Welcome to Chatham
Welcome to Chatham—one of New Jersey's most prestigious addresses. But before you browse listings, you need to answer the "Million Dollar Question": The Borough or The Township?
While they share a name, a zip code (07928), and a top-tier school district, they are two separate municipalities with very different vibes.
The Borough: Think "Sidewalks & Front Porches." It’s the historic, walkable center near the train.
The Township: Think "Privacy & Acreage." It borders the Great Swamp and offers sprawling lots and newer construction.
The Chatham Comparison Matrix
Which Chatham fits your lifestyle? Compare the trade-offs.
| Feature |
Chatham Borough |
Chatham Township |
| The Vibe |
Historic & Walkable |
Sprawling & Private |
| Lot Size |
Smaller (0.15 - 0.25 ac) |
Larger (0.50+ ac) |
| Housing Stock |
Pre-War Colonials / Capes |
Subdivisions / Luxury Builds |
| Commute |
Walk to Train |
Drive to Station (5-10 min) |
One District, Two Towns: The Schools
Regardless of which side you choose, you get the prize:
The School District of the Chathams. Unlike other towns that split districts, the Borough and Township share a unified system.
- K-3: Milton Ave, Southern Blvd, Washington Ave (Zoned by neighborhood).
- 4-5: All students merge at Lafayette School.
- 6-8: Chatham Middle School.
- 9-12: Chatham High School (Ranked #1 by NJ Monthly).
This means you can buy for land in the Township without sacrificing the academic prestige associated with the Borough.
Commuting: The "Midtown Direct"
Commuting to NYC is seamless, but your morning routine depends on your address.
From the Borough: Real estate prices here command a premium for "Walk-to-Train" access. Residents stroll to the downtown station for a 45-minute Midtown Direct ride to Penn Station.
From the Township: Residents typically drive. The station has permit parking (waitlists apply) and daily metered spots. Many Township executives also utilize private boxcar services or drive to the nearby
Summit station for express options.
Living in Chatham
The Borough Lifestyle: Life revolves around Main Street. You can walk to Scalini Fedeli (NJ's highest-rated Italian restaurant located in a 1700s farmhouse) or grab coffee without touching your car keys.
The Township Lifestyle: Life here is about the outdoors. You are minutes from the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the exclusive Fairmount Country Club. In the summer, the action centers around the Colony Pool Club, a private beach-style swim club nestled in the woods.
If you are looking for high-end retail, the famous Short Hills Mall is just a few minutes away on Route 24.
Explore Nearby Neighborhoods
