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Watchung

Watchung

Suburban Neighborhood in New Jersey

Somerset County 07069

Neighborhood Reviews
4.3
$1,187,370 Average Value
$430 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 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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Kevin Haswell
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Kevin Haswell
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amy McCampbell, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

25 min drive

Bus

Us-22 170'W Of Terrill Rd

Bus

Terrill Rd & Rt-22 #

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.3 15 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
9/30/2016 Niche Review
Great place to live . . . Very community oriented and lots of families. We are very happy with the school system.
5.0 Current Resident
7/5/2020 Niche Review
I've been living in Watchung since I was 3 years old. It is a small, tight-knit town where everyone knows each other. It is quite a peaceful place to live due to the "woodsy" surrounding, but it is also close to places such as Hoboken, Jersey City, New York City, and the shores. While there are not many things I would change, I would like to see more diversity within Watchung.
4.0 Former Resident
5/22/2024 Niche Review
watchung is a bucolic, hilly burb with everything from converted cabins from the early 1900's with guys cutting the lawn on tractors, to palatial, modern homes that are a fraction of the cost of those found in upper saddle river, great neck, or rye. then, you have the charming 4 bedroom homes built in the 60's. if you are too close to route 78, ignore your real estate agent's fibs in that you will not hear the traffic when the windows are shut. if you're looking for a bargain, consider this highway and listen to trucks and motorcycles, almost at the jersey city level, although the forestry is divine. otherwise, buy in the vicinity of valley road, johnston drive or watchung lake for double the price. watchung is for family people, empty nesters there since the 60's when the area was rural, or more prominent types who want their privacy and are willing to pay for it. it is a cultural hodgepodge of model immigrant groups. the drawback's often not knowing who even lives next door to you.
4.0 Current Resident
2/16/2017 Niche Review
Watchung is a wealthy suburb safe for families and people of all ages. Many areas have wide open spaces or are even located in mountains. Watchung geographically has a lot of hill top areas.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Watchung US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$955,000
Median Single Family Price
$982,500
Median Townhouse Price
$1,335,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$430
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
63
Months of Supply
1.70
Median List Price
$982,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
839
Median Year Built
1978
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
4,613
Significantly above the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,148
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,362
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
60,330

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    11am - 1pm

    5 Fox Chase Dr, Watchung, NJ 07069

    $2,250,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 5.5 Baths
    • 5,971 Sq Ft
    • 5 Fox Chase Dr
    • New 8 days ago

    Step into a world of unparalleled elegance and sophistication at this extraordinary custom hard coat stucco estate, nestled on one of Warren Township's most prestigious streets. From the moment you arrive, the grand circular driveway sets the tone for the opulence that awaits you. Beyond the stately mahogany double doors, a soaring foyer greets you with a breathtaking staircase adorned with

    David Borrero RE/MAX Homeland Realtors

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  • Saturday, May 3
    1 - 4pm

    183 Johnston Dr, Watchung, NJ 07069

    $1,599,999

    • 5 Beds
    • 5.5 Baths
    • 183 Johnston Dr
    • New 14 days ago

    Nestled in a private section of Watchung is this magnificent turn-key property with breathtaking valley views . Make a turn onto a long driveway and be greeted with this impressive colonial that exudes elegance in every Way. On entering, the expansive foyer beneath the high ceiling with a chandelier leads to this hardwood floor living space with a formal dining room, an office, a powder room,

    EMMANUEL BAAKO-BOAFO WEICHERT REALTORS

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amy McCampbell, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,992
Median Age
47
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$149,275
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$178,676

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.6%
College Graduates
60.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
20''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

9 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

11 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Watchung