% Asian, 33.8% Hispanic, and less than 1% other races.
While the minority enrollment in the district is at around 50%, state test scores show that only about 34% of students are proficient in Math while about half are proficient in Reading (49%). However, the graduation rate for the district is between 85-89%. Over five school years, this rate has stayed relatively flat.
In addition to its regular curriculum, Keyport School District offers programs and activities like advanced placement courses, dual enrollment courses, career and technical education courses as well as athletics and clubs for students’ development and engagement. Keyport High School’s student’s average SAT score is at around an equivalent of a total score of 1040 out of their scale of a maximum available score of 1600.
Transport
Within the context of Monmouth County and New Jersey, commuting times have increased each year since 2010. The average one-way commute time in Keyport is 29.3 minutes, which is slightly higher than the nationwide average of 26.4 minutes. As per statistics, a major chunk of commuters (71.8%) in Keyport travel alone, followed by carpooling (10%), working from home (7.5%), utilizing public transportation for jobs (6.2%), walking (2.9%), and other means (1.6%).
Keyport’s transportation options encompass NJ Transit buses and trains that link this town with neighboring communities within Monmouth County as well as New York City. Hazlet Station stands out as the nearest train station to Keyport, situated just about three miles away; whereas ferry services are available at Atlantic Highlands and Highlands for access to Manhattan.
Roads, bridges, sidewalks, bike lanes are important components of the transport system in Keyport for convenient commuting both within and outside of its territories. Some major roadways that pass through or near Keyport include Route 35, Route 36, County Route 516 among others.
Points of Interest
Keyport, New Jersey, is a town that offers a range of tourist attractions and a great place to suit different interests. For those seeking waterfront dining and entertainment, BaySide is a popular spot that hosts live music performances, karaoke sessions, trivia nights, and provides stunning views of Raritan Bay. Nature lovers can visit Keyport Waterfront Park with its fishing pier, playground area, gazebo, boardwalk, and memorial garden.
A trip to the oldest operating lighthouse in America – the Sandy Hook Lighthouse – located on the Sandy Hook Peninsula within Gateway National Recreation Area is another must-see destination for customers.
For those interested in cultural offerings, Keyport houses the Islamic Center Of Old Bridge which serves as a mosque and community center for Muslims residing in Keyport and neighboring areas. Similarly, the Second Baptist Church adds historical and architectural significance to the town with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Mogul Productions is also based in Keyport and specializes in Bollywood movie production.
In terms of recreational activities offered by the town include Wagner’s Twin Towers Marina which lets visitors rent boats or book fishing charters or jet ski trips. McDonagh’s Restaurant & Pub Keyport NJ serves traditional Irish pub fare along with live entertainment acts while Keyport FunHouse Boutique & Studio offers painting and pottery classes/workshops as well as party services. The boat tour company – Keyport Princess – takes guests on sightseeing cruises or private charters; water sports enthusiasts can check out Jersey Jet Ski which provides jet ski rentals while Double Down II Sport Fishing Charters offers half-day/full-day fishing trips catering to various fish species.
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