You keep bringing up property value....whats up with that? The closer you are to ANY major "market" city the property values go up. I have friends in North Jersey who live in 1250 Square Foot homes that are 70-80 years old that go for 400K. I wouldnt live in those shacks for Half that amount. Whats your point?? House Value and Population size = Quality of Life??? LOL
Havent lived in Old Bridge for 25 years But it was a wonderful SUBURB to grow up in. Guess you think East Brunswick, Woodbridge, Marlboro, Freehold are all "in the sticks". Too Funny. By your metrics EVERYTHING south of Jersey City is "the Sticks" except for Trenton I guess.
As for Route 9 + 18. No virtues....Don't know many 3 and 4 Lane Highways to be "in the sticks".