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Sparta

Sparta

Neighborhood in New Jersey

Sussex County 07871

$730,620 Average Value
$340 Average Price per Sq Ft
37 Homes For Sale

A slower pace of life based around Lake Mohawk

Sparta mixes countryside and suburban tendencies, giving its residents a variety of lifestyles, from solitary to social. The focal point is Lake Mohawk, which offers recreation on the water as well as a dining and shopping scene that feels old world thanks to prevalent Tudor architecture. But there’s history in other ways, too: Sparta was once a mining community for materials like zinc, and the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta still stands after opening in 1786. It’s the kind of place that goes for a live-work-play model, meaning residents can do it all here, even though many are commuters to New York City, about 45 miles southeast. That model lends itself to local pride, and every June there’s a big showing for Sparta Day, which has live music, 100 vendors and a special section for kid activities. “I moved to Sussex County from Bergen County in 2019,” says Juliet Lopez, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Integrity. “There’s less traffic, more nature. It’s relaxed.”

Businesses line both sides of Main Avenue, showcasing Sparta's bustling commercial hub.
Businesses line both sides of Main Avenue, showcasing Sparta's bustling commercial hub.
First Presbyterian Church of Sparta has stood since 1786, reflecting rich local history.
First Presbyterian Church of Sparta has stood since 1786, reflecting rich local history.
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Sparta's Dragon Boat Festival

Boating and fishing are of course big pastimes in Sparta. It’s all part of the relaxed, leisurely lifestyle. But activity kicks up a notch every spring with the Sparta Dragon Boat Festival. Crowds watch from the boardwalk as boats full of 20 people compete, paddling to the rhythm of a drummer riding along. Lake Mohawk Golf Club sits within range of the water, with visitors describing the hilly 18-hole course as picturesque. The vibe stays active at Tomahawk Lake Water Park, where visitors can spill down all sorts of water slides. Indoor entertainment is on tap, too. Sparta Lanes is an accommodating host with 32 available lanes, a robust menu of entrees and a Pour House. Sparta Avenue Stage specializes in magic shows as well as comedy. At the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, visitors can learn about one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits and tour a former underground mine.

From quaint lodges to elaborate estates in Sparta

“Lakefront living is what many homebuyers seek out when moving here,” says George Perrone, a Realtor with Century 21, licensed for over 35 years. “It’s a tight community, and can be pretty upscale. Things go fast. You put a home up for sale and it’s gone, and for big money.” In keeping with the setting, lodge-like homes are prevalent in Sparta. There are also commonly recognized styles, like ranch-style homes and split-levels. Plenty of homes, like those along Seneca Lake Road, defy a particular genre but mesh well with the surroundings due to a quaint, cozy appearance. Many of these properties are in gated communities or sit on wooded lots, affording privacy to the homeowner. Prices range from $320,000 to $500,000. Above the $500,000 mark and into the range of $700,000 are modern townhouses from the 2010s plus assorted multi-story midcentury homes. In the range of $700,000 to $950,000 are modern traditional homes, standing out with their multi-gabled rooflines and muted earth tones. Million-dollar estates are available here, too, and can even reach up into the $3 million range. Whether a homebuyer opts for a direct line of sight to the water, a neatly landscaped property or something more wooded, the common feature is an elaborate, luxurious style that can reach into six-bedroom territory.

Sparta offers homes in many styles, tailored to fit diverse needs and lifestyles.
Sparta offers homes in many styles, tailored to fit diverse needs and lifestyles.
Sparta's townhouses offer modern living with comfort and convenience in a scenic setting.
Sparta's townhouses offer modern living with comfort and convenience in a scenic setting.
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Shopping and dining at White Deer Plaza

The White Deer Plaza shopping district is easily one of the neighborhood’s standout features. With whimsical and postcard-worthy buildings that are Tudor in style, it’s full of boutique shops and Instagrammable eateries. Inside of Krogh’s Restaurant and Brewpub there are intimate booths, Tiffany lamps and black and white pictures on the wall. Alpine Creamery offers concoctions like Coffee Caramel Choco Chip, which can be enjoyed with outdoor seating. “I go to St. Moritz,” says Lopez, pointing to the wood-grilled cuisine like scallops, steak and chicken that shows up on the menu. Shops like Garlic & Oil lean into the pervasive foodie craze here with gifts designed to tickle tastebuds. But there’s retail to be experienced elsewhere, too. Set in a former residence, Cloveberry Café on Main Street feels like walking into a friend’s home. Specialty drinks are on the menu, like S’Mores Latte. And for weekly groceries there’s a Stop & Shop off Sparta Avenue, near Route 15.

