Managing People’s Homes with Pride since 1969
Who We Are
A Leading Owner/Manager of Multifamily Communities in New England
Facts at a Glance
- Year Founded: 1969
- Mission: Managing People's Homes with Pride
- Vision: Chestnut Hill Realty is dedicated to sustainability and long-term strategic growth through its commitment to our residents, employees, investors, and the greater community.
- Founder and Chief Executive Officer: Edward E. Zuker
- Headquarters Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
- Employees: 220
- Portfolio Value: $1.5 billion
Owner/Manager of Apartment Properties
- Apartment Properties: 32
- Units: 5,000
- Locations
- Greater Boston: Boston, Brighton, Brookline, Canton, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Framingham, Newton, Norwood, Plainville, West Roxbury
- Rhode Island: Providence
- View a List of CHR Communities
Owner/Manager of Commercial Properties
- Square Feet: 180,000
- Property Types: Retail, Office, Medical Office
- Locations
- Greater Boston: Brookline, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Framingham
- Rhode Island: Providence
Our History at a Glance
Travel Through Time with CHR - No Ticket or Passport Needed!
People
Our team shares a common philosophy: deliver a quality product, provide excellent customer service, and foster an environment that attracts and retains the best people.
Chestnut Hill Realty's Ed Zuker
and Lauren Zuker-Siff discuss
how our Core Values influence
everything we do at Chestnut Hill Realty.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Chestnut Hill Realty is committed to promoting the values of inclusion, equity and belonging by supporting policies that promote these values while engaging the voices of our community to promote equality and compassion.
In September 2020, Chestnut Hill Realty Founder and CEO Ed Zuker joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion. The members of this coalition, now more than 2,300 strong, pledged to take action to cultivate workplaces where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion. The Pledge aims to rally the business community to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace and society at large by working collectively across organizations and sectors.
Aiming to take a more structured approach to moving our diversity and inclusion agenda forward, CHR formed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee. Seventeen employees from across our sites and departments volunteered to take part in this important initiative, beginning with the completion of a six-week intensive training program conducted by YW Boston. In collaboration with YW Boston, an action plan was created and later approved by senior leadership. The DEIB Committee’s mission, with the support of the Executive Leadership Team, is to help develop and nurture an organization that is more inclusive and where everyone can reach their full potential.
DEIB Committee Members (L to R): Kerri Speranza, Taylor Goldwater, Kaitlyn Hesse, Melissa Hartman, Heather Perry, Saige Munroe, Keiry Madera, Grant Haggerty, Lauren Zuker Siff.
A company-wide diversity conference, Inspiring Inclusivity 2022, was attended by the entire company of more than 200 CHR employees. Moderated by experts in the field, seminar topics included Courageous Conversations, Tips for Disability Belonging, Exploring Diversity, Talking Race at Work, and Words Matter. During the two, half-day sessions, employees were encouraged to spend time in a Learning Lab where information on Hispanic heritage, LGBTQ, women’s history and other related topic could be explored.
Chestnut Hill Realty prides itself on its long-standing commitment to philanthropy and giving back to the community. This commitment extends to its employees, residents, and to the environment.
Click image above to see how CHR Cares
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is the practice of conserving natural resources and protecting global ecosystems to support health and wellbeing, now and in the future. Because so many decisions that impact the environment are not felt immediately, a key element of environmental sustainability is its forward-looking nature. Since Chestnut Hill Realty was founded in 1969, long before conservation and sustainability were popular buzzwords, we have looked for opportunities to lessen our impact on the environment. The signature initiative that encompasses everything CHR does to preserve and conserve natural and non-renewable resources and encourage healthy outdoor living is called Nature Positive.
Employee Development and Well-Being
Central to our values is our investment in the growth, health and well-being of our employees to foster an inclusive, supportive and thriving workplace. For five consecutive years (2021-2025), CHR has received national recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Multifamily. CHR has also ranked in the top 25 nationally as a Best Places to Work in Multifamily for Women for three consecutive years (2023-2025).
Professional Development: CHR is committed to fostering the growth of its team by providing thorough onboarding for new employees, leadership development programs, mentoring opportunities, and access to local and national conferences and seminars.
Continuing Education Credential Programs: Leasing and Property Management employees receive instruction to qualify for advanced credentials including Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) and Certified Apartment Manager (CAM). Maintenance Services staff are eligible to obtain Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) credentials. The Maintenance Services Department also conducts in-house skills-based training at its Center for Maintenance Excellence training facility.
