The History
During the Revolutionary War, Chatham was one of a few strategically situated towns that impeded the westward advance of the British, according to Helen Ann Rosenfeld, a vice president of the Chatham Historical Society. To keep the enemy off balance, Washington ordered the construction of baking ovens nearby to give the appearance of a permanent encampment. In August 1781, he stayed briefly at the Morrell House on Main Street, where he wrote at least 17 letters. Those letters are now held by the Library of Congress.
What you will find
Located in Morris County, Chatham Borough and Chatham Township, also known as The Chathams, have a bucolic, all-American feel. They have separate governments but share a school system. The Borough is the older section closer to quaint Main Street shopping and the NJ Transit train station. Properties in the Borough tend to be older and smaller. At only 2.4 square miles, the borough, with an old-fashioned Main Street lined with mom-and-pop shops, is highly walkable. The Township has a more suburban feel with larger properties, including some high-end new construction. Residents are attracted to the community’s relatively low taxes, highly ranked school system and proximity to the recreational activities of the Great Swamp area.
Downtown Chatham’s tree-lined Main Street suggests an earlier, less frantic decade, even though busy Interstate 78 is just a few miles away. That is partly because of its small businesses, many of which have old-fashioned signs. One building that dates to the 18th century is the Jacob Morrell House, at 63 Main Street, now home to Scalini Fedeli, a popular Italian restaurant. Liberty Drug and Surgical, a pharmacy, has an ice cream counter that recalls the 1950s. The sense of nostalgia continues just off Main Street, where front porch swings hang outside the wide front doors of gracious center-hall colonial-style homes, and American flags hang at the entryways of some houses.
What to Do
Family recreation is a priority. Memorial Park Pool is open seasonally. Four fields, two with artificial turf, bustle with young lacrosse and field hockey players and cheering adults. Downtown is home to another well-known dining spot, Restaurant Serenade, in addition to Scalini Fedeli. The Mall at Short Hills, with several department stores and many high-end shops, is minutes away. A weekly farmer’s market is held Saturdays beginning in late June; residents who prefer to grow their own produce can join the Chatham Community Garden. The Library of the Chathams has a variety of programming for adults and children. The Chatham Community Players, a nonprofit local theater group, has been entertaining local audiences since 1922.
- Average Sales Price 2022 Chatham Borough: $$765,250
- Average Sales Price 2022 Chatham Township: $1,712,500
- Avg. 2021 Tax Bill Chatham Borough $14,238
- Avg. 2021 Tax Bill Chatham Township $15,100
- Chatham Boro
- Chatham Township
- School District of the Chathams
The Commute
New Jersey Transit trains run from Chatham to New York Penn Station, a ride of around 45 to 60 minutes; trains that change in Newark can take longer. Trains also run to Hoboken, where some commuters pick up the PATH to Manhattan, but may require a transfer. Train station parking permits, for borough residents only are a hot commodity, and new residents can expect to remain on the waiting list for at least a year but metered parking spaces near the station are available. Chatham is about 25 miles northwest of Lower Manhattan, a drive of around 45 minutes, traffic permitting, via Interstate 78 and the Holland Tunnel. Newark Airport is about 20 minutes from the Chathams.
Information on parking permits is available on the Borough website.
The Chathams Schools
The School District of the Chathams consists of six schools: three for prekindergarten through third grade, one for fourth and fifth grades, one middle school and one high school. Chatham High School was No. 1 in New Jersey Monthly magazine’s 2014 rankings in September of the state’s top public high schools. Last year, 93 percent of its roughly 1,200 students went on to four-year colleges. In 2019, voters approved an additional $460,000 in spending to expand the district’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs.
The four elementary schools are:
- Lafayette School (grades 4-5)
- Milton Avenue School (grades K-3)
- Southern Boulevard School (grades K-3)
- Washington Avenue School (grades pre-K-3)
In the elementary schools, an academically challenging environment stimulates, encourages and motivates the students. Assemblies, trips and special projects enrich the program.
The Chatham Middle School (grades 6-8) provides a stimulating environment where students are challenged and supported. The school offers opportunities for a student to develop their interests and strengths. Responsibility is encouraged.
Chatham High School (grades 9-12) consistently ranks among the top NJ high schools, and has an enrollment of more than 1,100 students. The school offers more than 17 AP classes as well as many extra curricular activities and sports to provide a well-rounded high school experience.
Private and Parochial Schools Near Chatham:
- Delbarton
- The Far Brook School
- Golda Och Academy
- Kent Place School
- Montclair Kimberly Academy
- The Morristown Beard School
- Newark Academy
- Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child
- Oratory Prep
- The Peck School
- The Pingry School
- Saint Peter’s Prep
- Saint Rose of Lima School
- Seton Hall Prep
Preschools Near Chatham:
- Cornerstone School
- Montessori Childrens Academy
- Sprout House
- The Gingham Giraffe Preschool
- Chatham School House
- Long Hill Christian Preschool
- The Learning Path Nursery School & Daycare
- Stanley Congregational Nursery School
- Chatham Methodist Nursery School
Useful Links
- Charley’s Aunt Restaurant
- L’Fay Bridal
- Serenade Restaurant
- Chatham Club
- Chatham Fish and Game
- Chatham Lacrosse Club
- Chatham Patch
- Chatham Players
- Center Court Athletic Club
- D’Oro Ristorante
- Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
- Gregorio’s Italian Mediterranean Cuisine
- Jabberwocky
- Scalini Fedeli Restaurant
- Serenade Restaurant
- Sunnywoods Flowers & Gifts
- TM Ward Coffee Co
Unique to Town
- The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a major watershed and a significant resting point for migratory birds. The park offers excellent hiking facilities that include trails, boardwalks, observation blinds, and naturalist exhibits displayed in its park office that are related to the swamp and its wildlife.
- Two homes from colonial times still survive: The Paul Day house (24 Kings Rd) and the Daniel Bonnel house (34 Watchung Ave).
Numerous annual events celebrate and preserve Chatham’s small town character.
- The Fishawack Festival was first celebrated in 1971 and is held at the beginning of summer to kick off the season. Local vendors sell food, clothing, toys and souveniers. Games and rides are provided for the children. Funds from the festival go to various community groups throughout Chatham.
- The Fishing Derby at Kelley’s Pond is an annual event that has been held since 1962. The pond is stocked by the local fire department with live trout from a New Jersey fish hatchery. The event is open to kids under 14 and prizes are awarded.
- The Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks symbolize life in “small town USA.” Community organizations march in the parade. The day is celebrated with picnics, neighborhood parties and fireworks.
- The Green Fair is a festival to promote ideas to live a greener lifestyle. While vendors sell green products, entertainment and food is provided for guests.