Trying to decide between Chatham Township and Chatham Borough? You are not alone. Both offer standout suburban living in Morris County with strong schools, green space, and easy access to NYC, yet the day-to-day feel can be very different. In this guide, you’ll see how housing, walkability, parks, commuting, schools, and taxes compare so you can choose the right fit for your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
Chatham at a glance
Both municipalities are small, adjacent, and often called “the Chathams.” The Township covers more land and has a slightly larger population than the Borough. They share the same K–12 public school district and many community connections, but they have separate governments and services. The biggest lifestyle split usually comes down to downtown access versus lot size and privacy.
Neighborhoods and housing
Chatham Borough: walkable, historic, close-in
If you want a village feel, the Borough centers on Main Street and the NJ TRANSIT station. You’ll find early 20th-century homes, tree-lined streets, and smaller lots that make errands, dining, and the train an easy walk. Homes close to Main Street and the station often command a premium for convenience and lifestyle. Public market summaries show many sales in the seven figures, with some older homes trading below that range depending on size and condition, and a combined-area median around the low to mid seven figures, including examples near 1.5 million for recent 12-month snapshots from public aggregators.
Chatham Township: larger lots, newer options, more wooded
The Township surrounds much of the Borough and offers a more spacious, suburban setting. Expect larger yards, more privacy, and a mix of ranches, executive homes, and newer construction, including teardown-to-new builds in some neighborhoods. This inventory often skews to higher median prices and larger home footprints compared with the Borough. Planning in the Township prioritizes land use and open space, which shapes neighborhood character and where new homes may appear. You can read the planning context in the Township master plan materials.
Notable areas to know
- Borough core and Washington Avenue areas: close to downtown and the station, highly convenient, smaller lot footprints.
- Green Village (partly in the Township): a hamlet with a more rural, acreage-oriented feel.
Lifestyle and amenities
Downtown dining and events
Main Street in the Borough serves as the shared hub for both municipalities. You’ll find restaurants, small shops, a seasonal farmers market, and community events like summer concerts and local festivals. To get a flavor for the scene, browse this Chatham downtown guide. If being able to stroll to coffee, dinner, and the train is your priority, the Borough is usually the better match.
Parks, trails, and open space
Nature lovers have great choices in and around the Chathams. The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge sits at the Township’s edge with trails and wildlife viewing. Morris County’s Patriots’ Path and nearby Loantaka Brook Reservation offer miles of paved and unpaved paths for running, biking, and weekend strolls. These open-space corridors contribute to the Township’s more wooded, spacious feel, while Borough residents enjoy quick access to them by car.
Pools, clubs, and recreation
You’ll find seasonal pool options like the Colony Pool Club plus private and semi-private clubs for tennis and fitness. Both municipalities connect into many of the same youth sports, summer camps, and recreational programs, which keeps the community feeling cohesive.
Commuting and transit
Train access and travel times
Chatham Station on NJ TRANSIT’s Morris & Essex Line sits by the Borough’s Main Street. It offers weekday Midtown Direct service to New York Penn Station, with commonly reported peak travel times in the 45 to 55 minute range depending on the train. Confirm current schedules using NJ TRANSIT’s Chatham Station page. Homes within a short walk to the station are always in demand.
Station parking and permits
If you plan to drive to the train, the Borough manages a permit system and maintains a resident waitlist. There is also daily paid parking and ParkMobile options. Check the Borough’s page for the latest parking and permit details.
Bus options and driving
Some residents use commuter bus services operated by private companies that run to Manhattan. Driving access is strong to Route 24, I-78, and the Garden State Parkway, with Newark Liberty International Airport often about 20 to 30 minutes by car in normal traffic. A local guide outlines these commute choices and drive-time context for reference in its overview of Chatham.
Schools and taxes
One shared K–12 district
Both municipalities are served by the School District of the Chathams, including Chatham High School. The district has a strong regional reputation, and it is a key reason many buyers choose the Chathams. You can review programs and enrollment details on the district’s site.
Property taxes and what to expect
Average property-tax bills in the Chathams are relatively high by state standards, reflecting New Jersey’s tax structure and local home values. Published summaries for recent data years show average bills in roughly the mid-teens of thousands, with the Township slightly higher on some lists. The school portion is usually the largest share of the bill. For a current snapshot, see local reporting on average property-tax bills in Chatham, and verify your specific estimate with the municipal tax office.
Planning and growth
The Township maintains a detailed master plan that emphasizes preserving open space and guiding where new development fits. The Borough has its own planning board and has worked on housing elements and redevelopment around appropriate sites. These decisions shape future inventory, especially where multi-family or denser infill may be considered.
Who tends to choose each area
- Train commuter who values walkability: You may prefer the Borough for a short walk to Main Street and the station. A Walk Score snapshot for downtown highlights the convenience many buyers seek.
- Need a larger yard, privacy, or newer construction: The Township often fits best thanks to bigger lots and more options for new or recently built homes, guided by its planning framework.
- Downsizer or empty nester seeking convenience with less maintenance: A Borough condo, townhouse, or compact single-family near Main Street can simplify errands and social plans.
- Buyer seeking acreage or a hamlet feel: Look at parts of the Township, including Green Village, for a more rural vibe.
Quick decision checklist
- Do you want daily, reliable train access to Midtown? If yes, prioritize Borough or near-station locations.
- Is a walk-to-cafe, walk-to-dinner lifestyle a must? If yes, the Borough is your best bet.
- Do you want more land, privacy, or newer construction options? If yes, start with the Township.
- How much does school quality matter? Both municipalities share the same highly regarded district. Review district info here.
- Are property taxes a deciding factor? Average bills are in the mid-teens of thousands. Your specific amount depends on the home and budget decisions each year. See local tax reporting.
Ready to compare homes on the ground?
Both Chatham Township and Chatham Borough deliver an outstanding suburban experience. The right choice comes down to how you live: walkable downtown and train access versus larger lots and a quieter, more wooded setting. If you are between the two, tour one or two streets in each during the same day so you can feel the contrast.
If you want a thoughtful plan tailored to your lifestyle, reach out to Kimberly Brechka. Get local guidance, instant listing alerts, and staging-smart advice if you are also selling. Get your free home valuation when you are ready to explore next steps.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Chatham Township and Chatham Borough?
- The Borough centers on a walkable downtown and the train station, while the Township offers larger lots, more privacy, and a more wooded suburban feel.
Do Chatham Township and Chatham Borough share the same schools?
- Yes. Both are served by the School District of the Chathams, including Chatham High School, noted for strong regional performance.
How long is the NJ TRANSIT train ride to Midtown from Chatham?
- Typical peak travel times commonly fall in the 45 to 55 minute range to New York Penn Station, depending on the specific train.
Is station parking available for Chatham commuters?
- The Borough runs a permit system with a waitlist, plus daily paid options and ParkMobile; check the Borough’s parking page for current details.
How do property taxes compare between the Township and the Borough?
- Published averages are in the mid-teens of thousands, with the Township often slightly higher; your exact bill depends on assessed value and annual budgets.
Where can I find more nature and trails near the Chathams?
- The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Morris County’s Patriots’ Path and Loantaka Brook Reservation offer excellent hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
