Woodbridge, New Jersey
USA
Geographic Coordinates: 40.561100, -74.294300
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F)
Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Woodbridge, US vary throughout the year.
Population: 103353
Language: English
Woodbridge is a small suburban town located in the state of New Jersey, United States. It is situated in Middlesex County and covers an area of 24.5 square miles with a population of approximately 100, 000 people. The town is known for its diverse community and rich history. One of the most notable landmarks in Woodbridge is the historic Barron Arts Center. This center features rotating exhibits and art classes for all ages making it a great place to visit for those interested in art and culture.
Additionally, Woodbridge has several parks such as Merrill Park which offers beautiful walking trails along with picnic areas and playgrounds. Another attraction that draws visitors to Woodbridge is its shopping options. The township boasts several shopping centers such as Woodbridge Center Mall which houses over 200 stores including Macy’s, JCPenney, And Sears among others.
For sports enthusiasts visiting or living in Woodbridge there are many options available including golf courses like the Colonia Country Club which offers an excellent course layout that challenges players of all skill levels; soccer fields at Parker Press Park; baseball diamonds at Alvin P Williams Memorial Park; basketball courts at Oak Tree Road Park; tennis courts at Fords Park among others. Woodbridge also has a rich history dating back to colonial times when it was first settled by Dutch immigrants who named it New Amstel.
In fact, One can visit historic sites such as the Parker Homestead-1665 Museum where visitors can learn about early life in America through hands-on exhibits showcasing daily activities from cooking meals on open fires to candle-making using beeswax candles. Overall whether you are looking for outdoor activities or cultural experiences or simply want to explore American history – there’s something for everyone in Woodbridge!
- Woodbridge Center Mall
- Barron Arts Center
- Parker Press Park
- The Avenel Performing Arts Center
- Sewaren Waterfront Park
- Keasbey Fish and Wildlife Management Area
- William Warren Park
- Woodbridge Community Center
- Henry Inman Branch Library
- Ernie Oros Wildlife Preserve
- Manufacturing: Woodbridge has a robust manufacturing industry with companies such as General Dynamics Electric Boat, which constructs submarines for the US Navy.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector is also prominent in Woodbridge with facilities like the Hackensack Meridian Health Center and JFK Medical Center.
- Retail: There are several shopping centers in Woodbridge, including the Woodbridge Center Mall and Menlo Park Mall.
- Finance: Financial services companies like Wells Fargo Advisors and TD Bank have a presence in Woodbridge.
- Technology: The technology sector is growing in Woodbridge with companies like Commvault, a data management software provider headquartered there.
- Education: Educational institutions such as Berkeley College and Middlesex County College are located in or near Woodbridge.
- Transportation: The Port of New York and New Jersey provides transportation services to businesses in the area, while Amtrak trains stop at the Metropark station located within the township limits of Woodbridge Township.
Overall, these industries significantly contribute to the local economy of Woodbridge Township.
- The founding of Woodbridge in 1669 by English settlers.
- The Revolutionary War Battle of Short Hills took place in the vicinity of Woodbridge in 1777.
- Jonathan Bloomfield, a prominent lawyer and politician who served as Governor of New Jersey from 1801 to 1802, was born in Woodbridge.
- Thomas Edison established his Menlo Park laboratory complex in nearby Edison Township, which is named after him.
- The township played a key role in the development of the automobile industry during the early 20th century, with several major car manufacturers operating factories there.
- In recent years, Woodbridge has become known for its diverse population and vibrant cultural scene, including festivals celebrating Italian-American heritage and Indian culture.
Other notable people associated with Woodbridge include former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann, author Harlan Coben, and musician Jon Bon Jovi (who grew up nearby).
- Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Potomac Mills Mall
- Rippon Lodge Historic Site
- Leesylvania State Park
- National Museum of the Marine Corps
- Prince William Forest Park
- Hylton Performing Arts Center
- Woodbridge Potomac Mills Outlet Mall
- Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center
- Lake Ridge Park and Marina
- Woodbridge High School has a successful sports history with achievements in football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and track and field.
- Potomac Nationals was a minor league baseball team that played in the Carolina League from 1984 to 2019. The team won several league championships during its affiliation with the Washington Nationals.
- Northern Virginia Royals FC was a semi-professional soccer team that played in the National Premier Soccer League from 2015 to 2018.
- Prince William Ice Center is home to various ice hockey teams like Potomac Patriots and Prince William Panthers youth hockey programs.
- Woodbridge Warriors Youth Football & Cheerleading Association is an organization serving the community since 1970 by providing opportunities for youth football and cheerleading.
- Occoquan Boat Club founded in 1967 has produced multiple national champions and Olympic athletes through its rowing club over time.
- Dale City Little League established in 1959 provides children opportunities to learn and play baseball for over six decades through their little league program.
- Prince William Soccer Inc (PWSI) is one of Virginia’s largest youth soccer organizations with more than ten thousand players participating annually across different age groups and skill levels.
- Woodbridge Fall Festival is a community event that celebrates the season with food, music, and activities for all ages.
- Taste of Woodbridge is an annual event that showcases local restaurants and vendors, featuring live music and entertainment.
- Prince William County Fair is one of the largest fairs in Virginia, featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, and more.
- Potomac Mills Summer Concert Series is a free outdoor concert series featuring local bands and musicians.
- Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show is a bi-annual event that features over 300 artists and crafters showcasing their work in historic Occoquan.
- Woodbridge Farmers Market is a weekly market that offers fresh produce from local farmers as well as handmade crafts and baked goods.
- Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony is an annual parade honoring veterans followed by a ceremony at the War Memorial in Veterans Park.
- Hispanic Heritage Festival is an annual celebration of Hispanic culture with traditional food, music, dance performances, and more.
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony marks the town’s official kickoff to the holiday season with carol singing and a visit from Santa Claus himself!
- International Festival at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) celebrates cultural diversity through food tasting booths representing different countries along with live performances showcasing various cultures around the world!
Places to Visit in Prince William County
- Leesylvania State Park offers hiking trails, fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping.
- Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking trails and bird watching.
- Rippon Lodge Historic Site is a historic home that offers tours and events.
- Veterans Memorial Park offers playgrounds, sports fields/courts, picnic areas, and a dog park.
- Potomac Mills Mall is a shopping center that features movie theaters and restaurants.
- Prince William Forest Park offers hiking trails, camping sites, fishing spots, and picnic areas.
- Lake Ridge Park & Marina occasionally rents out boats for recreational use on the lake.
- Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is a boardwalk designed for nature walks.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions some activities may be limited or closed temporarily so it’s best to check before visiting any of these places for updated information on their hours of operation or availability of services/activities offered at the park/recreational area you’re interested in visiting.
