Fair Haven is a classic neighborhood surrounded by amenities
Fair Haven is a borough in Monmouth County dedicated to maintaining a community where kids ride their bikes to school, and neighbors catch up at the many social events throughout the year. Bradley Moore is a broker associate with O'Brien Realty who knows the area intimately. “You’ve got a really nice, balanced lifestyle that’s family-focused,” Moore says. “It’s this small town where everyone is looking out for each other. It’s such a great place for kids. ... They go outside and find their friends. Two of my son’s best friends are still like a block away. Sometimes people are like, ‘Why is it so expensive?’, and I say, ‘The dirt’s magic.’ You’ve got great schools, great commuting locations, all these different things that make so much sense for so many people.” The Navesink River flows along the neighborhood’s northern border, and beaches are a short drive away, so residents don’t have to go far to find a spot to relax. Anyone who wants to find their community in Monmouth County moves to Fair Haven for schools, accessibility and a friendly atmosphere.
Newer builds and renovated properties that can sell in the millions
The neighborhood has Colonial Revivals, custom New Traditionals and Cape Cods on sidewalk-lined streets. The front yards are short, while the back yards occasionally feature an in-ground pool or room for one. Newer-built homes are usually the most expensive options in this area, ranging from about $1 million to nearly $3 million. Older properties can sell for about $780,000 to $1 million. A few homes have sold for around $560,000 to $730,000, though developers purchased and completely renovated them or tore them down to make room for a new build. Some homes have been standing since the early 1900s, and residents maintained the exterior designs while upgrading the interiors. Properties directly along the Navesink River may be in a flood zone. Homeowners should check local maps to see if they need flood insurance.
Riding bikes to class in Fair Haven schools
The Fair Haven School District gets a B-plus from Niche. “In the mornings, one of the things that surprises a lot of people is, we close 3rd Street,” Moore says. “They don’t have bus services for the elementary and middle schools. Kids are traveling on their bikes. It blows people’s minds to see hundreds and hundreds of bikes parked in front of every school.” The A-rated Viola L. Sickles School offers prekindergarten through third-grade classes. Knollwood School gets an A-minus and teaches up to eighth grade. Fair Haven is zoned for the A-rated Red Bank Regional High School.
Exploring the Navesink River, beaches and Fair Haven Field
The neighborhood is surrounded by outdoor destinations minutes from home. Some homes have private docks on the Navesink River, but anyone can use the Fair Haven Municipal Ramp to access the water to fish or pull in crabs. “You’ve got the Shrewsbury River Yacht club; you have a marina,” Moore says. “You’ve got the River Rat Sailing Club. So you’ve got water options for people who like boating, sailing or kayaking. ... Once people move here, they join a beach club, like in Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach or Long Branch.” Fair Haven Fields has paved tennis courts and athletic fields on one side and the 40-acre Natural Area on the other, where people can follow trails through the heavily wooded space.
Ordering at favorite spots like Tavolo Pronto
Some people walk to busy neighborhood restaurants on River Road, like Fair Haven Diner and Nicholas Creamery. “I really love Tavolo Pronto,” Moore says. “That’s a hidden gem. It’s ... an Italian deli, and sometimes they bring out the linen at night for formal dining.” Moore also points out the community is so connected that families even have running tabs at places like delis and pizzerias. Parents might even call in a to-go order to be delivered to one of the schools so their kids can have a nice lunch. Residents prefer local shops like Fair Haven Hardware Inc. for occasional supplies and ACME Markets for groceries.
Fair Haven always has a celebration planned
Fair Haven has a full calendar of annual events, from a Halloween-themed egg hunt to the bustling Firemen’s Fair. “The town has great camaraderie,” Moore says. “In June, we have Fair Haven Day. It’s a party where the town gets together. They get a tent, caterers and bands, and then they have a big fireworks show. ... Most New Jersey towns have a Firemen’s Festival, but Fair Haven’s ... is special. People from all over come around for it."
Short trips to nearby destinations and direct routes to NYC
Residents don’t have to worry about busy highways or interstates since two-lane roads cut through the area and connect to nearby destinations. “My kids, when they were in high school and got their licenses, never drove on a parkway, because everything is 15 minutes away,” Moore says. “They never had to drive over 35 miles an hour.” HMH Riverview Medical Center has an emergency room and primary care services a mile away.
“A lot of people here work in the city,” Moore says. “It’s a great position to hop on the train in Red Bank. Depending on where you're going, you may want the bus service. A ton of people take the Seastreak Ferry out of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. It’s 45 to 50 minutes to get to Wall Street. It’s the most relaxing way to commute.” The Newark Liberty International and Trenton-Mercer Airports are a little over an hour away by car. Closer to home, people can take a short drive to places of worship like Church of the Nativity or the Rumson Jewish Center at Congregation B’nai Israel.
![Jonathan Bradley]()
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
