Freehold is a township with a historic downtown center in Monmouth County, central New Jersey, United States. It was founded in 1683, making it one of the oldest settlements in the state. Freehold has become popular for the historic Freehold Raceway. This place is a half-mile harness racing track where races took place since the late 19th century.
In recent decades residential development has overtaken farming as the main land use in Freehold Township. The Freehold Health and Racquet Club, housing developments, and office centers now characterize much of Freehold's landscape.
Freehold Township has a total population of 34,576 residents according to the 2022 U.S. Census, making it one of the larger suburbs of Monmouth County.
Here is a breakdown of the racial distribution in Freehold by percentage of the total population:
| Race | Percentage |
| White | 59.86% |
| Other race | 20.34% |
| Black or African American | 12.62% |
| Two or more races | 3.57% |
| Asian | 1.97% |
| Native American | 1.64% |
While Freehold has a white majority, no single racial group makes up more than 60% of the population. The "other race" category and racial minorities collectively account for over 40% of Freehold's residents, indicating significant racial diversity.
At Ethos Spa, we’re committed to providing you with the best cosmetic treatments that are guaranteed to be safe and effective for your skincare needs. Book a session now with us and start your journey towards seeing your best skin yet.
Freehold Township's history dates back to the colonial era. Here are some key historical events and milestones of Freehold:
| Period | Event |
| Freehold Township Formation (October 31, 1693) | Freehold Township was first formed on October 31, 1693, and was incorporated as a township by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. Portions of Freehold Township were taken to form Upper Freehold Township (c. 1731). |
| Incorporation of Freehold Borough (March 25, 1879) | Freehold Borough was originally incorporated as a town by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 25, 1879. It was then reincorporated as a separate municipality from Freehold Township on April 15, 1919. |
| Freehold as County Seat (1715) | Freehold became the county seat of Monmouth County in 1715. |
| Early Center of Business and Social Activities | Freehold, also known as Monmouth Courthouse in the early days, became an early center of business and social activities. |
| Victorian-Era Homes | Freehold Borough is known for its Victorian-era homes. |
| Freeholds Region as Commercial Hub | The Freeholds region, which includes the borough and Freehold Township, is a commercial hub for central New Jersey. |
| Public Advancements (1883) | By 1883, there was an electrical grid and a telephone switchboard in Freehold, at a time when these inventions were still brand new. These public advancements caused rapid growth in the area. |
| Vredenberg Rifles Parade (1898) | In 1898, the Vredenberg Rifles, Company E, marched down Main Street in Freehold in a parade during the Spanish-American War. |
Freehold offers ample shopping, dining, and entertainment options for a town of its size. The Freehold Raceway Mall, golf courses, parks, and nature trails give residents things to do.
Historic downtown Freehold features unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The cost of living in Freehold is affordable compared to New Jersey as a whole, with lower housing costs. This makes Freehold attainable for many individuals and families.
The public schools in the Township of Freehold are highly rated compared to other districts in the county and state. This contributes to Freehold's desirability for families with children.
Freehold also ranks well in terms of diversity, with a range of ethnicities, cultures, incomes, and lifestyles represented among its population.
The combination of recreational amenities, affordable cost of living, good schools, and cultural diversity come together to provide a good to high quality of life for residents, especially for families. The historic charm and small-town feel enhance residents' experience of community in Freehold.
Healthcare in Freehold, NJ is provided by various medical facilities and practitioners. Here are some key points about healthcare in Freehold based on the search results:
At Ethos Spa, we’ll be glad to assist you in determining the right treatment plan for your skincare needs. Visit the Ethos Spa clinic nearest you or contact us today to know what service best fits your skin concerns.
Freehold Township is served by two school districts: the Freehold Township School District, and the Freehold Borough School District.
The Freehold Township School District is the largest district, serving over 3,400 students from pre-K through 8th grade across six schools. The district includes Joseph J. Catena School, Leonardo Elementary School, West Freehold Elementary School, and others.
The Freehold Borough School District has three schools that serve students from pre-K through 8th grade. These institutions provide students with a comprehensive curriculum and various co-curricular activities.
High school students typically attend Freehold Township High School which offers a wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.
Tertiary students can attend the Brookdale Community College which has a location in Freehold called Brookdale at Freehold. This institution offers a variety of courses and programs for Freehold college students.
According to school ratings, some of the highest-rated schools in Freehold include Joseph J. Catena School and West Freehold Elementary School, both with ratings of 8 out of 10.
Freehold Township has numerous attractions and activities that cater to both residents and visitors. Some of the noteworthy spots and experiences in the region include:
Freehold is a prosperous township that values both its heritage and modernity, while also anticipating a bright future. The town's cultural diversity, warm community, and fascinating history come together to form a tapestry of experiences that define its distinct character, where the past and present coexist harmoniously.
