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Watchung

Watchung

Located in Somerset County

$1,201,840 Average Value
$374 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

Private, wooded New Jersey neighborhood with a family-orientated community

Through the wooded forests of Watchung, residents will not just find views of the scenic mountains but beautiful homes on sizable lots. The family-orientated community in Watchung is emphasized by its impressive school district. While the cost of living in Watchung might be expensive, it’s hard to find everything it gives with its proximity to New York City. “Watchung is a special, tucked away, wonderful place to call home, Stacey Colman, a sales associate with RE/MAX Premier says. “There are many homes with private wooded lots, and even some one-of-a-kind homes with picturesque views of the NYC skyline. It is centrally located to all major roads and only 30 minutes to the Newark Airport, and 45 minutes to New York City.”

In the hilly forests of Watchung you'll find scenic views and beautiful homes on sizable lots.
In the hilly forests of Watchung you'll find scenic views and beautiful homes on sizable lots.
Spring bulbs emerge gasping for sunshine outside of this split-level home in Watchung, NJ.
Spring bulbs emerge gasping for sunshine outside of this split-level home in Watchung, NJ.
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From Cape Cods and ranch-style homes to mansions on large lots

The entry ticket to Watchung isn't cheap. But when homes are listed, they “typically tend to trade for the offering price or better,” James Carlton Longo, a broker with Keller Williams Town Square Realty says, adding that multiple offers are common and they're sometimes 25% over the asking price. Homes here come in a variety of styles and prices. At the lower end of the range are Cape Cods, ranch-style and split-level homes that start at $570,000 and go for as much as $1 million. Mansions in a variety of styles also line some streets of Watchung and start at $1 million and go for as much as $2.8 million. These homes typically have 4,000 square feet or more in interior space and at least an acre of outdoor space. The median home price in Watchung is $950,000. While prices are steep, those who move to Watchung feel like they’re living in a magical forest. “The rolling, mountainous topography of the historic Watchung mountains combined with the presence of mature deciduous trees make for a very pretty, almost magical environment,” Longo says. Another attraction of Watchung is its safety. According to the CAP Index, the neighborhood received a 2 out of 10 on its Crime Score, significantly lower than the national average. While it’s a relatively safe neighborhood, it’s not the most walkable. Residents here rely on personal cars to get around.

Mansions in a variety of styles also line some streets of Watchung and start at $1 million.
Mansions in a variety of styles also line some streets of Watchung and start at $1 million.
Cape Cods, split-level and ranch-style homes in Watchung, like this one, start around $570,000.
Cape Cods, split-level and ranch-style homes in Watchung, like this one, start around $570,000.
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High marks for Watchung Borough Public School District

Local kids can attend the Watchung Borough Public School District for elementary and middle school. Bayberry Elementary aims to embed musical theater into the daily curriculum and earned an A-minus grade from Niche. For fifth grade through eighth, students attend Valley View School, which earned an A-minus from Niche. From there, students move on to Watchung Hills Regional High School, where students can take Chinese, French, Italian or Spanish foreign language classes. The high school has an overall A-plus grade from Niche, including an A-plus for college preparation and an A for teachers, academics, sports and food. Families looking for private schools can send their daughters to Mount Saint Mary Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school that also earned an A-plus grade from Niche.

Watchung's outstanding Valley View Middle School received an A- overall Niche grade.
Watchung's outstanding Valley View Middle School received an A- overall Niche grade.
Watchung Hills Regional High School, located in Warren, NJ, received an A+ overall Niche grade.
Watchung Hills Regional High School, located in Warren, NJ, received an A+ overall Niche grade.
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NJ Transit buses with service to New York City

Public transportation to and from New York City is available through NJ Transit bus services, which have a stop on Terrill Road. For those looking to make the trip to New York City by personal car, they are looking at a 30-mile drive. For residents looking to get out of town, Newark Liberty International Airport is an 18-mile drive from Watchung. HMH JFK University Medical Center is 9 miles away for any need of medical attention.

Watchung commuters can head to nearby Plainfield to catch an express bus to New York City.
Watchung commuters can head to nearby Plainfield to catch an express bus to New York City.
U.S. Highway 22 is the main artery through Watchung and has many big-box and chain retailers.
U.S. Highway 22 is the main artery through Watchung and has many big-box and chain retailers.
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Shopping options along U.S. Highway 22

Residents can start their day with a Portuguese latte and custard cups from POURtuga Coffee House. Later on, they can enjoy a lakeside dinner at Water & Wine Ristorante Taverna. “Water and Wine is one of my favorite restaurants,” Colman says. “You can sit at the bar and relax by the fireplace after a long work week. They have the best chicken Milanese and homemade cavatelli pasta.” Where U.S. Highway 22 runs parallel to Watchung, locals can find several shopping centers. Some of the stores there include Kohl’s, Target, Michaels and Marshalls. For grocery shopping, there’s also a ShopRite in the Blue Star Shopping Center.