Casa Mia in Sparta, a local favorite, serves Italian cuisine and pizza in a cozy setting.
Casa Mia in Sparta, a local favorite, serves Italian cuisine and pizza in a cozy setting.
Stop & Shop on Sparta Avenue offers convenient grocery options for the Sparta community.
Stop & Shop on Sparta Avenue offers convenient grocery options for the Sparta community.
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Girls' basketball at Sparta High

Students can enroll in the Sparta Township Public School District. Helen Morgan Elementary, which has a 12-to-1 student-teacher ratio, receives a B-plus from Niche. The school features extracurriculars like the archery club, which traveled to national competitions in 2023. Sparta Middle has a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio and rates an A-minus. Sparta High is known for its athletic achievements, including a consistently successful girls’ basketball team, which took state championships in 2022. The school is A-rated.

Sparta High School earns an outstanding overall Niche grade of A.
Sparta High School earns an outstanding overall Niche grade of A.
Sparta Middle School serves 746 students in grades 6-8 with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio.
Sparta Middle School serves 746 students in grades 6-8 with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio.
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Route 15 is the central thoroughfare

In some ways, Sparta is an easy neighborhood to navigate. Route 15 runs the length of it, in a north-south direction, intersected by Main Street. From here, more locally focused streets branch out, like Sparta Road and Shore Trail. These lead to small, windy residential streets for which a car is essential, due to the lack of sidewalks. But pedestrians benefit from both the boardwalk around Lake Mohawk and the White Deer Plaza shopping district. Commuters can take Route 15 south to Interstate 80: it’s a little over an hour’s drive to New York City.

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Pushparaj Aitwal
Photography Contributed By
Pushparaj Aitwal
Kevin Carter
Video By
Kevin Carter

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Deborah Mara, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

59 min drive

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$577,500
Median Single Family Price
$600,000
Median Townhouse Price
$448,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$340
Number of Homes for Sale
37
Last 12 months Home Sales
276
Months of Supply
1.60
Median List Price
$590,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,396
Median Year Built
1976
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,879
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,072
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
111,513

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    155 Andover Rd, Sparta, NJ 07871

    $775,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 155 Andover Rd
    • New 1 day ago

    Beautiful and rare to find, this stately home is nestled atop a hill, surrounded by trees for a peaceful and private setting—centrally located in the heart of Sparta with easy access to local restaurants, schools, shopping, and major highways. Meticulously maintained with multiple upgrades, this spacious bi-level offers over 3,100 sq ft of living space on approximately 2.25 acres. Highlights

    Andres Ospina Keller Williams Park Views

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    97 E Shore Trail, Sparta, NJ 07871

    $549,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 97 E Shore Trail
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to this beautiful, sun-filled Lake Mohawk- 3BR 2 BA with office and bonus room. Enjoy year-round lake views and stunning sunsets from the wall of windows facing the lake. Hardwood floors, built-ins in the dining room and living room. Kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances. This is a lovingly cared for home. Enjoy all the amenities that Lake Mohawk has to offer, 12 beaches,

    MARIANNE MILLER PROMINENT PROPERTIES SIR

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 4pm

    570 W Shore Trail, Sparta, NJ 07871

    $1,589,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 570 W Shore Trail

    LAKEFRONT PARADISE Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from almost every room in the house, with windows and skylights filling the space with natural light. Nestled across from the golf course and just minutes to the beach, set sail for a scenic boat ride to the iconic Lake Mohawk Boardwalk, where waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and fun activities for all ages await in every season. Live the

    DENISE KEVIL COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Deborah Mara, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
20,353
Median Age
44
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$142,918
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$172,407

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.2%
College Graduates
60.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
10''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

5 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

10 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Sparta