About Berkeley Heights' Free Acres

No, Berkeley Heights is not giving away acreage away, but you can buy a home in this bucolic area.

Free Acres in Berkeley Heights was established on the principal that no individual homeowner should own the land. Land should be owned by the whole community, therefore the land is leased to the home owners. The approximately 70 acres was started by Bolton in the early 1900's. To this day homeowners lease the the land that their homes are on, in return the community pays the municipality of Berkeley Heights the land taxes. In return the community association maintains the 25 mph streets, the spring-fed swimming pool, and approves architectural plans on new construction or additions.When a home is sold in Free Acres the 99 year lease is automatically renewed for another 99 years.

Free Acres is pleasantly wooded with about 80 households where everyone knows their neighbors. Among the early residents of Free Acres, at least in the summer months, was James Cagney, and author James T Smith, who wrote "Topper". You can still see the black and white films about Topper in AMC, if your lucky.

Free Acre home styles consist of cape cods, split levels, cabins, and colonials. You can read more about Free Acres and see pictures of early residents and homes.

As your local Berkeley Heights "neighborhood specialist" feel free to contact me If you would like a personal tour of Free Acres, or of the rest of Berkeley Heights.

If you have any real estate questions call me directly at (908) 400-1801.