$783,776Average Value$387Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
'Always something to do' in Packanack Lake
Located in New Jersey's Wayne Township, Packanack Lake is named for the Pacquanac tribe, whose name means “land made clear for cultivation.” It’s a fitting name, given that the area started as marsh and farmland, but in the 1920s, some of its land was cleared for something else: a lake. The little homes that rose up around the water started as vacation homes, but it didn’t take long for people to decide they wanted to stay. Today, Packanack Lake is a private year-round community where life centers around the water. “Within those homes in Packanack Lake, it’s blocks and you’re at the lake, you’re at the beach,” says Francesca Messercola, the CEO of Messercola Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Prosperity. She’s lived in Wayne for 36 years and has sold homes in Packanack Lake for 18 years. “So it’s kind of like vacationing at home every day. That’s the common thread, is the fact that you’re able to kind of take in the fresh air and take a walk around and decompress at the end of a workday.”
Packanack Lake is an active community in every sense of the word. There are always people walking, running and biking along its roads, and the Packanack Lake Country Club and Community Association hosts a wide range of clubs for residents of all ages. Messercola says there’s a huge mom’s club, plus clubs centering around books, gardening, athletics and more. “It’s a great culture for that area because it’s very inclusive and it does have a lot of benefits to it,” Messercola says. “So if you’re an active family, no matter your age, there’s always something to do.”
The Packanack Lake neighborhood in NJ is perfect for creating lasting family memories.
Residents enjoy relaxing boating on the peaceful waters of Packanack Lake.
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Swimming, boating and fishing at East Beach, West Beach
Packanack Lake has two beaches, East Beach and West Beach, each with its own boatyard. Swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing are all popular activities at the lake, but the area around the lake is just as popular. “Packanack Lake is great for walking, and it is great to see nature, animals, and families enjoying it,” says Jocelyn Russo, a licensed real estate salesperson at Coldwell Banker. A 3-mile path rings the lake, which Messercola says many people use for their daily walks or runs. In 2023, two fiberglass bridges were installed at the lake’s northern end, connecting the east and west sides of the lake and serving as a popular spot for prom, engagement and wedding photos.
At the southern end of the lake, Packanack Golf Club has a nine-hole course with two tee boxes at each hole, the Packanack Lake Tennis Club has well-maintained courts; membership at either of these two organizations comes with an added fee above the community’s annual dues, but it costs a little less for residents than it does for those who live outside Packanack Lake. Also right by the water, Kilroy Field offers spaces for baseball, softball and soccer or lacrosse. “There’s a very large athletic association,” Messercola says. “And that does not just include the kids. They start doing programs for the children around the age of 2, but there is adult kickball, adult softball.” Beyond Packanack Lake’s wide variety of athletic and recreational opportunities, Messercola adds that Wayne Township has even more, including the new Wayne Community Center. Located in the town’s old YMCA, it offers many of the same services, just under management of the town.
Packanack Golf Club offers a scenic and enjoyable golfing experience in Packanack Lake.
Packanack Lake Tennis Club is the perfect spot for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts.
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Small fixer-uppers starting around $400,000
There are still a handful of Packanack Lake’s original log cabins, but most of them have been replaced with bigger homes. Today, most of its streets are lined with Cape Cods, hi-ranches, Colonial Revivals and new traditionals, with a few Tudors scattered in the mix. Small fixer-uppers without direct water access can drop to around $400,000, but homes on the water usually start closer to $600,000. Updated or newly built homes on the water, which often feature huge walls of windows at the back of the house overlooking the lake, can cost up to $1.8 million. Homeowners who choose to join the Packanack Lake Community Association, which opens up access to the clubs the neighborhood is so well-known for, also pay yearly dues. The CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
A charming Cape Cod home highlights the unique architecture of Packanack Lake, NJ.
Packanack Lake offers ranch-style homes, perfect for potential buyers seeking tranquility.
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Weekly gatherings at the community center, Packanack Lake Day
The community center’s calendar is jam-packed with weekly and monthly events, from mah jongg to yoga, but Packanack Lake also has big annual events that bring everyone together. “Every June, they have a Packanack Day, and they’ll have fireworks, food trucks, inflatables,” Messercola says. “It’s a great opportunity to meet and know your neighbors.”
Restaurants and shops along Route 202
Lakeside Restaurant and Bar is one of the neighborhood’s most popular gathering spots. Serving a mix of American and Italian cuisine, it features white tablecloth eating areas, a large bar and live music on the weekends. There are more options along U.S. Route 202, including Blossom Asian Bistro and Lee’s Sushi, which has both sushi and Korean food. For sweets, Packanack Bakery is the go-to. “Packanack Bakery is very well known for their delicious crumb cakes,” Messercola says. “People will come from all over to get those crumb cakes, whether you like the powdered sugar, the chocolate drizzle or just the simple old-school one.”
