Why Chatham Borough, NJ?
Chatham Borough is one of America's most desirable commuter towns — CNN/Money ranked it 9th best place to live in the U.S. (2005), and the School District of the Chathams is ranked 9th in New Jersey (Niche 2024). Midtown Direct express reaches Penn Station in 38-45 minutes with no transfer. A walkable downtown (Walk Score 84) with Scalini Fedeli (fine Italian in a 1740 building), Restaurant Serenade (NYT and WSJ featured), the Chatham Playhouse (founded 1922), and independent boutiques like Purple Aardvark and Jabberwocky. Homes sell in just 9 days at a $1.24M median — up 12.7% year over year. First settled by John Day in 1710, named for William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, in 1773.
Chatham Borough Real Estate Market in 2026
Chatham Borough homes sell in just 9 days at a $1.24M median — up 12.7% year over year. Pre-war Colonials, Victorians, and Tudors on 0.15-0.25 acre lots. Entry-level homes start around $750K, luxury reaches $2.5M+. Property taxes run $16,000-$30,000+. The Midtown Direct express, 9th-ranked school district, and Walk Score of 84 drive relentless demand from NYC commuters. Bloomberg (2018) ranked both Chathams 64th highest-income place in the U.S. and 8th in NJ.
Best Neighborhoods in Chatham Borough
4 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
The Manor Section
$1,000,000 to $2,000,000+Historic properties dating to the 1800s. Colonial, Victorian, and Tudor-style homes with old-world charm and modern updates. Walking distance to downtown boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and train station.
Downtown / Main Street / Station Area
$900,000 to $1,500,000Walk Score 84. Pre-war Colonials and Capes steps from the train, Scalini Fedeli, Restaurant Serenade, and Main Street shops. Commands a premium.
Washington Avenue Area
$850,000 to $1,300,000Close to downtown and station with slightly smaller lot footprints. Established residential streets.
South Chatham
$750,000 to $1,100,000Tree-lined walkable streets with mix of historic colonial architecture and modern custom homes. More affordable luxury entry into Chatham schools.
Commuting from Chatham Borough to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Chatham Borough
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Chatham Borough?
Chatham Borough vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
Where to Eat in Chatham Borough
Fine Dining
Scalini Fedeli (63 Main St, Chef Michael Cetrulo, founded 1995, housed in a historic 1740 building with Tuscan vaulted ceilings and Venetian plaster, signature egg yolk ravioli). Restaurant Serenade (6 Roosevelt Ave, Chef James Laird, contemporary fine dining with local/seasonal produce, featured in NYT, WSJ, and NJ Monthly).
Main Street Dining
D'Oro Ristorante (219 Main St, Northern Italian, generous portions), Gregorio's Italian Mediterranean (255A Main St, 20+ years, 2025 OpenTable Diners' Choice Award), Sorriso Italian Kitchen, Fleur de Sol Bistro (French), Charley's Aunt (comfort food), Chatham Steakhouse, Rose City Wurst (85 Main St), Mitsuba Japanese Cuisine.
Casual & Family
Chatham Sandwich Shop, Village Play Cafe (indoor playspace and coffee shop), Arminio's Italian Corner (30+ years), Scoops (ice cream). Saturday Farmer's Market on Main Street, June through November.
Parks and Recreation in Chatham Borough
Shepard Kollock Park
Named after Revolutionary War printer Shepard Kollock who established his printing press in Chatham in 1779. Picnic shelters, baseball/softball diamonds, and boat launch on the Passaic River.
Memorial Park
Athletic fields and swimming pool. Community recreation hub.
Garden Park
Tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, playground, and walking paths.
Castle Park
Large playground and major draw for families with young children.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
7,768 acres bordering Chatham Township. 8.5 miles of walking paths. Legislation signed November 3, 1960, preserved by Geraldine R. Dodge and Marcellus Hartley Dodge Sr. One of America's earliest environmental victories.
New Development and Growth in Chatham Borough
The Ivy (River Road Phase I)
Completed 2018. 37 affordable housing units at River Road and Watchung Avenue. Expected $56M+ in Borough revenues.
River Road Phase 2 / Gateway
South of The Ivy. DMR Architects leading redevelopment study (presented March 2024). Public visioning workshop June 2024. Draft Gateway I and II plans released April-June 2026.
Post Office Plaza (Bowers Lane)
Borough donating land, working with non-profit for grants and funding.
58 N Passaic
2 duplex buildings, all affordable units, developed by non-profit.
History of Chatham Borough, NJ
First settled by John Day in 1710. Named Chatham in 1773 after William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. Seceded from Chatham Township August 19, 1892 as a village, reincorporated as borough March 1, 1897.
George Washington wrote 17 letters while in Chatham and moved troops across the Passaic River during the Revolutionary War. Shepard Kollock established his printing press here in 1779.
General Rochambeau built a bakery operation in Chatham in 1781 to supply French troops.
Chatham implemented the first recorded speed bump on April 24, 1906 — covered by the New York Times and the Chatham Press.
Chatham Community Players founded 1922 — one of NJ's oldest continuously operating community theater groups, performing at 23 N Passaic Ave.
CNN/Money ranked Chatham 9th best place to live in the U.S. (2005). NJ Monthly ranked the Borough 25th best place in NJ (2008). Bloomberg ranked both Chathams 64th highest-income in the U.S. (2018).
The Fishawack Festival (named after a Lenni Lenape word) launched in 1971. Annual June celebration with live music, food vendors, and family activities.
Safety in Chatham Borough
Chatham Borough's crime rate is 68.6% lower than the national average. In 2024, only 1 violent crime was reported (97.1% below national average) and zero homicides. Property crime is 63.2% below the U.S. average. Safer than 99% of U.S. cities.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Chatham Borough, NJ
What is the median home price in Chatham Borough, NJ?
The median home price is $1,240,000 as of 2026, with 12.7% year-over-year appreciation. Average $480/sqft, selling in 9 days.
How long is the commute from Chatham Borough to NYC?
42 minutes via NJ Transit from Chatham Station on the Midtown Direct. Direct service, no transfers.
What are property taxes in Chatham Borough, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.12%. Average homeowner pays $20,500/year. At the median price of $1,240,000, expect about $26,288/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chatham Borough?
The Manor Section ($1,000,000 to $2,000,000+). Downtown / Main Street / Station Area ($900,000 to $1,500,000). Washington Avenue Area ($850,000 to $1,300,000). South Chatham ($750,000 to $1,100,000). See the full guide above for all 4 neighborhoods.
Is Chatham Borough safe?
Chatham Borough's crime rate is 68.6% lower than the national average. In 2024, only 1 violent crime was reported (97.1% below national average) and zero homicides. Property crime is 63.2% below the U.S. average. Safer than 99% of U.S. cities.
How walkable is Chatham Borough, NJ?
Walk Score of 84, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $209,283, median age 38.0. 15% renter-occupied.
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