Long Valley-Home to Everyone

Ten years after graduating high school, I find myself back in the same exact area where I grew up. Long Valley virtually looks the same; Orts Farm remaining consistent year after year, the Brew Pub still a happy hour for all and Valley still remaining the most popular pizza place, however there are a few changes... Everywhere I look, I see familiar faces, aged a bit, but nonetheless, still the same- it appears as though everyone has migrated HOME, back to their roots, to plant their own. Look in the Real Estate transfers, kindergarten registrations and class lists throughout the elementary schools and you will find- Long Valley attracts many of us to return home to raise our families. These families are not all the same- some never left good ole LV, but rather began as high school ended, some traveled to other states and have returned home as they are beginning, some are single parent households that live close to family for support and help. However, no matter how different each household is behind their closed doors, each seem to bear a glaring similarity, Long Valley was an important piece of raising their upcoming family, most likely as a result of the childhood which they themselves had gowing up.

I, myself, am one of these adults. I came home 3 years ago when I had my  son. I am not currently ACTUALLY in LV, but in Panther Valley, just a short distance away. I spend a great deal of time in Long Valley, as does my son, with his grandparents, who help with watching my son. Being that I am a single mom, I felt it was important to live close to family members who could help and provide a lot of love and support to both myself and my son. It is exciting to see that many other people I grew up with are returning as well, and that our kids, can also grow up together in this great town. The sense of community which exists in Long Valley is one that is hard to come by these days. Many towns are too caught up in the hustle and bustle to stop and make sure that the children of their community are the priority. However, not in this town. We have a fabulous playground at Rock Spring Park, which is great for all ages- boasting a playground for younger children with the soft rubber of recycled tires as the ground cover to break little ones falls, numerous baseball fields, tennis courts for the older kids to exert all of their exorbitant amounts of energy and competitiveness  and an absolutely incredible library. Our school systems are fabulous, the teachers - incredible. Now, I say this from personal experience, working hand in hand with the teachers at Old Farmers Road School as a student teacher ( would have LOVED to work here!) I would be more than happy to send my son through this school system. 

Town is quiet, quaint, and for the most part safe. Neighborhoods consume the town- which is critical for a sense of community. Children can still roam the neighborhoods riding bikes, playing man hunt, or whatever games strike their fancy, without the danger that many towns now bear. This is exactly the type of town in which  I want my son to grow up, to have the ability to have childhood experiences similar to the ones I cherish so much. I am thankful my family raised me in such an area, showed me what childhood and a sense community truly are about, for I knew exactly where to go when I had my own child.