All Apartments
Complete comparison of 10 surviving apartments and 2 conditional properties. Click column headers to sort the table.
Apartment reference map showing central New Jersey and all finalist towns (Morristown, Bound Brook, Somerville, Summit, Millburn, Madison)
| Property | Town | Drive to Chester | Rent (monthly) | Rating | In-Unit W/D | Parking | Utils Included | Key Strength | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridia Bound Brook 1 | Bound Brook | 34 min | $1,750–$2,150 | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Planned (not yet) | Available | Not specified | Highest-rated + cheapest; praised for quiet | Laundry/gym not yet available |
| Sofi at Morristown Station | Morristown | 20 min | $2,539–$2,808 | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Yes | Secure garage | No | Most-reviewed; Walk Score 95; closest to Chester | Parking garage soot; courtyard noise at night |
| New England Village | Summit | 33 min | $2,550–$2,950 | Mixed positive | Yes | On-site | Heat & hot water ✓ | Utilities included saves $100-150/mo; quiet, safe | Some units have poor noise insulation |
| Stationhouse | Somerville | 32 min | $2,300+ | 4-yr resident approval | Yes | Reserved (incl.) | No | Ultra-luxury finishes; sound-suppressing walls; no nickel-and-diming | Very few reviews; 400 ft from train station |
| 163 Main Street | Millburn | 28 min | $2,100 | Positive | Shared laundry | Street | Heat & hot water ✓ | Most affordable; utilities included; walkable downtown | Thin walls; older building |
| Somerville Gardens | Somerville | 32 min | $2,195–$2,650 | 3.7/5 | Yes (varies) | Street | No | Budget-friendly; pet-friendly; quiet neighborhood | Heating costs were high under old management ($300+/mo); recent reports ~$80/mo under new management — verify |
| Allister Morristown | Morristown | 20 min | $2,300+ | 4.5/5 ⭐ | Yes | Available (not free) | No | Renovated finishes; 4-yr resident says "relaxed vibe" | Parking not free; utilities not included; noise complaints |
| Citizen Bound Brook | Bound Brook | 34 min | $1,818–$2,659 | 8/10 | Yes | Garage | Sewer included | Brand new; in-unit W/D; good value; responsive mgmt | Very limited reviews (too new) |
| Chancery Square | Morristown | 20 min | $2,663–$2,903 | 4.5/5 ⭐ | Yes | Street | No | Responsive staff; long-term resident satisfaction | Overpriced; poor renovation quality; splitting floors |
| 215 Ridge at Bound Brook | Bound Brook | 34 min | $1,900–$2,300 | 4.0/5 | No (smart laundry) | Garage | No | Good value; responsive management (Jose & Sammy); shopping access | Limited reviews; one complaint about tour scheduling |
| Madison Mall on Main (Conditional) | Madison | 22 min | $2,390–$3,350 | Positive (brand new) | Varies | On-site covered | No | Brand new; beautiful grounds; steps from downtown + train | 2+ years construction noise; will be excellent when done |
| The Davenport (Conditional) | Somerville | 32 min | $2,450+ | 8/10 | Yes | Free parking | No | New (2020); luxury finishes; Walk Score 88; free parking | Extreme external construction noise as of Jan 2026 |
What Residents Say
Resident feedback from deep dive research across Google Reviews, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, Reddit, BBB, and management company track records. We've separated what residents consistently praise from concerns worth verifying during your tour.
Meridia Bound Brook 1
- Super quiet environment (mentioned in 3+ independent reviews)
- Responsive property management, especially manager "Licy"
- Fast maintenance response times
- What's the timeline for gym and laundry delivery? Get this in writing.
- Ask about security deposit return procedures and timeline before signing.
Management: Meridia Living. Note: Some deposit return issues documented at other Meridia properties — confirm their process.
Sofi at Morristown Station
- Exceptional walkability (Walk Score 95) — restaurants, shops, train access
- Maintenance team (Renee, Scott) are responsive and competent
- Modern amenities and in-unit laundry quality
- Can you request a unit away from the courtyard? Noise until midnight documented.
- What's the after-hours emergency contact procedure? (Current: voicemail only)
Management: Pacific Urban Investors via Pinnacle Property Management. Pacific Urban has some complaints in their broader portfolio — specifics: document any management commitments in writing.
New England Village Summit
- Quiet, safe, well-kept environment (from long-term residents)
- Heat and hot water included — saves $100-150/month
- Garden-style community with tree-lined grounds and pool
- Which building was most recently renovated? Noise insulation varies by unit — request a renovated building if possible.
Management: MWRE Inc. (Marshall Weinerman Real Estate). BBB A+ rating (not accredited). Responsive with long-term residents.
Stationhouse Somerville
- Ultra-luxury finishes with sound-suppressing walls and floors
- No "nickel and diming" — utilities and parking included as promised
- Owner lives on-site, responsive to maintenance issues
- How effective are the sound-suppressing walls? Request an evening visit to test train noise (400 ft from station).
Management: DGM Management LLC (family-owned since late 1970s). Minimal public data, but 4-year resident is very positive.
163 Main Street Millburn
- Most affordable option with utilities included
- Excellent downtown walkability — 180+ shops, restaurants, Paper Mill Playhouse nearby
- Beautiful, historic Main Street character
- How thin are the walls? Test during peak hours (morning/evening) to confirm noise levels.
Management: Contact (908) 273-2991. Small property (16 units), responsive management.
