Morris County

Established in 1739, Morris County is home to walkable downtowns and quaint mom-and-pop shops. Named after Colonel Lewis Morris, the first Royal Governor of New Jersey, the county spans 481 square miles and consists of 39 municipalities, according to Morris County. A quick train ride away, and 30 miles west of New York City, residents can embrace the commuter life or enjoy greater solitude in its western reaches. As the gateway to the Highlands region of the Garden State, the county offers a distinctive blend of rolling hills and compact metropolitan centers.

Settled along the Northeast Corridor, the area boasts a unique set of perks with multiple NJ Transit and Amtrak rail lines serving residents throughout the county for convenient travel connecting major East Coast cities, along with major highways such as Interstate 287, Route 80, and Route 78, which provide favorable travel to New York City.

“Having called this county home for more than five decades, there’s so much

I love about Morris County. Whether it’s history, arts and culture, or indoor recreation, it’s all right here, woven into 39 communities people are proud to call home. It’s fun to drive around and see what each town has to offer,” said Stephen H. Shaw, Morris County Commissioner, Director, and Realtor®

Towns are filled with Revolutionary War-era history: General George Washington’s old stomping grounds in Morristown; the Schuyler-Hamilton House in Morristown, where Alexander Hamilton met his wife, and miles of historic districts to explore. There’s a piece of history at every corner if you know where to look.

Scenic nature preserves and parks are abundant in Morris County, boasting close to 40 parks and facilities available to the community, according to the Morris County Park Commission.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown, Alstede Farms and the historic Cooper Gristmill in Chester, and the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham are open to nature loving visitors; plus loads of local farm stands populate the further west you go.

“A lot of people, especially postpandemic, started to move more westward, moving out of the city and into the suburbs,” said Tommy Pollio, executive chef and co-owner of The Pasta Shop located in Denville.

More than 500,000 people call the county home, according to the July 2025 U.S. Census data and it continues to attract attention as a desirable place to live. According to NJ Realtors® March 2026 housing market data, homes are selling quickly and often above asking price, with single-family home sellers receiving an average of 103.4% of list price year-to-date. Back in March 2016, that figure was a mere 96.2%, revealing how dramatically the market has shifted. Home values are climbing right along with demand. The median sales price for single family homes in March 2026 in Morris County jumped to $715,000 year-to-date, up more than $400,000 since 2016, according to NJ Realtors® housing market data.

MAIN STREETS TO EXPLORE

Walk the charming streets of Morris County towns’ Main Streets for a history lesson, old-world storefronts, and premium restaurants.

Boonton

Spend a day immersed in historic downtown Boonton. Take a tour of downtown’s historic sites such as the Octagon houses, Boonton Opera House, Maxfield Engine House, and the Stone Arch Bridge. During your tour, stop in to Boonton Coffee Co., walk down the street to find a punk-themed cafe called Catfight Coffee for a mid-day pick me up, or head to Boneyard Boutique for a little retail therapy. Before you leave Main Street, take your pick from one of many restaurants like Ombra, Nostrana Restorante, or Al Hara.

Chatham

Main Street, located in Chatham Borough, though collectively known as “the Chatham’s,” is a quaint enclave in the most southeastern part of Morris County. Visit Chatham’s Main Street to experience fine dining at Scalini Fedeli or for a quick bite, walk into Namkeen Hot Chicken for a blend of Pakistani and Nashville flavors all in a sandwich. With a handful of boutiques perfect for gift giving, ice cream shops, and bakeries, Chatham is a picturesque day-trip destination.

Chester

Located in the southwestern corner of Morris County, Chester is a quaint getaway, exuding small-town Americana. This quintessential Main Street showcases remnants of the mining industry during the late 1800s, while offering boutique storefronts, cozy cafes, and charming restaurants. Walk the brick-lined sidewalks of historic downtown Chester and visit PREN for classic American eats, dine outdoors at Fresco Mexican with Main Street views, and if you have room for a sweet treat, head to the town’s French bakery, NinaLou Patisserie.

 

Denville

On the banks of the Rockaway River, downtown Denville overflows with approachable charm and is characterized as “small but mighty,” said Megan Olenowski, owner of Sisters boutique. Located on Broadway since 2013 and known as “your best friend’s favorite boutique,” stop in and choose from trendy seasonal pieces perfect for any wardrobe, gifts to show off local town pride, jewelry, pop-up shops with other local businesses, Jellycats, and more. “I’ve lived in Denville for 40 years, other people have been here for four minutes, and everybody just feels such a sense of belonging here,” said Olenowski. Broadway is Denville’s version of Main Street, lined with unique local commerce. Grab traditional Irish fare under the thatched roof of Thatcher McGhee’s, or head across the street to Diamond Spring Brewing Co.’s beer garden for seasonal brews. From Hunan Taste to El Mejicano TexMex Grill, the downtown scene has something for everyone.

