Neptune, NJ

Neptune is a town located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town's population was 9,812,[1] reflecting an increase of 1,527 (+26.7%) from the 6,964 counted in the 2000 Census.[2] Neptune is located at (40.426902,-74.060971).[3]

The area that would become Neptune was first settled by Europeans in 1694 as part of Shrewsbury Township and was known as "Newtown". The community was renamed Neptune in 1715 after the Roman god of the sea.[4][5][6] The town grew rapidly during the late 19th century as a result of its location on Route 18 and its proximity to both Manhattan and Newark. By 1900, it had a population of 2,500.[7]

Today, Neptune is home to many businesses and organizations that serve its residents and visitors. These include two hospitals ( Neptune Hospital & Medical Center and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center),[8][9] several banks,[10][11][12][13] two movie theaters,[14][15] several restaurants,[16][17], two golf courses (the Ocean Course at Monmouth Country Club and The Links at Sea Girt),[18][19], three shopping malls (The Shops at Neptune Plaza [20], The Promenade at Monmouth Mall [21], and Westfield Garden State Plaza [22]),[23],[24],[25],[26]] a casino (Monmouth Park Racetrack),[27],[28],[29],[30],[31]] an ice rink (IceWorks Monmouth),[32]] a water park (Ocean Adventure Park),[33])and numerous other businesses and services. In addition to its commercial establishments, Neptune also has several churches,[34]- including one Catholic church,[35]- schools,[36]- including one public school district serving students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade,[37]- parks,[38]- including one municipal park with a playground, basketball court, tennis courts and baseball field;[39]; as well as numerous residential neighborhoods.[40].