Area Highlights
A quick view of the most influential metrics in Chester.
Schools In The Area
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Chester, NJ Area Guide
A practical overview of Chester for buyers researching neighborhoods, schools, commuting options, parks/trails, and everyday amenities in Morris County.
Locally, “Chester” often refers to both Chester Borough (downtown) and Chester Township (surrounding neighborhoods).
- Morris County
- ZIP: 07930
- Chester Borough + Chester Township
- Chester School District (PK–8)
- West Morris Mendham HS (9–12)
- Black River corridor parks
Chester at a glance
Chester is a Morris County area with a mix of residential neighborhoods, preserved open space, and convenient access to seasonal farms and trail systems.
Buyers commonly prioritize school alignment, yard/land needs, and commute preferences (drive-to-rail vs. drive-only).
What buyers typically prioritize
- School planning: consolidated local PK–8 district, with a regional high school pathway.
- Outdoor access: county parkland along the Black River plus township preserves and trail access.
- Home features: garage/parking, flexible space, and usable outdoor areas.
- Commute options: road access plus rail stations in nearby towns depending on route and parking preference.
Chester real estate
Inventory in Chester is primarily made up of detached single-family homes, with a range that can include older homes, updated properties, and homes with larger lots.
For a clean search, many buyers start by filtering for lot size, renovation level, and whether they need a first-floor bedroom or dedicated office space.
- Helpful search filters: “home office,” “finished basement,” “primary suite,” “3-car garage,” “level yard.”
- Planning tip: confirm whether the property is in Chester Borough or Chester Township when comparing taxes, services, and local permits.
Schools
Always confirm enrollment, boundaries, and current programs directly with the districts.
Public schools (PK–8)
The Chester School District serves students through 8th grade and includes three schools:
- Dickerson Elementary School (PK–2) — 250 Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930 • (908) 879-5313
- Bragg Elementary School (3–5) — 250 Route 24, Chester, NJ 07930 • (908) 879-5324
- Black River Middle School (6–8) — 133 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930 • (908) 879-6363
Public high school (9–12)
- West Morris Mendham High School — 65 East Main Street, Mendham, NJ 07945 • (973) 543-2501
Commute & transportation
Road access (common local routes)
- Route 206 / Route 24 area: commonly used corridors for local and regional driving connections.
- Route 513 (North Road): a key local route for fields, parks, and connecting roads.
Rail options (nearby NJ TRANSIT stations)
Station choice often depends on schedule, parking rules, and your preferred line/connection.
Parks & trails
Black River corridor (Morris County Park Commission sites)
- Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center: county nature center with hiking trails and connection to the Patriots’ Path Blue Spur.
- Cooper Gristmill: restored water-powered mill site with guided tours (seasonal programming varies).
- Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center: public gardens and education programs.
- Willowwood Arboretum: gardens/meadows; open daily and free to the public (dogs not permitted).
Chester Township parks & preserves
- Chubb Park: 85-acre park with athletic fields, tennis courts, playground, pond, sledding hill, Patriots’ Path access, and a walking path.
- Black River Fields Park: multi-purpose fields plus a concession building with bathrooms and a small picnic area.
- Tiger Brook Park: 270-acre preserve with reservoir access, fishing, hiking trails, and a scout camping area.
- MacGregor Preserve: adjacent to Tiger Brook Park; together they create a larger connected open-space area.
Nearby state park
- Hacklebarney State Park (Long Valley): open sunrise to sunset; trails and day-use areas (check alerts and parking guidance before visiting).
Things to do
Chester is known for seasonal farm visits and local outdoor programming. Check each location for current hours and seasonal schedules.
- Alstede Farms — 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ 07930 • (908) 879-7189
- Stony Hill Farm Market — 15 North Road, Chester, NJ 07930 • (908) 879-2908
- Riamede Farm — 122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ 07930 • (908) 879-7762
Frequently asked questions
Is Chester, NJ a borough or a township?
Which schools serve Chester through 8th grade?
Which high school do Chester students attend?
What are the main parks and trail options?
plus local parks like Chubb Park, Black River Fields Park, and Tiger Brook Park.
Where is the public library?
Explore nearby towns