New Vernon
New Vernon is a small hamlet of less than 1,000 inhabitants, lying within the larger Harding Township. Some fifteen years ago, the New Vernon ZIP code was named by Forbes magazine as one of the 25 most expensive ZIP codes in the country, and the area has lost none of this upmarket exclusivity.
Like many of the small communities in this part of New Jersey, the community’s history dates back to the first white settlers. The area was first settled by the Dutch in the early 18th century but didn’t see the same development as some of its neighbouring settlements as it lacked a railroad. Over the years, the residents have fought to maintain the distinctive historic integrity of the district centre which is now protected by being listed on the National register of Historic Places.
You won’t find much commerce in New Vernon, but that’s all port of its charm. You can get a highly rated breakfast at The Country Fox café, and the wider Harding Township has a community library, post office, police department and several churches. Children can attend the local Harding Township school up to eight grade, whereafter they transfer to the highly rated Madison High School.
New Vernon is 40 miles from New York, but lacks any direct public transport links. The nearest station is six miles away in Morris Township from where Manhattan can be reached in 75 minutes on the New Jersey Transit. Driving along the Interstate 287 and 87 is a quicker option, depending on the time of day.
Just four miles away from New Vernon, is the Great Swamp National Wildlife refuge, where you can escape from urban life and experience the natural world up close. The 12 square miles of the refuge are a haven for fish and wildlife and can be easily explored along well-maintained boardwalks.
The median price of a home in New Vernon was $2 million as of March 2021, up a staggering 65% year on year. Click here if you want to view the other neighborhoods.
