The Borough of Wharton offers old-fashioned charm and a small town appeal, within its interesting borders. The 2.2 square miles of this unique place in Morris County, boasts such charm, that even the musician Cyndi Lauper couldn't resist. It was here in 1984 that she filmed her music video for her hit song "Time After Time," cementing Wharton into timelessness and music history with her.
Wharton Borough prides itself on diversity as well, in terms of its places to visit, things to do, and its population of more than 6,500 residents. Like many of the neighboring communities, Wharton found its roots and growth in the Morris Canal and was the bedroom community for those who manned the mines, blast furnaces and mills. Formed in 1895 from the communities of Port Oram, Irondale, Luxemburg, Maryville, and Mount Pleasant, and taken from portions of Randolph and Rockaway Townships, the municipality was originally known as Port Oram. It was renamed Wharton in 1902 in honor of Joseph Wharton, one of Wharton's first prominent citizens, who was heavily involved with the area's mining industry. Today, Wharton still recognizes its mining heritage and contributions to the Morris Canal, while remaining a bedroom community for those who work in places as far away as Manhattan.
Moving to Wharton
If you are seeking a small town with spirit and deep community involvement, with many housing options and accesses to a variety of services, Wharton is the place for you. Gather up those moving boxes and start packing because your new home is calling your name.
Picking Your Place to Call Home
When you're pondering a move, there's no need to scratch your head and think hard because Wharton is a no-brainer. There are so many types of residences to choose from. Pick one of the single-family Victorians closer to the downtown, or find one of the tranquil neighborhoods slightly outside of the town center, which are more modern-day construction options. If you prefer to rent an apartment, or another type of rental property, Wharton offers many options for you.
Plenty of Rentals
Wharton is teeming with rental choices, whether you'd like a house to rent, apartment complexes, or a duplex for rent, there is something for every person and budget. No need to sweat it, just pick one and you're done.
Next Steps
For those who would like to rent, it's time to take some next steps to prepare for your move to your house, condominium, or apartment. Be prepared to complete applications that will ask about your employment and credit history, as well as references to ensure you are the right match. Be armed with all of these things before you journey out on the search for your new place and you'll ease into your new home in a snap.
Friendly Accommodations
You are embarking into friendly territories in the Borough of Wharton, whatever you choose. Many of the residences in Wharton's various apartment and condominium complexes are family-friendly and pet friendly, with amenities for both and things to do for all. There are recreational areas within the numerous neighborhoods and interesting destinations within Wharton's scenic environs.
Your Dream Residence
As you locate that ideal home, of course, you'll need to be prepared with your checkbook to finalize the transaction. Some of the landlords require an application fee, though others luckily don't. Others will ask for a security deposit. And if a realtor has helped you in the transaction, you may be required to pay their commission, so know in advance to be prepared.
Wharton Neighborhoods
Although there are many options in the Borough of Wharton, there aren't many distinct neighborhoods. But whether you select a home or one of the two bedroom apartments in town has your name on it. The market in Wharton is filled with apartments, condominiums, townhouses and more.
Wharton Garden Apartments
"Our residents are treated like VIP's" is the motto of the Wharton Garden Apartments, a pet friendly complex with patios, laundry facilities, garages and ample parking and air conditioning and gas heat. The apartments are located close to all of the major shopping districts.
Brentwood Gardens
Close to the bustling shopping areas with ShopRite, Costco and Dunkin' Donuts a stone's throw away, Brentwood Gardens offers among its features a playground for its young residents or Frog Falls water park nearby at Picatinny Arsenal. The complex also boasts garages, high speed internet, air conditioning and more.
Overlook Village
Overlook Village overlooks Wharton's shopping district, yet it is backed into a quiet condominium alcove, with its own tennis court and community pool. An association within the complex governs the community, which features attractive townhouses with sliding glass doors, decks, thermal windows and ample space.
River Place at Wharton
Having garnered the New Jersey Apartment Association's Best New Apartment Awards, 2 bedroom apartments are available at the luxurious River Place at Wharton. Bordering along a peaceful wooded area, the units have private garages with automatic door openers, spacious gourmet kitchens, ceramic tiles, wall-to-wall carpeting, Thermopane windows, central air, gas heating, balconies, ample closet space and its own private playground for the youngest residents.
Living in Wharton
Residents in Wharton will have plenty to do in their own neighborhood. The Borough of Wharton features a bevy of parks including Hugh Force, Robert Street, Huff Street, Columbia Street, Langdon Avenue, Wilfred Hocking, Memorial and Schiffner Parks. These venues boast recreational opportunities such as fields, playground equipment, picnic areas and seating areas. Enjoy a walk in Hugh Force Park along the borough's refurbished trail adjacent on the former mule towpath to what was once the bustling Morris Canal and is now a tranquil waterway, where turtles and frogs now reside.
In the downtown area, one can savor a casual meal at the Canal House, with burgers, salads and more at the location, or meals to go. Hot Rods, another favorite known for its barbecue specialties, has been featured on the Food Network and raved about in USA Today and The New York Times. Rockaway Townsquare Mall is also about a mile away where one can shop, dine or catch a movie, in one of the area's premier shopping and entertainment destinations.
Though there is plenty to do in and around Wharton, for those needing to get away for work or recreation, Routes 15, 80 and 46 are only a few minutes away by car, and the Dover Train Station with New Jersey Transit Service and Lakeland Bus Lines can whisk residents to places, including New York City, which is a commutable distance of 40 miles from the town.