Far Hills New Jersey
Far Hills is a borough in Somerset County, New Jersey, located in the central portion of the state approximately 30 miles (48 km) west of New York City. The community covers approximately 6.1 square miles and is characterized by its rural, residential character, with large estates, horse farms, and open spaces that set it apart from the more densely developed surrounding areas. According to the 2020 United States Census, Far Hills had a population of 1,306 residents, making it one of the least densely populated municipalities in Somerset County.[1] The borough is known for its equestrian heritage, preserved natural landscapes, and affluent residential community. Situated in what residents and geographers commonly identify as Central Jersey, a region distinct from both the urbanized northeast and the agricultural south of the state, Far Hills functions as a commuter community for residents working in New York City, Newark, and other regional employment centers.
History
Far Hills was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement in the region. The Lenape of this area belonged to the Raritan band, whose territory encompassed much of the drainage basin of the Raritan River and its tributaries in what is now central New Jersey.[2] The area was gradually incorporated into colonial New Jersey as settlers moved westward from the coastal regions during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The name "Far Hills" refers to the rolling topography of the region, which features elevated terrain with distant views across the landscape. Much of the early settlement pattern reflected agricultural and pastoral uses, with farms and estates comprising the primary land development until the twentieth century.
The borough of Far Hills was officially incorporated on March 5, 1903, following the pattern of other Somerset County communities that sought to establish independent municipal governance during the reorganization period of early twentieth-century New Jersey.[3] The incorporation came during a period of suburban and estate development in the region, driven partly by improved transportation connections and the desire of affluent families to establish residential retreats outside congested urban areas. The early twentieth century saw the establishment of large estates and horse farms as wealthy families from New York and Newark built country residences in the area. That pattern of estate development has continued to define the borough's character and demographic profile to the present.
Geography
Far Hills occupies an area of approximately 6.1 square miles within Somerset County's generally rolling landscape. The terrain features the characteristic hills and valleys that gave the community its name, with elevations varying considerably across the municipality. The area is drained by several small streams and tributaries that form part of the broader Raritan River watershed, including the North Branch of the Raritan River, which flows through the surrounding region. Native vegetation includes mixed hardwood forests, meadows, and the landscaped grounds of the numerous estates throughout the borough.
The climate of Far Hills is typical of central New Jersey, classified as a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Average summer temperatures reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while January averages hover near 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The area receives approximately 46 inches of annual precipitation distributed throughout the year, with meaningful snowfall accumulation during winter months. Soil composition reflects glacial influences from the Pleistocene epoch, with generally well-drained soils suitable for both agricultural and residential development. The borough's commitment to preserving open space and limiting development density has protected much of its original natural character and prevented the dense suburban development seen in many other New Jersey communities.
Government
Far Hills operates under the borough form of municipal government established by New Jersey statute, with a mayor and a six-member borough council elected by residents. The mayor serves a four-year term, while council members serve three-year terms on a staggered election schedule. Like most Somerset County municipalities, Far Hills has historically leaned Republican in local and state elections, a pattern consistent with the demographic profile of an affluent, low-density residential community. Municipal services are coordinated through borough hall, and the small population allows for a relatively lean government structure. The borough participates in various county-wide shared services arrangements to control costs while maintaining service levels appropriate to its residential character.
Transportation
Far Hills is served by NJ Transit rail service at Far Hills station, located on the Raritan Valley Line. The station provides direct train service to Newark Penn Station and connections to New York Penn Station via transfer, making the borough a practical base for commuters working in either city.[4] The rail connection has shaped the borough's identity as a commuter community since the late nineteenth century, when rail access first made the Somerset Hills region accessible to New York-area families seeking country residences. Route 202, a major north-south state highway, passes through or near the borough and provides road connections to neighboring communities including Bernardsville to the south and Peapack-Gladstone to the north. Interstate 287 is accessible within a short drive, linking residents to the broader regional highway network.
Demographics
According to the 2020 United States Census, Far Hills had a population of 1,306 residents.[5] The borough's median household income ranks among the highest in New Jersey, consistent with its character as an established estate community with limited entry-level housing stock. The population is predominantly white, with a smaller representation of other racial and ethnic groups than Somerset County as a whole. The housing stock reflects the estate character of the community, with large single-family homes on generous lots comprising the vast majority of residential properties. There are no apartment complexes or high-density residential developments within the borough's boundaries. Population has remained relatively stable over recent decades, a function of the limited land available for new residential development and the zoning policies that preserve existing lot sizes and open spaces.