 

Madison

Known as “The Rose City” due to the 19th century commercial rose greenhouses, downtown Madison is a walkable historic paradise. Offering a healthy mix of historic sites to explore, like Mead Hall located at Drew University and the Madison Train Station, with accompanying shopping opportunities at The Pink Pear, The Nature of Reading Bookshop, The Snooki Shop, and the Runroom. Head to Grilleria Mediterranean Cuisine, Il Mondo Vecchio, or 54 Main Bar & Grille for a bite to eat unique to Madison.

 

Morristown

This urban hub, anchored by the Revolutionary-era Morristown Green, is defined by its rich tapestry of small businesses, restaurants, cafes, nightlife, and gyms encapsulated under three square miles. Home to Gen. George Washington’s winter headquarters during the Revolutionary War and The Schuyler-Hamilton House just steps off The Green, Morristown’s historic roots seamlessly blend with modern entertainment, with Mayo Performing Arts Center’s rich event lineup. Located at the crossroads of major roadways while prioritizing walkability, downtown Morristown has something to offer for everyone. Come hungry, there are over 150 places to eat surrounding The Green with a wide variety of cuisines.

PARKS FOR A SERENE ESCAPE

Slow down and wander through these parks across Morris County. Whether you hike the expert trail or take the scenic route, there’s a park for everyone to enjoy.

Freylinghuysen Arboretum

Morristown

Enjoy the scenic lawns at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Open to the public year-round, this park has everything a nature lover would need: formal gardens, woodlands, meadows, walking trails, and a historic mansion.

 

Hacklebarney State Park

Long Valley

With over six miles of family-friendly trails, Hacklebarney State Park is a destination for the whole family looking for a nature-filled afternoon. Enjoy the free-flowing creeks and the serene outdoors.

Lewis Morris Park

Morris Township

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, enjoy the 2,213 acres with 25 miles of walking trails Lewis Morris Park offers. Go on a camping trip, take a dip in Sunrise Lake, take your furry friend for a stroll at the 0.4-acre dog park, or try paddleboating at this family-oriented park in the heart of Morris County.

Hedden County Park

Randolph

Spanning across Randolph, Dover, and Mine Hill, Hedden County Park offers an activity for every kind of nature lover. Fish at the trout-production streams at Wallace and Jackson Brooks, wander their paved trails, relax next to the picturesque Hedden Pond, or bring your pup to roam the open green space.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

Montville

Venture into the 1,600 acres of forest with almost 20 miles of rugged trails at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. With 18,000-yearold glacial relics located on the trail sidelines, hikers can travel back in time to prehistoric times. Conquer the trails and celebrate with a spectacular view of the New York City skyline.

Tourne County Park

Denville

Ride your bike, fish, canoe, or bring your horse on the Rockaway River at Tourne County Park. Climb to the top of the Tourne and enjoy the New York City skyline, and walk the Emily K. Hammond Wildflower Trail on the way down. Spanning 550 acres, this park offers year-round activities to enjoy.

 

TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH THESE FARMERS’ MARKETS

Explore these Morris County farmers’ markets, which offer the freshest local produce, unique eats, and more.

Denville Farmers’ Market

Denville

Every Sunday, find local vendors varying from homemade hot sauces, pickles, hummus, garden vegetables, meats, baked goods, and more. Open year-round with accompanying seasonal hours, Denville’s Farmers’ Market has been serving the community for over 25 years. Tucked behind Broadway, this farmers’ market is located on Bloomfield Avenue.

 

Morristown Farmers’ Market

Morristown

One of the largest markets in the area, this farmers’ market offers local produce, pizza, pet treats, baked goods, seasonal flowers, and more. Bring the whole family to enjoy live music entertainment each Sunday. Enjoy a summer morning getting lost in this market, which opens June 15.

Stony Hill Farmers’ Market

Chester

Offering the best fresh produce, this unique market located in the heart of Stony Hill Farms also serves up baked goods, meats and cheese, dry goods, coffee and tea, and unique gifts to give. Grab your weekly produce, and while you’re at it, explore the grounds for family fun. Plan your trip now, this market opens on June 2.