Marie Young, who has lived in Basking Ridge since 2003, loves the Somerset Hills. One of her favorite aspects of being a Realtor is showing newcomers the welcoming sense of community, vibrancy and beauty that surrounds her daily — her listed homes included.
For the past 18 years, Young has been guiding people from all around the state, country and even the globe. “The Somerset Hills is an ideal location. It’s a hub: You can be in New York City, at The Shore or skiing in Pennsylvania in a little over an hour,” she says. “You can select from single-family homes on larger lots, subdivision homes on smaller lots or townhouses. The Hills offers resort-like living with a gym, outdoor pool, tennis courts and much more for its residents. Homes in our area come in all styles, sizes and build dates. Choose in-town living, a hybrid or enjoy larger estate living on the Bernardsville Mountain, Far Hills or Bedminster, with some properties on ten acres or more. Plus, the schools are nationally ranked and offer a dynamic, excellent education. Our goal is to help our clients choose the home that most suits their lifestyle, while spreading the word to show our listings in their best light,” she says.
"Home sales in the Somerset Hills rose sharply since early in the pandemic," Young notes. The coveted “B” towns of Basking Ridge, Bedminster and Bernardsville offer outdoor space, amenities, great schools, a sense of community and homes for every lifestyle. “Commuting was a concern, but the work-from-home opportunities resulting from the pandemic took that out of the equation,” Young says. “With a shortage of available homes to purchase, our towns remain insulated from recent market fluctuations.”
In the Somerset Hills, there are many ways to “live like a tourist,” she notes. “The local restaurants and activities are phenomenal. We have an abundance of parks — many with dog runs such as River Road Park in Bedminster — while others, like Dunham Park in Basking Ridge, have movie nights and outdoor activities.”
Each town is known for signature events, such as the Far Hills Race Meeting, Charter Day and caroling in Basking Ridge, the Bernardsville Farmers Market and holiday extravaganza that culminates in a parade and the Bedminster Fall fest. “Cross Estates in Bernardsville is a great out-of-the-way space to enjoy nature at its finest with colorful flowers, a tower and quiet space,” she says. “Just down the road is the historic Jockey Hollow.”
Morristown, with its restaurants and nightlife, is close by and steeped in history. Places to visit include Acorn Hall, a beautifully restored home with grounds and a rich history; Macculloch Hall, where you can view the artworks of Thomas Nast; the Mayo Performing Arts Center, which attracts major acts and hosts youth events; and the Vail Mansion, which hosts events around the reflecting pond.
“There is incredible musical talent here,” Young says. “A favorite organization is Music in the Somerset Hills, which hosts magnificent concerts and choral series set in glorious surroundings such as on the grounds of the areas’ great estates.”
Within 45 minutes, you can reach New Hope, Pa., which hosts a festive First Friday each month, complete with fireworks, great food and gift shops that stay open late. You can also take a 75-minute trip to Young’s favorite Shore escape, Spring Lake. “There’s nothing like the Atlantic Ocean,” she says. “You can park the car, stay a few days and enjoy biking around town taking in the architecture, exquisite gardens and local shops — and, of course, the ocean.”
Learn more about the services Young provides, the area and Young’s curated calendar of fun, local events at www.marieyoung.net or by calling 908-938-2525.
About Marie Young
Young has earned the New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Platinum Level Award every year since 2013, as well as New Jersey Monthly’s Five Star Professional Award and Real Trends Best of America award based upon sales volume.
She is a co-founder of The West Oak Team, which has a unique model: Each member has her own clients. “Clients never have to worry who is minding the store,” Young says “It’s sort of like a law firm, where each member has her own practice. We earn our own individual clients every day, and a client is never ‘handed off’ or forgotten. The team masterminds how best to serve its clients, collaborate on the best marketing trends to provide the widest exposure, uses its collective experience to help with pricing and makes sure all clients can see a new listing without delay. We occasionally partner where it is beneficial to our clients.”
The West Oak Team received Somerset Hills City Lifestyle magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Realtor in Basking Ridge.”
“The Somerset Hills is an ideal location. It’s a hub: You can be in New York City, at The Shore or skiing in Pennsylvania in a little over an hour.”