Edison Township, or more commonly known as simply Edison, is home to over 100,000 residents.
Edison, New Jersey has been rated by Money Magazine as one of the 'Best Places To Live in America'; as the Safest Place for Women in the nation by Self Magazine; and among the 'Best Places to Grow Up in America' by U.S. News & World Report. Edison has also been ranked as one of the 'Most Liveable Small Cities in the U.S.' by CNN Money Magazine; and second 'Best Place to Live in New Jersey' by Money Magazine. Those moving to Edison will find a town that prides itself on the high level of its educational institutions, low crime rates, its many open and green spaces and varied recreational activities which all contribute to Edison being a great place to work and live.
Economy:
Edison Township is a center of industry and commerce, as well as a rail and road transportation hub, showing excellent growth statistics. The Raritan Center, a very large industrial park, employs around 45,000 workers from the area. Noted companies with headquarters in the town are Majesco Entertainment and Model Rectifier Corporation; while UPS, Fedex and Newegg have regional operational centers and warehouses.
History:
Prehistoric settlements of Native Americans have been found in the area, but the more modern history of the town documents settlers arriving in the area in the 1600s. Originally named Raritan Township which was incorporated in 1870, the town's name was changed in 1954 to Edison Township in honor of Thomas Edison.
Tourism:
The Thomas Alva Edison Museum and Memorial Tower are the most important tourist destinations in the town. Both are located in the Menlo Park sector of the town. The small museum displays some of Edison's 400 inventions, most notably his phonograph and his light bulbs; and memorabilia relating to his life in Edison. The Art Deco Tower was the location of his laboratory and is the site of the first sound recording.