Explore the neighborhoods
Shira knows and loves.
Chatham
If you’re looking for a town that has it all, Chatham fits the bill. Just 25 miles west of NYC, Chatham offers an idyllic town with an excellent school system, a thriving downtown, and an oasis for nature lovers. Residents love the town and it’s easy to see why.
First things first – Chatham Township vs. Chatham Borough – what’s the difference? When we talk about “the Chathams” we are talking about both, or either. They are officially different municipalities, with different governments, however, they share a train station and a school system (starting in 6th grade). We can discuss which one is best for you.
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Commuting
With a wide array of train, bus and car options, it’s an easy commute from Chatham to Manhattan.
Public Transportation:
Chatham Station is on NJ Transit Morristown line with a Midtown Direct commuter service that can reach New York Penn Station in as little as 46 minutes.
Direct trains to Hoboken
Most homes in Chatham Borough are within walking distance of the train station
Free bike racks at train station
Residents can apply for parking permits – $350/year or park in metered spots at $5/day
NJ Transit MCM-3 bus runs through Chatham between the Livingston Mall, Short Hills Mall, Madison, Morristown, Morris Plains and Greystone Park
Driving:
Chatham is found just off of exit 7 off Route 24. It offers easy access to i-78 and I-287, the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Route 280.
Newark Liberty Airport is just 20 minutes away
Schools
Chatham Schools
School Districts of the Chathams
Chatham Reigns As the Top High School in NJ
Preschool and Childcare Options
Recreation
In addition to a beautiful downtown with quaint shops and award winning restaurants, Chatham has some really unique recreation offerings:
Chatham Cinema – new release movies in an intimate one screen theater Chatham Playhouse- local theater featuring Chatham Community Players since 1922
Chatham Community Band
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge – one of the largest natural wildlife refuges ever created so close to an urban center. It features 9 miles of trails and boardwalks that weave through a 7600 acre refuge.
Passaic River Country Park and Reservation – 769 acres including more than 5000 feet of shoreline open for picnicking, softball, fishing, ice skating and cross country skiing Dozens of sporting fields, a municipal swimming pool, skate park tennis courts and playgrounds
Florham Park
Why does Florham Park attract so many of my clients? With its low tax rate, subsidized by many of the local businesses and corporations in town, Florham Park has a community feel like no other, with an active sense of volunteerism. Residents truly love their town and want to get involved, help their neighbors, or just say hello!
Columbia Turnpike provides residents with endless shopping destinations, yet the community manages to feel like a small town. The Little Red School House (on both the state and national registers of historic places) on Columbia Turnpike symbolizes this juxtaposition. Located 30 miles from New York City, Florham Park gives its residents everything they could want in a town and more.
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Commuting
While Florham Park lacks its own train station, residents have many easy ways to commute into the city.
Public Transportation:
Residents can catch a New Jersey Transit train from neighboring Madison into NY Penn Station. Many residents drive to the Livingston Mall and take a direct bus into Manhattan. Local buses also take you into Manhattan but require a transfer in Newark.
Driving:
Florham Park is easily accessible by car to Routes 78, 280, 287 and the Garden State Parkway. Florham Park is approximately 20 minutes from Newark Liberty Airport.
Schools
There are two elementary schools, one from grades Pre-K to 2 and the other from grades 3 to 5 and one middle school.
High School students attend Hanover Park High School, located in neighboring East Hanover.
Recreation
Spring Gardens Lake offers water sports and fishing in the spring and summer.
Free Public Library of Florham Park holds summertime concerts and activities.
Annual Fourth of July celebration has a parade, carnival, and of course, fireworks.
Residents can use the newly renovated municipal pool in the summer. Florham Park is home to the 110,000 square foot Lifetime Fitness facility.
Watch the New York Jets practice in Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park.
Florham Park has both private and public golf courses.
Livingston
Named for the first governor of NJ, William Livingston, its history dates back to colonial times. Located 22 miles west of NYC, this community is a draw for individuals that value a good school system and want to be within an hour of New York. A very family-friendly place to live.
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Commuting
Located 22 miles west of NYC, Livingston, while not on a train line, has many public and private transportation options, making it an easy commute.
