Chester Bourough

Welcome to Chester Borough

A friendly and historic town filled with charm and convenience
 
Chester Borough has been continuously creating itself since the 1700’s, always evolving. It is folksy in flavor and centuries in the making. It's history is evident, honoring the legacy of families who have shaped the town that we all enjoy today. Chester remains true to its agricultural origins while keeping pace with its consistent forward motion. The Borough, lovingly referred to as the jewel in the crown of this rural gem on Morris County’s southern border. Here you will find historic Main Street, connecting people to all of it's various cafes, restaurants and shops. Although Chester is in many ways a contemporary suburban town, its streets and storefronts still exudes a quaint country, ‘home town’ charm that’s reminiscent of the past. With its beckoning Victorian era homes and estates, Chester is a beautiful place to set down roots in the Garden State. In fact, you might say Chester offers the “best of both worlds” with rich and fascinating historical heritage combined with the comforts and innovations of the modern world!

 
 
 
What to Love

Excellent in-town amenities, including pools, parks, shopping and so much more
Beautiful homes 
A friendly, welcoming community in a charming setting
Quick commutes to surrounding areas and under an hour to New York City

Local Lifestyle

Chester Borough is a family-friendly community with excellent schools and several community programs that cater to children and families. The town has parks and playgrounds, and local shops that make it perfect for family outings. Living in Chester Borough offers its residents a very quaint and welcoming community surrounded by historical charm. Serving everything a family could need on an antique silver platter. The streets are lined with shop after shop, the air fragranced with delicious aromas from a multitude of casual to fine dining cafes and restaurants. Most telling, the sidewalks filled with smiling, friendly faces ...... does Norman Rockwell ring any bells yet?

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping

Antique shops are a main attraction on any historic Main Street, and there are certainly abundant treasures to be discovered here. Antiques by Chester Crafts & Collectibles  offers an ever-changing collection of antique furniture, artwork and vintage housewares, and provides custom refinishing to renew your old furniture. Find fine and stylish vintage furnishings, jewelry and designer handbags presented with artistic passion at Grouse In Pearls . Or visit the Dainty Dandelion  for painted Made-in-America vintage furniture and rustic resurrections. Fill your basket and your belly with foods from merchants, like Mercantile on Main for artisan foods, DIY food kits, gifts, and sensational sauces, spices and rubs; The Olive & The Stone   for specialty and infused olive oils, aged balsamics, gift baskets and accessories; or dip into  The Maple Shop  for pure Vermont-made maple syrups and even learn how it’s made.  

Everyone is a kid in a candy store at Black River Candy Shoppe , where a sugar rush of nostalgia leaves you giddy among the baskets and jars and boxes of every candy you can imagine or remember, including a head-turning wall of Pez dispensers. But if ice cream is your pleasure, it’s just a lick down the road to Taylor's Ice Cream Parlor , scooping out 48 flavors of homemade creamy goodness. 

Don’t fly past World of Birds  without stopping in to visit Katie the green-wing macaw and Elvis the yellow-naped Amazon, two old-feathered friends perched center stage in this bird lovers’ paradise that carries everything a bird owner needs, so you don’t have to wing it.

Lunch at the famous Sally Lunn's Restaurant & Tearoom is a must. More in-town dining favorites include Benito's Trattoria. Ever in the mood for good Mexican food?.... We've got you covered! Fresco Mexican is a town favorite where you can dine outside or in. You can always find what you're craving for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Chester Diner There's something for everyone at the Lamplighter Restaurant & Pub. Dine in this historic Inn from the 1700's while listening to live music. There’s so much more going door to door on Main Street — you’ll find hand-crafted jewelry, hand-poured candles and soaps, handmade woodworks and more along the way. If you need a dose of modern retail, the Streets of Chester is just one left turn away onto Route 206, with White House Black Market, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Talbots among the high-end shopping options. 

 
 
Things to Do

Stroll down the brick sidewalks of Chester Borough’s Main Street, and you might imagine a stagecoach pulling ’round the next bend. The streetscape harkens yesteryear, pure Americana with well-preserved historic storefronts, complete with creaky painted porches and old glass windows.  

It’s impossible to walk past Main Street’s myriad boutique shops and eateries without stepping inside, each one unique, inviting, independent mom-and-pops stocked with lovingly curated and hand-crafted wares.  

The annual Chester Craft Shows in spring and fall are rated among the Top 50 in the nation; and the Annual Classic Car Show in May.