An outdoorsy town with postcard views of Budd Lake
In the heart of Mount Olive Township, Budd Lake is a unique gem among New Jersey's natural wonders. It is the largest naturally formed lake in the state, setting it apart from other lakes in the area that have been altered or created by human intervention. The lake's pristine waters and unspoiled shoreline provide a tranquil escape for visitors and residents alike. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, Budd Lake offers a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities, including fishing, boating and hiking. Anglers can cast their lines and try their luck at catching various fish species, including largemouth bass, pickerel and sunfish. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy leisurely rides on the lake's calm waters, taking in the breathtaking views and the serene atmosphere. Beyond its natural beauty, Budd Lake is also a vibrant community. With over 10,000 residents, the town exudes a charming suburban feel. Many families and young professionals choose to make Budd Lake their home, drawn by its excellent public schools, the great outdoors and easy access to New York City. Its convenient location in Morris County provides easy access to major highways, making it a commuter-friendly town for those working in nearby cities.
Summer homes converted into full-time residences
With some homes surrounding the glacial body of water, residents wake up to sunrises on the water. "Most of Budd Lake's real estate is a lot of summer homes converted into full-time residences," says Realtor Patrick Bolger with The Holmquist Group of Keller Williams Metropolitan. Houses here run the gamut, from quaint to modest colonials, Cape Cods and ranch-style houses to luxurious colonials and some millennium mansions. "You can find a three-bathroom, one-bath ranch style with a finished basement for $329,000, a bi-level with three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a two-car garage for $449,900, or a wholly reconstructed colonial with four bedrooms and three bathrooms for $549,000," says Bolger.
Some Budd Lake homes feature beautiful stonewalls.
Residents of Budd Lake often have views of the lake and even private docks
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Boating and water sports at Budd Lake Beach Park
If the neighborhood name wasn't enough of a hint, lake life is a thing here. "During the summertime, everyone is out there," Bolger says. "You can find people fishing, tubing and sometimes you'll see sailboats out on the water." Residents and visitors can canoe, kayak or try balancing on a paddleboard. There's also a small beach with ample sunlight for basking. For those who prefer the outdoors on land, there is plenty to explore at Turkey Brook Park, including soccer fields, baseball, softball and football. There are tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, as well as a meandering walking trail.
Boats prepared for the summer season on Budd Lake
Vessels ranging from small rowboats and kayaks to larger motor boats can be found on Budd Lake.
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Performances at the Pax Amicus Castle Theather, including Peter Pan
Located near Budd Lake, the Pax Amicus Castle Theatre is a community performing arts theater that stages Broadway and off-Broadway revivals throughout the year. In recent years, they have performed works such as Romeo and Juliet, The Tales of Edgar Allan Poe and Peter Pan.
Favorite local eateries, including Budd Lake Diner
After a day at the lake, have a bite to eat at the Budd Lake Diner. "The food here is delicious. It's been here forever," Bolger says. "A typical Jersey diner with its old-timey décor, it has a little bit of everything." Enjoy a classic hamburger, a tuna melt with a side of fries and cole slaw or chicken parmesan sliders. Locals enjoy West Lake Take Out for its Chinese offerings like spring rolls, lo mein and beef with broccoli. Or, grab some sandwiches from BJ's Sandwich Shop and bring them to the lake. There are cold sandwiches like turkey with fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers or hot subs like meatball parmigiana or sausage and pepper. On Route 46, which runs through Budd Lake, you can find the small businesses that keep life humming along, like dry cleaners and nail salons, a grocery store, and, of course, the Budd Lake fire department.
Enzo's Ristorante & Pizzeria is the place to grab a slice or have a family dinner in Budd Lake.
The Budd Lake Diner has been a local institution for decades.
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Three A-rated schools in the Mount Olive Township School District
Kids can attend three great schools in the Mount Olive Township School District, including Mount Olive High School, which has an A rating on Niche for its college prep, academics and diversity. There, students can apply for several honor societies like history, music, art, English and the International Thespian Society. Mount Olive Middle School, also an A-rated Niche institution, is known for its acclaimed applied music and theory courses, and arts and 3D printing programs. Chester M. Stephens School, an A-rated elementary school, has a language arts program with special area classes in art, music, library science and physical education.
Aerial view of the Mount Olive Marauders football field in Turkey Brook Park in Budd Lake
Aerial view of Chester M Stephens School in Budd Lake
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Driving is easy to and from Morris County
Residents and visitors can drive to Budd Lake around New Jersey via Route 80 heading West or eastbound and on I-287 heading Northwest. Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 45 miles from Budd Lake. John F Kennedy International Airport is about 70 Miles from Morris County. The Netcong NJ Transit station in Morris County is about 3 miles from Budd Lake Township.
Written By
Gabrielle Golenda
Video By
Matt Ferguson
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Budd Lake, NJ sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Budd Lake, NJ over the last 12 months is $590,000, down 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 3 Jared Place, located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Budd Lake. This colonial-style home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. The main level includes hardwood floors, formal living and dining rooms, a home office with French doors, and a kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, center island, and pantry. The adjacent family room features vaulted
Welcome Home to 14 Wilstow Rd, Mt Olive Twp! Come fall in love with this gorgeous new construction 2400 sf Colonial + 900 sf finished basement with 9' ceilings. This Beauty features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, hardwood floors on 1st & 2nd level, cozy family room with fireplace, spectacular kitchen with quartz island and countertops, stainless appliances, formal living room and dining room. Second
Move right into this beautifully updated and renovated 3-bedroom, 2 full-bath home, ideally located just steps from Budd Lake the largest natural freshwater lake in New Jersey. Enjoy Right-of-Way access to a private beach at the end of the street, only half a block away. Inside, the home features spacious rooms filled with natural light, a modern open layout, and tasteful, neutral finishes
Welcome to 3 Jared Place, located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Budd Lake. This colonial-style home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. The main level includes hardwood floors, formal living and dining rooms, a home office with French doors, and a kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, center island, and pantry. The adjacent family room features vaulted
Welcome Home to 14 Wilstow Rd, Mt Olive Twp! Come fall in love with this gorgeous new construction 2400 sf Colonial + 900 sf finished basement with 9' ceilings. This Beauty features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, hardwood floors on 1st & 2nd level, cozy family room with fireplace, spectacular kitchen with quartz island and countertops, stainless appliances, formal living room and dining room. Second
Move right into this beautifully updated and renovated 3-bedroom, 2 full-bath home, ideally located just steps from Budd Lake the largest natural freshwater lake in New Jersey. Enjoy Right-of-Way access to a private beach at the end of the street, only half a block away. Inside, the home features spacious rooms filled with natural light, a modern open layout, and tasteful, neutral finishes
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Newly renovated (2025) 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Colonial with great location in a quiet neighborhood with great views of Budd Lake! New updated Eat-In Kitchen (16.3x10.9) with new washer & dryer; Large Living Room (16.6x15.5); Bedroom # 1 (12.11x8.5) with large walk-in closet and New Bathroom completes the 1st floor. Upstairs on the 2nd floor is Bedroom # 2 (15.9x11.6) and Bedroom # 3 (15.5x10.7). A
Tucked away amidst the serene hills of Mt. Olive Township in Morris County, Eagle Rock / Hensyn Village offers a perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility.Boasting easy access to major routes such as 80, 46, 206, and 287, Eagle Rock / Hensyn Village ensures seamless connectivity for residents. Discover living at Eagle Rock / Hensyn Village, where the beauty of nature
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