Blairstown blends small-town life with city accessibility
Blairstown sits in northwest New Jersey, about 7 miles from the state line with Pennsylvania. Located along the Great Appalachian Valley, Blairstown Township was the first Appalachian Trail Community in the state. Established in 1839, Blairstown remains a small rural community with acres of undeveloped farmland amid its rolling hills. “It’s just a really nice quality of life, to be honest,” says Richard Tillman, a Realtor at Re/Max Town & Valley and longtime resident of the area. “It’s a rural neighborhood that still offers access to amenities and even New York City.” With urban conveniences still nearby, Blairstown Township is a commuter-friendly community that's about 65 miles from New York City. The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, much lower than the national average of 4.
Renovated historic homes mix with newer construction
Streets winding past forests, farms and homes have a slight grade throughout the township. Downtown properties feature compact lots and sidewalks, while the rest of the community has more of a country vibe. The township’s various home styles include New Traditional, custom builds and raised ranches. Some homes built between the late 1800s and the early 1900s feature careful renovations, particularly in the downtown area. Prices range from about $230,000 to $800,000, depending on factors like size and acreage.
NJ offers Interdistrict Public School Choice Program
Both Blairstown Township School District and North Warren Regional School District participate in New Jersey’s Interdistrict Public School Choice Program. This allows students from outside the districts to apply for enrollment at no cost. Placement is based on available seats and, determined by a public lottery if necessary.
Students can begin at Blairstown Elementary, which serves kindergarten through sixth grade and earns a B-minus from Niche. North Warren Regional High also receives a B-minus and covers seventh through 12th grades. Extracurriculars include volunteering opportunities, chorus, band and athletics. High schoolers may also participate in AP courses, mock trials and debates. Parents who prefer private education can send their children to Blair Academy, a prestigious, co-ed boarding school that earns an A-plus.
Walkable downtown offers shops, dining and galleries
Restaurants and shops line Main Street. This pedestrian-friendly downtown area evokes an old village atmosphere with stone buildings and timber accents, punctuated by a church steeple and second-story balconies. “Blairstown is just a really charming area, and it has a distinct personality even among the other rural townships nearby,” says Thomasina Cerciello, an agent at EXIT Realty Connections and longtime area resident. “You can especially see that in the shops and restaurants in our little downtown area.”
Blairstown Diner was featured in the original "Friday the 13th" film. In fact, several spots throughout the township and surrounding nature are featured in the film. The restaurant features posters and memorabilia from the horror movie and serves the Slasher Burger topped with fried egg. Locals can also meet up for drinks at Buck Hill Brewery & Restaurant or browse the small businesses and art galleries along Main Street. Shoppers can get groceries at ACME Markets, Dale’s Market or at farmstand. Blairstown Farmers Market is in session on Saturdays during the summer and fall.
Recreation highlights hiking, parks and wildlife
Blairstown has a variety of recreational spaces in the area. Hikers and bikers can use the 27-mile Paulinskill Valley Trail, which extends through the township. Locals can access more hiking trails in the surrounding Worthington State Forest and Jenny Jump State Forest. Lakota Wolf Preserve offers guided tours to learn about the protected wolves, bobcats and foxes. In the center of Blairstown, Sycamore Park has a dog park, athletic fields and a fenced-in playground with swings, climbing walls and rope bridges. Footbridge Park provides a space for scenic walks and family picnics as well as the Blairstown Fall Festival. This annual October celebration is known for the bed race, in which competitors create four-wheeled race cars out of beds. Nearby, the Land of Make Believe is a seasonal, family-friendly amusement park with water rides.
Commuting to NYC and Newark via Interstate 80
With no bus lines or regularly scheduled public transit, the community is car-dependent. Route 94 bisects Blairstown, connecting to surrounding townships and about 15 miles to Newton Medical Center, the nearest hospital. Commuters have easy access to Interstate 80, which extends east to Newark and New York City and west through the Poconos. Blairstown Airport accommodates small aircraft, while commercial airlines pass through Lehigh Valley International Airport, about 40 miles southwest.
