Watchung is an upscale suburban borough located at the northeastern part of Somerset County. As suggested by its name – the Lenni Lenape Native American term for “high hills” – Watchung is nested within a healthy natural landscape, which features rolling hills and two small lakes.

Just 30 miles from New York and 20 miles from Newark, Watchung is accessible via Route 22, I-78, and the Plainfield train station for commuters. Large homes on large lots are popular here, making Watchung a tranquil and private escape at the heart of the Tri-State area.

With just around 6,000 residents, according to the 2010 Census, Watchung maintains a modest, small-town feel. It was generally rural up until the 1960s, when city folk from the nearby metropolitan areas saw its appeal as a quiet, laidback residential area.

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Schools

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Watchung maintains a good reputation in terms of education, thanks to the excellent Watchung Borough Schools public school district. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, the district boasts an above-average student-teacher ratio of 16.6:1, based on 2014-15 school year data.

Secondary level students are served by the Watchung Hills Regional High School public high school and school district, which also covers a portion of the student population from neighboring Morris County. The school also offers night classes for adult students.

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Watchung Hills ranks high among schools across the state, earning the 37th spot out of 342 schools rated in the US News & World Report’s 2016 rankings. In the same year, Newsweek ranked the school 131st out of the 500 best schools in the United States.

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Real estate

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Watchung Borough’s rich rural setting provides for some excellent lakefront and hilltop properties that fully capture the ideals of upscale living. Fine luxury homes rest on acre-wide plots of land, where captivating views of surrounding greenery abound. Abundant open spaces give residents something to enjoy, from generous natural breezes and sunlight to serene and relaxing garden backdrops, to exciting play spaces.

Definitive luxury house styles that are prominent in Watchung include majestic brick and stucco estates, some with gated entrances. Other property options come in Mid-Century, Cape Cod, Ranch, and split-level styles.

There are also townhouse and condominium communities, such as Stonegate, as well as rental apartment complexes.

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Points of interest

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• Watchung Lake Park and Best Lake Picnic Grove
  Watchung’s twin lakes are must-visits. The former is great for peaceful walks surrounded by nature and catch-and-release fishing, while the latter is the go-to fitness circuit for locals. The lakes are perfect for marveling at Watchung’s abundant wildlife.

• Eaton House
  Also known as the Sunbright Farmhouse, this historic site was formerly the home of the late New Jersey congressman Charles Aubrey Eaton, as well as of other notable figures throughout the years.

• Twin Brooks Country Club
  Renamed as the Watchung Valley Golf Club, this hub of local social activity dates to 1895. Today it is renowned for its scenic 6,721-yard golf course. The Club is also an esteemed location for corporate and civic events, fundraisers, and weddings.

 

Homes for Sale in Watchung, NJ

Explore Warren, Bernards, Green Brook, and other top communities in New Jersey by calling me, Janine Rose, at 908-229-6253 or email janine@janinerose.com and I’ll guarantee that you will have your dream home!