Bridgewater

Featuring a blend of history, nature and classic style, Martinsville has become one of the most desirable locations in the area. Located among the thickly forested Watchung Mountains, residents can escape urban congestion in favor of a more pastoral lifestyle that still features plenty of personality, culture and amenities. “You have access to all the things you could want nearby,” says Michelle Giordano, real estate agent with Weiniger Realty and longtime resident of the area. “And it has a really unique personality thanks to the history.” Home to the first official American flag, Martinsville is steeped in history and charm – all without giving up access. Homes in Martinsville reflect the area’s historic character. Center-hall colonials are common, along with ranch styles, Cape Cods and custom builds of traditional influence. “The market is very competitive,” says Giordano. “You have many people wanting to move here, so what inventory there is typically goes quickly – and often for over asking price.” Prices for condominiums and Cape Cods start at around $475,000, though prices for most single-family homes range from $600,000 to $850,000. Particularly large custom builds can go for over $2 million, while historic homes that predate 1923 – the year many of the area’s original homes were destroyed in a town-wide fire – can reach similar prices. Martinsville’s shopping and dining options are found along Washington Valley and Chimney Rock Roads. Chimney Rock Inn offers comfort food classics in a rustic atmosphere, while Gabriel’s Fountain Kitchen & Creamery features the best ice cream in the area, according to Giordano. Café Venezia Ristorante Italiano is a community staple that serves Italian classics. Hills of Herat Afghan Restaurant has authentic Afghan cuisine and outdoor seating. Residents can head to Chimney Rock Crossing shopping center to restock on groceries at Whole Foods or indulge in retail therapy at Nordstrom Rack or Saks Off 5th. The neighborhood features the Martinsville Community Center, where town gatherings and festivals are held. The center borders the local library, which hosts educational events for the whole family. Given its importance to the Revolutionary War and the fact that the first official American flag was flown here, July 4th celebrations include annual readings of the Declaration of Independence and a retiring/raising of the flag ceremony. Students can begin at the Angelo L. Tomaso School, which earns an A from Niche. From there, students can attend A-minus-rated Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School and finish up at A-rated Bridgewater-Raritan High School, which ranks among the top 50 schools in the state. Bridgewater-Raritan High also allows students to concentrate their studies in areas including business, engineering, visual arts and music. Mountain Park allows locals to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and features a variety of plants and wildlife – the latter of which will sometimes accompany morning walkers. The Washington Valley Reservoir in Washington Valley Park is the heart of Martinsville, with it featuring a number of trails and biking paths around its perimeter. Residents can also visit nearby Buttermilk Falls, while those looking to get active can play frisbee golf at Chimney Rock Park. While Martinsville doesn’t feature direct access to NYC via train, residents can easily switch over at Newark. Just off I-287 and Route 78, Martinsville makes commuting via car a straightforward affair – though traffic still depends on the time of day. On the train, travelers can expect to spend about an hour getting to and from the Big Apple.

Blending history, nature and classic style, Green Knoll exudes small-town charm about 40 miles from New York City. The area, in the thickly forested Watchung Mountains, offers residents a pastoral lifestyle away from urban congestion, yet full of personality, culture and amenities. “It’s really special in that it has that suburban feel to it, but you still have access to major shopping centers,” says Barbara Davis, real estate agent at Turpin Real Estate and longtime resident of the area. “It has country, it has urban, and it’s 10 minutes from pretty much everything.” Homes in Green Knoll are typically traditional in style. Colonials are common, along with ranch styles and Cape Cods. Larger, more modern custom estates are also available. Though not especially large in comparison to neighborhoods farther out, prospective homebuyers will still find lots large enough to accommodate modest yards or gardens. “The area is really diverse in a number of ways, but one of my favorite things about Green Knoll is that you’ll find as many young professionals as you will retirees,” says Davis. “The prices are very fair, and the market is very competitive as a result.” Prices for single-family homes range from $365,000 to $900,000, though particularly large estates – usually on at least several acres of land – can go beyond $1.5 million. Residents can visit nearby Washington Valley and Chimney Rock Roads for shopping and dining. Chimney Rock Inn offers comfort food in a rustic setting, while Gabriel’s Fountain Kitchen & Creamery is known for the best ice cream in the area. Café Venezia Ristorante Italiano is a community favorite for Italian classics, and Hills of Herat Afghan Restaurant serves authentic Afghan cuisine with outdoor seating. At Chimney Rock Crossing shopping center, residents can restock groceries at Whole Foods or shop at Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off 5th. Farmers markets are also closeby and popular for fresh produce. Nearby Mountain Park offers locals the chance to enjoy the area's natural beauty, with a variety of flowers and trees to accompany morning walkers. Washington Valley Reservoir, located in Washington Valley Park, has trails and biking paths around its perimeter. Residents can also visit the nearby Buttermilk Falls, while those seeking activity can play frisbee golf at Chimney Rock Park. Students can start at the Angelo L. Tomaso School, which earns an A from Niche. They can then attend Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School, rated A-minus, before moving on to Bridgewater-Raritan High School, which earns an A and ranks among the top 50 schools in the state. Bridgewater-Raritan High also offers students the opportunity to focus their studies in areas such as business, engineering, visual arts and music. Although Green Knoll lacks direct train access to New York City, residents can easily transfer at Newark. Situated near I-287 and Route 78, the area offers straightforward car commuting, although traffic varies by time of day. Train travelers can expect to spend about an hour commuting to and from the Big Apple.