Public Transportation:
Community Coach Bus provides commuter service to the Port Authority. For $2.00 a trip, you can take a local shuttle to South Orange train station and catch a direct train to Manhattan. You can park for free at the Livingston Mall. Drive to nearby Harrison and take the PATH train directly to the NY Financial District. NJ Transit buses 70, 71, 73 and MCM-3 travel between Livingston and Newark, Florham Park, and West Caldwell.
Driving:
Located off Rt 280, Livingston is within 10 minutes of Route 24, I-78, 287 and the Garden State Parkway. NJ Highway 10 runs through Livingston and into neighboring East Hanover, home to every store you’ll ever need, chain and otherwise. Newark Liberty Airport is 20 minutes away!
Schools
Most of my clients include great schools as one of the top reasons for choosing Livingston.
The Livingston School District (six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school) consistently ranks among the top school districts in New Jersey.
NJ Monthly Magazine named Livingston High School one of the state’s best high schools (22 out of 322). Livingston High School has won first place in the Essex County Mathematics Competition every year since 1992.
Recreation
The Livingston Arts Council provides musical and orchestral productions to the community and gives children of all ages an opportunity to participate in them.
Located less than 5 minutes from the acclaimed Turtle Back Zoo. Two separate oversized community pool complexes.
Community parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, a community center, and a fishing pond that becomes an ice skating pond in winter.
Livingston has its own mall, The Livingston Mall, and is located minutes away from the expansive Short Hills Mall.
Maplewood
My clients are passionate about Maplewood for many reasons. It has a small town feel with all the amenities of a larger community. Attracting a creative crowd, Maplewood has a thriving artistic community. The town’s Main Street is full of boutiques, quaint shops, and restaurants.
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Commuting
With only a 40 minute commute to NYC by train, it’s clear why Money Magazine named it one of the best places to live in America.
Public Transportation:
Maplewood Station is on NJ Transit Midtown Direct line with service straight into New York Penn Station, Newark, and Hoboken. Quick transfer to the PATH offers service to the NY Financial District. While the NJ Transit Parking Lot near Maplewood has limited spaces, residents can sign up for the popular jitney service which runs across town, to and from the station. Maplewood Train Station has a concierge service that performs small tasks, such as ordering groceries, dropping off dry cleaning, returning rented videos, and even paying parking tickets. Bus routes 25, 37, 70, and 107 pass between Maplewood and South Orange, Irvington, Newark, Newark Liberty Airport, Union City and New York City. Nearby Lakeland Bus and Community Coach Bus offer direct trips to Manhattan.
Driving:
Maplewood is within 10 minutes of Route 24, 280, I-78 the Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. Route 124 (Springfield Avenue) runs through Maplewood. Newark Liberty Airport is 20 minutes away!
Schools
The Columbia School District serves both Maplewood and neighboring South Orange.
The Columbia School District is comprised of six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
Elementary school has full-day kindergarten (trust me, this is important)
Columbia High School, one of the most academically progressive high schools in the state of New Jersey offers an extensive amount of AP classes and extracurricular activities.
Columbia High School is a Blue Ribbon School (a US Department of Education Award reserved for the best schools in the nation).
One-third of Maplewood’s 7th graders are invited to take SATs through the Johns Hopkins Talent Search.
Recreation
Maplewood has always attracted artists. The South-Orange Artists Network organizes a monthly arts calendar and events including the studio visits of local resident artists.
Two local theater companies hold plays, musicals and children’s workshops.
First Night is family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.
The South Mountain Reservation, a 2110-acre nature reserve, offers hiking and breathtaking vistas of the New York skyline.
Department of Recreation of Cultural Affairs organizes youth and adult sports programs, senior services and special needs services.
Maplewood Tennis Program for adults and children, beginning as young as 3 years old.
Nearby golf courses.
Playgrounds, fields, street hockey rinks and a large community pool round out the recreation options.
Millburn & Short Hills
Millburn and Short Hills have grown into commuter havens for NYC transplants. So desirable, these towns have been almost recession-proof, unaffected by downward trends in housing prices. My childhood hometown is a great place to live for so many reasons.
Clients often ask, what’s the difference between Millburn and Short Hills? Short Hills is an unincorporated community located within Millburn Township. They share a school district and all local resources.
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Commuting
With easy access via rail, highway, bus, and ferry, it’s understandable why these communities are popular choices for young professionals who work in New York.
