Mendham vs. Chatham (Madison, Florham Park: house, neighborhoods, schools)
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We've been searching like crazy for a house in Chatham without much luck. We've finally expanded our search and found we can get a lot more for our money in Mendham. We love Chatham, we're just starting to learn about Mendham and we're wondering if we should just be patient and stick w/ Chatham or if Mendham is a comparable town. Any thoughts on Chatham versus Mendham????
Thank-you!!
Note: We have 3 school age children and my husband will be working in Florham Park
honestly, between both places and given where your husband is commuting - pick the house you like best. both are excellent places with excellent schools - you can't go wrong with either.
the honest opinion here.. Beautiful wealthy towns. Along with that comes the pretentious snobs.
You're children will be influenced by the bratty, spoiled kids that live in these towns and when their Friends get five Wii systems your kids will be crying for the same.
Like I said beautiful towns, I would never live in a town like that regardless of my wealth.
Need to commute to NYC? Then Chatham's a better choice, especially Chatham Borough. It's also a bit nicer for children, because they can walk to school, ride bikes in the neighborhood, and enjoy a bit of freedom. Mendham's a bit more rural, so you'll have to drive them around all the time. But it certainly is lovely.
Mendham will offer you more in terms of a large lot and a country feel. But with 3 kids, you actually might prefer a bit more density that a borough will provide. Easier for the kids to make friends, etc. Honestly, most people who live in Mendham do not know their neighbors. It is quite insular with everybody on an acre plus leading their own lives. I think you might be happier in Chatham or Madison. More of a "community" in my opinion.
Mendham will offer you more in terms of a large lot and a country feel. But with 3 kids, you actually might prefer a bit more density that a borough will provide. Easier for the kids to make friends, etc. Honestly, most people who live in Mendham do not know their neighbors. It is quite insular with everybody on an acre plus leading their own lives. I think you might be happier in Chatham or Madison. More of a "community" in my opinion.
I actually think there are several neighborhoods within Mendham Borough (as opposed to the township) where people know their neighbors and kids walk to school. I think it's a good alternative to Chatham if you want more space.
I'd also consider Basking Ridge - geographically in between Mendham and Chatham and also an easy commute to Florham Park.
Mendham will offer you more in terms of a large lot and a country feel. But with 3 kids, you actually might prefer a bit more density that a borough will provide. Easier for the kids to make friends, etc. Honestly, most people who live in Mendham do not know their neighbors. It is quite insular with everybody on an acre plus leading their own lives. I think you might be happier in Chatham or Madison. More of a "community" in my opinion.
What you say about Mendham is true in terms of the country feel and large acreages of land, it is true many of us Mendhamites do not have very much contact with our neighbors. Well, I live in a developed area of Mendham so I know my neighbors pretty well. But in terms of a community sense, Mendham is very united through the school systems in terms of events and festivals such as the Strawberry Festival and our annual labor day carnival and 4th of july parade.
I know people who live in a newer development about a mile away from The Sisters of Charity (Mendham). They do tons of stuff as a neighborhood (egg hunt, pig roast, Christmas party, something for Halloween and a summer block party.) The neighbors are very close knit and friendly. Although it is a very expensive area no one I have met at parties in that development is snooty. Like everything, I think down to earth people stay together and the snooty folks hang out in their own group.
Why limit yourselves to just these 2 towns. Why not consider Florham Park, Madison, even the Convent Station Section of Morris Twp. With gas soon to be over $4 a gallon and the likelihood that it will take 30 minutes to get from Mendham to Florham Park you may not be too happy after being there for a little while.
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