Bernardsville Community Information
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With a population of approximately 7,700, the borough of Bernardsville is a small town located in the northern part of Somerset County, New Jersey, just south of Morristown. Known for picturesque views, sprawling estates, charming farms, historical mansions and premier schools, the borough was originally a part of Bernards Township. Bernardsville’s reputation for grand estates began during the post-Civil War era, when many wealthy and prominent New Yorkers began building mansions on Bernardsville Mountain to be used for summer retreats. The construction of the Gladstone branch of the New York City railroad system brought many new residents from New York City, and prompted further development of the borough’s downtown. By the 1890s, residents of the Bernardsville Mountain were known for their extravagant lifestyles. Polo matches, private racetracks, opulent balls and elaborate horse-drawn carriages arriving at the railroad station added to the mountain colony's allure. The town grew as European artisans, gardeners and servants settled in the village to work at some of the grand estates. Among those who owned mountain estates were Prudential Insurance Company founder Forest Dryden, brewer J. Herbert Ballantine, and pharmaceutical manufacturer Charles Pfizer
The borough is home to a wide variety of stately architectural styles, including Victorians, farmhouses, colonials, cottages, manor homes and luxury estate properties. Miles of winding country roads offer endless enjoyment for runners and cyclists alike, and some of the town’s recreational activities include parks, wildlife conservatories, an Olympic-sized municipal pool, and several world-class golf courses including Trump National, just minutes away. Bernardsville truly offers commuters the best of both worlds—providing scenic views of rolling hills with stunning homes alongside the convenience of train and bus transportation to New York City and quick access to highways 287/78/206 and 24. The downtown features the quaint “Olcott Square”, boasting a variety of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and a movie theater and nearby conveniences of supermarkets and pharmacies. Events like the annual Tree Lighting, Unity Day at Nervine Park, and “Sounds Around Town” bring to life the charming, small-town character of this chic and highly sought-after town. The Somerset Hills School District consists of Bedwell Elementary School (K-4), Bernardsville Middle School (grades 5-8) and Bernards High School, which also serve the neighboring small towns of Far Hills and Peapack-Gladstone. Bernards High was ranked 169th in the nation, and 12th in New Jersey on the list of "America's Best High Schools 2012" and the September 2012 issue of NJ Monthly magazine also gave the school top honors, ranking Bernards as 11th in the state. Come visit Bernardsville and let me show you why this is one of my very favorite towns along the train line.