Manhattan Couple Embraces Luxury Living In Chatham, NJ

CHATHAM, NJ – Christopher O’Krongly and Nicole Mort O’Krongly were living in a one-bedroom apartment in Chelsea last fall and thoroughly enjoying the New York lifestyle. They had each lived in Manhattan for nearly a decade, but when they learned they had a child on the way, they began to search for a residence with more space.

The O’Kronglys were not quite ready to buy a house, but they knew their search for more value would take them outside of the city. They focused on Hoboken, Madison, Morristown and Chatham. After taking a few tours, one community clearly stood out above the rest for them: The Ivy.

The Ivy is a brand-new luxury rental community that opened in December, delivering an entirely new type of upscale rental housing to the desirable borough of Chatham. Mr. O’Krongly’s parents live near The Ivy. The couple would visit them regularly, drive by the property and watch eagerly as the final stages of construction wrapped up.

The Ivy had the price point they were looking for. The plentiful amenity spaces and community vibe gave them a taste of the city life they love, even as they embraced suburban living. They leased a two-bedroom, two-bath residence and moved the first week of December, becoming the building’s first residents.

“Ultimately, what sold us on The Ivy is the value, along with all of the different amenities,” Mr. O’Krongly said. “It is a lot better than what we were finding in other towns.”

“We also find the atmosphere here so refreshing,” Ms. Mort O’Krongly added. “Everyone is so friendly. It’s a different vibe than we are used to, but we are the ‘say hi’ types, so it fits our personalities. Everyone we meet is just as excited to be living here as we are.”

Steppingstone to Future Home Purchase
The O’Kronglys are part of a new group of residents who are choosing to live in Chatham because The Ivy offers an attractive alternative to the area’s single-family homes, according to Jonathan Schwartz, a Partner at BNE Real Estate Group, the developer of the community. Renters are coming locally from Chatham, Summit, Short Hills, Madison, Florham Park and Berkeley Heights, but also from New York City and Jersey City. Many of the relocations are people who are interested in buying a home in the future, but want to rent for a few years first, according to Mr. Schwartz. The Ivy stands out to them because of its brand-new residences and the quality of its design.

That sentiment resonates with the O’Kronglys, who are quickly falling in love with Chatham and appreciate the ability to rent in the borough while they wait for the right opportunity to buy.

“The real estate market is insane right now,” Mr. O’Krongly said. “The Ivy has been a great option for us as a steppingstone from the city. We can build up a network of friends, rent for a while and make sure that this is the place that we want to be before we fully commit to buying a house.”

The O’Kronglys tentative plan is to buy a house in three or four years, but they are wasting no time getting to know their new town now. They are big walkers, so strolling into downtown Chatham or downtown Summit to explore and grab lunch is a day well spent. They also love having the ability to take a last-minute road trip to the shore or a ski destination now that they have a car.

Spacious, Sophisticated Residences
Inside the building, the O’Kronglys are enjoying everything about life in a brand-new apartment, from the designer kitchens to the nearly 12’ ceilings to the oversized windows that bathe their home in natural sunlight. Luxuries that come along with having more space, such as a wine refrigerator, modular closet storage, and in-home washer & dryer, make life more convenient.

“You can tell they invested heavily into the finishes and appliances,” Mr. O’Krongly said. “I feel like they utilized every inch of the unit well. They put a lot of thought into how people live.”

Curated Amenities for the Modern Lifestyle
One of the highlights of life at The Ivy is the collection of upscale indoor and outdoor amenities BNE Real Estate Group has curated for its residents. Mr. O’Krongly uses the co-working lounge and private offices when working remotely and has played a few rounds of golf with his father on the community’s two multi-sport simulators. The O’Kronglys both enjoy using the media room, shooting some pool in the game room and working out in the state-of-the-art fitness center. There is also a dedicated children’s playroom that will soon come in handy.

A resident coffee bar, smart vending café, 24/7 concierge, on-site pet spa and complimentary shuttle service to the nearby train station are among the other amenities and services available to them. Outside, there are more than 18,000 square feet of amenities spanning three courtyards, where residents can discover a refreshing swimming pool, private cabanas, firepits, private BBQ dining areas, an outdoor movie lawn, and a covered outdoor lounge with heat lamps, designed for year-round enjoyment.

Chatham: A Charming, Commuter-Friendly Borough
The Chatham location works well for the O’Krongly’s respective commutes. Mr. O’Krongly, an analyst for a Manhattan-based hedge fund, takes the train to New York a few times a week, which whisks him to New York Penn Station in about 50 minutes. Ms. Mort O’Krongly, a VP of Real Estate for Crum & Forster, has a short commute to nearby Morristown.

Chatham is known for its ideal location in eastern Morris County and its tight-knit suburban character. Manhattan is about 23 miles away and Newark Liberty International Airport is about 16 miles away. Route 24 conveniently traverses Chatham, connecting residents to major highways such as Route 78, Route 287, and other key thoroughfares. A walk through the borough’s attractive town center reveals an eclectic mix of gourmet restaurants and sidewalk cafes, boutique shops, charming mom-and-pop businesses and pocket parks. Just Beyond Chatham’s borders, residents can discover a wealth of nearby attractions, such as the downtown areas of Summit and Morristown, golf at one of the region’s numerous public courses and country clubs, and shopping at the prestigious Mall at Short Hills.

The Ivy is currently leasing, with monthly rental rates starting from the $3,300s for one-bedroom residences and the $4,100s for two-bedroom residences. Immediate occupancy is available.

For more information and to schedule a private visit to tour the property’s furnished model homes and amenities, visit www.TheIvyChatham.com or call (973) 635-215. The community is located at 2 River Road, Chatham, NJ 07928.