Enjoy a latte with a freshly baked pastel de nata from Watchung's POURtuga Coffee House.
Enjoy a latte with a freshly baked pastel de nata from Watchung's POURtuga Coffee House.
A typical retail strip in Watchung including a post office, nail salon and pizzeria.
A typical retail strip in Watchung including a post office, nail salon and pizzeria.
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Plethora of outdoor activities

Locals enjoy spending weekend afternoons at Watchung Lake. They can sit on a bench near the calm water or play a tennis match, walk along the paths or explore the playground. Nearby at Phillips Fields, they can watch a Little League baseball game, from tee ball to the majors. Those who enjoy days on the links can join the Watchung Valley Golf Club. At the Watchung Reservation, visitors can hike, picnic, ride horses and learn about science on its 2,065 acres. At the Trailside Nature and Science Center, visitors can learn about wetlands, birds and the American Beech Tree. People also enjoy the Watchung Stables. Established in 1933, visitors can take riding lessons, ride the trails and see equestrian shows at the stables. The Watchung Reservation is also home to Loop Playground, a big hit among kids.

A happy horse receives a groom from their handler at the Watchung Stable in Watchung, NJ.
A happy horse receives a groom from their handler at the Watchung Stable in Watchung, NJ.
Within the Watchung Reservation is an abandoned village, dating back to the 18th century.
Within the Watchung Reservation is an abandoned village, dating back to the 18th century.
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Watchung community events

The Borough of Watchung puts on various events throughout the year. “The community has an annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Watchung Lake, a Seasonal Watchung Farmers Market, a July 4th Family Walk, a Community Picnic and a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony,” Colman says. “It’s really a family-oriented community.”

Watchung Arts Center and Kaftka Farms

For a night of entertainment, residents can visit the Watchung Arts Center and see a show, concert or an art exhibit. Kids of all ages can take art classes or attend a summer camp. For those who have a horse and need a place to board them or are interested in riding lessons, they can check out Kaftka Farms. Visitors can also rent a Cinderella horse-drawn carriage for their wedding or have a child's birthday party at the farm.

Kafka Farms in Watchung, NJ, offers boarding for horses and riding lessons too.
Kafka Farms in Watchung, NJ, offers boarding for horses and riding lessons too.
For entertainment, Watchung locals love to catch a show or concert at the Watchung Arts Center.
For entertainment, Watchung locals love to catch a show or concert at the Watchung Arts Center.
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John Georgiadis
Photography Contributed By
John Georgiadis
Kyle Garrity
Video By
Kyle Garrity

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Massimo Chirichiello, an experienced agent in this area.

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Watchung Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$941,000
Median Sale Price
$931,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$933,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,097,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
62
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$374

Area Facts

Number of Homes
890
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Median Year Built
1980
Months of Supply
3.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
4,679
Significantly above the national average
1,926
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,123
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,362
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,836
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
60,983

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Oct 19
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    35 Schmidt Cir, Watchung, NJ 07069

    $750,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 35 Schmidt Cir
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to Lakeside Villas at Watchung, a serene 55+ community offering privacy, yet just across from the picturesque Watchung Lake park, Water & Wine, (a renowned gourmet restaurant,) and Pourtuga, (the town coffee shop). This spacious townhome is the premier floor plan in Lakeside Villas and has been refreshed and updated with new carpet and stainless steel appliances. There are no steps from

    SUSAN J TUCKER COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

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  • Sunday, Oct 19
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    35 Woodledge Rd, Watchung, NJ 07069

    $1,285,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 4,449 Sq Ft
    • 35 Woodledge Rd
    • New 14 days ago

    Welcome to this one-of-a-kind restored and updated Farmhouse - located on an unusually picturesque mountain top lot within desirable Watchung. Offering 4,449 sq ft of living space, this home blends country living with modern updates. A traditional sitting porch sets the tone, leadinginto charming interiors filled with natural light. The formal living room features a fireplace, bay window and

    David Burke RE/MAX PREMIER

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  • Sunday, Oct 19
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    340 Jackson Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

    $575,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 340 Jackson Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to this charming home in desirable Scotch Plains!Discover this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 1-bath home nestled in one of Scotch Plains' most sought-after neighborhoods offering low taxes, excellent schools, and unbeatable convenience to downtown shops, dining, parks, and NYC transportation.This home is packed with major updates for peace of mind, including a new roof (2019), heater

    Elaine Longhi SIGNATURE REALTY NJ

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
25''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

9 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

14 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Watchung