Condo And Townhome Living In Chatham Borough

You want the lifestyle, convenience, and community of Chatham Borough without the full responsibility of a large yard. Condos and townhomes can be a smart way to get it, especially with limited inventory and quick-moving listings. In this guide, you’ll learn what you can expect at different price points, how HOA fees and taxes factor into monthly costs, and what life really looks like near the train. Let’s dive in.

Why attached living in Chatham

Chatham Borough tends to have low months of supply and short days on market, which keeps demand strong for well-located attached homes. Median single-family prices often sit far above many condo and townhome options, so attached living can be a more accessible entry into the borough. The community is also highly owner occupied, and the Census 2019–2023 5‑year estimate places the median value for owner-occupied units near $985,000, with roughly 82% owner occupancy. You can review those borough-level figures in the Census QuickFacts for confirmation.

For many buyers, the value story is simple. You get the location, the Main Street energy, and rail access without stretching to the single-family median. That affordability gap is the main reason condos and townhomes move quickly.

Condo options near Main Street

Downtown condos are often garden-style or small-building flats. Typical 1-bedroom units run about 500 to 750 square feet, and 2-bedroom units commonly fall in the 800 to 1,100 square foot range. Many are single-level interiors, which keeps day-to-day living simple.

You’ll see monthly HOA fees that often land around 350 to 450 dollars, and some buildings include heat and water. That can meaningfully lower your variable utility costs. Parking is usually off-street and shared for residents, and station parking is a separate municipal or NJ TRANSIT permit.

Recent sales in garden-style communities like Chatham Court show 1- and 2-bedroom condos commonly trading in the 300,000 to 500,000 dollar range depending on size, updates, and building specifics. Always confirm what your HOA covers, from utilities and trash to exterior maintenance and insurance.

Townhome choices and amenities

Chatham’s townhome offerings fall into two broad tiers.

• 1980s–1990s communities. These are 2 to 4 bedrooms with modest common areas. Many offer pools or tennis, and prices often run from the mid 600s into the 900s depending on size and condition. Some of these communities sit just beyond the borough line in Chatham Township. For a feel of this era and amenity mix, explore the community information at Sutton Woods.
• Newer and luxury enclaves. Larger 3-bedroom floor plans with garages are common, with price points that often land between 750,000 and 950,000 dollars in smaller, newer clusters. Luxury townhomes can start around 1,000,000 dollars and rise for larger models with high-end finishes and clubhouse facilities. The Willows at Chatham provides a helpful example of layout and garage convenience.

Townhomes typically include exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, and common-area upkeep in the association dues. Many offer basements, patios, and 1 to 2 car garages, which is appealing if you want space without yard work.

Price and monthly costs

Here are typical local ranges you’ll encounter:

• Condos: about 300,000 to 500,000 dollars for many 1–2 bedroom garden-style units. HOA fees commonly 350 to 450 dollars per month, sometimes with heat and water included.
• Townhomes: about 750,000 to 1,200,000+ dollars depending on age, size, and amenities. HOA dues vary by community. Luxury developments with clubhouses and pools carry higher monthly fees.
• Single-family comparison: recent snapshots of Chatham’s single-family market show medians in the 1.2 to 1.5 million dollar range or higher, which explains the strong interest in attached housing alternatives.

New Jersey property taxes are a major factor in monthly costs. Effective rates in Morris County are often cited around 1.9% to 2.7%, but this varies by property. The best practice is to request the current tax bill for any home you’re considering so your monthly estimate is accurate.

To build your budget for a specific unit, outline these components:

• Principal and interest based on your loan amount and rate
• Property taxes from the current tax bill
• Homeowners insurance (or condo-owner policy)
• HOA or condo dues and what they include
• A maintenance or reserve line for future repairs

Commuting and parking

Chatham Station sits in the borough on the Morris and Essex Morristown Line with Midtown Direct service to New York Penn Station and Hoboken connections. Peak rides to Midtown commonly run about 45 to 55 minutes, depending on the train. You can confirm station details, schedules, and parking policies on the NJ TRANSIT Chatham Station page.

Resident station permits are available through municipal programs. Recent estimates list permit fees at about 425 dollars per year, and availability or waitlists vary by lot and season. If you plan to drive to the station, put the permit process on your early checklist. If you prefer to walk, note that homes within about a half mile of the platform tend to command a price premium for that convenience.

