Middlesex County · Borough guide
South River
South River is a compact Middlesex County borough with a walkable downtown, a strong Portuguese and Latin American cultural presence, neighborhood parks and a commercial spine centered on Main Street, Ferry Street, Whitehead Avenue and Old Bridge Turnpike.
The borough sits between East Brunswick and Sayreville, with the South River waterway forming part of its eastern edge. NJTGO keeps local listings tied to the borough itself so nearby East Brunswick, Sayreville and Spotswood businesses are not mixed into the South River directory.
South River at a glance
Start with local resources
Parks, recreation & community places
South River has several neighborhood parks and an active borough recreation program, with ongoing park improvements.
Community park on Prospect Street with a pond, gazebo, memorial space, playground and recreation improvements.
Sports and recreation site receiving field and inclusive-playground improvements.
Neighborhood recreation area where the borough has been adding pickleball facilities and playground upgrades.
One of South River's borough parks included in the community's continuing park-improvement program.
Local recreation space serving nearby neighborhoods and youth activities.
Appleby Avenue home of local band concerts and community musical programming.
Schools
District preschool program.
District school serving grades K–2.
District school serving grades 3–5.
District school serving grades 6–8.
Public high school serving grades 9–12.
South River Public Schools · 15 Montgomery Street · 732-613-4000.
Downtown & local character
South River's historic commercial core is concentrated along Main Street and nearby Ferry, Jackson and Whitehead streets. Borough planning has emphasized stronger connections among these streets while preserving a compact, neighborhood-oriented downtown.
South River has a long-established Portuguese community reflected in restaurants, bakeries, clubs and local events.
Main Street now supports a broad mix of Mexican and Latin American restaurants, markets and services.
The borough takes its name from the South River waterway, which meets the Raritan River near the northern edge of town.
Municipal essentials
48 Washington Street · South River, NJ 08882 · 732-257-1999.
55 Appleby Avenue · 732-254-2488.
15 Montgomery Street · 732-613-4000.
Explore South River
Continue into the local business, dining, real estate, visitor, classifieds and jobs pages.
Business & ShoppingFood & DrinkVisiting & LodgingLocal information reviewed September 16, 2026. Confirm time-sensitive details directly with the organization.