Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chatham, NJ
Considering a move to Chatham, NJ? With about 9,000 residents, Chatham is known for its top-rated public schools, family-friendly feel, and access to NYC via public transit. The housing market is competitive, with median home prices around $950,000 and average rents at $2,350. Residents enjoy remarkably low crime rates, a highly educated population, and a comfortable commute to Manhattan. If you value great schools, safety, and a tight-knit suburban atmosphere, Chatham may be just the place for your next chapter.
Demographics - Chatham, NJ
Demographics - Chatham, NJ
Chatham is home to approximately 9,000 residents, featuring a predominantly White population and a median age of 41, which contributes to its established, family-oriented community. The area has a moderate density and a balanced gender ratio, with over 11% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
9,000
Density:
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
7.5%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chatham, NJ?
Living in Chatham comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a cost of living index of 160.5 and a median home value nearing $950,000. Daily expenses such as housing, groceries, and utilities are notably above the national average, making it an upscale suburban choice.
Median House Value:
$950,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
160.5
Grocery:
123.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
111.0
Transportation:
128.0
Health Care:
112.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Chatham, NJ a safe place to live?
Chatham boasts very low crime rates, with only 42 violent crimes and 324 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at just 1 in 2,380.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
42
Property Crimes Per 100k:
324
Crime Index:
366
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,380
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 278
Weather
What is the weather like in Chatham, NJ year-round?
Chatham experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and chilly winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine around 55% of the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
The community in Chatham is affluent and highly educated, with a family median income of $210,000 and nearly 82% of adults holding at least a bachelor's degree. Low poverty and unemployment rates, along with strong public transit usage, contribute to a vibrant and stable neighborhood.
Median Income:
$70,000
Household Income:
$185,000
Family Income:
$210,000
Per Capita Income:
$78,000
Income Male:
$105,000
Income Female:
$82,000
Poverty Rate:
2.1%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
17.8%
Commute Time:
41.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
81.9%
Education
How are the schools in Chatham, NJ?
Chatham is known for its top-rated public schools, with strong student-to-teacher ratios and a variety of educational options including private and nearby higher education institutions. Families benefit from access to quality K-12 schools and close proximity to reputable colleges like Drew University.

Public Schools
Name:
Chatham High School
Street:
255 Lafayette Ave
Phone:
973-457-2505
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Name:
Milton Avenue School
Street:
221 Milton Ave
Phone:
973-457-2509
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick School
Street:
45 Chatham St
Phone:
973-635-4623
Students:
230

Colleges
Name:
Drew University
City:
Madison
State:
NJ
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus
City:
Madison
State:
NJ
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to high-quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.1 per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is strong at 96.5%, ensuring that most residents receive comprehensive medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Overlook Medical Center
Address:
99 Beauvoir Ave, Summit, NJ 07901
Phone:
(908) 522-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Morristown Medical Center
Address:
100 Madison Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone:
(973) 971-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.5%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chatham, NJ?
The Chatham housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $950,000 and an owner-occupancy rate above 80%. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates, combined with steady appreciation, make it an attractive but premium area for homebuyers.
Median Home Price:
$950,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Chatham residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton, which provides all standard vehicle and driver services. For more information or appointments, locals can visit the state's official MVC website or call the main office.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.