Bernardsville Real Estate: Discover an Upscale Lifestyle Steeped in History, Culture and Rural Charm

Founded in 1840, Bernardsville is steeped in history. The original Olcott Avenue Historic District, built in the late 19th and early 20th century, has retained its colonial charm for nearly two centuries. In fact, half of the borough is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Real estate buyers find Bernardsville’s excellent schools and the tranquil beauty of its horse farms, agriculture, and surprisingly sophisticated lifestyle, all situated within its 13 square miles, exceedingly appealing.

“It’s beautiful here,” says local real estate owner Mary Ann Donagy, who has also owned and operated The Bookworm, Bernardville’s quaint haven for book lovers, for nearly 30 years. “I never would’ve dreamed I’d live in this kind of beauty.”

Commute to Manhattan Effortlessly

Home buyers are attracted to the convenient and comfortable commute from Bernardsville. New Jersey Transit operates the Peapack and Morristown rail lines from a station with a park-and-ride facility right in the heart of town, carrying commuters to New York City 41 miles east. For more extensive travel, frequent fliers love the easy access to Morristown Municipal Airport, just 11 miles southeast, and the ease of getting to Newark-Liberty International Airport, 30 miles to the southeast. Those who enjoy the attractions of Atlantic City can reach the famous Boardwalk and casinos in about two and a half hours’ drive south on the Parkway.A town of about 7,800 residents, reflecting a small population increase of .6 percent since 2010, Bernardsville offers home buyers several choices in architectural styles, including well-maintained Colonials, as well as spacious Cape Cods, ranches, and twin homes. Some homes date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, while others were built in the 1950s through the 2000s to meet growing demand. Home prices for Bernardville’s most elegant estates are listed in the mid-$3 million range, while the borough’s average property commands a price in the low-$700,000s.

Enroll in a Highly Regarded School Distict

Bernardsville’s 1,800 public PreK-12 students attend three schools that make up the regional Somerset Hills Regional School District, which serves children from Bernardsville, Far Hills, Bedminster, and Peapack-Gladstone. The district is ranked in the top fifth of public school districts statewide, bolstering home values. Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep is among highly-ranked Bernards High School’s famous alums.
For parents wishing to provide a private education for their children, three elite academies serving students in PreK-8 are located in the Borough.

Enrich Your Spirit in the Sunshine and Fresh Air of the Great Outdoors

Outdoor lovers revel in the luxury of exploring five parks within the Borough, while taking in breathtaking views of the Highlands mountains. In nearby Basking Rige, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge consists of 7,800 acres of varied habitats and serves as an important preserved environment for more than 244 species of birds. Visitors have an opportunity to learn more about fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants, which are all found in the refuge.

Additionally, the Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary in Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, and Harding Township, with 276 acres of woodland, field, and floodplain habitat, supports over 200 wildlife species. The Sanctuary offers an environmental learning center, tree-top level observation deck, a bookstore, and exhibits, allowing nature enthusiasts an enriching excursion close to home

Avid golfers find a superbly groomed course at the Somerset Hills Country Club. This storied institution dates back to the late 19th century and boasts a course that is consistently named one of the USA’s top 100. Five additional clubs adorn the surrounding communities and include the prestigious Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster and the New Jersey National Golf Club.

Enjoy Dozens of Merchants and Eateries in Just Minutes

Residents love the convenience of the compact Bernardsville Plaza, which features a dozen local merchants and services such as Starbucks, Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, and King’s Food Market. Just four miles east is the Lyons Mall, home to 20 nationally known shops including a Stop & Shop supermarket. Those who enjoy a high-end shopping experience visit The Mall at Short Hills, with 150 upscale specialty stores and restaurants, anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Foodies hungry for an array of world cuisine delight in their easy access to more than 50 restaurants just outside their doorstep.

Foie gras and Maine Lobster are among Executive Chef Corey W. Heyer’s specialties at the elegant Bernards Inn, while short rib with spinach leaves and succulent Cornish hen lead the menu of popular choices at Bistro Seven Three. The Tsuki Japanese Restaurant is known for is spicy tuna and bento boxes, while residents also rave about the butternut squash soup and the pork saltimbocca at Sette, home to Executive Chef Allan Russo, named one of the “Best Chefs in America” by Best Chefs America for 2013 and 2014.

Find Inspiration in Bernardsville’s Thriving Arts and Cultural Scene

Chamber music lovers delight in performances of the Antioch Chamber Ensemble in the heart of Bernardsville. Regarded as one of the finest professional choral ensembles in the United States, a dozen of the New York metropolitan area’s most popular singers perform works ranging from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary masterpieces.

Residents tap their toes to live music and share a laugh with comedy legends at the world-class Mayo Performing Arts Center, located just eight miles away in Morristown. Artists including rockers Deep Purple and John Fogarty, country star Don Williams, pop/rockers Steely Dan, comic Bill Engvall, and New Age composer Yanni have all graced the stage at this recently-restored venue.

Shakespeare aficionados frequent The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, located10 miles northeast in Madison. Serving 100,000 patrons per year, the Theatre is the Garden State’s only professional theatre company dedicated to Shakespeare’s works and other classics. Theatergoers also enjoy the Trilogy Repertory Company, which makes its home around the corner in Basking Ridge, and presents some of the world’s greatest-known productions, including Shakespeare’s King Lear and Richard III, The Who’s Tommy, and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Take Advantage of Local Educational and Professional Resources

Residents who love literature enjoy both the Borough library and the Peapack & Gladstone libraries, with their ranges of all-ages services and programs. Business-oriented newcomers are welcome to join the Rotary Club of Bernardsville, whose membership includes professionals who live or work in this part of Somerset County.

New homeowners in Bernardsville find an eco-friendly community that proudly participates in the Sustainable Jersey certification initiative to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve environmental equity in the Borough.

Welcome Home to the Beauty of Somerset County

Home buyers find that Bernardsville’s location in the grandeur of the New Jersey Highlands, its highly regarded school system, convenient community amenities, and ample leisure activities, make it an ideal community to live, work, and play. Clearly, it’s no mistake that today’s real estate buyers are choosing Bernardsville as a warming and welcoming place to put down roots.

”There’s always a wonderful cross-section of people here in town, especially for those with children,” says Mary Ann Donagy. “I really enjoy the people here.”