CANTON /Chapman Ridge
A neighborhood with lots of amenities

By TERI BORSETI
For The Patriot Ledger

Area: 19.38 square miles

POPULATION
2000: 20,775
2006: 20,888

Density: 1,099 res./square mile
Median age: 42
Median household income: $79,363

FINANCES
Tax rate (2007): $8.88
Town budget: $61.5 million
Avg. water bill: $1,358/year

HOUSING
Median home price (# sales)
2007: $415,000 (163)
2008: $420,000 (45 through May)
Median condo price
2007: $250,000 (122)
2008: $223,250 (52 through May)

SCHOOLS
Number of students: 3,093
Number of teachers: 223
H.S. grads to 4-yr. college: 80%
H.S. grads to 2-yr. college: 14%
Median SAT score (2006): 1595Residents of Chapman Ridge in Canton call it a hidden treasure. Originally named New World Estates, the enclave on a rise is ideally located just off Route 95.

The 49-house subdivision, built in 1988, is close to Canton Center but still removed enough to feel like a self-contained community.

The original concept of the planned community was to create an over-55 neighborhood but times, builders and finances changed. Today it is made up of a diverse mix of residents.

“This land was originally an orchard that belonged to the White family. When they passed on, they left it to the town, and later it was sold and developed,” said Tom Lally, a Pear Tree Drive resident who moved into one of the model homes in 1992.

Lally is one of five residents on the neighborhood association’s board of directors. The group coordinates and provides services, such as snow removal and lawn mowing, and maintains the community swimming pool and cabana.

“It’s an unusual way to handle a neighborhood, but by taking care of things ourselves and not using a management company, we save money,” Lally said.

When he bought his oversized cape - to which he just added a large front porch, the house cost $130,000. “This is the perfect place for a porch like this, and I’ve always wanted one. It’s breezy up here, and we have great sunset views,” Lally said.

A contemporary across the street from his house is for sale for $599,000. The listing broker, Mary Parker of Coldwell Banker, said the house is being sold by its original owners, who are now empty-nesters. The three-bedroom house has 2619 square feet of of living space, a large deck and was also a model unit.

Parker said she sold a bigger house on Mulberry Lane in March for $647,500. “That is a very desirable neighborhood, and it couldn’t be more convenient to 95,” Parker said.

Russ McFatter of White Sisters Way, neighborhood association treasurer, said he and his wife bought their home 14 years ago when they were looking for a place close to the city. They found Chapman Ridge and loved it right away.

“When we moved in, the original builder was still bringing in contemporary modular homes. But he moved on, and the next builder added the stick-built ranches, capes and colonials, so there’s a nice variety here now,” McFatter said.

Another thing McFatter likes about living in Chapman Ridge is the community pool. “Not many neighborhoods come with a pool and lifeguard, so this is great and the kids love it,” he said. “We can also walk to the commuter train station and library from here.”

Common areas are another bonus of the neighborhood. Luz Cepeda of Apple Blossom Way lives in a traditional colonial at the end of the cul de sac. The rotary in front of her house has been transformed into a park complete with shady trees and benches. “All the kids love to play in that little spot. It’s nice,” Cepeda said.

Her four children, who range in age from 5 to 16, love having the pool, too. “Sometimes I’ll go over there with a friend and there’s always someone for the kids to swim with. This is the perfect neighborhood to bring up children. Everyone watches out for each other, and there isn’t much traffic,” she said.