Real Estate in Hillsborough Township

Townhouses, condominium complexes, antique farmhouses, single-family developments built in the last 20 years and a variety of Cape Cod, Colonial, split-level, ranches and other mid-century architectural styles are all represented in Hillsborough. Whether you seek an estate-caliber property on multiple acres or a more intimate luxury condominium, Hillsborough has an expansive range of styles and price ranges for home buyers.

Fun Fact

In 1777, George Washington and his troops passed through Hillsborough after the Battle of Princeton on their way to Washington's winter headquarters in Morristown. While the British were encamped in the valley below awaiting an opportunity to attack, it is said that Washington drilled his troops on the Sourland Mountain around a spring near the top using different formations and corn stalks for guns. As the sun caught the stalks, the British thought Washington had received reinforcements and fresh supplies. Believing they were outnumbered, the British troops headed to New Brunswick, allowing Washington's army to continue safely onto Morristown.

History

The rolling farmland and winding country roads passing through Hillsborough make it difficult to believe that this scenic Somerset County township is located approximately halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, each about 60 miles away. Edged by the Sourland Mountain to the west and Millstone River and Delaware and Raritan Canal to the east, Hillsborough is highly regarded for its diverse housing options, excellent schools, proximity to shops and restaurants, and access to numerous recreational and cultural pursuits. In 2013, Money magazine ranked Hillsborough the 16th Best Place to Live nationwide, making it the third-highest among just three New Jersey towns included in the top 50 list. A 2019 ranking by Niche named Hillsborough as the 8th best place to live and 5th best place to raise a family in the area, as well as the #3 best school district in Somerset County.

Measuring 54 square miles, Hillsborough is the largest municipality in the county; it was incorporated in 1798 as one of the state's original group of 104 townships. Completely or partially within its borders are historic hamlets with names like Blackwells Mills, Champlain, Clover Mill, Flagtown, Hamilton, Higgins Mills, Neshanic, Pleasant View, Woods Tavern and Zion. Bordering towns include Branchburg, Bridgewater, Franklin, Manville, Millstone, Montgomery, Raritan and Somerville in Somerset County and East Amwell, Raritan and Readington in Hunterdon County.

Community Life

An enduring sense of community is apparent in Hillsborough, which is known for its progressive spirit of inclusiveness and diversity. Volunteer-run sports programs, an active branch of the county library, a local brewery called Flounder Brewing Company and local landmarks such as Norz Hill Farm Market all contribute to the fabric of life in Hillsborough. In 2017, there was a ceremonial opening of the 369-acre Mountain View Park that added state-of-the-art ball fields to the township, plus batting cages, a playground, pavilion, a concession/restroom facility and a paved multi-use trail. Big box retailers, restaurants and strip malls line Route 206 as it runs through the middle of the township, providing ample shopping and dining opportunities close to home. About a 15-minute drive south along Route 206 connects to Princeton, home to the Ivy League university, theaters, eclectic shops and fine eateries. For large-scale shopping, Bridgewater Commons is a major regional mall with an incredible variety of stores and restaurants.

Education

Residents are committed to quality education, and the excellence of township schools is often a key factor for those who select Hillsborough as their hometown. This K-12 public school district has six elementary schools (K-4), one intermediate school (5-6), one middle school (7-8), and one high school (9-12). Beginning in grade three, students are provided with their own district-supplied Chromebooks. The high school offers numerous interscholastic sports programs and extra-curricular activities, including marching and concert bands, regionally and nationally competitive debate and robotics teams, and a model peer mentoring program.

The Immaculate Conception School is a private parochial school in Somerville for students from pre-kindergarten to grade eight.

Transportation

Major state highways in Hillsborough include Routes 22, 28 and 206, while just north of the township is access to Interstates 287 and 78. There is a NJ Transit train station in neighboring Bridgewater on the Raritan Valley line for trips to Newark and New York City. Bus service to midtown Manhattan is also available locally. Residents appreciate close proximity to major business campuses in and around nearby Princeton.

Local Sites / Attractions

Duke Farms is often referred to as the crown jewel of Hillsborough; it was once part of an impressive estate owned by tobacco heiress Doris Duke. Today, this 1,000-acre property has barns, an orchid house and nature preserve as well as trails and programs which are free to the public.

D&R Canal State Park offers towpath access along River Road for biking, hiking and jogging alongside this historic canal which spans a total of 70 miles.

Sourland Mountain Preserve provides 4,000 acres for biking and hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, and fishing in a stocked pond. The park is located at 421 East Mountain Road.