Chicken Town, Perth Amboy, NJ
Exploring Chickentown in Perth Amboy, NJ: A Glimpse into Local Character!
When you hear "Chickentown" in Perth Amboy, you’re tapping into a neighborhood with deep roots and a unique residential identity. Located south of Route 440 and west of Route 35, Chickentown is a primarily residential enclave that provides a quiet, community-centric atmosphere within this bustling Middlesex County city.
A Neighborhood with Its Own Identity
Chickentown is distinct for its lower population density compared to other parts of Perth Amboy. It is a neighborhood where traditional suburban values meet the city's rich multicultural heritage.
Established Homes: The area is primarily made up of medium-sized (3–4 bedroom) to small single-family homes. Many were built between 1940 and 1969, giving the neighborhood a mature, settled feel with private yards and garages—features that are often a premium elsewhere in the city.
Cultural Tapestry: Chickentown is a linguistic and cultural crossroads. It has a significant percentage of residents with Dominican (29.8%) and Puerto Rican (20.2%) ancestry. Notably, it is one of the few places in America where a high percentage of residents (6.7%) primarily speak Portuguese at home.
Workforce Stability: The neighborhood is home to a high concentration of residents employed in manufacturing and labor, reflecting the city’s enduring industrial history while maintaining a moderate-income economic profile.
Daily Life and Local Conveniences
Life in Chickentown revolves around outdoor activity and local ease.
Washington Park: This is the neighborhood's crown jewel. As the city’s largest park, it serves as the backyard for Chickentown residents, offering expansive space for soccer, jogging, and community gatherings.
Retail & Auto Hub: The area along Convery Boulevard (Route 35) provides easy access to a variety of local businesses, from specialty gift shops like Felicita's Gifts to numerous established auto dealerships and repair shops.
Education in Perth Amboy
Students in Chickentown are served by the Perth Amboy Public School District, which is currently operating some of the most modern facilities in the state.
New Perth Amboy High School: Students from Chickentown attend the brand-new, $283 million high school campus, which features specialized academies for Health Sciences and Communications and professional-grade athletic facilities.
Primary Path: Local children typically attend the various well-regarded elementary and middle schools that serve the city's western quadrant.
Connectivity for Residents
Chickentown is perhaps the most strategically located neighborhood in Perth Amboy for the regional commuter.
Major Roadways: Immediate access to Route 440 and Route 35 means residents can be on the Outerbridge Crossing into Staten Island or hitting the New Jersey Turnpike in under five minutes.
Quiet Streets: Despite its proximity to major highways, the internal streets of Chickentown are known for having low speed limits and minimal "cut-through" traffic, preserving a safe environment for walkers and cyclists.
2026 Real Estate Snapshot
As of January 2026, real estate in Chickentown remains a "best value" option in Middlesex County.
Median Value: The median real estate price in Chickentown is approximately $446,571, making it more affordable than nearly 74% of other New Jersey neighborhoods while offering a higher quality of life.
Rental Market: Average rents currently sit near $2,892, attracting young professionals who work in the nearby industrial hubs of Woodbridge or Edison.
Is Chickentown an HOA or 55+ Community?
No. Chickentown is a public residential neighborhood. While there are specific modern condominium complexes nearby (such as those in the Spa Springs or waterfront areas) that may have HOAs, Chickentown itself consists of independent, fee-simple homes with no mandatory association fees or age restrictions.
