Red Bank is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, situated on the Navesink River about five miles from the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 12,862 at the 2020 census, it is both a commuter town of New York City and one of the Jersey Shore region's most distinctive cultural centers. The borough was incorporated in 1908, and the Navesink River served for generations as its original transportation route to the ocean and other ports. Culture defines modern Red Bank. The historic Count Basie Center for the Arts, a 1926 theater renamed in 1984 for jazz great Count Basie, anchors a lively arts scene that also includes the Two River Theater and a cluster of galleries. The walkable downtown is filled with acclaimed restaurants, independent shops, and venues, making the borough a destination for dining and entertainment well beyond its own residents. The riverfront remains central to local life, with marinas, yachting, and rowing clubs along the Navesink. Public education is provided by Red Bank Borough Public Schools for grades K-8 and the highly regarded Red Bank Regional High School, which also serves neighboring Little Silver and Shrewsbury. Red Bank's transportation is a core part of its appeal. NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line reaches New York Penn Station in about 70 minutes, placing the borough within practical commuting range of Manhattan while keeping the Jersey Shore beaches only minutes away. The Garden State Parkway and Route 35 provide regional road access. For those seeking a walkable, culturally rich river town with rail access to New York City, strong schools, and quick beach access, Red Bank offers one of Monmouth County's most complete urban-suburban combinations.