$564,965Average Value$303Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Califon is small-town living at its finest
Califon is a small borough in Hunterdon County, surrounded by farms, orchards and lush nature. The area became a mill town in the late 1800s but has since returned to its country roots with quiet streets, an active community and small businesses that fuel the downtown scene. There are no stoplights, and the producer of “It’s a Wonderful Life” lived in Califon and based the movie’s bridge on Califon’s historic bridge over the South Branch Raritan River. One local business owner is Abraham Beates, who took ownership of the South Branch Outfitters shop to keep the spirit of fly fishing alive. “My wife and I were active-duty Navy, and then we moved back to the New Jersey area,” Beates says. “My wife grew up in Chester, and we were looking to move near her family. We knew the previous owner of the fly-fishing shop, so we were pretty familiar with Califon. We didn’t know what to expect when we first moved into town, but we’ve just fallen in love with it. We moved from Jacksonville, Florida, and that’s busy and loud. Califon is quaint and quiet, and you’re in the country. It’s beautiful, in the rolling hills of New Jersey with horse farms and apple orchards all around.”
Colonial Revivals, Craftsmans and ranch-style homes
Many homes in Califon were built in the 1970s and ‘80s, though there are some from the late 1800s and early 1900s that have been renovated. Ranch-style homes often sell for $300,000 to $475,000, while Colonial Revivals and Craftsman homes can range between $475,000 and $650,000. Based on estimated prices, properties with much more than an acre of land can reach the $800,000s. The yards are often spacious, and tall trees shade the homes and create some privacy between neighbors. Once residents find a home in Califon, they stay rooted in the community. There were eight homes sold in all of 2024. “I would say the hardest part of moving into Califon is finding somewhere to move into,” Beates says. “There’s not too much available. People who move here are staying here, which speaks to how it’s a good place to live.” Califon’s winters can come with below-freezing temperatures and snow. If snow is on the ground, residents are not allowed to park on the streets to make room for snowplows and salt trucks. Homes without attached garages usually have detached garages or long driveways with enough room for a few cars.
Califon Public School makes Califon thrive
Califon Public School serves prekindergarten through eighth-grade students and receives an A from Niche. The school is also ranked as the best elementary school in Hunterdon County. Kids join classes with a 4-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Voorhees High School in Lebanon Township gets an A-minus and is a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School.
Park exploration, fishing and hiking
Being surrounded by nature means having plenty of destinations to explore. Califon Island Park features a playground, baseball fields and a paved basketball court. Trout fishing is a major pastime here, as the Raritan River is the premier site for fishing. South Branch Raritan River flows into Califon's center. Hikers and bikers can hit the Columbia Trail at Califon's trailhead and take the 16.5-mile north to Chester or south to High Bridge.
Dining out at local favorites in town
Califon has Aquí Market for groceries and the long-standing Califon General Store for quick bites. “Oscar’s Gourmet Cafe is my favorite place for breakfast,” Beates says. “He does a great Sunday dinner. It’s crazy affordable, and the amount of food you get is outrageous. For fine dining, there’s Brasserie 513.” Locally owned businesses line Main Street, from Califon Consignment Boutique to Califon Lumber Co. Beates says South Branch Outfitters, also on Main Street, is open to people who have never owned a fishing rod to experienced fly fishing enthusiasts who moved to Califon and need a guide. Califon United Methodist is one the churches in town, and it accepts donations for the Top O’th Barn Thrift Store. Some residents who want to shop at stores like Lowe’s or ShopRite drive 10 miles to Hackettstown, 20 minutes north of Califon.
Califon Street Fair and Trout Fest
Califon’s recreation department keeps a full calendar of events that bring the community together, from Easter egg hunts to Christmas tree and menorah lightings in the winter. The biggest event is the Califon Street Fair, held every October. Main Street is blocked off to make room for artisan vendors, food trucks, live music and a kids' zone. Beates organizes the Trout Fest every April, a free event for anyone who loves fishing or wants to hang out in warm weather. “It’s a celebration of spring,” Beates says. “We coordinate with the opening of fishing season. We bring in vendors, local artisans, a couple food trucks and one of the local craft breweries does a beer garden. We bring in a lot of conservation groups because conservation is one of our missions at the shop.”
Commuter options to New Jersey destinations
Narrow sidewalks primarily line streets in the historic district and downtown, so most Califon residents rely on their cars to get around town and beyond. Sidewalks go across the Historic Califon Bridge, which has been in town since 1887. Drivers can head south to hop on Interstate 78, which leads 45 miles to Newark and the Newark Liberty International Airport. The drive takes about 45 minutes with light traffic. The nearest train station is in High Bridge, and Raritan Valley Line trains take about an hour and a half to reach Newark Penn Station. Commuters can change trains and continue to Penn Station in New York City.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Transit
Airport
Trenton Mercer
59 min drive
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Califon, NJ sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Califon, NJ over the last 12 months is $587,000, up 33% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Updated Historic Colonial in Califon Boro. Enjoy Lemonade on the picturesque front porch or entertain guests in the beautifully fenced backyard that backs to serene woods. The outdoor space is a true retreat, featuring storage sheds, bluestone patio & lush perennial gardens. This updated 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath Historic Colonial is a delightful townhouse alternative. Step inside the
A WARM-AND-INVITING 3BR COLONIAL WITH A RECENTLY UPGRADED KITCHEN AND UPDATED FULL BATH ON A LOVELY LEVEL LANDSCAPED LOT WITH A PRIVATE BACKYARD AND A TRULY GREAT LOCATION IN A VERY PRETTY NEIGHBORHOOD SETTING JUST MINUTES FROM THE HISTORIC PICTURESQUE BORO OF CALIFON.THIS LOVELY WELL-APPOINTED HOME FEATURES A RECENTLY UPDATED CENTER ISLE KITCHEN WITH QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, NEW CUSTOM CABINETRY,
Lot ready to go!! Start building the foundation tomorrow, house plans available for a 2670 sq ft Colonial (if you finish room over garage possible 3000 sq ft), 4 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Baths, 2 Car Garage, 4 Bedroom septic is installed and approved by the county along with the drainage pits for rain water, The footings are in and ready to lay block for the foundation, finish the walk out basement and add
Nestled in the picturesque town of Califon, this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of classic charm and great potential. Featuring a spacious and inviting sunroom, this property provides plenty of natural light and a cozy space to enjoy year-round.While the home could benefit from some updates and renovation, it offers an incredible opportunity to create your dream home with the
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom home with breathtaking riverfront views. This modernly renovated residence is perfectly positioned within the rich historic charm of Califon. Step inside and experience a move-in-ready haven. The first floor features a spacious living room with high ceilings, a mudroom, and a half bathroom. The formal dining room connects to a new eat-in kitchen with ample
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicole Haslett,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
983
Median Age
47
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$110,156
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$132,979
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
59.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
39/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
