$547,460Average Value$370Average Price per Sq Ft34Homes For Sale
Relaxed lakefront lifestyle just an hour from NYC
Stretching between Hopatcong Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in New Jersey, and the Oak Ridge Reservoir, Jefferson is a township where nature and outdoor activities call to residents no matter the time of year. A smattering of smaller lakes fill the township, each surrounded by lakefront communities that often have beach associations.Different lakes have different rules, so residents’ lifestyles are also heavily impacted by which lake they choose to live near. Lake Hopatcong and a few others allow power boats and jet skis, while others prohibit them, preferring a quieter, more scenic atmosphere with kayaks, electric motorboats and swimmers. “It’s like being on vacation every day. You don’t have to get in the car and pack any bags. You just open up your back door and go,” says Kathleen Courter, a Realtor at Re/Max House Values at the Lake who lives on Lake Hopatcong and has sold homes here for 27 years. “There’s no congestion, there’s no traffic. You’re one hour to New York City.” This proximity to New York City allows some residents to commute for work, while enjoying a lifestyle that centers around the lakes year-round, regardless of the weather. “I’m looking at the lake right now, and it’s gorgeous,” Courter says. “I’m looking at three shoveled-out skating ponds that everybody was on this weekend, it’s perfect. It’s very scenic.”
Swimming, kayaking and boating are favorite activities during the warm months in Jefferson, and when the lakes freeze, ice fishing and ice skating take over.
NJ Transit trains departing from Lake Hopatcong Station, nearby to Jefferson,
can reach Manhattan’s Penn Station in about 40 minutes and run on the Morris-Essex and Montclair-Boonton lines.
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Summer and winter activities on the lakes, hiking in Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Swimming, fishing, kayaking and boating fill residents’ free time during the warm months, and Lake Hopatcong is dotted with marinas. Even during the coldest parts of winter, the lakes remain at the center of life in Jefferson. “The lake is actually frozen right now, so people are snowmobiling, they are cross-country skiing, they are ice fishing, they are ice skating,” Courter says. “And on all the small lakes as well. The kids are putting down their electronics and they’re out there playing ice hockey. It’s great to see.”Beyond the lakes, Jefferson is surrounded by thousands of acres of natural parkland. According to Jefferson’s website, most of the township is forest and undeveloped land. Mahlon Dickerson Reservation sprawls across 3,500 acres with 27 miles of multi-use trails. Hiking trails lead to popular spots like the Headley Overlook, which is one of the highest points in Morris County. Lakeside Fields has a playground, football field and baseball fields. Golfers choose between Bowling Green Golf Club or Berkshire Valley Golf Course, and Jefferson is about 15 miles from Mountain Creek, a major ski resort.
Visitors can enjoy exploring the meandering trails at the naturally gorgeous Rockaway River Wildlife Management Area nearby to Jefferson, NJ.
The Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson, NJ is the most popular park for escaping in to natural wonder in the area.
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Fixer-uppers starting just under $300,000
While Jefferson still has a few small cottages and ranch-style homes, larger, more recently built new traditionals and colonials are common. Courter says that newer lake houses often have features like wrap-around porches and eyebrow windows. Fixer-uppers on one of the smaller lakes can dip to just under $300,000, but most homes are over the $400,000 mark. Homes on smaller lakes typically max out at around $850,000, but those at the edge of Lake Hopatcong can climb as high as $1.8 million.Courter says living on Lake Hopatcong comes with waterfront restaurants in easy reach, but smaller lakefront communities have quiet charm and a deep sense of community helped along by beach associations and yacht clubs. Depending on the community, membership to these groups may be mandatory or optional, which Courter says is because they were originally set up for people who didn’t have lakefront property. These associations come with fees but offer access to lakefront beaches and community activities, sometimes even a clubhouse or athletic spaces. Members must live within the community an association belongs to. “The Lake Forest Yacht Club has a beach and a clubhouse, and they have movie nights and do trunk or treats,” Courter says, noting that this association has been around for over 70 years. It’s not the oldest, though — Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club was founded in 1905.
Houses in Jefferson range from smaller ranch style homes to new traditionals and sprawling lake houses.
Some of Jefferson's older dwellings are being heavily refurbished or replaced entirely by newly built homes.
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Learning about business at Jefferson Township High
Niche gives Jefferson Township Public Schools a B-minus. There are four elementary schools — two, like Cozy Lake Elementary School, serve children from pre-Kindergarten through first grade, while the other two, including White Rock Elementary School, teach second through fifth grade. All four of the area’s elementary schools earn B-minuses. Jefferson Township Middle School also gets a B-minus, and Jefferson Township High School earns a B. The high school has a business and finance academy where students participate in unique learning opportunities like a stock market challenge, public speaking, a student-run credit union and job shadowing.
White Rock Elementary School is a well rated public school serving grades 2 through 5 located in Jefferson, NJ.
Jefferson Township Middle School in Jefferson, NJ received an overall Niche grade of B-.
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Lakefront restaurants, essentials close to home
Lake Hopatcong is known for the nine restaurants ringing its shores, most of which residents can dock their boats at while they stop in for a meal. Jefferson is home to several of these restaurants, including Stone Water, which serves upscale New American cuisine. The Windlass has a nautical theme with an iconic boat-shaped bar, and Jefferson House often has live music on its outdoor patio during the warm months. Jefferson also has a few shopping centers with clusters of restaurants alongside essentials like banks and a grocery store, ACME Markets. Courter says residents often drive about 23 miles to Morristown, which she calls “our own mini New York City” for a little fun.