Culture
The cultural life of Far Hills reflects its character as an affluent, residential community with deep traditions rooted in equestrian activities and outdoor recreation. The borough has long been known for its horse farms and equestrian facilities, and many residents maintain active involvement with horseback riding, horse shows, and related pursuits. The Somerset Hills area has developed a reputation as one of the premier equestrian regions in New Jersey and the northeastern United States.[6]
The Far Hills Race Meeting, held each October at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, is one of the most prominent steeplechase horse racing events on the East Coast. The event draws tens of thousands of spectators annually and raises funds for local charities, making it both a social occasion and a significant community institution.[7] It's the kind of event that defines the borough's identity in the broader regional imagination. The race meeting has been a fixture of autumn social life in the Somerset Hills for decades, and its combination of competitive steeplechase racing and festive tailgating makes it unlike almost any other event in New Jersey.
The Far Hills Inn was a historically significant dining establishment that served as a social gathering place for residents and visitors throughout much of the twentieth century. The inn was known for its refined atmosphere and its role as a meeting point for the estate community that characterized the borough's social life.[8] Though no longer operating, the inn remains a point of reference in discussions of the borough's social and architectural heritage.
Community events in Far Hills tend toward small-scale, neighborhood-oriented gatherings rather than large public festivals. The borough maintains several parks and recreational areas that serve residents, and the commitment to open space preservation provides opportunities for walking, nature appreciation, and outdoor activities. Arts and cultural activities are often centered around county-level institutions rather than borough-specific venues, though residents have access to cultural facilities in nearby communities such as Bernardsville and Morristown.
Attractions
The United States Golf Association (USGA) maintains its national headquarters and museum in Far Hills at a facility known as Golf House. The USGA Museum holds one of the largest and most significant collections of golf history in the world, including equipment, artwork, trophies, and archival materials documenting the sport's development from its Scottish origins to the present day. The facility includes dedicated exhibition spaces honoring major figures in golf history, among them the Ben Hogan Room, which preserves memorabilia and artifacts related to one of the sport's most celebrated players.[9] The museum is open to the public and represents the most significant cultural institution physically located within Far Hills. Its presence in the borough reflects both the wealth and the sporting traditions of the Somerset Hills region.
Beyond Golf House, Far Hills offers limited public attractions, as the borough has deliberately preserved its private, residential character. Much of the recreational value derives from natural landscapes, horse farms, and estate grounds. The borough maintains several parks and natural areas that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, including walking trails and green spaces. The Somerset Hills in general offer numerous attractions in nearby communities, and the preservation of open space has created extensive networks of trails and riding paths used by residents and neighbors alike. Proximity to Somerset County attractions, including historic sites and cultural institutions in Morristown and Bernardsville, gives residents access to regional amenities without requiring residence in an urban center.
Economy
The economy of Far Hills is characterized primarily by residential real estate, with the borough functioning essentially as a bedroom community for residents employed in New York City, Newark, and other regional employment centers. There's minimal commercial or industrial activity within its borders, reflecting deliberate zoning and land use policies that have preserved the residential and estate character of the community. Property values in Far Hills remain among the highest in New Jersey, reflecting both the desirability of the community and the scarcity of available land resulting from development restrictions.
The tax base is heavily dependent on residential property taxes, which provide the primary source of municipal revenue. The absence of substantial commercial or industrial ratables means the borough must manage its finances carefully through property tax assessments on residential properties.[10] Local employment opportunities are limited, with most economic activity concentrated in the small number of service businesses that serve the residential population.
Not without controversy, recent development proposals have tested the borough's commitment to its scenic character. A housing project near a planned scenic corridor drew criticism from borough officials after conditions on the site were described as affecting the visual integrity of the area, prompting local debate about how to balance state housing mandates with the land use values that define Far Hills.[11]
Education
Far Hills is served by the Far Hills Borough School District, which operates a single elementary school serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The school maintains relatively small class sizes compared to many New Jersey public schools, and the district's per-pupil spending is among the highest in the state, reflecting the affluent character of the community and its commitment to educational quality.
Students attending junior and senior high school are served through a cooperative arrangement with the Bernards Township School District, which operates Bernards High School and Ridge High School. This regionalized secondary education system lets the borough maintain a small, intimate elementary school while providing comprehensive secondary education facilities shared across several communities including Far Hills, Bernardsville, and Bernards Township. New Jersey's public school system ranks among the strongest in the United States, consistently placing in the top five states nationally by multiple measures of student achievement and educational investment.[12] Many Far Hills residents also choose to send their children to private schools in the region or to boarding schools located elsewhere in the northeastern United States.