Public Transportation:
Two railroad stations, Short Hills and Millburn, serve the area. A 35 to 40-minute direct train to New York’s Penn Station on the Midtown Direct Train line. Transfers available at Hoboken. Riders can take the PATH train into Manhattan or the scenic route on the Hoboken Ferry. Commuter train parking lots for residents of Millburn/Short Hills, with parking on a first come, first served basis. Permits cost $360/year.
Driving:
Easy access to route 24, 280, I-78, New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. Newark Liberty Airport is 20 minutes away!
Schools
In one word, “excellence”. My clients almost always cite Millburn Township’s school district as one of the best reasons to live here.
Millburn High School is consistently ranked #1 in New Jersey and one of the top high schools in the country.
Millburn High School is a Blue Ribbon School (highest award given by the US Department of Education).
Its five elementary schools are top-ranked, and its middle school has been named a Benchmark School of Excellence.
Recreation
With Millburn and Short Hills’ lush open spaces, it’s easy to forget the chaotic streets of New York City are only 15 miles away.
The South Mountain Reservation, over 2000 acres to hike, relax or take in a scenic vista.
Greenwood Gardens, a 28-acre public garden, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, a woodland garden and bird sanctuary.
Taylor Park and Gero Park offer playgrounds, ponds, rose gardens, ball fields, tennis courts and a recently renovated municipal community swimming pool.
Home to its own par 27 nine-hole golf course, the Millburn Municipal Golf Course (and nearby to the Baltusrol Golf Club).
The Paper Mill Playhouse, one of the most highly-acclaimed non-profit regional theaters in the country, serves as a feeder theater for Broadway and attracts stars like Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera, and Kristin Chenoweth.
The Millburn Cinema 4, an old school small-town movie theater shows the latest movie releases.
New Providence
Quaint and picturesque New Providence is often described as one of the best towns in NJ to raise a family. It has a small town feel and a welcoming community. Only 28 miles from New York City, New Providence has it all.
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Commuting
Home to two train stations within its tiny 3.6 miles, New Providence residents have a variety of good options when it comes to commuting into Manhattan.
Public Transportation:
Commuters can hop on the Gladstone Branch (Morris and Essex Lines) at either the New Providence or Murray Hill stations into NY Penn Station. Some residents may opt to transfer in Hoboken to the PATH, Hoboken Ferry or Light Rail to NY’s Financial District. Residents can apply for parking permits to park at the commuter train lots, with no waitlist. Private bus service to Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Driving:
Traveling by car is easy from New Providence, with close proximity to I-78, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Newark Airport is under 20 minutes away.
Schools
The high performing district consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Recipient of the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.
Consistently top-ranked public high school by NJ Monthly.
Recreation
Hike or horseback ride in the Watchung Reservation, which houses the Trailside Nature and Science Center.
Annual Trout Fishing Derby and Fourth of July celebrations bring this community together.
A short drive to the Raptor Trust, a private wildlife bird rehabilitation center.
Through the Recreation Department, children can participate in youth sports and a variety of camps over the summer.
This small town has three playgrounds, numerous ball fields, all-weather tennis courts, shuffleboard, and even an ice skating rink. Residents can use the “Country Club” of community pools.
The New Providence Community Pool contains two Olympic sized pools, diving tank, and a children’s fountain.
South Orange
A quaint residential community with roots dating back to Revolutionary times, South Orange is filled with beautiful historic and period homes. Residents enjoy a thriving art scene, diverse community, year-round access to outdoor activities, and a 30-minute commute to NYC via the Midtown Direct train. It’s no wonder so many of my clients choose South Orange when it’s time to pick a town.
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Commuting
With a short commute by train, bus, or car into Manhattan, it’s clear why South Orange is a commuter’s dream.
Public Transportation:
South Orange is home to two New Jersey Transit stations on the Morristown line.
The train ride to NYC is between 30 and 40 minutes.
The town offers a jitney service to the train stations from outlying areas.
NJ Transit bus line 107 provides direct commuter bus service to NYC in less than 50 minutes.
Driving:
South Orange is within 10 minutes of Routes 24, 280, I-78 and the Garden State Parkway. Less than a 25-minute drive into Manhattan. Newark Liberty Airport is 20 minutes away!
Schools
The Columbia School District serves both South Orange and neighboring Maplewood.
