Varies by nationality; check U.S. visa requirements.

What is the best way to get to New York City?

Take NJ Transit from Metropark station to Penn Station, about 40 minutes.

Are there hotels in Fords?

Limited; most accommodations are in nearby Edison or Woodbridge.

Not very; a car or rideshare is recommended for most errands.

What is the local cuisine like?

Diverse options including diners, Italian, Indian, and American fare.

Can I use my cell phone?

Yes, major carriers have good coverage.

Is there public parking?

Yes, free street parking and lots are available.

Fords

CityNew Jersey, United States

Fords is a CITY in New Jersey, United States.

Fords, New Jersey, offers a charming suburban escape with a rich history and easy access to the New York City metro area. Nestled in Middlesex County, this quiet town is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful base with authentic local flavor. Explore the scenic trails of the nearby Edison State Park or enjoy a round of golf at the Fords Golf Center. The town's diverse dining scene features everything from classic American diners to authentic Indian and Italian cuisine. History buffs will appreciate the Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park, just a short drive away. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community, Fords provides a relaxing retreat while being just a train ride from Manhattan's bustling attractions. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, this hidden gem offers a genuine slice of New Jersey life.

Best time to visit Fords

Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity. These months are ideal for outdoor activities and exploring local parks. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Clear
Temperature: 12°
Feels like: 10°
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 8 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Condition: Overcast
High: 20°
Low: 11°
Average: 15°
Rain: 82 mm

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Mid

Beautiful foliage, great for hiking

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

EWR

Newark Liberty International Airport

International

25 km away

JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport

International

60 km away

LGA

LaGuardia Airport

Domestic/International

55 km away

Getting around

"Fords is car-dependent, but NJ Transit buses connect to nearby towns and the Metropark train station in Edison for NYC access. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available. Biking is possible on local roads, but dedicated bike lanes are limited. Parking is generally easy and free."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes and libraries

Local SIM

Local SIM available at nearby stores from $10

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime, but standard vigilance advised.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime, but standard vigilance advised.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Fords is generally a safe suburban community with low crime rates. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night, and keep valuables secure. The area is well-lit and patrolled. Be cautious when crossing streets, as traffic can be busy on main roads like Route 1."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"Fords has good access to healthcare with several hospitals nearby, including JFK Medical Center in Edison and Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy. Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are available for minor ailments. Tap water is safe to drink. For emergencies, dial 911."

Culture

Local customs

"Residents are friendly but value personal space. Casual dress is common, though nicer attire is expected at upscale restaurants. Tipping 15-20% is standard for dining and services. Punctuality is appreciated. Smoking is prohibited in most public indoor spaces."

English (official)SpanishChineseTagalogVietnameseFrenchArabicKoreanGermanItalianEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15 | a cheap local meal costs ~$15

Hotels

$80-120 | budget hotels range $80-120/night

Local transport

$2 | local bus ride ~$2

Cost notes

Prices are slightly lower than nearby NYC.

Timezone

America/New_York
Local time 20:00

More facts

Population

15,187

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Fords, fwrdz, fwrdz nywjrsy, Фордс, فوردز, فوردز، نیوجرسی

CityHistoricFamily-FriendlySuburbanQuietNature