Thoughts on Chatham and Summit??? (Bloomfield, Montclair: houses, best school, live)

[currentnewyorker]

First off, thank you to everyone for providing helpful information on my previous posts. Searching for the right town is tough and it has been great hearing first hand experiences from people.

We have decided to cross of Millburn from our list of town as I don't love everything I have read/heard.

We are now focusing mor on Chatham and Summit and would love to hear how people find these towns?

Background, we are looking for a town that my husband can commute to from Summit train station. I drive to Berkeley Heights everyday and would like an easy commute there. We have a 1 year old so schools are important but we don't need the best school district Also, we are Jewish so we would like a town that has a Jewish population but we also want diversity (we are in Brooklyn now so diversity is a good thing!).

Thanks for your help!

[re_alvz]

Both are very good towns. As on outsider, I've seen more diversity in Summit than Chatham.
Personally, I like the houses in Chatham more than Summit. My friend lives in Chatham and taken the Bus and her commute in 75 mins door to door.

[DebsPSU]

What about Berkeley Heights? I hear there isn't a large Jewish population in Chatham at all. Summit has one, but I also agree with the PP that I like the houses better in Chatham. You can also try Scotch Plains and Westfield...both have trains to the city and have a Jewish population.

[petenaff]

They are all great towns without any doubt. Chatham and/or Madison should have a slight edge on property tax.

[hdavis44]

My impressions are that Chatham is one of the least diverse towns in the area, although very nice. So if that is important to you Summit should win hands down. Of course the difference is 85% white versus 95%, but still a clear difference.

[Hal Jalikeakick]

agree with most of what's been said, except that i like houses in summit better for the most part.

chatham twp especially has a fair amount of ranches and splits built in the 50's, which lack the character of homes built at the turn of the century.

[zap02]

Have you considered Montclair? It's a diverse community with a good sized Jewish population (2 synagogues in town and another in Bloomfield), a large Brooklyn contingent, good schools, beautiful homes, lovely parks and great restaurants and entertainment.