Somerset City Guide

The local food scene mixes Italian-American diners with international options like Indian, Chinese, and Mexican. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Late-night options are mostly fast food and some diners.

Nightlife is quiet with local bars and casual spots. Bigger nightlife is in New Brunswick or New York City, reachable by train.

Coffee options include big chains and some local shops. Specialty coffee is growing but limited.

Tipping is expected for services like restaurants, taxis, and salons.

SIM cards from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer good coverage. Buy at carrier stores or Best Buy. Prepaid SIMs usually don’t need ID. eSIMs are becoming common.

The town is generally clean with regular waste and recycling services.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores are open 24/7. Emergency rooms are the main after-hours medical option. Late-night food is mostly fast food drive-thrus.

Supermarkets like ShopRite, Stop & Shop, and Wegmans carry international products. Stores usually open 7 AM to 10 or 11 PM, including Sundays. Bargaining is not practiced.

Credit and debit cards work almost everywhere. Cash is rarely needed for daily purchases.

ATMs from Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and TD Bank are common at banks, supermarkets, and stores. Out-of-network withdrawals cost $2.50 to $5 plus your bank's fees.

Public schools are in the Franklin Township district and teach mainly in English. There are no international schools in Somerset but options exist nearby.

Mainly a suburban family town with no strong nomad scene. Nearby cities offer more networking opportunities.

Large parks and trails provide plenty of green space for outdoor activities.

Running paths are good along parks and trails. Areas are safe and well-maintained, with local groups and events.

Multiple gyms serve the area, including national chains and nearby wellness centers.

Public parks and private clubs offer tennis courts. Booking rules vary by location.

Padel is rare locally but can be found in wider New Jersey or NYC areas.

Several studios and centers offer yoga and meditation classes, usually with English-speaking instructors.

Facilities for BJJ, Karate, Taekwondo, and boxing exist locally. Most instructors speak English.

Ski resorts are 1.5 to 2.5 hours away in NJ and Pennsylvania. They offer snowmaking and rental gear for all levels. Season runs December to March.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are available on the Delaware and Raritan Canal and nearby lakes, with some rentals during warmer months.

Surfing on Jersey Shore beaches is popular in fall and spring. Wetsuits are needed outside summer. Options for all skill levels with schools and rentals available.

Diving is limited to the coast and not practical near Somerset.

Nearby hospitals have English-speaking staff and provide quality care, but medical costs can be high without insurance. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are widespread with extended hours.

Tap water meets all federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks and playgrounds like Colonial Park are available. Family-friendly restaurants are common though no specialized kid cafés. Baby supplies are easy to find.

New Jersey has strong legal protections and good acceptance. Nearby city hubs offer active LGBTQ+ communities.

Pet-friendly parks, vets, and stores are common. Many places allow pets, mostly outdoors.