A rural community with an outdoorsy lifestyle, less than two hours from Manhattan
Marked by lakes and hiking trails, Vernon is a rural exurb about 90 minutes from New York City. Adjoining the New York state border, it’s mixed in with other townships clustered around northeast Sussex County. Each of these locales has their own identity but share an outdoorsy lifestyle. Vernon stands out for its numerous resorts. There are some modern aspects, too, like offices for Sirius XM Radio and Route 94 running through the middle of town, uniting the various side roads. Jessica Caldwell, a community planner who’s done redevelopment studies for Vernon, says there’s room to balance growth and preservation. Realtors say keeping the lowkey lifestyle is crucial for securing future homebuyers. “I moved to Sussex County from Bergen County in 2019,” says Juliet Lopez, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Integrity. “Its brand is based on bringing people in touch with nature. The county has 65 lakes.”
Mountain Creek Resort stays active in warm and cool months
Mountain Creek Resort is one of the biggest destinations associated with the area. People visit to enjoy ski slopes in the cool months and a mountain bike park in the warmer months. The Appalachian Hotel offers luxury accommodations, and some visitors decide to have a room available whenever they want by purchasing a condo. Crystal Springs Resort has extensive pool amenities, too, like a water slide and vortex pools. People from across the region also visit to enjoy the seven golf courses. The Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge features portions of the famous Appalachian Trail. Hikers can also hop on the Stairway to Heaven in Wawayanda State Park. Plus, fishing and swimming are popular pastimes, thanks to numerous bodies of water, like Highland Lake and Pleasant Valley Lake.
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Highland Lakes State Park consists of more than 3,000 acres of undeveloped woods and lakes .
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Condos, Cape Cods and waterfront communities
With the preponderance of lakes, it’s no surprise that waterfront communities are a big deal. The Highland Lakes community in southeast Vernon is one example of a popular spot. Streets with naturalistic names like Coon Den Road and Poplar Road snake around in fluid fashion, passing only homes and the occasional church. Homes are priced between $250,000 and $425,000. They’re typically midcentury vintage or from the late 1980s. Simple ranch-style homes are a common sight. For those who want more space, split-levels are available. Homes from the 2020s pop up, but they stick to complementary genres, like Cape Cods.
Regardless of the home styles, most properties have mature trees nearby. Plus, there’s always something to do. “There’s lots of activity, especially through the neighborhood clubhouses,” says George Perrone, a Realtor with 21st Century Realty. “My two grandkids were brought up in Vernon and enjoyed it.” Condos in the area sell between $130,000 and $220,000. Many of them have lodge-like stylings, in keeping with the mountainous rural surroundings. The median price of a home for Vernon is $325,000.
Vernon, NJ offers a variety of condominium options for residents to choose from.
Cape Cods are one of the most popular housing styles in Vernon, NJ.
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Local resorts play host for annual events
Local resorts also host annual community events. Oktoberfest is held at Mountain Creek Resort, for example. In the spring, culinary delights are celebrated at the Taste of Vernon, held at the resort’s Red Tail Lodge. Highland Lake Country Club is where people gather to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. And in the fall, Heaven Hill Farm hosts the Great Pumpkin Festival, where visitors can take hay rides and wander a corn maze.
The Appalachian. Hotel is located off Highway 94, adjacent to thehe base of Vernon Peak.
The Appalachian Hotel offers an array of activities to its guests during all seasons.
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Small businesses and strip malls define the retail scene
For pastries and coffee served with a slice of Americana, patrons go to Scout Goods. Outdoor seating along a creek plays to Vernon’s outdoorsy sensibilities, while inside the walls are covered with pop culture paraphernalia. Tomato Garden Pizza and Restaurant is part of Vernon Valley Plaza, which features an Acme supermarket and Sushi Ya 2.
The resorts aren’t just for sports and adventuring – they’re also an upscale dining and entertainment option. The wine cellar at Crystal Springs contains over 130,000 bottles.
It’s also just 3 miles west to Sussex borough, which has boutique small businesses like Emily’s Heart, a wood-fired pizza place set in a classic Airstream trailer.
The Crystal Cafe serves up American dishes in a historic shop built in 1825 in Vernon.
Residents of Vernon, NJ get their weekly grocery needs at Acme Supermarkets.
