Basking Ridge: A Popular Spot in Somerset County
By Betsy Burlingame

Basking Ridge is 65-90 minutes by train from Manhattan on the Gladstone line and about an hour by car. It is a very popular suburb for young families seeking larger yards, a bit more house for their dollar and less traffic than towns like Summit and Chatham. So popular, in fact, there are waiting lists to join the public pools and an astounding 1,200+ children in little league this year.

Basking Ridge is part of Bernards Township, which includes Basking Ridge, Lyons and Liberty Corner. Many residents refer to the entire area as Basking Ridge. There are a number of large developments in Basking Ridge which offer townhomes, condos and even single family homes. "The Hills", which spans Basking Ridge and Bedminster, is probably the most well known of these communities. Homes in "The Hills" run in all sizes and price ranges. Cute cape cod style three bedroom homes in Basking Ridge start in the low $400,000s. Larger three and four bedroom split levels and colonials start in the mid to upper $400,000s.

There are plenty of outdoor activities in Basking Ridge and surrounding towns. Dunham Park on Somerville Road in Liberty Corner has frisbee golf and a roller hockey rink; Lord Stirling Park & Stables (Lord Stirling Road) offers horseback riding; and Pleasant Valley Park (Valley Road) has softball, tennis, sand volleyball and soccer. Southard Park (North Maple Avenue) even has a dog park. In addition to the parks, Somerset Hills YMCA (140 Mt. Airy Road) is a great facility with swimming, fitness and more.

Downtown Basking Ridge is a quaint, tree-lined street with old homes turned shops and businesses, several churches and a handful of restaurants. The Store (55 South Finley Avenue) has burgers, salads and American fare. The Ridge Restaurant (25 South Finley Avenue) has Italian entrees and pizza. Outside of the downtown area, The Grain House at the Olde Mill Inn (225 Route 202) is a bit more expensive with seafood, steak and more. For Japanese, you'll have to head to nearby Bernardsville. Head out to Jose's Mexican Cantina (125 Washington Valley Road) in Warren for authentic Mexican.

Commuting Time: 65 - 90 Minutes to Penn Station
Miles to Manhattan: 37
Population: 24,575
Median Household Income: 107k
% Population that Works: 67%

Town Ratings

1 to 5 (1 Being Best)

Commute: 4
Social Activities: 1
Schools: 1
Taxes: 3


First Published: Sep 05, 2003