Somerville Gardens
- Quiet neighborhood (mentioned in multiple reviews)
- New management is "exceptional" and "responsive" (since ~2024)
- Pet-friendly, ample parking, clean apartments with new appliances
- Heating costs under old management were $300+/month — verify current costs with new management (recent reports show ~$80/mo).
Management: New management (company name unconfirmed, transitioned ~2024). Early signs very positive.
Allister Morristown
- Excellent neighborhood — universally praised walkability and dining scene
- Staff friendliness and maintenance quality consistently praised
- Community events (taco truck Thursdays, Friday breakfast)
- Noise between units is documented in older building — visit and listen for neighbor sounds.
- Parking is limited and costs extra — confirm availability and price.
Management: Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC. BBB not accredited but 8 complaints on file. Mill Creek has inconsistent management across portfolio — ensure terms are in writing.
Citizen Bound Brook
- Brand new building (opened April 2023) with modern finishes
- In-unit laundry and garage parking
- Solid developer reputation (Accurate Builders & Developers, est. 2009)
- Minimal resident reviews due to newness — ask management about initial resident feedback and any maintenance trends.
- Test for potential train noise in evening visit (25 freight trains/day on adjacent line).
Management: Accurate Builders & Developers. New property, management quality yet to be assessed by residents.
Chancery Square Morristown
- Excellent location (Walk Score 97) — downtown walkability unmatched
- Maintenance team is responsive with 100% response rate
- Modern finishes and gourmet kitchen quality
- Wood floors splitting reported in multiple units — inspect floor condition carefully.
- HVAC system noise compared to "cheaper hotels" by some — test in person and listen carefully.
Management: Greystar Property Management. Warning: Greystar has nationwide reputation for security deposit delays and quality decline. BBB rating: 1.5/5 (260 reviews, 89% unfavorable). Document all agreements in writing.
215 Ridge at Bound Brook
- On-site staff (Jose, Sammy) consistently praised for friendliness and responsiveness
- No noise, parking, or maintenance complaints
- Good value with shopping access and modern finishes
- Ask management about pest control protocols — EMESS (parent company) has pest issues at older properties.
Management: EMESS Management (est. 1982, family-owned). This property is EMESS's newest — staff excellent. Parent company rated 1.4/5 overall (85 reviews), with pests and deposit disputes at older properties. Monitor long-term.
Detailed Profiles
Meridia Bound Brook 1
34 minutes to Chester | $1,750–$2,150/mo
1 East Main St, Bound Brook, NJ 08805 | (732) 359-5863 | boundbrook1@meridialiving.com
Year Built: Brand new construction with designer finishes and online resident portal. Amenities: Planned gym and laundry (not yet available). Pet-friendly. Rating: 4.8/5 on 58 Google reviews — highest-rated and cheapest option. Specifically praised for "super quiet environment" and management that "makes this place feel like home."
Verdict: Best value. Ideal for retirees seeking quiet. Verify laundry/gym availability timeline before committing.
Sofi at Morristown Station
20 minutes to Chester | $2,539–$2,808/mo
10 Lafayette Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 | (973) 532-5559 | sofiatmorristownstation.com
Year Built: Recent construction. Walk Score: 95 (excellent). Amenities: Pool, fitness center, yoga studio, clubroom, landscaped deck, in-unit laundry, secure attached garage. Adjacent to NJ Transit Morristown Station. Rating: 4.7/5 on 157 reviews (94% recommend). Most-reviewed option. Quiet inside units. Management "goes out of their way to make it a home."
Verdict: Most reviewed and closest to Chester. Best walkability (Walk Score 95). Parking garage has excessive black soot and limited night management.
New England Village Garden Apartments
33 minutes to Chester | $2,550–$2,950/mo
105 New England Ave, Summit, NJ 07901 | (908) 273-0488 | newenglandvillagesummit.com
Amenities: Central air, cherry cabinets, stainless steel, crown molding, hardwood floors, picnic area, EV charging, on-site management. In-unit washer/dryer. Utilities: Heat and hot water INCLUDED — saves $100-150/month. Reviews: 24 on ApartmentRatings. "Quiet, safe, and well kept." "Hands down the best apartment we have lived in in NJ."
Verdict: Utility inclusion is major value add. Responsive management. Verify noise insulation on specific unit.
Stationhouse
32 minutes to Chester | $2,300+/mo
44 Veterans Memorial Dr E, Somerville, NJ 08876 | (908) 685-2100 | stationhousesomerville.com
Year Built: 2020 (ultra-luxury new construction). 116 units. Amenities: 9-ft ceilings (11-ft on 5th floor), private balconies, keyless entry, LED lighting, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, sound-suppressing walls/floors, fitness center, tech lounge, outdoor terrace, dog park, EV chargers. In-unit full-size front-loading W/D. Climate-controlled garage INCLUDED (no extra fee). Management: DGM Management LLC (family-owned since late 1970s).
Rating: Limited reviews but 4-year resident glowing endorsement: "No nickel and diming." Verdict: Ultra-luxury at mid-range price. Sound-suppressing construction designed for quiet. Must verify train noise (400 ft from station) in person.
163 Main Street (Spring House)
28 minutes to Chester | $2,100/mo
163 Main St, Millburn, NJ 07041 | (908) 273-2991
Amenities: Wood floors, galley kitchen, ample closets, updated bathroom. On-site laundry (not in-unit). Utilities: Heat and hot water INCLUDED. Downtown: 180+ shops within walking distance. Paper Mill Playhouse 5 min walk. EZ Ride senior transportation available.
Rating: Positive (limited reviews). "Good location; walkable to park, town, and train." Verdict: Most affordable with utilities included. Excellent downtown walkability. Thin walls — verify noise insulation in person.