Chesterfield NJ Relocation Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Relocating to Chesterfield means choosing one of Burlington County's most distinctive communities: a rural township with over 7,000 acres of permanently preserved farmland, three historic villages, and highly rated schools. With a population of approximately 8,400 residents, Chesterfield offers a rural lifestyle that is increasingly rare in New Jersey. This is a place where history runs deep, where three distinct villages hold centuries of stories, and where the open landscape is protected forever.

I have helped families relocate to Chesterfield and across Burlington County for more than 20 years. This relocation guide covers everything you need to know before making the move: the schools, housing market, cost of living, commute times, historic villages, outdoor recreation, and what life in Chesterfield is really like.

For a quick overview, visit the Chesterfield Community Guide.

What Should I Know About Chesterfield?

Chesterfield Township was first settled in 1677 by Quaker immigrants from England and officially formed on November 6, 1688, making it one of New Jersey's original 104 townships. The township was named after the 2nd Earl of Chesterfield, whose estate was in Derbyshire, England, where many early settlers originated. More than 300 years later, Chesterfield's character is still shaped by its agricultural roots and the community's deep commitment to preserving its heritage.

The township is comprised of three historic villages: Crosswicks (the oldest, listed on the National Register of Historic Places), Chesterfield Village, and Sykesville. Each has its own unique character, from Crosswicks' village green and Friends Meeting House to Chesterfield Village's civic and commercial center. The Old York Village development preserves the historic settlement pattern of the area, with homes designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding countryside.

Families relocate to Chesterfield for the schools, the space, and the guarantee that the landscape will remain open. With over half the township's land permanently preserved, you are not just buying a home. You are buying into a way of life that values agriculture, history, and community above all else.

How Good Are Chesterfield's Schools?

Chesterfield operates its own school district serving students from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade at Chesterfield Township Elementary School. The school serves approximately 700 students and is known for its strong academic foundation, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty. The district emphasizes a well-rounded education with programs in music, art, physical education, and technology.

For grades 7 through 12, Chesterfield students attend the Northern Burlington County Regional School District alongside students from Mansfield, North Hanover, and Springfield Townships. Northern Burlington County Regional Middle School (grades 7-8) and Northern Burlington County Regional High School (grades 9-12) offer a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, vocational-technical education, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, athletics, and the arts.

This two-tier system gives Chesterfield families the best of both worlds. Children benefit from the close-knit, community-focused environment of a small elementary school and then transition to a regional high school that offers the breadth of opportunities found in larger districts. Many families choose Chesterfield specifically for this combination.

What Types of Homes Are Available in Chesterfield?

Chesterfield's housing market reflects its unique character. The township's commitment to farmland preservation limits the available housing stock, which helps preserve property values and ensures a stable, desirable market. Homes here are in high demand among buyers who want the rural lifestyle, historic character, and the peace of mind that the landscape will not change.

The housing stock ranges from beautifully preserved historic homes in Crosswicks and Chesterfield Village to newer construction in the Old York Village development. Historic properties often feature period details like wide-plank floors, exposed beams, fireplaces, and wraparound porches. Many sit on generous lots with direct views of preserved farmland. The new homes in Old York Village are designed in a traditional style that complements the historic character of the area.

Price points typically range from the low $300,000s for smaller homes and townhomes to the mid $500,000s for single-family homes and over $700,000 for historic estate properties and larger homes on acreage. The median sold price in early 2024 was approximately $630,000, reflecting the premium that buyers are willing to pay for Chesterfield's unique lifestyle.

What Is the Cost of Living in Chesterfield?

The cost of living in Chesterfield reflects its rural character and the premium for preserved farmland living. Property taxes support the excellent local schools and are comparable to other desirable Burlington County communities. Utility costs, transportation costs, and everyday expenses are typical for the region.

Where Chesterfield stands out is in what you get for your money. For the price of a home in a denser suburb, you can enjoy acreage with preserved views, a historic property with character you cannot find in newer developments, and membership in a community that has made a conscious choice to protect its heritage. Many buyers find that the value proposition in Chesterfield is unmatched for those who prioritize space, history, and open space.

How Long Is the Commute from Chesterfield?

Chesterfield's location in northern Burlington County provides excellent access to the I-95 and New Jersey Turnpike corridor, making it a practical choice for commuters who work in Philadelphia, New York, Princeton, or Trenton. The township is approximately 30 miles northeast of Philadelphia and about 70 miles southwest of New York City.

For rail commuters, the Bordentown station on NJ Transit's River LINE and the Hamilton station on the Northeast Corridor Line are both about 15-20 minutes from Chesterfield. From Hamilton, NJ Transit provides direct service to New York Penn Station in about 60 minutes and Trenton Transit Center in about 10 minutes, with connections to SEPTA for Philadelphia. The Bordentown station on the River LINE provides service to Trenton and Camden.

What Is There to Do in Chesterfield?

Chesterfield's three historic villages are the heart of the community. Crosswicks is the oldest and most historic, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its streets are lined with beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century homes, and the village green and historic Friends Meeting House evoke the township's Quaker roots. Crosswicks Community Day is a beloved annual celebration that brings residents together.

Chesterfield Village serves as the civic and commercial center, home to the township's municipal offices and the Old York Village neighborhood. Sykesville retains a quiet, rural character with its own small village feel. Throughout the township, preserved farmland creates a stunning backdrop for daily life that is unmatched anywhere else in Burlington County.

For outdoor recreation, Fenton Lane Park and Crystal Lake Park provide playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas for families. Strawberry Hill Farm is a local favorite, offering pick-your-own strawberries and seasonal produce. Historic Smithville Park in nearby Eastampton and the grounds of Historic Walnford County Park in Monmouth County are both within a short drive. The nearby Columbus Farmers Market in Mansfield Township is a regional institution that has been operating for over a century.

Step-by-Step Relocation Checklist

Moving to a new town can feel overwhelming. Here is a simple checklist to keep you organized:

• Visit the villages: Spend a day exploring Crosswicks, Chesterfield Village, and Sykesville to get a feel for each community's character.
• Tour the schools: Schedule a visit to Chesterfield Township Elementary School and Northern Burlington County Regional High School.
• Research the market: Get familiar with recent sale prices in Chesterfield. I can prepare a customized market report for you.
• Secure financing: Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you can move quickly when you find the right home.
• Find an agent who knows the area: Chesterfield's market requires local knowledge. Inventory is limited and competition can be strong for the best properties.
• Plan your move timeline: Coordinate your home purchase, closing, and move to minimize stress.

I can guide you through every step of this process, from your first visit to your closing day. That is what I do for every family I work with.

Why Work with Me?

Relocating to Chesterfield is a decision that deserves serious thought. You need an agent who knows the community, the schools, the commute patterns, and the market inside and out. With 20 years in the business, over 600 homes sold, and more than $89 million in career sales, I have helped hundreds of families find their place in Burlington County. My approach is built on education, honesty, and guidance. I am here to help you make the right decision, not to pressure you into one.

I live and work in this market every day. I can tell you not just what homes are selling for, but what it is like to live in each village, how the schools really are, and which historic properties have been properly maintained. That is the kind of insight that makes a relocation smooth instead of stressful.

If you are considering Chesterfield, I would love to help. Start with the Chesterfield Community Guide, or explore nearby Bordentown and other Burlington County communities for comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions