What is Free Acres?

Many ask, "what is Free Acres"?  Simply put we are a community within a community.  Many liken Free Acres to a Condominium or Co-op organization.  This  comparison isn't completely accurate. 

Free Acres was founded in 1910 and has a very colorful past rich in history and character. 
Today Free Acres is in many ways similar to any other community with the following exceptions:

1. We share the 66 acres that make up Free Acres.  No individual "owns" their property, but rather it is leased.
2. We hold very dear the trees among which we live. Trees are vehemently protected within our 66 acre borders.
3. We own and operate our own water system.
4. We do not have curbs or street lights to preserve a more rustic and forest like ambiance.
5. We maintain our own roads, including plowing and paving.
6. We govern ourselves by self rule with a simple majority vote.

Similarities to other communities;

1. Free Acres pay taxes to the townships in which Free Acres exists.  
   (Free Acres spans Berkeley Heights & Watchung)
2. Our children attend the township school systems.
3. Our residents participate in township organizations such as town council, PTO, Boy/Girl Scouts and sports.

Please browse our site to learn more about Free Acres past and present.  One of our biggest assets is that Free Acres has chronicled and archived much of its existence since the beginning.  We continue to do so today and we are posting it on this site to share with you.

Welcome friends to the Free Acres Association web site.