Forested township full of sprawling parks
Among the dense oak and cedar forests of southeast Morris County lies the charming township of Harding. “It’s peaceful country living close to downtown Morristown, and one of New Jersey’s most picturesque communities,” says Lois DeCaro, a Morris County local and associate broker with Fathom Realty NJ LLC. “Very natural surroundings, and you’ll pass people on horses going down some streets.” Buyers here are drawn to the fact that they can find upscalecountry homes on spacious lots near wildlife preserves. Though the area is rich in natural beauty, there aren’t many businesses around, so locals often drive to neighboring towns for a shopping run or a bite to eat.
High-end postwar homes on spacious lots
The median sale price for homes in Harding is $2.25 million, more than double the median sale price for homes in Morris County. Styles range from modest Cape Cods and ramblers to midcentury modern townhouses. Additionally, there are larger Colonial Revivals and New Traditional homes that often come with an acre or more of land. Residents also buy into Harding’s vibrant, forested environment, where hilly residential roads are cloaked in trees and lined by brick and farm fences.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and history at Jockey Hollow
Harding is home to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a preserve with more than 11 miles of footpaths to spot coyotes, river otters and the occasional black bear. South of town, Lord Stirling Park offers stables and multi-use trails for hiking or horseback riding. Jockey Hollow is part of Morristown National Historic Park north of Interstate 287, which has wooded trails and Revolutionary War history. At the center of the park is the Henry Wick House, once a refuge for George Washington and the Continental Army during the “Hard Winter” of 1779. History buffs can tour the home and explore what was once Washington’s Morristown Encampment.
Folks visit Morristown for food and shopping
Locals often head a few miles north to downtown Morristown to browse local bars, shops and restaurants. Homestead Bar & Kitchen on Dehart Street offers pub grub, craft ales and live music. Morris Pizza is a counter-serve spot with hot pies, cheesesteaks and strombolis. To the east in Chatham, there’s a ShopRite for groceries and Creekside Farm for fresh seasonal produce, honey and other goods.
STEAM Academy learning at Madison High School
Harding Township School teaches prekindergarten through eighth grade and gets an A-rating from Niche. Students can advance to Madison High School, which also receives an A-rating and offers the STEAM Academy to improve skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
An hourlong drive or train ride from New York City
Harding "has less traffic than places like Hanover, even though you’re outside of Morristown,” says DeCaro. “And some people commute to major corporations around the area.” I-287 runs through Harding and is a prominent industrial corridor in the region, hosting offices for Honeywell, Barclays and the Bayer Corporation within 15 miles. Manhattan is a 43-mile drive east along New Jersey Route 3, which takes just over an hour. The Morristown and Madison NJ Transit stations are 6 miles from home for commuters taking trains to the Big Apple. Newark Liberty International Airport is 28 miles away and offers domestic and international flights.
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