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Agricultural extracurriculars at Vernon Township High
“Vernon has a good school district, it’s one of the reasons people move there,” says Perrone. Vernon Township School District earns an overall B from Niche. Students can start at Rolling Hills Elementary, rated C-plus. Lounsberry Hollow, which receives a B-minus, is where kids can attend fourth to fifth grade. Then it’s on to Glen Meadow Middle, a C-plus school, for sixth to eighth grade. Vernon Township High is B-rated. The school has many extracurricular activities, ranging from sports teams to an academic decathlon team. In 2021, plans were made to renovate the football field and surrounding track. In 2024, the school’s livestock judging team beat out 118 other schools in a competition to decide which livestock should be bred and sold on the market.
Vernon Township High School is an above-average school with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
Lounsberry Hollow Middle School educates 401 students in grades 4-5 in Vernon, NJ.
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Route 94 is important for commuting and running daily errands
State Route 94 is the central thoroughfare of Vernon. Cutting north-south across the neighborhood, it leads to other important regional roads like state Route 23, which goes toward New York City. Commuters can expect a 90-minute drive.
While residential portions of Vernon are walkable, this is a sprawling and sometimes rugged rural area, so owning a car is essential.
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
Patricia Cormack,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Vernon Dog Park
Maple Grange Recreational Complex
Transit
Airport
New York Stewart International
58 min drive
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Vernon, NJ sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Vernon, NJ over the last 12 months is $357,289, up 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Beautiful Lake Front Ranch in the desirable Highland Lakes community is being offered for the first time. This lovingly maintained home sits up on the property, offering tranquil views of the lake. Step inside and be greeted by the views which can be enjoyed from almost every room. The bright family room has sliding glass doors leading out to the deck where you can enjoy the warm sun, lake
Donâ€t miss this beautiful home set at the top of the hill with stunning mountain views. Thereâ€s nothing to do but move in. The upper floor consists of MEIK, LR and FDR with outstanding views, FB, and BR. Lower level consists of 2 brâ€s, 1/2 ba, and laundry. Freshly painted throughout, even the garage, new gas stove, dishwasher and microwave in the kitchen, 2 zone baseboard natural gas heat, one
Teresa BraunworthTerrie O'Connor Realtors-Main St.
Welcome to this dollhouse dream Highland Lakes cottage with seasonal lake views and abundant charm. Situated on a corner lot near the community beach and clubhouse, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home features original knotty pine woodwork and expansive vaulted ceilings. Relax by the warmth of the handcrafted fieldstone fireplace or step outside to the spacious concrete patio, ideal for entertaining with
Fully renovated studio condo with an open layout, featuring a dining area with glass sliders leading to a private outdoor deck overlooking a wooded area. This lower-level unit includes a modern bath, stainless steel appliances, central AC/forced hot air, and stylish finishes throughout. Enjoy access to an outdoor pool, skiing, hiking, and more. Optional membership to Minerals Resort Spa & Gym
Bring your vision and realize the potential of this unique property. This home has a great layout and is very spacious. It offers plenty of parking, a fenced in yard, and is convenient to all things Vernon is known for. Skiing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, a water park, and more are all nearby. The finished walkout basement provides additional private living space for guests, with a summer kitchen
This lot is in Beautiful Lake Panorama it has a 2 bedroom septic installed with engineering plans and a survey, just brings plans with your design to build to town.
Updated 2 Bedroom End-Unit In Desirable Great Gorge!!! Private Location, Open Floor Plan. Wrap-around deck. Extra storage in loft 2 skylights full size stove and refrigerator.Walk to ski, golf and spa. Move in Ready!!! Extra large deck!
Move right into this beautifully updated 1 bedroom rental featuring fresh paint, a modernized bathroom, and an updated kitchen. Washer/dryer in unit! Ideally located near Mountain Creek Resort and local wineries, it offers both comfort and convenience in a scenic setting.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained split-level home, offering 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Nestled on a gently sloped lot surrounded by mature trees, this home provides the perfect balance of privacy and nature.Step inside to a bright and modern kitchen featuring sleek stainless steel appliances, crisp white cabinetry with gold-tone hardware, quartz countertops, and a classic
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Patricia Cormack,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
24,013
Median Age
44
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$107,279
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$126,924
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.5%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
33.3%
Advanced Degrees
11%
% Population in Labor Force
72.3%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
16''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
3/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
12/ 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.
