Chatham Real Estate
Welcome to Chatham Borough and Township, NJ
Chatham Borough and Chatham Township, New Jersey are two different municipalities, but they share more than just a name. Nicknamed "The Chathams," the combined area has a low crime rate, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. It is also just about 25 miles outside of Manhattan. This makes it an excellent place for commuters who are looking to get away from the city to raise a young family or to just enjoy a more peaceful way of life. CNN once chose the area as one of the "Best Places to Live in the United States." It ranked number 9 on the list.
The area is largely residential, but Chatham has a small shopping center and a popular downtown area that is home to several retail shops and restaurants. Parks, golf courses, and malls are all just a quick drive away.
Chatham Township was incorporated on February 1, 1806, and it included the boroughs of Chatham, Green Village, and Bottle Hill, which is now Madison. Chatham Borough's history dates back to 1710. Its original name was John Day's Bridge, but it switched to Chatham in 1773 to honor William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. By 1892, it seceded from the Township of the same name and on March 1, 1897 it became a borough. In 1899, Madison seceded as well. Chatham Township has remained exactly the same size since that year. The area was mostly rural until the 1950s when more people in the area began to own cars. They sold their farms to developers who subdivided them and began to build more housing and shopping centers.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment in Chatham Borough and Township
From burgers and sandwiches to fine Italian and French cuisine, you can find it all in the restaurants located in and around the Chathams. New Jersey's most upscale shopping destination is located just across the road from the Borough, but many people prefer the charm of Chatham's Main Street for their shopping needs. You will find history, culture, and plenty of beautiful parks and natural recreation areas here, too.
If you think you have to go into the city to see a good play, you are wrong. The Chatham Community Players have provided the community with good theater since 1922. Some of their upcoming shows include A Christmas Carol and The Three Musketeers. A fantasy theater is also available for young residents.
Downtown Chatham's walkable Main Street is home to several quaint shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination for residents of both municipalities. Stores there include King's Supermarket, Bliss Clothing & Accessories, Crescent Jewelers, Sherwin-Williams, Bike Land II, and Liberty Drug & Surgical Pharmacy.
Parks and Playgrounds in Chatham Borough and Township
Nature lovers will delight in the Chathams' proximity to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. It is home to birds, deer, frogs, fish, turtles, and over 244 species of animals. Visitors can hike the trails and learn about the area's flora and fauna.
For summer fun, head to the Township to experience the Colony Pool Club. Since 1928, local residents of all ages have gathered there to swim in 850,000 gallons of fresh water, play in the sand located along the pool's "beach," dive, slide, play basketball, or attend barbecues and other social events
There are several golf and country clubs in the Chatham area, including the private, family-oriented Canoe Brook Country Club. It has 2 golf courses, 7 tennis courts, 5 paddle courts, a pool, and a clubhouse
Real Estate Information
Homes in both Chatham Borough and Chatham Township are a mix of styles that date back several centuries to modern new construction. The homes in the Borough tend to date back to the 1800s and the early 1900s. They sit on quiet, tree-lined streets with well-manicured lawns. You will find a mix of Victorian, Georgian, and Colonial styles, as well as some ranch-style and cottage-style homes. Homes in the Township are a little newer, with many of them dating back to the 1950s through the 1970s. Many people enjoy living in the Township because its homes tend to sit on larger lots than many other residences in the area. There are also a few condos and townhomes available. The median home value as of summer 2015 is around $730,000.