Aberdeen Township

Journey back to the late 17th century, to the shores of what is now Aberdeen Township, New Jersey. Scottish settlers, seeking refuge from religious persecution in their homeland, began to arrive. They named this area “New Aberdeen”, a tribute to the city they left behind. Aberdeen Township, as it’s known today, officially became a township much later, in 1857. It originally included the land that now makes up Matawan Borough. However, Matawan split from Aberdeen Township in 1895, establishing its own separate identity. Aberdeen Township sits within the Raritan Valley region and the New York Metropolitan Area. It shares borders with Old Bridge Township and even has a maritime border with Staten Island. This location places Aberdeen Township firmly within the bustling energy of the New York Metropolitan Area. The township has played a role in regional development efforts. It was part of the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan, an initiative involving nine municipalities. This plan aimed to revitalize the area’s economy. The focus was on boosting traditional downtowns, residential neighborhoods, and the natural beauty of the Raritan Bay coastline. Aberdeen Township also collaborated with Matawan on transit-oriented development around the Aberdeen-Matawan train station. This shows the township’s commitment to growth and progress. Today, Aberdeen Township covers 5.4 square miles and encompasses a variety of communities. These include Cliffwood, Cliffwood Beach, Freneau, Oakshades, River Gardens, Strathmore, Santa Fe Junction, and Woodfield. The township is served by three different ZIP codes: 07721, 07735, and 07747. This diverse township has a rich history, shaped by Scottish settlers, regional planning efforts, and its convenient location near major metropolitan hubs.