Hoboken's got me stressed, I'm going to motor west / Out Succasunna way, Netcong or Rockaway -- From "Strange Names" by Steve Forbert
The name of Succasunna may be strange to Forbert's ears at least, but it originally comes from the Native American Lenni-Lenape word for black rock
Hoboken's got me stressed, I'm going to motor west / Out Succasunna way, Netcong or Rockaway -- From "Strange Names" by Steve Forbert
The name of Succasunna may be strange to Forbert's ears at least, but it originally comes from the Native American Lenni-Lenape word for black rock. Given that rich iron ore deposits have been located in this part of New Jersey, it seems that the census designated place, or CDP, is aptly named. An unincorporated community within Roxbury Township, Succasunna had a population of well over nine thousand inhabitants, as of the 2010 census. Roxbury Township lies on the eastern side of Morris County with Succasunna forming the southern section of it. The Morris Canal is an important part of the CDP's history. It is no longer in use, but it provided a much needed transportation link from the burgeoning iron industry in Succasunna, which dates back to as early as 1740. Now largely dismantled, the canal carried coal to iron ore regions all over the state.
Only a fraction of the housing in the in CDP is attached, so you won't find lots of choice when it comes to apartment complexes, to say the least. Nearly nine out of ten residences are single units and detached from one another, so think in terms of rental houses, rather than studios. There are well over 3,000 households that make up Succasunna, many of which are owner occupied. However, there are usually rental apartments in Succasunna available to view. Nearly a quarter of the housing stock was constructed prior to 1959 and very little has been built this century. Having said that, the rented properties in the locality do tend to be in a very well maintained condition. Rental prices tend to be higher than the countrywide average, but you knew that about New Jersey already, right? However, they are also a little higher than you might expect even by New Jersey's standards, especially when you consider that it is not the closest place to get to and from the Big Apple.
The temperatures in Succasunna average in the middle 20s during the winter months but a bit above 70 in the summer. If you choose to move in the winter, then bear in mind that the county expects to see at least 35 inches of snowfall each year. Therefore, the best times to move are in the spring or in early fall, before the worst of the winter weather. The rental market is geared around this so search for condos to rent as early as you can. This way you stand the best chance of securing the lease on the sort of residence that you are after. Always take the time to inspect the property thoroughly when viewing, but be prepared to move quickly if you do find something that you like. Rental housing in the CDP does not tend to hang around for long. A good piece of advice is to take a recent bank statement with you that proves you have the ability to pay not just the monthly rent, but the deposit as well. Read your lease before signing it. You shouldn't need a lawyer to interpret it for you since New Jersey State Law says that they must be written in plain language that is easy to comprehend.
Succasunna simply does not have any neighborhoods that are distinct from each other. It is sometimes bundled in with close by Succasunna-Kenvil, but this is a separate CDP within Roxbury. Nonetheless, there are some differences within the CDP worth mentioning.
Mid-Succasunna: If you want to rent a house close to the parkland area that makes up part of the town, then try Eyland Avenue near to Righter Road, both of which lie on the eastern side of Route 10. There are baseball fields next to Horseshoe Lake and the pretty Succasunna Brook runs through the area, passing by Midland Park.
South Succasunna: For convenient access to the 3,000-acre Black River Wildlife Management Area, which is great for hiking and cross country skiing in winter, look in the southern part of the CDP. The area around Reger Road also offers a close proximity to Flanders Valley County Golf Course, worth knowing if you like to play the occasional round.
A little known fact from Succasunna's past is that it was where the globe's first electronic switching telephone exchange was installed. It went live in 1965, marking the CDP out as a real starting point for the information age. Okay, so that is quite enough of Succasunna's history -- what about today? The CDP has a total area of 5.1 square miles, only a tiny proportion of which is water, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. Routes 46 and 10 both pass through the settlement before eventually converging close to Interstate 80. The modern Morristown and Erie Railway also passes through Succasunna and there are regular freight services which use the railroad, but seldom more than one a day. Roxbury boasts a Chamber Of Commerce, which is handy if you are relocating and looking to set up a business, or build up your customers in a new area. There is also a newcomer's club, which is designed to welcome newbies to the area, something that many people who have relocated from New York City -- about an hour away -- found helpful.
Roxbury Mall lies in the mid point of Succasunna on its northern boundary, including a Home Depot, an outdoor store and a medical center. Just on the other side of the railroad is another mall, so there is more than enough by way of shopping that you don't feel the need to travel to a large city every time you head out. In fact, Succasunna has plenty to offer right on its doorstep. Roxbury Public Library is reasonably well stocked and lies within Succasunna, for example. This part of the town has everything that you might need; from plumbing services, to optometrists, to banking. Most of the CDP's eateries are located centrally, on Route 10, including The Roxbury Dine and the Black River Barn. The latter also doubles as a live music venue and is well worth checking out. If you are the energetic type, then there is a gym at the mall and another few dotted around the area, such as North Jersey Health and Fitness in Ledgewood. The Morris County Parks Commission looks after many of the green spaces in the vicinity and there are plenty of opportunities for locals to volunteer in keeping them in good condition. There's really no reason to become bored in a place like this. Succasunna is even home to theater, an arts center and a cinema.
