Red Bank, NJ

The borough of Red Bank, New Jersey, is situated on the Navesink River, and gains its name from the red soil that makes up the river's banks. Red Bank is located roughly 50 miles south of New York City and 90 miles northeast of Philadelphia. The population of Red Bank is roughly 12,000.

Red Bank was first settled in the late 1600s; by the 19th century, it had developed into a thriving river town. Over time, commercial boating gave way to pleasure boating, and today, sailing races are an important part of the city's culture. Brick buildings, bench-lined sidewalks and Victorian lampposts lend a quaint charm to the town.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Around 1809, a tavern was built near the Navesink River, which was the first building in what is now the borough of Red Bank. By the mid-1800s, Red Bank had grown considerably, aided in large part by the arrival of the Raritan and Delaware Bay Railroad. During this period, the local economy primarily revolved around trade with New York City.

Some of the most common industries for the residents of Red Bank include educational services, health care, social assistance, management and administrative, waste-management services, finance, insurance and rental and leasing. The city has an unemployment rate of 5.7 percent.

Major Red Bank employers include Ansell Healthcare Products, Riverview Medical Center, Atlantic Club Red Bank, and Hovnanian Enterprises.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Neighborhoods and districts of Red Bank accommodate around 5,400 houses, out of which more than 5,200 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, around 45 percent are owner-occupied, while renters occupy the remaining 55 percent.

In the course of its economic development, the borough of Red Bank has managed to resist the encroachment of malls and national chains, attracting instead a variety of owner-run shops and restaurants. Walking along Monmouth and Broad Streets in Red Bank's bustling downtown, shoppers will find more than 60 restaurants, as well as a large number of music stores, antique and vintage clothing shops and boutiques. Additionally, the Red Bank Arts & Antiques District is one of New Jersey's largest antique centers.

Located within the Arts & Antiques District, the Galleria is a Red Bank institution. During World Wars I and II, the Galleria housed a textile factory that was a major producer of uniforms for American soldiers. Today it is a treasure-trove of shops, offices and restaurants. In addition, a trolley shuttle is available between downtown Red Bank and the Grove Shopping Mall in nearby Shrewsbury.

FOR VISITORS

• Sea Land Marina: Visitors can spend a day fishing or crabbing on the Navesink River. Boats are available to rent.
• Red Bank Armory Ice Complex: Open to the public for general ice-skating Friday through Sunday, this complex is otherwise used for ice hockey and for skating lessons.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Count Basie Theatre: This historic theater is named for William "Count" Basie, one of the town's most famous residents. The theater first opened as the State Theatre in 1926, and originally served as a vaudeville and movie house. Over the years it underwent several closings and renovations. It received its current name in 1984, the year of Basie's death. Today, it presents live music, dance, plays and films.
• Freedom Film Society: This nonprofit organization aims to support the arts and arts education by presenting screenings of alternative films by local, national and international filmmakers. Its staff is composed entirely of volunteers, and it holds screenings at various venues, including the Count Basie Theatre.
• Molly Pitcher Inn: Built in 1928, this luxury hotel and national landmark has a picturesque view of Navesink River.
• Red Bank Art Cinema: The only art-movie house in the area, this theater shows a range of independent films.
• Two River Theater Company: This theater company stages productions of numerous plays throughout the year. It aims to provide an alternative to the glitz of Broadway.

EVENTS

• Dine Downtown: Many Red Bank restaurants offer special prix fixe menus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Red Bank boasts the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in all of New Jersey. Unlike most communities in the area, Red Bank schedules its fireworks show for July 3.
• Red Bank International Film Festival: Every October, the Freedom Film Society presents three days and nights of films by both emerging and well-known filmmakers. Screenings are open to the public, and awards are presented in a variety of categories.
• Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival: Each June, this free, annual event draws more than 100,000 attendees to Red Bank's Marine Park. For three days and nights, the banks of the Navesink River come alive with crafts, games and food. Jazz and blues are performed on three stages.
• Two Rivers Art/Antiques Show and Garden Tour: For more than a decade, this has been a major fundraiser for breast cancer research, drawing more than 1,000 attendees each year. A ticket for both shows costs $30, and the event takes place in the Red Bank Armory Ice Complex.

LOCAL MEDIA

Red Bank is home to a radio station: 90.5 THE NIGHT, Brookdale Public Radio.

Two local newspapers serve Red Bank: The Hub and the Two River Times. In addition, Red Bank Red Hot magazine is the insider's guide to Red Bank shopping, dining and nightlife.