The major thoroughfare is also home to businesses like car dealerships, hardware stores and pharmacies as well as a Super Foodtown supermarket and a few chains. In fact, Messercola says, it’s so close to the middle school that many students walk to the Starbucks after school lets out. Just 2 miles away, there are even more shops and restaurants along Hamburg Turnpike, including more major grocery stores like ShopRite and Trader Joe’s. Willowbrook Mall also offers tons of major retailers and a movie theater about 5 miles from home. “Wayne has endless shopping, from food stores to clothing stores, shoe stores, and tons of malls,” Russo says. “It’s easy, it’s convenient, and anything you need is right at your fingertips.”
Lee’s Sushi in Packanack Lake, NJ, is loved for its fresh and artfully prepared sushi.
Most retail options are conveniently located along Route 202 in Packanack Lake, NJ.
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Highly rated Wayne schools
Niche gives the Wayne Valley Public School District an A and lists it as the best district in Passaic County. Children attend Packanack Elementary School, which has an A-minus and is listed as the second-best public elementary school in the county, before moving on to George Washington Middle School and Wayne Valley High School, which also earn A-minuses. Both schools are among Niche’s list of top 5 middle or high schools in the county. Wayne Valley High is also known for its athletic programs; its football teams have a spirited rivalry with the teams at the district’s other high school, Wayne Hills High.
Students of Packanack Lake can attend George Washington Middle School.
Students can attend Packanack Elementary School in Packanack Lake.
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Major highways, nearby St. Joseph’s University Hospital
U.S. Route 202 runs alongside Packanack Lake’s western side, bringing residents to Interstate 80 or U.S. Route 46 in just a few minutes. St. Joseph’s University Hospital is 10 miles away. New York City is 22 miles away, a trip that takes about an hour and a half.
Occasional hurricanes bring risk of storm damage
Hurricanes and tropical storms occasionally hit New Jersey. When they do, there’s only a minor risk of flooding, but there’s a major risk of high winds that can damage homes.
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
Nancy Chu,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lincoln Park Community Lake
Fishing
Lake
Trails
Wayne Friends and Family Park
Dog Park
Playground
Parking Lot
Pequannock Valley Park
Lake
Picnic Area
Beach
Willow Street Playground
Basketball
Playground
Elm Street Park
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Pequannock River Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
Wayne Captain Kilroy Park
Laurelwood Arboretum
High Mountain Park Preserve
Trails
Hiking
Walking Paths
Transit
Airport
Newark Liberty International
30 min drive
Bus
Ratzer Rd & Oakwood Dr
Bus
Rt-23 728'N Of Cedar Ln
Bus
Alps Rd & Wilson Ave
Bus
Ratzer Rd & Alps Rd (Sunset Terr)
Bus
Alps Rd & Macdonald Dr
Bus
Rt 23 & Packanack Lake Rd
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Packanack Lake
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Packanack Lake, Wayne sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Packanack Lake, Wayne over the last 12 months is $784,712, up 14% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the desirable Packanack Lake community in Wayne, NJ, offers a perfect blend of comfort and modern updates. The recently renovated kitchen boasts sleek white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a spacious pantry and stunning quartz countertops. The open-concept design leads to a beautiful new Trex deck with lighting, perfect for outdoor
Welcome to 2 Crow Trail, a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch in the highly desirable Packanack Lake community. This move-in ready home features an updated kitchen with modern finishes and quality appliances, and sits on a professionally landscaped lot that offers both curb appeal and a peaceful outdoor setting. Enjoy the exceptional amenities of Packanack Lake, including swimming,
Tucked away from the road for added privacy, this spacious Ranch offers the perfect blend of comfort and versatility! Step inside to find 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, gleaming hardwood floors, and an open flowing layout. The large formal living room boasts picture windows that bring in natural light. The galley kitchen features granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. A sun-drenched
Welcome to Your Summertime Escape!!! Nestled in the serene surroundings of Packanack Lake, this charming ranch home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for both relaxation and entertaining. Enjoy warm, sunny days and cozy nights in this beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom home. Features: Master Bedroom with private bath and a large walk-in closet. Modern Kitchen featuring a breakfast
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nancy Chu,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
6,704
Median Age
42
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$163,906
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$190,421
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
College Graduates
63.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
22/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
47/ 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.
