The city is divided into two main areas by the Garden State Parkway. The area north of the parkway is denser and more developed, with hundreds of condos and three sizingable shopping centers. The south side of the city, however, is much less developed, with single-family homes on large parcels and two enormous commercial office buildings. Both of these areas are surrounded by heavily traveled roads. Residents in the city can find care at the Bayshore Medical Center, one of only five hospitals in Monmouth County.
The area around Holmdel is primarily agricultural. In 1664, a small group of Englishmen left Gravesend, Long Island, to negotiate for land in Monmouth County. The first deed was given to Captain John Bowne and Richard Stout for the land at an honest price. The population of the area has increased significantly since that time. However, the township's overall population remains lower than its neighboring towns.
Founded in 1680, the township's commercial activities were centered around New Jersey Route 35. The town center features about 30 stores, including the town's only supermarket, as well as four restaurants. A historic red barn now houses Dearborn Farms, a farm-style produce and flower shop. The town is home to four public schools, including Indian Hill Elementary School for grades three through six, William R. Satz School for seventh and eighth graders, and Holmdel High School with 34 classrooms.