Health and Well Being: Programs for employees include wellness incentives and reimbursements, time off to volunteer, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual department appreciation day events, and an annual team building and wellness conference.
Insurance and Financial Planning: Benefits available to full and part-time employees include insurance (medical, dental, vision care, short- and long-term disability), 401(k) program, legal services, paid parental leave, student loan debt repayment, and flexible spending account.
Philanthropy and Community Service
Corporate Philanthropy: In 2024, Chestnut Hill Realty’s charitable donations totaled $1.1 million (see chart). More than 300 organizations benefitted from CHR donations, including Boston Children’s Hospital ($150,000), Brookline Teen Center ($25,000) and The Jimmy Fund ($10,000).
Charity of the Month: Throughout the year, CHR sponsors fundraising and donation drives and encourages employee and resident participation. In 2024, these efforts included the Pine Street Inn ($6,319), Globe Santa ($2,476), and the Urban League of Eastern MA ($2,010).
Opening Our Doors: In conjunction with Combined Jewish Philanthropies’ refugee resettlement program, CHR provided housing, day care and job placement assistance to refugee families in the Boston area to assist in their path to self-sufficiency. CHR’s support totaled more than $240,000.
Property-Based Philanthropy: CHR’s communities are active and have their own initiatives. One example is Move for Hunger where residents can donate nonperishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since our partnership with Move for Hunger began in 2020, we have collected 4,302 pounds of food, enough to provide 3,585 meals for those in need.
View 2024 Annual Report
View 2023 Annual Report
View 2022 Annual Report
View 2021 Annual Report
View 2020 Annual Report
Resident Outreach
Property-Sponsored Resident Events: Neighbors develop friendships and build a strong sense of community through a multitude of resident events held throughout the year. Popular, well-attended events include pool parties, Bingo nights, winter carnivals, fitness classes, holiday celebrations and food truck visits.
Community Outreach
CHR builds partnerships with local organizations to benefit the well-being of the communities we serve. From fostering relationships with the business community to working with local groups to help address critical needs, these collaborations confirm our enduring commitment to social responsibility and to enhancing the vitality of the neighborhoods we call home.
Our Be Our Guest program provides local businesses and non-profit organizations complimentary use of CHR’s corporate and property-based activity spaces for meetings, mixers or events.
News & Awards
In a national survey of multifamily companies conducted in October 2020 by the Best Companies Group, Chestnut Hill Realty was ranked 35th. CHR, with headquarters in Massachusetts, is among only four companies in the rankings that have a presence in New England. The survey is conducted on an opt-in basis, and the respondents consisted of current CHR employees. This marks the first year that CHR has participated in the survey, and the ranking will be effective for calendar year 2021.
The Massachusetts Apartment Association (MAA) announced that Jennifer Murphy will serve as their President, effective January 1. Jen, who is Director of Marketing, joined CHR 25 years ago and will hold this office at MAA for one year. She is the third member of CHR’s management team (George McHugh in 2010 and Ed Zuker in 1989) to serve in this capacity. Jen has been an active member of MAA (previously known as the Residential Housing Association) for over 15 years and has participated in several noteworthy committees and initiatives.
The Massachusetts Apartment Association has recognized Hancock Estates, an 88-unit luxury apartment community nestled within the village of Chestnut Hill, with the award for a New Small Community. Due to COVID concerns, the awards ceremony was held virtually this year. Built in 2017, the community displays several features. A deluxe lifestyle center offers a community lounge and activity room with kitchenette, a theater and entertainment suite, a home office center and video conferencing room, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Tom Higgins, Marketing Manager for Chestnut Hill Realty, has received the Massachusetts Apartment Association’s (MAA) Rising Star Award. Tom was honored at MAA’s annual achievement Awards event, which was held virtually this year. This new award category recognizes those newer to the industry, who are committed to making multifamily real estate a career, and who have gone above and beyond in their communities and careers.
Michael McHugh, Property Manager for Hancock Village since 2018, has been recognized by the Massachusetts Apartment Association (MAA) as 2020's On-Site Apartment Manager of the Year. The award was announced at their annual Achievement Awards event, which was held virtually this year. With 789 townhouse apartments, Hancock Village is CHR's largest property and Mike supervises a staff of over 25 employees, including the on-site management team, resident services, the maintenance and landscaping teams, and the construction liaison team.
