Alpha offers rural vibes along the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border
Pocketed within Warren County's vast farmland just east of the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border, the borough of Alpha offers a rural feel while still being less than 4 miles from the town of Easton across the Delaware River. With a history dating back to the 19th century, Alpha has a small population of just 2,300 residents, making it a sensible option for those in search of quieter living away from the hubbub of the big city. "I've sold a number of homes there," says local Realtor Connie Manailovich of Keller Williams Real Estate, who has 20 years of experience working in real estate. "It's got great homes and a wonderful school district."
Established ranch-styles and split-levels are abundant in Alpha
Alpha's gridded, sunbathed streets are primarily lined with small ranch-style homes amid split-levels, colonials and American Foursquares, though more contemporary New Traditional builds can be found in the nearby Greenwich Chase subdivision. Most homes price between $100,000 and $400,000, but larger, newer properties with four or more bedrooms may top out closer to $500,000. Despite being on the edge of New Jersey's rural countryside, homes in Alpha are in somewhat high demand with the average property selling within a month — much faster than the national average of 42 days on market.
Most Alpha students travel 5 miles to the nearest high school
Students in Alpha are served by the Alpha Borough Public School District and the Phillipsburg School District. Kids from prekindergarten through Grade 8 go to Alpha Public School, which sits in the heart of the borough and earns an overall rating of C-plus from Niche. Teens attend Phillipsburg High School 5 miles north on Stateliner Boulevard. The high school earns a B-plus Niche grade, offering a host of after-school clubs and organizations, including National Honor Society and even a Pokémon Club.
Alpha residents enjoy solid access to major highways that stretch across the state
Alpha is walkable for short excursions, but many residents prefer to get around by car. Despite its semi-rural setting, locals have excellent access to major roads and highways. Route 22 cuts through the borough and leads to Phillipsburg just 3 miles north. Interstate 78 also cradles Alpha's southern perimeter, running across the state and directly into New York City 68 miles east.
Alpha Pizza & Sub Shop has been a borough staple for decades
Locally owned eateries are king in Alpha. Sharky's is a neighborhood staple for chicken wings and clams, while Alpha Pizza & Sub Shop has been serving slices to the borough since 1975. Alpha Family Restaurant is another top spot, revered for its rustic aesthetic and robust breakfast menu. For groceries, locals are only a short drive from Stop & Shop, Aldi and Walmart Supercenter, all stationed along Route 22. Big-box retailers including Target and Lowe's can be found in Greenwich Shopping Center, while additional shopping options sit just across the street at Pohatcong Plaza.
Alpha Park is a hot spot for children after school
Alpha features a handful of small neighborhood parks. Alpha Park offers a playground amid a small gathering of sports fields, while John Dolak Ballfield draws Little Leaguers for batting practice during baseball season. To hit the trails, locals can venture a mile north and hike or cycle along the Morris Canal Greenway, expected to run 111 miles from the Delaware River to the Hudson River upon completion. Locals can also gather the family to catch a movie at Regal Pohatcong in Pohatcong Plaza.
