Walk down Somerset Street in New Brunswick and you can’t miss it. It’s that massive, sleek glass tower that basically redefined the city’s skyline over the last few years. If you’re a Rutgers grad student, a RWJBarnabas professional, or just someone looking for a "luxury" spot that isn’t in Jersey City, you've probably looked at Aspire New Brunswick NJ. But honestly, luxury is a word that gets thrown around way too much in real estate lately.
The building, located at 135 Somerset St, is technically a transit-oriented development. That’s fancy talk for "it’s right next to the train station." It’s 17 stories of glass and steel. But living there is a specific experience that isn't for everyone.
Why Location is Everything for Aspire New Brunswick NJ
Location is the big seller. If you work in Manhattan but can't justify paying $4,000 for a closet in Chelsea, Aspire is literally steps from the New Brunswick Northeast Corridor line. You can roll out of bed and be on a platform in three minutes. That’s huge. It’s also right across from the Rutgers University Barnes & Noble and the Gateway building.
It's noisy.
You’re in the heart of a college town. You’ve got the train whistles. You’ve got the ambulances heading to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. You’ve got students. If you want a quiet suburban vibe where you only hear crickets at night, you're going to hate it here. But if you want to be able to walk to Harvest Moon for a beer or grab a fat sandwich (if that's still your thing) at 2 AM, it’s basically ground zero.
The Design Aesthetic and What’s Inside
When you walk into the lobby, it feels like a hotel. That’s intentional. The developers, Boraie Development, have a specific footprint in New Brunswick (they did The Vue and Albany Street Plaza too). They know the market. The units at Aspire New Brunswick NJ feature floor-to-ceiling windows. That’s the real "wow" factor.
The light is incredible.
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Most apartments have quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Pretty standard for "luxury" builds in 2026. The flooring is usually a grey-toned plank that looks like wood but is actually more durable. One thing people often overlook is the HVAC—it’s tucked away, but it’s efficient. You aren't dealing with those clunky window units that rattle your brain.
The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious. Usually, developers skimp there to give you more living room, but the walk-in showers with glass doors feel high-end.
The Amenities: High-End or Just Fluff?
Let’s talk about the roof. There is a "skydeck" and it’s arguably the best view in Central Jersey. On a clear day, you can see... well, a lot of New Jersey. It’s got fire pits and lounge chairs.
- There is a fitness center. It’s not a Planet Fitness, but it has enough for a solid workout.
- The resident lounge has WiFi and work pods.
- Underground parking exists, but it’s expensive. Like, "really expensive" expensive.
A lot of people ask about the "community" vibe. It’s a mix. You have the "work hard, play hard" crowd who are never home, and then you have the international students who are mostly focused on their studies. It isn't exactly a neighborhood block party atmosphere, but the common areas are usually buzzing during the evenings.
Dealing with the Costs and Management
Rent isn't cheap. We're talking North Jersey prices in Central Jersey. You're paying for the convenience of the location and the fact that you don’t have to drive to get a decent cup of coffee.
Management is a frequent topic in resident reviews. Like any large-scale managed building, there are hiccups. Sometimes the elevators take a minute. Sometimes a package gets misplaced in the mailroom system. However, compared to some of the older "luxury" buildings in the city that have started to show their age, Aspire stays pretty on top of maintenance. They have to. The competition from newer buildings like New Brunswick Station or even the upcoming developments near the Health + Life Science Exchange (HELIX) is fierce.
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The Realities of Living in New Brunswick
New Brunswick is a "Hub City." It’s gritty, it’s vibrant, and it’s constantly under construction. Living at Aspire New Brunswick NJ means you are part of that transition. You have the State Theatre and George Street Playhouse within walking distance. You have world-class dining like Frog and The Peach.
But you also have the reality of city living.
Parking for your friends when they visit? A nightmare. They’ll have to use the public decks, which adds up. Walking home at night? Generally safe because of the high foot traffic and Rutgers Police presence, but it’s still an urban environment. You need to have your wits about you.
Comparing Aspire to Other Options
If you’re looking at Aspire, you’re probably also looking at The Vue or maybe The Standard. The Vue is literally connected to the train station via a walkway, which is even more convenient, but it’s older. The units at Aspire feel a bit more modern, a bit more "2020s" rather than "2010s."
The Standard is more student-focused. If you are a professional who wants to avoid living in a dorm-lite environment, Aspire is usually the better bet. It feels more "grown-up."
Sustainability and Tech
The building was designed with some energy efficiency in mind. Low-flow fixtures and LED lighting are standard. The windows are double-paned, which helps with the train noise I mentioned earlier, but don’t expect total silence.
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The tech integration is decent. Most units have electronic key entry and the ButterflyMX (or similar) intercom system where you can see who’s at the door from your phone. It makes getting DoorDash way easier.
Things Most People Miss Before Signing
Check the trash situation on your floor. Seriously. In high-rises, if you’re right next to the trash chute, you might hear it.
Look at the sun orientation. If you’re facing West, those floor-to-ceiling windows are going to turn your apartment into a greenhouse in July. Your AC bill will reflect that. If you’re facing East, you get the sunrise, which is great, but it might get dark early in the afternoon.
Also, ask about the pet fees. Aspire is pet-friendly, but like most places, they’ll hit you with a monthly "pet rent."
Actionable Steps for Potential Residents
If you’re serious about moving into Aspire New Brunswick NJ, don’t just take the virtual tour. Here is what you should actually do:
- Visit at Night: Most people tour at 11 AM on a Tuesday. Go back on a Thursday or Friday night around 8 PM. See what the noise level is like. See who is hanging out in the lobby.
- Test the Commute: If you’re a commuter, literally walk from the building to the platform. Check the schedule for the "express" trains. Not every train is a 45-minute ride to Penn Station; some are local and take over an hour.
- Audit the Grocery Situation: There isn't a massive Whole Foods right next door. You’ll be doing a lot of shopping at the Fresh Grocer or driving out to the Wegmans in Woodbridge or the ShopRite in North Brunswick. Map it out.
- Negotiate: In 2026, the rental market is weird. Check if they are offering "concessions" (like a month free). Often, they won’t tell you unless you ask.
- Check Your Cell Signal: Glass towers can sometimes act like Faraday cages. Walk into the bedroom of the specific unit you’re looking at and check your bars. You don't want to find out you have a dead zone after you move in.
Living here is a lifestyle choice. It’s for the person who wants to be in the middle of the action and doesn't mind the "pulse" of a city that never really sleeps. It’s expensive, it’s loud, and it’s beautiful. If that trade-off works for you, it’s one of the best spots in the region. If you want a backyard and a quiet street, keep looking.