Originally named Port Oram, Wharton's rich mining history dates back to the 1800s when it served as an ore shipping port on the Morris Canal. The borough was renamed in 1902 after Joseph Wharton, founder of the Wharton Steel Company and benefactor of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Today, this Morris County community of just over 7,700 residents preserves its industrial heritage while maintaining its small-town atmosphere across 2.14 square miles.

Renters in Wharton find homes in established neighborhoods like Pine Street and East Central Avenue, where smaller apartment communities and rental homes offer more privacy than larger complexes. The borough's location, just 40 miles west of New York City, provides excellent transportation access via Interstate 80 and Route 15, making commutes to Morristown, Parsippany, and Manhattan manageable. The median household income of $91,475 reflects the community's established nature, where rental options range from $2,500 for one-bedroom apartments to $4,100 for three-bedroom homes.

Hugh Force Canal Park, featuring preserved locks from the historic Morris Canal, offers scenic walking trails and connects to the Morris County Park System. The Sterling Hill Mining Museum, just minutes away, showcases the area's mining heritage. The neighboring town of Dover, less than a mile away, extends shopping and dining options along Blackwell Street. Wharton's location also provides easy access to Lake Hopatcong and Hedden County Park, offering year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.