With its quaint downtown, short commute to the city, and top schools, it’s no wonder why Chatham is consistently ranked one of the best places to live. Chatham is actually two different municipalities that share a name and a school district: there is the Borough and the Township.
Chatham Borough and Township share a regionalized school district, the School District of the Chathams.
Chatham School Information
One of the biggest draws to Chatham is the outstanding school system. In 2024, Niche.com rated the School District of Chatham #13 in the State of NJ with an A+ rating.
While the school boasts high academic achievements, students are also encouraged to excel in extracurricular activities. Chatham High School has competitive basketball, soccer, tennis and cross country teams, as well as an award-winning marching band.
The School District of the Chathams serve students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. There are four elementary schools: Milton Elementary School (K-3), Southern Boulevard Elementary School (K-3), Washington Avenue Elementary School (K-3), and Lafayette Elementary School (4&5). Chatham Middle School for grades 6&8 and Chatham High School for grades 9-12.
All public elementary school students (grades K-8) who live more than 2 miles from their school and all public secondary school students (grades 9-12) who live more than 2.5 miles from their school are entitled to transportation. There is subscription bussing available for students who reside less than the remote distance from school for a yearly fee. Fees for the 2023/2024 school year were $800 for round trip and $400 for one way.
Chatham Commuting Information
Only 25 miles from New York City, Chatham commuters enjoy a fast, easy, and direct commute to work. In fact, most residents of the Borough live close enough to walk (or at least bike) to the Chatham Train Station. As a stop on the NJ Transit’s Midtown Direct train line, commuters can reach either NYC or Hoboken in as little as 46 minutes! Residents can apply for parking permits, which cost approximately $600 per year, from Chatham Borough for the lots next to the station on Fairmount Avenue and Railroad Plaza and along Bond Street and Fairmount Avenue. Another option for residents is metered parking, for $7.00 per day. Bike racks can be used for free.
Chatham is also a quick drive to Manhattan — approximately 30 minutes without traffic. Conveniently located right of off Route 24, there is easy access to I-78, I-287, The New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, and Route 280. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is only a 20 minute drive away.
Homes in the Borough are closer to the Chatham Train Station. Only residents of the Borough are allowed to park at the train station, where there is currently a wait list. People who live in the Township and need to commute to NYC, will typically get non-resident parking at either New Providence or Summit train stations.
Click here to look up your NJ Transit train commute from Chatham.
Chatham Downtown & Park Information
Know for its quaint feel, Chatham Borough’s downtown is filled with family-owned eateries and small businesses. Among my favorite restaurants in the area are Scalini Fedeli, Chashni, and Bean Curd Restaurant.
