As thousands of cars pass through Watchung along Routes 22 or 78 every day, travelers may be unaware of the borough's hidden natural beauty. This six-square mile town in Somerset County is situated along two ridges of the Watchung Mountain range, giving homes on the upper ridges bucolic views of the countryside, or in some cases, the New York skyline about 25 miles east. Minutes from the highways, the rustic views are a steep contrast to the asphalt and exit signs. Scenery consists of winding roadways, running streams and leafy forests set amid gentle hillsides. Two lakes in town, Lake Watchung and Best Lake, add to the serene atmosphere.

With a population of approximately 5,600 people, Watchung is about a 30-minute car trip to Newark International Airport or 40 minutes to New York City .

Community Life

Several parks are located throughout the borough including Mobus Field on Brookdale Road for tennis, baseball, softball and basketball; the eight-acre Phillips Field on Brookdale and Stirling Roads for softball, baseball and soccer; Camp Endeavor on Bayberry Lane for tennis; and Watchung Lake Park and Best Lake picnic grove near the Watchung Circle for walking, sledding and fishing.

The Watchung Arts Center showcases emerging and professional musicians, artists and performers. Their changing calendar offers a wide selection of classes and workshops in the arts.

Shopping needs can be met at the Watchung Square Mall on Route 22 west. There are big box stores such as Target, Home Depot, Borders Books and Wal-Mart in this large strip mall, which stand alongside smaller shops, retail chains and dining options. The commercial center of Watchung, established at the turn of the last century, is known as the Triangle, a three-block area of shops, restaurants and services. Large-scale malls nearby include Bridgewater Commons and the Mall at Short Hills.

Education

Public school students in Watchung attend one of three educational facilities. The Bayberry Elementary School serves kindergarten to grade four; Valley View School is for middle grades of five through eight; and the Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren Township brings together pupils from Watchung, Warren , Green Brook and Long Hill. The high school was named a Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education in 1996.

Located on Route 22 is Mount St. Mary Academy, a private Catholic high school for girls. It was founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey.

Transportation

Watchung is located close to a network of highways including Interstates 22 and 78, with Interstate 287 a short distance away. Commuters may choose to ride New Jersey Transit's train from Plainfield or Summit for service to Penn Station in midtown, Hoboken or Newark .

Real Estate

Housing stock varies from upscale condominiums or estate homes with skyline views, to single-family homes built during the 1950s and 1960s, to luxurious new construction priced at $1 million or more. The Stonegate community offers 41 town house condominiums near the border of Berkeley Heights . There are also rental apartments at complexes like the Crystal Ridge Club and in the downtown Triangle section of Watchung.

Local Attractions

Recreation for every lifestyle and age group is readily available in and around Watchung. The Twin Brooks Country Club at 600 Mountain Boulevard maintains an exceptional 18-hole golf course. The Brook Hill Swim and Tennis Club at 18 Drift Road has a swimming pool and tennis courts for summer fun. The legendary Bowcraft Amusement Park in nearby Scotch Plains has been entertaining children of all ages for generations.