Why Chatham Township, NJ?
Chatham Township was ranked the #1 best place to live in New Jersey by NJ Monthly (2008) — and the reasons haven't changed. Half-acre-plus lots, the 9th-ranked school district in NJ (shared with the Borough), and the 7,768-acre Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge bordering the south. Rolling Hill estates, Lafayette's elegant homes near Fairmount Country Club, and Toll Brothers' new Enclave townhomes offer every price point. At $1.69M median — up 15.9% year over year — this is where Chatham buyers go for space, privacy, and land. Third-highest median household income among NJ municipalities with 10,000+ residents.
Chatham Township Real Estate Market in 2026
Chatham Township homes sell in 33 days at a $1.69M median — up 15.9% year over year. Colonials, custom builds, and newer construction on half-acre to multi-acre lots. Entry from around $850K (condos/townhomes at The Enclave), luxury estates to $2.5M+. Property taxes run $16,000-$30,000+. Third-highest median income ($176,364) among NJ towns with 10,000+ residents. Bloomberg (2018) ranked both Chathams 64th highest-income in the U.S.
Best Neighborhoods in Chatham Township
6 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Rolling Hill Section
$1,200,000 to $2,500,000+Sprawling estates on beautifully landscaped, tree-lined streets. High-end finishes, spacious layouts, private pools. More new builds and custom homes. Near Southern Boulevard Elementary and Fairmount Country Club.
Lafayette
$1,100,000 to $2,000,000Elegant homes with large yards on quiet streets. High-end finishes, custom designs. Proximity to Fairmount Country Club and Colony Pool Club.
Wyckham Woods
$1,000,000 to $1,600,000Spacious homes on tree-lined streets. Popular established section with mature landscaping.
Green Village
$900,000 to $1,800,000Rural hamlet with acreage-oriented feel. Own ZIP code (07935). Partly in Chatham Township, partly in Harding Township. Horse country character.
Southern Boulevard Area
$950,000 to $1,500,000Near Southern Boulevard Elementary and the Great Swamp. Larger lots with direct nature access and trail connections.
The Enclave at Chatham
$700,000 to $950,000New construction by Toll Brothers. Carriage-style townhomes with open floor plans and smart home technology.
Commuting from Chatham Township to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Chatham Township
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Chatham Township?
Chatham Township vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatham Township | $1,686,836 | 2.18% | $22,500 | 48 min |
| Chatham Borough | $1,240,000 | 2.12% | $20,500 | 42 min |
| Harding | $1,400,000 | 1.56% | $22,345 | 55 min |
Where to Eat in Chatham Township
Chatham Main Street
Short drive to the Borough's Main Street: Scalini Fedeli (Chef Michael Cetrulo, fine Italian in a 1740 building), Restaurant Serenade (Chef James Laird, NYT/WSJ featured), D'Oro Ristorante, Gregorio's (2025 OpenTable Diners' Choice), Fleur de Sol Bistro, Charley's Aunt, Rose City Wurst.
Club Dining
Fairmount Country Club offers fine dining for members. Colony Pool Club for social gatherings.
Parks and Recreation in Chatham Township
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
7,768 acres bordering the township's south. 8.5 miles of walking paths and boardwalks. Legislation signed November 3, 1960 after citizen campaign led by Geraldine R. Dodge defeated a proposed jetport — one of America's earliest environmental victories.
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Hiking trails and boardwalks with environmental education programs.
Loantaka Brook Reservation
570 acre Morris County park with paved and unpaved paths for walking, biking, and horseback riding.
Patriots' Path
Morris County trail system connecting through the township with miles of paved and unpaved paths.
Colony Pool Club
Spring-fed clear-water pond with six public tennis courts. Membership-supported community institution.
Fairmount Country Club
Golf, tennis, and fine dining. Adjacent to Rolling Hill and Lafayette neighborhoods.
New Development and Growth in Chatham Township
The Enclave at Chatham
Toll Brothers new construction. Carriage-style townhomes with open floor plans, smart home technology, and modern finishes. Targets professionals and retirees.
History of Chatham Township, NJ
Formed February 12, 1806 from portions of Hanover and Morris Townships. The original township from which Chatham Borough separated (1892/1897) and Florham Park formed (March 20, 1899).
Continental Army First Winter Encampment: January-May 1777, George Washington marched the army to the Lowantica Valley in Chatham Township.
Madame Bey (c. 1881-1942), Turkish opera singer, ran a famous boxing training camp in the township where Jack Dempsey, Max Schmeling, Mickey Walker, and Gene Tunney trained.
The Great Swamp jetport fight (1959-1960): the Jersey Jetport Site Association formed to fight a proposed airport. Citizen activism led by Geraldine R. Dodge preserved 7,768 acres as a National Wildlife Refuge.
NJ Monthly ranked Chatham Township #1 best place to live in New Jersey (2008). Bloomberg ranked both Chathams 64th highest-income in the U.S. (2018).
Mount Vernon School (built 1860) is now the Red Brick Schoolhouse Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic properties include the Price-Baldwin House (c. 1770), Lewis Noe Farmstead (c. 1770), and William Gibbons Stable and Farm (c. 1830s, which housed the famous thoroughbred Fashion).
Safety in Chatham Township
Chatham Township shares Chatham Borough's exceptional safety profile — crime rate 68.6% below national average. In 2024, only 1 violent crime reported across both Chathams (97.1% below national average) with zero homicides. Safer than 99% of U.S. cities.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Chatham Township, NJ
What is the median home price in Chatham Township, NJ?
The median home price is $1,686,836 as of 2026, with 15.9% year-over-year appreciation. Average $450/sqft, selling in 33 days.
How long is the commute from Chatham Township to NYC?
48 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Drive to Chatham or Murray Hill Station. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Chatham Township, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.18%. Average homeowner pays $22,500/year. At the median price of $1,686,836, expect about $36,773/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chatham Township?
Rolling Hill Section ($1,200,000 to $2,500,000+). Lafayette ($1,100,000 to $2,000,000). Wyckham Woods ($1,000,000 to $1,600,000). Green Village ($900,000 to $1,800,000). Southern Boulevard Area ($950,000 to $1,500,000). See the full guide above for all 6 neighborhoods.
Is Chatham Township safe?
Chatham Township shares Chatham Borough's exceptional safety profile — crime rate 68.6% below national average. In 2024, only 1 violent crime reported across both Chathams (97.1% below national average) with zero homicides. Safer than 99% of U.S. cities.
How walkable is Chatham Township, NJ?
Walk Score of 25, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $176,364, median age 43.3. 6% renter-occupied.
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