Enjoying nature and quiet in the small, involved town of High Bridge
The lush trees and rural charm of High Bridge may draw people to visit the area, but the welcoming neighbors and community events make them stay. Families have room to grow, and the borough’s school district is sought after. “I’ve been here for 13 years. When we moved, we were looking for a small school setting with good ratings,” says Ildiko Meijer, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty who has enjoyed her time living in High Bridge. “We wanted a family-oriented place that was safe and with things to do. High Bridge has a little bit of everything. It’s a very small town, but very involved with activities. We walk around, and everyone says hi. People like to come out here from the city because it’s peaceful, and you can enjoy nature and quiet.”
Diverse housing options in a range of prices
High Bridge has Queen Annes, Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes on large lots with plenty of shade trees. Many properties sell for $385,000 to $645,000, though the manufactured homes and chalets in areas like Solitude Village can range between $200,000 and $385,000. The chalets have basements and garages on the first level, and the front door is often on the second level.
Meijer points out that while homes here are more affordable compared to surrounding areas, High Bridge has high taxes. The taxes fall on residents since the borough runs its own school district and has a few businesses. High Bridge also gives residents access to public utilities, which can be hard to come by in more rural areas of New Jersey.
Small class sizes and personalized education in High Bridge
Meijer highlights the High Bridge Public School District as a major draw for new residents. The schools have small class sizes, allowing more one-on-one interaction between teachers and students. High Bridge Elementary School offers preschool through fourth-grade classes and earns a B-minus from Niche. The preschool program is free for residents. High Bridge Middle School gets a B-plus and feeds into Voorhees High School, which receives an A-minus and is ranked as the third-best public high school in Hunterdon County. “It’s a walking district because there are no school buses,” Meijer says. “We love our teachers. They stand outside during pick up, so if I have a question, I can walk up and talk to them.”
Living among nature and outdoor destinations
Lakes, hiking trails and golf courses surround High Bridge. “Right here, we have the Columbia Trail,” Meijer says. “It’s a long trail that cuts through Califon and Long Valley. Some people even bring their horses.” The trail passes Lake Solitude, where residents can see the waterfall that once powered the Taylor-Wharton Iron and Steel Company. Union Forge Park has baseball fields and a large playground, while High Bridge Commons features a dog park and a bike course for cyclists who like to jump over dirt ramps. During the summer, residents gather at the Commons for movie nights. For some lakeside fun, there’s the Spruce Run Recreation Area to the west and the Round Valley Recreation Area to the south. The sparkling Spruce Run Reservoir is visible in the distance while playing the eighth hole at High Bridge Hills Golf Club.
Locally owned restaurants on Main Street and shopping nearby
Main Street is High Bridge's primary shopping and dining corridor, with popular places like Circa and Scout's Coffee Bar + Mercantile. “There's the Esker Hart Artisan Ales brewery that is very popular, and they do food trucks on Fridays,” Meijer says. “You can sit inside and outside, and they have burgers and fries. It feels more like a bar. Mrs. Riley's Publik House has pool tables and dart boards. You can just hang out.” The cash-only Gronsky's Milk House is known for its ice cream, but the restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch. Walmart and ShopRite are a short drive south of High Bridge in Clinton.
Women for High Bridge bring the fun
Meijer is a part of Women for High Bridge, a volunteer group dedicated to bringing the community together through events. “We organize a ton of activities,” Meijer says. “Our next event is the Soap Box Derby. We shut down Main Street for a couple of hours, and kids get into soapbox cars and race down the street. The whole town participates.” High Bridge also hosts summer concert series, bike races and holiday events.
Walking, busing or taking the train
Residential streets closer to downtown are lined with sidewalks, while those farther away are often sidewalk-free. “I walk home and always see my neighbors out and about,” Meijer says. “I know a lot of people who commute to the city. Interstate 78 can take you west into Pennsylvania. Easton is 20 minutes away. You can go the other way to Bridgewater, Summit and the city.” Commuters can catch the train at High Bridge station for a roughly 53-mile trip to New York City that takes about an hour and a half. Meijer says Clinton has a Park & Ride that is a little faster than the train since it makes multiple stops along its route. Places of worship in the area are churches, including the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, which has been in High Bridge since 1879.
