New Jersey’s apartment market has been inundated with urban enthusiasts seeking the excitement of thriving downtown districts where there’s easy access to popular lifestyle elements and a close proximity to mass transportation into the work centers of Manhattan.

Fueling this trend are young single professionals and couples who have traditionally focused their attention on city centers like Hoboken and Morristown which have long been known as hubs for shopping and dining and home to vibrant nightlife scenes.   The lure of these two locales has created a crowded and ultra-competitive rental market with escalating prices and high demand.  In fact, both Hoboken and Morristown rank in the top 5 of highest monthly median gross rent in the state, according to recent U.S. Census data.

These rising rents have priced many city dwellers out of these metropolises and led to a rise in popularity of alternate live/play communities where young renters can satisfy their craving for an energetic, walkable environment.  Such is the case in Somerville, N.J. where an award-winning downtown blends with attractively-priced homes in modern rental buildings to provide an affordable rental option, without sacrificing the vibe of a chic, urban-inspired lifestyle.

The quaint 2.6 square-mile Somerset County borough lies just over 40 miles from New York City and boasts all the attributes of New Jersey’s most popular pedestrian-friendly destinations –an abundance of downtown retail, services and business, an offering of amazing restaurants, nightlife and entertainment and a transit-oriented emphasis.

Downtown Somerville has been named one of the state’s “Great Places” by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association and was a 2018 recipient of a NJ Future Smart Growth Award for its efforts to create a welcoming and walkable retail and residential district.  The bustling tree-lined district draws thousands of visitors each year to delight in its local shops, boutiques, art galleries, fine dining, and signature events hosted by the Downtown Somerville Association.   There’s also major national retailers and brand name stores less than ten minutes away at the Bridgewater Commons Shopping Mall.

New Jersey Transit’s Somerville Station with service into Newark Penn Station and New York City brings all the business, cultural and entertainment delights of Manhattan and northern New Jersey within easy reach.  New Jersey Transit buses are available with service to local destinations.  Making Somerville even more connectable is a proximity to a network of highways that includes Routes 287, 78, 22, 206 and 208.

The growing desirability of Somerville has prompted the introduction of contemporary and stylish new apartment buildings near its downtown district.  Its most recent addition is SOMA, a 69-unit rental building located at 110 South Bridge Street and just a short walk from the bustling Division Street Plaza and Main Street Corridor.  Developed by Livingston, NJ-based Sterling Properties, SOMA has been fast to report high leasing velocity since its mid-January debut – a testament to the widespread appeal of downtown Somerville.  Over 50% of the residences have been leased within weeks of opening.

“Somerville has everything a single professional or young family that’s looking for an upscale urban-like living might desire at a price that’s well within their budget,” says Nick Hollenbeck, Director of Sales and Marketing for Sterling Properties.

“It has spirit of a cosmopolitan city, with the charm and kindness of small town America highlighted by an amazing selection of dining and retail options on Main Street.  It also has a fantastic location with rail access to New York City and equally great highway access to 287, 78 and 206 making a commute to suburban office complexes in New Brunswick, Princeton or Parsippany within reach.  All at monthly rents that are much less expensive than its established counterparts.  And to a young person just starting their career Somerville offers the comparable lifestyle to Hoboken or Morristown but leaves them with some disposable income to actually enjoy it!”

SOMA offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes priced from $1,750 to $2,700.  Homes range from 780 to 1,290 square feet of space and feature tall ceilings, washer/dryer in every unit, stainless steel appliances and designer finishes. Apartments are available with Immediate Occupancy.

Designed by Comito Associates, the four-story building blends seamlessly with the architectural landscape of downtown Somerville.  SOMA has been built to meet LEED Gold standards from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which will not only reduce the building’s carbon footprint and minimize its impact on the environment, but also provide residents significant savings by lowering monthly energy bills and more.

“As part of our LEED efforts, we’ve instituted a bike share program our residents will be sure to appreciate,” Mr. Hollenbeck says.  “Rather than getting in a car, they will have access to bikes which will allow them to pedal downtown, save on emissions and also shop locally.”

SOMA also offers a state-of-the-art fitness studio and tech lounge.  Interior Design firm Mary Cook Associates designed the project’s unit interiors and common space.

For additional information on SOMA, please visit www.rentsoma.com or call 908-575-9900.  The building’s leasing office is open Monday, Thursday-Saturday from 10-6 and Sunday 11-4.  The building is open appointment only Tuesday & Wednesday.  Decorated model homes are available to tour.

About Sterling Properties

Sterling Properties is widely recognized as a multi-faceted development organization with a wide range of upscale real estate including residential, office and commercial communities throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut. For additional information on the company, please visit http://www.sterlingpropertiesnj.com/ or call (973) 535-1888.
###