Several restaurants sit at the edge of Lake Hopatcong, including Stone Water, which serves upscale New American cuisine and is the perfect spot for an afternoon martini with good company.
Jersey Girl Operation Market Garden is a country-store style retailer with fresh baked goods, gifts, essentials and even a florist in the back.
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Jefferson Fest, icy swims for charity and community groups
Jefferson Fest is held every year on the weekend after the Fourth of July. The popular festival features food trucks, live music and fireworks. There’s also an annual Leap in the Lake, an aptly named celebration in February where residents brave the cold Lake Hopatcong to raise money for charity. There are also plenty of local groups to join — even beyond beach associations. “It’s a great social life if you want it, and if you don’t want it, you can sit on your porch and read a book,” Courter says. “You can throw your kayak in the water and go for a kayak ride, which is very popular. There’s a group of ladies that have a kayak club. They kayak around the lake.”
Jefferson's expansive Mahlon Dickerson Reservation has gorgeous winding roads that local motorcyclists love to traverse together.
The Jefferson Township Public Library offers resources and programs for the local Jefferson Township community.
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Commuting to New York City
State Route 15 and 23, also known as Paterson Hamburg Turnpike, run through Jefferson. Driving the 47 miles to Manhattan takes about an hour and 15 minutes during high traffic. The nearest commuter rail, Lake Hopatcong Station, is about 10 miles from Jefferson’s center, and brings passengers to Penn Station in about 40 minutes. The closest hospital is Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital, about 13 miles away.
Low risk of flooding
Although getting heavy rains can cause water levels in the lakes to rise, flooding isn’t very common here. First Street, a climate risk data organization, reports the area around Lake Hopatcong has only a moderate risk of flooding.
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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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Vanegas,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
East Shore Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Parking Lot
Liffy Island
Trails
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
Rockaway River Wildlife Management Area
Lake Hopatcong
Transit
Airport
Newark Liberty International
55 min drive
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jefferson, NJ sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Jefferson, NJ over the last 12 months is $530,678, up 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious 5-Bedroom Home in a Prime Lake Community Location!This move-in ready 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in a sought-after lake community. Featuring updated bathrooms, a spacious living room, family room, and dining area, plus a well-appointed kitchen, this home is ideal for modern living.Freshly painted and thoughtfully designed, it boasts a
Experience serene lakeside living at this beautifully updated home with new siding, a 2024 updated kitchen, a 2025 updated bathroom, and a fresh coat of paint throughout. Features include a septic system approximately installed in 2005, newer roof (2015), newer windows, and floors. Enjoy stunning Lake Hopatcong views from the master bedroom's front porch, with the lake just steps away. A garage,
When only the finest will do, YOUR SEARCH ENDS HERE! Welcome Home to this luxurious modernized Colonial with a lovely GUEST SUITE SET UP PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING AND WORKING FROM HOME! This stately home is being offered by the original owners and features an award winning floorplan as one of the top three largest models located in THE PEAKS, Morris County's premiere community of fine homes
Welcome home to this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence in the picturesque community of Oak Ridge. The main level of this home features a spacious country kitchen with an eat in area, a large living room, three generously sized bedrooms with beautiful hardwood floors, and an updated bathroom. The lower level offers even more versatility, with a large recreation room, a fourth bedroom, a newer
Sale Subject To Variance For Building, Survey Available, The Sale Consists of 2 Lots Lots 10 & 10.01, Located about a block away from Cozy Lake, Lot size is 100Ft Deep & 186Ft Wide, Could fit a single family home on the property
This House is a 4 bedroom 1 full bath and 1 half. It has a formal Dining Room, Family Room, Eat-in Kitchen, and Laundry Room. There is ample closet space, a pull down attic the size of the house, an unfinished dry basement and 2 car oversized garage. This house sits on 1.99 acres. This house does need work although it is Zoned Commercial C-1. Buyers continue reading and do your due diligence this
Charming, small, 650 sq ft cottage nestled on a semi-private, quiet, tree lined street in beautiful Oak Ridge NJ. This is on the market for rent for the first time in 18 years! Year-round tranquility and privacy - yet minutes from route 23, route 80, route 46, the Dover train station and bus pickups to the city. One small bedroom (8.5x11.5) and a full bath with full size tub. Parking for 3 cars
Super cute 1 bedroom apartment. 1 floor, open concept with updated kitchen and bath. SS appliances, subway tiled backsplash, new cabinetry. Hardwood floors. Super clean, updated and convenient. Outdoor common sitting area overlooking Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey's largest lake! Come see all that Lake Hopatcong has to offer. Fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, sailing. Easy commute, very close
THIS SPECIOUS BI-LEVEL IS LOCATED CLOSE TO ROUTES 15, 80, 23, 10, & 46 FOR EASY COMMUTING. YOU ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO NJ'S LARGEST LAKE , LAKE HOPATCONG AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER. THIS HOME FEATURES AND OPEN LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM COMBO WITH TONS OF NATURAL LIGHT. 4 BEDROOMS, 2 FULL BATHS, A LARGE DECK THAT BACKS TO STATE LAND, GREAT FOR HIKING AND EXPLORING. THE 1ST FLOOR HAS A
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Vanegas,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
21,043
Median Age
46
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$119,292
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$139,716
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
40.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.8%
% Population in Labor Force
70.8%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 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.