The Columbia School District is composed of six elementary schools (two for South Orange residents), two middle schools (one for South Orange), and one high school.
Columbia High School is one of the most academically progressive high schools in the state of New Jersey, with an extensive amount of AP classes and extracurricular activities.
Columbia High School is a Blue Ribbon School (a US Department of Education Award reserved for the best schools in the nation).
Recreation
South Orange Performing Arts Center offers exceptional live performances in its 400+ seat auditorium.
South Mountain Reservation, a 2000-acre nature preserve, is the perfect destination for hiking, runs, and biking, complete with a dog run and vistas of NYC.
A community pool, playgrounds, and recreational facilities and fields keep outdoor activities fun.
South Orange’s vibrant downtown area includes incredible restaurants and shops, such as Eden Gourmet, an upscale gourmet grocery store that attracts people from neighboring towns.
Summit
Once home to the weekend retreats of wealthy New Yorkers, Summit is now the year-round home of many renowned NJ residents. Beautiful estates line the streets, attracting residents who appreciate fine culture, shopping and an easy commute to NYC. Top-notch public schools and prestigious private schools top off the many reasons that many of my clients insist on making Summit their home.
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Commuting
Located 20 miles west of NYC, Summit is one of the easiest towns to commute from into Manhattan.
Public Transportation:
At the Summit train station, commuters can get on the Midtown Direct Line, which goes right into NY Penn Station. They can also take the Gladstone Line to Manhattan, with an optional transfer at Hoboken, where they can board the PATH train, Light Rail or scenic Hoboken Ferry to the NY Financial District.
Driving:
Summit is located off I-78, close to the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. Summit is a 20- minute drive to Newark Liberty Airport.
Schools
Summit’s five elementary schools, one middle school, and high school are regarded as some of the best in the state.
The public schools offer a lottery-based preschool for both general and special education students.
Free afterschool programs open to children in grades 6-12 run all year, with expanded programs over the summer.
The Summit Area Community School, a non-profit organization, offers a variety of classes for both children and adults.
Recreation
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, devoted exclusively to contemporary art, features museum-quality exhibitions by local and internationally famous artists, as well as its own art school.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 12.5 acres of formal gardens and woodlands, and listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. This is a must-see, especially in the summer, with its vast drifts of daffodils in bloom.
Local parks and playgrounds include sports fields, tracks, tennis courts, basketball courts and an awarding winning Summit Community Pool with a sand volleyball court.
Summit Municipal Golf Course was the first municipal built golf course in New Jersey. It stretches 13 acres across a former private estate.
West Orange
West Orange, with its 12 acres of open land, parks, and dreamy Victorian homes, feels so far removed from Manhattan, yet it’s only 13 miles away. It’s no wonder that West Orange was the location of the first planned residential community in America. West Orange has four distinct neighborhoods: Downtown, First Mountain (with views of the Manhattan skyline), Pleasantdale (a walkable business district), and the Second Mountain (bordering the South Mountain Reservation). West Orange is known for its hiking as well as its most famous resident, Thomas Edison. My clients love it for its sense of community, diversity, and location.
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Commuting
While West Orange lacks its own train line, there are many commuter options.
Public Transportation:
The town offers free jitney service to the Orange, South Orange, and Mountain train stations. A quick drive to the Harrison, NJ PATH train gives commuters direct service to Manhattan’s Financial District. Private bus companies provide service to NY Penn Station, a 40 to 45-minute ride.
Driving:
Located conveniently right off I-280, West Orange is minutes from I-24, 78, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Located 20 minutes from Newark Airport.
Schools
West Orange has seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school.
The new Liberty Middle School, a top-of-the-line new facility completed a few years ago, looks more like a college campus than a suburban middle school.
The school district has a cutting-edge STEM program. The sports complex at the high school is one of the best in the region.
Recreation
West Orange is the recreation hub for all of Essex County.
South Mountain Recreation Complex includes the Turtle Back Zoo, a safari-themed mini-golf course, ice skating rink, paddle boats, playground, a 1.75-mile walking loop around a reservoir, and an adventure park.
Turtle Back Zoo, voted New Jersey’s #1 zoo, keeps improving each year, with over 200 species of animals including seals, lions, hyenas, giraffes, a carousel, train, and petting zoo.