Quaint and historic Chatham Borough was first settled by Europeans in 1710 due to its location near the Passaic River and the path of a popular Native American trail. That trail would later become Route 24 and Main Street in Chatham.

Today, Chatham has a population of about 8,500. It is conveniently located 25 miles west of New York City, and commuting to Hoboken and Penn Station in New York is convenient thanks to frequent NJ Transit train service from the Chatham station. NJ Transit local bus service is also available.

Named by Money Magazine in 2005 as one of the Top Ten Places to Live in the United States, Chatham Borough, along with Chatham Township, feature a fine selection of homes, condominiums, townhouses and garden apartments. The area is also home to many businesses and major corporations.

Downtown Chatham offers its residents an eclectic mix of shops, local businesses, and great restaurants. The Hickory Tree Shopping Center in Chatham Township features a large grocery store and hardware store as well as a variety of shops and eateries. The Mall at Short Hills is quite close as well.

The school district of the Chathams includes students from both the borough and the township and is comprised of six schools: four elementary schools, Chatham Middle School and Chatham High School. St. Patrick Elementary School is a Roman Catholic school located in Chatham and serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

There are a number of recreational opportunities for adults and children alike in Chatham. There are several swim clubs in town as well as many parks and playgrounds. A portion of the Great Swamp extends to the southern boundary of Chatham, and it is a favorite spot for hiking and bird watching.