Metro Housing Boston, a non-profit organization that provides services that lead families and individuals to housing stability, economic security, and an improved quality of life, recently honored Ed Zuker, Founder and CEO of Chestnut Hill Realty, as their 2020 Housing Champion. The award was presented at the Champions of Housing gala on November 4, a live virtual Zoom event, that was well attended by a who’s who of real estate executives, community leaders and housing advocates.
Ed Zuker, Founder and CEO of Chestnut Hill Realty, is a founding board member and treasurer along with Eleanor White, Clerk and Barry Bluestone, Chair of the Board of Directors of Housing Forward-MA, a nonprofit housing advocacy group. Led by Josh Zakim, the Executive Director and former Boston City Councilor. The mission of Housing Forward-MA is to be a resource for pro-housing organizations and advocates by providing training, education and “research-backed” state- and local-level model policy proposals that help encourage the production of housing including
Chestnut Hill Realty’s Ed Zuker has joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™. The members of this growing coalition, more than 1,000 strong, pledge to take action to cultivate workplaces where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion.
The term “essential worker,” has taken on a deeper meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our teachers, medical professionals, law enforcement and delivery personnel, among others, are providing critical services needed by individuals and society-as-a-whole. In appreciation of their continuing commitment and bravery, Until February 28, 2021, CHR is offering special discounted pricing on apartment rents and freezing rental increases for all two-year lease terms.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 quarantine mandates in March, millions of American workers have transitioned to working from home either on a temporary or permanent basis. While some may have previously set up home offices, others have had to find creative ways to carve out sections of their residences.
“This is a great place to live! The neighborhood is clean and well-maintained, with excellent schools and easy access to public transportation. It’s a safe and peaceful area, perfect for families. We love living here!" Hancock Village resident (Facebook, Feb 2025)
"Being a part of the CHR organization has been a great experience for me. I’ve met wonderful people and have shaped great friendships. It’s a place where everyone knows your name." - Kelly Blanfort, Construction Operations Manager
Our industry peers continue to recognize our company, properties and staff with awards on a local, regional and national level.
Your home is much more than the walls that surround you. It’s also a sense of place and a feeling of comfort. One way we seek to enhance your home is with beautifully landscaped grounds.
Caring is a core value at CHR, one we take seriously and commit to through philanthropy and numerous outreach activities.
"Peaceful and beautiful place to call home. I am thoroughly enjoying my stay in Hancock Village. The family-oriented environment has provided my children with a happy and healthy living space, where they can play and interact with other children in the neighborhood. We have had a great experience over the past three years. We are so grateful to be part of this great community." Hancock Village resident (Apartments.com reviewer review, November 2024)
“This is a great place to live! The neighborhood is clean and well-maintained, with excellent schools and easy access to public transportation. It’s a safe and peaceful area, perfect for families. We love living here!" Hancock Village resident (Facebook, Feb 2025)
"Being a part of the CHR organization has been a great experience for me. I’ve met wonderful people and have shaped great friendships. It’s a place where everyone knows your name." - Kelly Blanfort, Construction Operations Manager
Our industry peers continue to recognize our company, properties and staff with awards on a local, regional and national level.
Your home is much more than the walls that surround you. It’s also a sense of place and a feeling of comfort. One way we seek to enhance your home is with beautifully landscaped grounds.
Caring is a core value at CHR, one we take seriously and commit to through philanthropy and numerous outreach activities.
"Peaceful and beautiful place to call home. I am thoroughly enjoying my stay in Hancock Village. The family-oriented environment has provided my children with a happy and healthy living space, where they can play and interact with other children in the neighborhood. We have had a great experience over the past three years. We are so grateful to be part of this great community." Hancock Village resident (Apartments.com reviewer review, November 2024)
Preferred Employer Program
Special Discounts for Your Employees
Quality Housing, Convenient Locations
Our Preferred Employer Program (PEP) offers employees at participating companies access to a range of conveniently located unfurnished and furnished apartments in the Greater Boston area and Providence, RI, and a special discount up to $1000 off their first month's rent. Why join PEP? Chestnut Hill Realty has owned and managed apartment homes with pride since 1969. Residents living at our communities receive industry-leading customer service, 24/7 maintenance response, flexible lease terms, and much more.
Participating Companies
Employees receive personalized apartment search services to help find the home that's right for them. There are no fees or charges for companies or employees.
The list shown on the left represents some of the companies participating in our program. If you're an employee, please contact your HR or Benefits Manager to see if your company is enrolled.
If you're an employer, and would like to join our program, please Contact Us.
