$978,228Average Value$354Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
A sprawling suburban landscape in northern New Jersey
In the northern reaches of New Jersey, Kinnelon sits less than 40 miles west of New York City and encompasses a spread-out housing landscape and a large gated community. Homes typically sit on sizable lots, and the area is marked with lakes, reservoirs, parks and preserves. “Kinnelon is the last stop people go to for higher-end homes outside of New York City,” says Julia Gaffney, a team leader with Keller Williams Prosperity Realty. “Homes sell very quickly in Kinnelon because they’re so desirable, so the inventory is low. When I work with buyers in Kinnelon, they’re coming because of the proximity to New York City.” With an overall population of about 10,000 residents, Kinnelon is defined by its eastern and western halves. The western portion is primarily occupied by Smoke Rise, a gated community surrounding Lake Kinnelon. Despite the area's sprawling swaths of land, Kinnelon is still a close-knit community, with everyday gatherings and annual celebrations bringing residents together. “They have a big Kinnelon Day once a year," says Gaffney, who grew up in the area. "They do a lot there. There are yoga classes and family events. It’s very, very community-oriented.”
Known for its large lots and natural beauty, Kinnelon is a sought-after destination for those seeking higher-end homes outside of the city.
Despite its expansive landscape, Kinnelon fosters a strong sense of community through local gatherings, yoga classes, and the annual Kinnelon Day celebration.
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Single-family homes and the Smoke Rise gated community
Kinnelon is almost entirely composed of single-family homes, which have a median price of about $825,000. “Kinnelon has a lot of newer developments,” Gaffney says, adding, "In neighborhoods that are around 30 years old, there are larger homes.” On the east side, single-family homes typically sell for between $550,000 and $850,000. The west side of Kinnelon mostly consists of the Smoke Rise gated community. “It’s one of the only gated communities for single-family homes in New Jersey,” Gaffney says. “All homes are on no less than an acre in Smoke Rise. You have a mix of types of homes, like midcentury modern, contemporary, colonial-style homes and ranch-style homes.” Prices in Smoke Rise rarely dip below $700,000 and can run as high as about $2 million.
Kinnelon winters bring heavy snowfall in the early months of the year. The extremely cold weather is accompanied by overall snow totals of over a foot on average. The area also averages about four inches of rain per month during the summer.
With its blend of historic charm and modern luxury, Kinnelon attracts buyers looking for spacious, upscale homes within reach of New York City.
Divided into eastern and western halves, Kinnelon’s western side is dominated by Smoke Rise, a prestigious gated community surrounding Lake Kinnelon.
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Heading to Route 23 for shopping and dining
On the north side, Route 23 provides convenient access to shopping and dining. “You can go down Route 23, and there’s big-box stores," Gaffney says. "On the south side of Kinnelon, you have a lot of restaurants.” Several small, locally owned establishments sit within Kinnelon, while larger chain restaurants can be found along Route 23, as well as breweries and more local eateries.
The north side of Kinnelon offers easy access to shopping and dining, with Route 23 lined with big-box stores and conveniences.
Cypress Tavern in Kinnelon provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, with live music entertainment available on Thursday nights.
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Thousands of acres of recreational space in Silas Condict Park
Numerous state parks and bodies of water sit in and around the landscape of Kinnelon. “People love Kinnelon because of it,” Gaffney says, noting that Silas Condict Park is a standout. "There’s lakes and trails, and a lot of people go up there to walk their dogs or do family barbecues.” The park sprawls across more than 1,500 acres, with historic sites, over 10 miles of trails and more. Just west of Kinnelon, Farny State Park spans nearly 5,000 acres, and along its south side, visitors can fish, kayak and more at Splitrock Reservoir.
Silas Condict County Park in Kinnelon, NJ features a large lake and a trail center.
Farny State Park in Oak Ridge offers miles of hiking trails and vast woodlands for outdoor exploration.
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Proximity to New York City and public transportation
Route 23 links Kinnelon to an interchange with Interstate 287 about 5 miles east. Drivers can get to New York City in about 35 miles by way of Routes 23 and 3. “A lot of people live there and commute to New York,” Gaffney says, adding that there is very little industry within Kinnelon itself. Access to Interstate 80 is over 15 miles south. “Commuters typically go to the bottom of 23, where it’s the Route 23-80 exchange because they have a big train station and a big bus station down there,” Gaffney says. Rail travelers have access to a New Jersey Transit station in Morris Plains, also more than 15 miles south.
Kinnelon Day is an annual celebration of the community
Every year, K-Fest, also known as Kinnelon Day, celebrates the area’s heritage. “They have music, activities for the kids, and it’s just an event that people look forward to every year," Gaffney says. The celebration also includes vendors, carnival rides and fireworks. One of the area’s most distinctive landmarks is St. Hubert’s Chapel, a medieval-style church that sits on a small island in the middle of Lake Kinnelon. The public can tour the historic building on a select schedule, and it can also be booked for weddings and other events. “Not everybody can get to it,” Gaffney says, "but they do open it up once a year."
The event provides family with bonding time and the opportunity to share their fishing skills.
St. Hubert’s Chapel, a historic stone chapel located on an island in Lake Kinnelon, is known for its stained glass windows, which are believed to have been crafted by Tiffany Studios.
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Highly rated Kinnelon School District
Students in the area can attend schools within the Kinnelon School District, which receives an A-minus from Niche. “It’s a town people go to because of the school systems,” Gaffney says. The district is made up of two elementary schools, one spanning kindergarten to fifth grade and the other running from kindergarten to second grade, as well as one middle school and one high school. Each has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 or lower. Private schools in the area include Chancellor Academy.
About 532 students attend Kinnelon High School for grades 9-12.
Chancellor Academy offers individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a therapeutic approach to education, helping students develop both academically and socially.
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Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Suzi Schirm
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Elizabeth DelCasale,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Kinnelon, NJ sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Kinnelon, NJ over the last 12 months is $850,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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