Bernards Township: Experience Historic Charm Coupled With Modern Amenities
An affluent community ensconced in the bucolic hills of Somerset County, Bernards Township marries colonial character with modern conveniences. Settled in the early 1700s, the historic township’s downtown features a sprawling, centuries-old oak tree, which shades many of area’s charming shops and restaurants.
“The proximity to Manhattan is what drew us to the area,” local area real estate owner Jackie LaRocca says. “But unlike city living, you enjoy a real neighborhood here. This is a community of nice people who are always willing to help each other.”
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Contact JasonLess than 30 Minutes from Manhattan or the Shore; Residents Love Bernards’ Top Ten Ranked High School
The attractive enclave is situated less than an hour’s drive west of Manhattan and north of popular destinations on the Jersey shore, making it an ideal location for commuters and day-trippers alike. Newark Liberty International Airport is easily accessed via Route 78 East in about 25 minutes.
Residents are also drawn here because of its easy access to Manhattan. With two separate station stops within the township, NJ Transit provides service to Hoboken and New York Penn Station, offering convenience for commuters or fun seekers in search of a cultural excursion. In addition, Lakeland buses follow the Route 78 corridor and arrive at Port Authority during peak commuting hours.
Most homes in the township favor Colonial style architecture, with some dating back to the 1800s. Construction also continues today as the sought-after community flourishes. Ranch and Cape Cod style homes in a range of prices are available to suit all lifestyles while spectacular estates set on ample acreage attract well-established captains of industry in addition to prominent sports figures. The average home price is in the mid $600,000s, with higher-end properties selling for more than $2 million.
Consistently recognized for its outstanding school system, Bernards Township boasts one of the state’s top districts. With an enrollment of just over 1,700 students, Ridge High School was ranked #7 in the state for 2014 by U.S. News & World Report. First-rate sports, music, art and theater programs are offered as well and consistently place among the best in the Garden State. Elementary school age children attend one of four elementary schools before matriculating to the district’s middle school. Residents are proud that prestigious colleges and universities actively recruit Bernards students.
PGA Championship Golf Course, Quality Stables and Local Parks Cater to Nature-Lovers
Outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of a variety of parks and preserves in or near town. Lord Stirling Stable, set on 450 acres and located just blocks from the center of town, offers riding trails, lessons and summer workshops for equestrians of most ages and abilities.
Pleasant Valley Park features tennis courts, 1.5 miles of hiking trails, and the township’s expansive community pool, which boasts four separate swim and play areas, complete with slides and a diving tank. During the summer months, residents gather each Friday after dark to enjoy free plays and movies in the park.
Established in 1960, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge features 12 square miles of beautiful park and nature preserve that’s home to threatened and endangered species. Visitors view wildlife, photography exhibits and participate in interactive, educational programs.
Golfers revel in a range of course options. The Basking Ridge Country Club, Coakley Russo Memorial Golf Course, the New Jersey National Golf Club and the Basking Ridge Golf Academy adorn the township while Trump National Golf Club and Roxiticus Golf Club are located within a 20 minutes drive. Also nearby is Baltusrol Golf Club, future home to the 2016 PGA Championship.
The recently expanded and renovated Somerset Hills YMCA is a busy haven for all, offering yoga, swimming and a variety of team sports for athletes across many ages and abilities. From programs for seniors to classes for the toddler set, year-round activities are plentiful.
Bursting with Abundant Luxury Shopping and Home to Critically Acclaimed Destination Dining
While there are dozens of quality dining options within the township, Natirar Ninety Acres Culinary Center is just a 15-minute drive west. Famous for its award-winning farm-to-table fare, this restaurant is a popular destination for diners seeking a meal of the freshest finely prepared food, and a memorable setting for special occasions and private parties. Cooking classes are open to chefs of all skill levels and showcase the bounty of each season’s freshly harvested produce. In nearby Bernardsville, epicureans flock to the famous Bernards Inn, renowned for its historic elegance.
One of the state’s preeminent shopping destinations, The Mall at Short Hills, is just 13 miles from Bernards Township and features 150 upscale specialty stores and boutiques. Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s anchor the popular, upscale center. In nearby Gillette, Valley Mall boasts a bevy of shops, including TJ Maxx and Home Goods, as well as a recently opened Kings Food Market.
Discover Bernards’ Luxurious Lifestyle and Grand Green Spaces
Featuring a PGA golf course, top-shelf shopping, a bevvy of sterling parks, and easy access to Manhattan, Bernards is a happy marriage of convenience and luxury. Just ask folks who live here. Bernards Township offers homebuyers a prestigious address in a quiet, upscale community.
“Having the opportunity to enjoy the open spaces, rolling hills and gorgeous scenery as the seasons change has been just one of the many pleasures of living in Bernards Township,” said Margaret Brue, who has lived in the community for more than four decades.
