As the economy has improved and more people are looking to move into new homes, it’s not surprising that some townships have experienced a shortage of inventory. With the incredibly strong job market in North Jersey, demand for homes is high and many buyers are having to compete with other residents. One of the towns that has been feeling this pressure is Hanover Township. This Morris County township offers highly rated schools and low property taxes, but there aren’t enough homes on the market to meet demand.
Located in the center of north central New Jersey, Hanover Township has a population of more than 150,000. It is divided into the villages of Whippany and Cedar Knolls. The 10.8-square-mile township is also home to a number of corporate offices, including Bayer, Masda Corporation, and PCF Corporation. The township is also home to the historic Whippany Railway Museum, which hosts a variety of family events, such as the Easter Bunny Express and Santa Clause Train Rides.
The township’s name is derived from the Whippanong Native Americans, who gave it the meaning “place of the willows.” The area was first settled by Europeans as an iron forge along the gentle, meandering river that runs through the township. During the industrial revolution, the township became a center for paper mills and later, Bell Labs, which pioneered radar technology and invented transistors and solid state electronic circuitry.
In the modern era, many of these historic industries have declined, but the township still attracts businesses and residents with its low tax rates and excellent public schools. The township’s school system is rated as one of the top in New Jersey, and there are numerous colleges within a 30-mile radius, including Fairleigh Dickinson University and Montclair State College.
The town’s economy is diversified with a mix of small and large business, as well as many shopping centers and restaurants. The township is also home to the 1718 Whippany Burying Yard, which contains gravestones of Revolutionary War soldiers and veterans from other wars. It’s a great place to spend a day exploring the history of the township or enjoying a meal at il Capriccio, where you can enjoy the flying meatball appetizer and the veal ossobucco.
In addition to its proximity to major employers, the township has easy access to Interstate 287 and Newark Liberty International Airport. The local bus service is New Jersey Transit, which has stops along Route 10 in the township.
