New Providence is a borough on the northwestern edge of Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey.

[21] The borough is home to much of the Murray Hill neighborhood with the remainder lying in neighboring Berkeley Heights.

The written history of New Providence begins in 1664 when James, Duke of York and brother to King Charles II, purchased the land that became known as the Elizabethtown Tract from the Lenape Native Americans.

Its first European settlers were members of a Puritan colony established in 1720, which was the first permanent settlement of its type.

[25][26] The Presbyterian Church established in 1737 was a focal point for the community, and the lack of serious injuries when the church's balcony collapsed in 1759 was deemed to be an example of divine intervention, leading residents to change the area's name to New Providence.

Supposedly, the local stream, Salt Brook, is named for an incident when the salt supply of the colonial village was dumped into the brook to prevent passing British soldiers from taking it.

[29] New Providence had long been a semi-dry town, under which there were no bars and no restaurants permitted to sell alcoholic beverages.

Retail liquor sales were legal and restaurant-goers may bring their own alcoholic beverages.

[35][36][37] Much of the Murray Hill neighborhood lies in New Providence, with the remainder in Berkeley Heights; Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names within the borough include Tall Oaks, Johnsons Bridge, and West Summit.

There are several creek beds carved into the landscape, most of which are forks and branches of Salt Brook.

Over nine percent of New Providence's land area is permanently protected, publicly owned parkland.

[39] The 2010 United States census counted 12,171 people, 4,408 households, and 3,337 families in the borough.

[47] As of the 2000 United States census[16] there were 11,907 people, 4,404 households, and 3,307 families residing in New Providence.

[6] The borough form of government used by New Providence is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie.

The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council.

[49][50] As of 2024[update], the mayor of New Providence is Republican Allen B. Morgan, whose term of office ends December 31, 2026.

[3][51][52][53][54][55][56] In January 2022, the borough council appointed Diane Bilicska to fill the seat expiring in December 2022 that became vacant after Michele Matsikoudis resigned from office to take a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly.

[63][64][65] For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 7th congressional district is represented by Thomas Kean Jr. (R, Westfield).

[67] For the 2024-2025 session, the 21st legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Jon Bramnick (R, Westfield) and in the General Assembly by Michele Matsikoudis (R, New Providence) and Nancy Munoz (R, Summit).

[69] As of 2025[update], Union County's County Commissioners are: Rebecca Williams (D, Plainfield, 2025),[70] Joesph Bodek (D, Linden, 2026),[71] James E. Baker Jr. (D, Rahway, 2027),[72] Michele Delisfort (D, Union Township, 2026),[73] Sergio Granados (D, Elizabeth, 2025),[74] Bette Jane Kowalski (D, Cranford, 2025),[75] Vice Chair Lourdes M. Leon (D, Elizabeth, 2026),[76] Alexander Mirabella (D, Fanwood, 2027)[77] and Chair Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded (D, Westfield, 2027).

[78][79] Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are: Clerk Joanne Rajoppi (D, Union Township, 2025),[80][81] Sheriff Peter Corvelli (D, Kenilworth, 2026)[82][83] and Surrogate Christopher E. Hudak (D, Clark, 2027).

[86] Among the borough's 2010 Census population, 82.3% (vs. 53.3% in Union County) were registered to vote, including 89.5% of those ages 18 and over (vs. 70.6% countywide).

[112] Serving students in Pre-K–3 through Grade 8, The Academy of Our Lady of Peace is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.

[118] Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 16 miles (26 km) east of New Providence.