Mendham

 

Situated just about an hour from Manhattan is a community made up of Mendham Borough and Mendham Township. While the two picturesque municipalities are separate, they share a common bond, and many people simply refer to the area as "Mendham." Located in Morris County, Mendham manages to maintain its serene, rural atmosphere despite its proximity to major interstates and public transportation. Rolling green hills, woods, and winding roads make up most of the area. You will also find beautiful historic homes from various periods of the community's history and postcard-perfect locations to shop and dine in walkable neighborhoods. Mendham is home to highly-ranked schools and has a low crime rate, making it an excellent place to live. Many people who work in New York choose to live in the suburb on the weekends, and the area has also attracted a number of famous faces over the years. In 2013, New Jersey Monthly named Mendham as the best place to live in the state.

 

In 1798, Mendham Township became one of the first townships to incorporate in New Jersey, though its roots date back nearly 50 years before that date. Many of the original homes and buildings built during those days still stand in the area today. Mendham Borough incorporated much later in 1906 because its residents wanted neighborhoods with sidewalks and streetlights, while the Township wanted to stay mostly rural. Today, the two municipalities still somewhat reflect those attitudes, though both remain quaint and beautiful.

 

From golf and tennis to nature and historic sites, there is so much to do in the Mendham area. After a day of fun, you can stop by one of the community's favorite restaurants or bars to grab a drink with friends, pick up some Chinese takeout, or enjoy a romantic evening at an upscale Italian bistro. Shopping is plentiful in the downtown area, and one of New Jersey's most popular malls is just a few miles away. No matter what you like to do, you are sure to find something fun in the Mendham area.

 

For everyday needs, residents can head to Mendham Village. It has a Kings Supermarket, wine and liquor store, coffee shop, pizza place, bank, pharmacy, and other stores, restaurants, and services.

 

Just next to Mendham Village is the community's downtown area, which is home to several independent shops and restaurants. Some of them include Hilltop Produce, Carla Fabrizi Cosmetics, Robinson Drug & Compounding Center, Katanya, Van Dessel Sports, Para L'Elle, Jeweler's Gallery, La Famiglia Gourmet, and Moorman's Galleries.

 

There are dozens of green spaces in the Mendham area, including the popular 1,154-acre Lewis Morris County Park. It features include a dog park, athletic fields, fitness stations, a lake, picnic areas, a seasonal snack bar, hiking trails, and more. There is also the Sunrise Lake Beach Club. Swim, boat, fish, and play right in the area's very own beach.

 

The Morris County area played a major role in the Revolutionary War, including serving as the headquarters for General George Washington. Today, that site and the surrounding area is a national park right next to Mendham. Visit the museum, take guided tours, hike, ride bikes, and shop in the gift store.

 

The Ralston Playground is a popular spot for kids who live in Mendham. It has tons of play equipment, a climbing feature, and a sandbox. It is also accessible for handicapped individuals.

 

The Mendham area is home to many million-dollar estates that sit on multiple acres of woods, pastures, and farmlands. In other parts of the community, you will find a vast array of historic homes, many built before 1950 and dating back to the 1700s. Colonial, Victorian, and cottage-style homes are prevalent. The Township is more rural and spread out than the Borough, where many of the residents can walk to school, church, and local businesses. The average home value as of summer 2015 is just under $700,000.