Real Estate in Franklin Township (Hunterdon)

Housing in Franklin Township is as varied as the landscape itself. There are antique stone dwellings, centuries-old farmhouses, equestrian farms, traditional Colonials, newer single-family neighborhoods, condominiums, and vintage homes in one of the township's long-established hamlets. Nearly 300 dwellings in Franklin were built before 1900, adding character to the township's winding country roads. Additionally, land parcels are often available for buyers considering a custom-built or luxury home.

History

While there are several Franklin Townships in New Jersey, the Hunterdon County locale is decidedly rural in nature. Measuring about 23 square miles, Franklin has embraced its agricultural heritage by successfully preserving over 2,300 acres of farmland. Officially established in 1845, residents have called this part of the state home since pre-Revolutionary times, with homes and farms dating back to the 1700s still in existence. About 3,200 residents are spread throughout small township communities with names like Allens Corner, Cherryville, Grandin, Kingtown, Landsdown, Oak Grove and Sidney.

Two charming villages in Franklin are Pittstown, with three churches from the 1700s, and Quakertown, home to one of New Jersey's few remaining Friends Meeting Houses.
Franklin Township borders the South Branch Raritan River to the east and is surrounded by Alexandria Township, Union Township, the Town of Clinton, Clinton Township, Raritan Township, Delaware Township and Kingwood Township.

Community Life

Residents of Franklin Township can easily enjoy the benefits of country living since they are surrounded by farmland and picturesque views at every turn. They can pick their own strawberries, apples or pumpkins; cut down a Christmas tree; or go eye-to-eye with a llama or alpaca at one of the township's farms. Roadside farm stands produce a wide range of locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Set off Route 513/Pittstown Road is a large shopping center featuring Wal-Mart, several restaurants, banks and a supermarket. More extensive shopping needs are easily met in bordering Clinton, or about 30 minutes away at Bridgewater Commons mall.

Franklin's first annual Community Day was celebrated in June, 2011 at the Quakertown Fire Company. Entertainment, food, music and a pie-baking contest were on the schedule of this well-attended event.

There are countless ways for residents of all ages to become involved in the community. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, 4-H groups, a township-sponsored senior citizen organization and numerous church and volunteer-sponsored organizations and committees welcome new members. Among them are the Franklin Theatre Works, FTS Eighth Grade Community Service, the Moms Club of Pittstown, Pittstown Trail Association and Quakertown Education Association.

Education

Established in 1813, The Franklin Township School at 226 Quakertown Road serves public school students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

High school students from Franklin go to North Hunterdon High School in Annandale, a regional school with pupils attending from Bethlehem, Clinton, Lebanon and Union Township. The Washington Post gave the school a top ranking based on its high number of AP courses and varsity sports. Located on Route 31, North Hunterdon High School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

Transportation

Franklin is strategically located midway between New York City, at 65 miles away, and center city Philadelphia, 57 miles from the township. Exit 15 of Interstate 78/US Route 22 passes through the northern edge of Franklin Township for commuters to regional business campuses or major metropolitan areas. In neighboring Annandale there is NJ Transit rail service to Manhattan, a trip that takes about an hour and a half each way. Alternately, bus service is provided by Trans-Bridge Lines from the Clinton Park and Ride on Route 31. The bus trip to Port Authority in midtown Manhattan is about 90 minutes long.

Local Attractions

Snyder Research Farm is a 390-acre property owned by Rutgers University. This solar-powered farm produces a bounty of flowers, herbs, vegetables, pork and beef. As a research facility of the university, it develops new varieties of disease-resistant grasses, vegetables and fruit trees which in turn benefit farmers and homeowners. They host an Open House and Great Tomato Tasting event at the end of every summer, as well as educational programs and special events.

Sky Manor Airport in Pittstown offers hot air balloon rides high above the scenic Hunterdon County countryside. The facility also provides flying lessons, helicopter and airplane tours and an on-premise restaurant. Known as "the best little airport in the east," it is located at 48 Sky Manor Road.

The Pittstown Inn at 350 Pittstown Road has been part of the local landscape for over 250 years. Originally called Hoff's Mill, the Inn's name was changed during the Revolutionary War to honor William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham. Alternately used as a community center, stage coach stop and mail delivery point, it is currently a gourmet restaurant in the heart of this antique hamlet.