Randolph (Morristown, Mendham, Chester: relocation, mcmansions, trip)

[markirish]

Can anyone shed some light on the differences between the different sections in Randolph (Shongum, Ironia, Fern Brook, Mt. Freedom, etc). How are the schools, services, neighborhoods, etc??? Any feedback would be much appreciated especially from those that live there or have lived there. Tks.

[jm2jm3jm4jm5]

I wish I knew more about Randolph so I could help you. I'm not sure about the sections that you mentoined, but I would highly doubt any of them are "bad" I know that Randolph is supposed to be one of the best places in the state to live in though.

[daisydoo]

Have been a Jersey girl almost all my life and Randolph is the best town to live in by far.
Schools:
The four districts you mentioned all have their own elementary school(K-5). Mt.Freedom(Center Grove) and Shongum consistently rate the highest, then Ironia and finally Fernbrook. But they are all top notch...we're talking a difference of maybe a 96% vs 98% in proficiency!
Fernbrook just doesn't score that well b/c they get a lot of the special needs kids.

Neighborhoods:All great, family friendly. You have your mcmansions but also quaint smaller houses. Home prices are usually higher than other towns but worth it. Randolph borders Mendham(which is more affluent), Chester(more rural) and Morristown(more urban). Taxes in Randolph are high but you get a GREAT park system with fantastic trails, new playgrounds and turf field and one of the best rec. programs in the state. Everyone moves here for the kids and it shows in the coaches, parents and teachers. That's all the space I have to reply!

[escapeartist09]

Originally Posted by daisydoo

Have been a Jersey girl almost all my life and Randolph is the best town to live in by far.
Schools:
The four districts you mentioned all have their own elementary school(K-5). Mt.Freedom(Center Grove) and Shongum consistently rate the highest, then Ironia and finally Fernbrook. But they are all top notch...we're talking a difference of maybe a 96% vs 98% in proficiency!
Fernbrook just doesn't score that well b/c they get a lot of the special needs kids.

Neighborhoods:All great, family friendly. You have your mcmansions but also quaint smaller houses. Home prices are usually higher than other towns but worth it. Randolph borders Mendham(which is more affluent), Chester(more rural) and Morristown(more urban). Taxes in Randolph are high but you get a GREAT park system with fantastic trails, new playgrounds and turf field and one of the best rec. programs in the state. Everyone moves here for the kids and it shows in the coaches, parents and teachers. That's all the space I have to reply!

Daisydoo - I need to hear more about Randolph from you. I am thinking of moving there. Some say the schools aren't as good as Mendham. What are your thoughts? Love your note. Do you have any more to add?

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by escapeartist09

Daisydoo - I need to hear more about Randolph from you. I am thinking of moving there. Some say the schools aren't as good as Mendham. What are your thoughts? Love your note. Do you have any more to add?

fyi - the post is over a year old and daisy hasn't been back since then.....

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by escapeartist09

Daisydoo - I need to hear more about Randolph from you. I am thinking of moving there. Some say the schools aren't as good as Mendham. What are your thoughts? Love your note. Do you have any more to add?

Ok, ok, ok..enough already with you and Randolph...lol
Just go for it! Looks like you are looking for support more than advise. It's a great town!

[escapeartist09]

Ok, Ok. I am a little stressed about making this decision. It's a big one and I hope to not have to make it again. I don't live close enough to drive around these towns so I have to rely on more than what the relo people tell me. Thanks always for your info!!!

[stevemorse]

you know I just drove around Randolph, especially the Ironia section, and its nice. I think its a good choice. Tell me where do you live. If you want to come for the weekend and want a great home cooked meal and a bed and shower then you can drive around Randolph all day, I will happily extend my house and a great home cooked meal. I am pretty close, so let me know Marilyn!!!! This is for real! escapeartist09 where are you living now?

[escapeartist09]

Well... we are in Switzerland right now. So it's not a weekend trip for me. But thanks for the offer. When we get started with relocation in the near future I will let you know. Until then I hope to gather as much info as I can to help me make the best decision on where to live. I am from the Philly burbs originally so I don't know much about North Jersey. So thanks for all the info!!