Who attached living suits

• Commuters who want walkability. A condo or townhome near Main Street gives you an easy stroll to the train and shops. Station permits are available for residents, but plan ahead for timing and possible waitlists.
• Downsizers and empty nesters. Many condo floor plans are single-level, and HOA coverage lowers your maintenance workload. Some associations include heat and water, which simplifies budgeting.
• First-time buyers. Buying in the 300,000 to 500,000 dollar condo band can be a path into the borough when single-family pricing feels out of reach. Confirm any financing constraints, like FHA or VA eligibility for the specific building.
• Families seeking space with less upkeep. Three-bedroom townhomes with garages can offer balanced space, modern kitchens and baths, and a lock-and-leave feel without extensive yard care.

Attached vs single-family

• Price. Condos and townhomes offer a lower purchase price than many single-family homes in Chatham. Single-family does not have HOA dues, but it carries larger maintenance responsibilities.
• Monthly carrying cost. Include mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and a maintenance reserve when comparing options.
• Maintenance and lifestyle. Associations typically handle roofs, siding, landscaping, snow, and common areas. Single-family owners handle everything on the property.
• Space and privacy. Single-family homes generally deliver more private outdoor space. Townhomes can offer near single-family square footage inside, with shared walls and smaller yards.
• Resale dynamics. In walkable, rail-adjacent borough cores, well-kept condos and townhomes can have strong buyer appeal. As always, the latest comps for the specific development tell the best story.

What to check before you buy

A little due diligence goes a long way. Use this list during your search:

• HOA and condo documents. Review the budget, reserve fund, recent or planned special assessments, rental rules, pet policies, and insurance coverage. Confirm whether heat, water, and trash are included in dues.
• Property taxes. Ask for the current tax bill and use that figure in your monthly estimate. Effective tax rates vary by property and year.
• Financing. If you plan to use FHA or VA, verify whether the building is approved. In smaller projects, approvals can lapse or be unavailable.
• Parking and storage. Ask about garage spaces, assigned spots, guest parking, lockers, and on-site or communal laundry.
• Station permit logistics. Check the current permit process, fees, and any waitlist details before you close so your commute is seamless.

Local market context

Chatham Borough is a predominantly owner-occupied community, and the Census 5‑year estimate pegs the median value for owner-occupied units near $985,000 with about 82% owner occupancy. That backdrop explains why attached homes in central locations often draw strong interest. While recent local snapshots have shown a median single-family sale price around the low to mid seven figures, attached options can open the door to the same downtown lifestyle at a lower entry point.

If your search area includes both the borough and the township, keep in mind that the commonly used 07928 ZIP aggregates data for both. Household income figures at the ZIP level can look higher than borough-only statistics, so use borough-specific numbers for apples-to-apples comparisons.

How to choose your fit

• If you want the simplest, most walkable setup with one-level living, start with garden-style condos near Main Street.
• If you need 3 bedrooms, garage parking, and a little outdoor space, target townhomes, then weigh HOA amenities against dues.
• If you plan to commute by train, map your walking route to the station and confirm permit details early.
• If you’re optimizing for monthly cost, build a line-item budget for each property so HOA and utilities are clear.

When you compare options this way, your best fit usually becomes obvious after two or three tours.

Ready to tour with a local expert

If you’re considering a condo or townhome in Chatham Borough, local context matters. You want clear comps, HOA insight, and a smooth route from offer to closing. Reach out to Karen Torrente for a tailored plan and on-the-ground guidance. Let’s connect.

Karen Torrente

FAQs

What are typical condo prices in Chatham Borough?

• Many 1–2 bedroom garden-style condos commonly sell in the 300,000 to 500,000 dollar range, depending on size, updates, and building specifics.

How much are condo HOA fees in Chatham?

• Garden-style buildings often run about 350 to 450 dollars per month, and some include heat and water, which can lower separate utility costs.

How long is the NYC commute from Chatham Station?

• Peak rides to Midtown typically take about 45 to 55 minutes depending on the train run, and you can confirm schedules and details on the NJ TRANSIT Chatham Station page.

What should I know about Chatham station parking permits?

• Resident permits are available with recent estimates around 425 dollars per year, and availability or waitlists vary by lot and season.

Are property taxes high on condos and townhomes?

• New Jersey property taxes are significant, and effective rates in Morris County are often cited around 1.9% to 2.7%, so always use the current tax bill for the exact property when budgeting.