$575,069Average Value$305Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Califon is small-town living at its finest
Califon is a small borough in Hunterdon County, surrounded by farms, orchards and lush nature. The area became a mill town in the late 1800s but has since returned to its country roots with quiet streets, an active community and small businesses that fuel the downtown scene. There are no stoplights, and the producer of “It’s a Wonderful Life” lived in Califon and based the movie’s bridge on Califon’s historic bridge over the South Branch Raritan River.
One local business owner is Abraham Beates, who took ownership of the South Branch Outfitters shop to keep the spirit of fly fishing alive. “My wife and I were active-duty Navy, and then we moved back to the New Jersey area,” Beates says. “My wife grew up in Chester, and we were looking to move near her family. We knew the previous owner of the fly-fishing shop, so we were pretty familiar with Califon. We didn’t know what to expect when we first moved into town, but we’ve just fallen in love with it. We moved from Jacksonville, Florida, and that’s busy and loud. Califon is quaint and quiet, and you’re in the country. It’s beautiful, in the rolling hills of New Jersey with horse farms and apple orchards all around.”
Chester Flanders, nestled in Morris County, is a delightful neighborhood renowned for its farms.
A peaceful, well-kept street in Califon offers the perfect setting for those who appreciate quiet, small-town living.
Califon’s charm lives in the details—like spring poppies bursting curbside, reminding you this is a place where beauty blooms effortlessly.
Chester Flanders exudes captivating charm through its small yet delightful details.
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Colonial Revivals, Craftsmans and ranch-style homes
Many homes in Califon were built in the 1970s and ‘80s, though there are some from the late 1800s and early 1900s that have been renovated. Ranch-style homes often sell for $300,000 to $475,000, while Colonial Revivals and Craftsman homes can range between $475,000 and $650,000. Based on estimated prices, properties with much more than an acre of land can reach the $800,000s. The yards are often spacious, and tall trees shade the homes and create some privacy between neighbors. Once residents find a home in Califon, they stay rooted in the community. There were eight homes sold in all of 2024. “I would say the hardest part of moving into Califon is finding somewhere to move into,” Beates says. “There’s not too much available. People who move here are staying here, which speaks to how it’s a good place to live.”
Califon’s winters can come with below-freezing temperatures and snow. If snow is on the ground, residents are not allowed to park on the streets to make room for snowplows and salt trucks. Homes without attached garages usually have detached garages or long driveways with enough room for a few cars.
Painted in vibrant hues, these proud Victorians reflect Califon’s love of history, preservation, and neighborhood charm.
Stately and serene, this grand colonial home blends classic elegance with pastoral views on a quiet, winding road.
In need of a refresh, this weathered beauty offers the perfect canvas for restoration in a town that values its roots.
Chester Flanders is renowned for its diverse architectural styles, featuring ranch-style homes.
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Califon Public School makes Califon thrive
Califon Public School serves prekindergarten through eighth-grade students and receives an A from Niche. The school is also ranked as the best elementary school in Hunterdon County. Kids join classes with a 4-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Voorhees High School in Lebanon Township gets an A-minus and is a 2015 National Blue Ribbon School.
Califon Public School serves students from prekindergarten through eighth grade, fostering a close-knit and supportive learning environment.
Califon Public School proudly holds an A rating on Niche, reflecting its strong academics and dedicated community.
Voorhees High School serves the broader Hunterdon County community, offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for local students.
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Park exploration, fishing and hiking
Being surrounded by nature means having plenty of destinations to explore. Califon Island Park features a playground, baseball fields and a paved basketball court. Trout fishing is a major pastime here, as the Raritan River is the premier site for fishing. South Branch Raritan River flows into Califon's center. Hikers and bikers can hit the Columbia Trail at Califon's trailhead and take the 16.5-mile north to Chester or south to High Bridge.
The South Branch of the Raritan River flows through the heart of Califon, adding natural beauty and tranquility to the town’s center.
Trout fishing is a favorite pastime along the South Branch of the Raritan River, where anglers gather year-round to enjoy the calm waters.
The South Branch of the Raritan River also offers peaceful green spaces, perfect for walking, relaxing, and reconnecting with nature.
Califon Island Park features a playground, baseball fields, and a paved basketball court, making it a favorite spot for families and outdoor fun.
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Dining out at local favorites in town
Califon has Aquí Market for groceries and the long-standing Califon General Store for quick bites. “Oscar’s Gourmet Cafe is my favorite place for breakfast,” Beates says. “He does a great Sunday dinner. It’s crazy affordable, and the amount of food you get is outrageous. For fine dining, there’s Brasserie 513.”
Locally owned businesses line Main Street, from Califon Consignment Boutique to Califon Lumber Co. Beates says South Branch Outfitters, also on Main Street, is open to people who have never owned a fishing rod to experienced fly fishing enthusiasts who moved to Califon and need a guide. Califon United Methodist is one the churches in town, and it accepts donations for the Top O’th Barn Thrift Store. Some residents who want to shop at stores like Lowe’s or ShopRite drive 10 miles to Hackettstown, 20 minutes north of Califon.
Locals gather daily at Rambo’s, the town’s iconic general store—where friendly chatter and pork BBQ sandwiches are always on the menu.
Fresco Mexican is a popular spot in Califon to enjoy great food and refreshing drinks.
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Brasserie 513, a favorite dining spot in Califon.
Meet up with friends for a great cup of coffee at Maria's Coffee in downtown Chester Flanders.
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Califon Street Fair and Trout Fest
Califon’s recreation department keeps a full calendar of events that bring the community together, from Easter egg hunts to Christmas tree and menorah lightings in the winter. The biggest event is the Califon Street Fair, held every October. Main Street is blocked off to make room for artisan vendors, food trucks, live music and a kids' zone.
Beates organizes the Trout Fest every April, a free event for anyone who loves fishing or wants to hang out in warm weather. “It’s a celebration of spring,” Beates says. “We coordinate with the opening of fishing season. We bring in vendors, local artisans, a couple food trucks and one of the local craft breweries does a beer garden. We bring in a lot of conservation groups because conservation is one of our missions at the shop.”
Commuter options to New Jersey destinations
Narrow sidewalks primarily line streets in the historic district and downtown, so most Califon residents rely on their cars to get around town and beyond. Sidewalks go across the Historic Califon Bridge, which has been in town since 1887. Drivers can head south to hop on Interstate 78, which leads 45 miles to Newark and the Newark Liberty International Airport. The drive takes about 45 minutes with light traffic. The nearest train station is in High Bridge, and Raritan Valley Line trains take about an hour and a half to reach Newark Penn Station. Commuters can change trains and continue to Penn Station in New York City.
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On average, homes in Califon, NJ sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Califon, NJ over the last 12 months is $730,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on more than 3 acres in highly sought-after Tewksbury Township, this ranch-style home offers the rare combination of single-floor living and a location surrounded by some of the area's most exquisite homes and picturesque horse farms. The setting provides both privacy and a scenic backdrop that's increasingly hard to find.The home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with a functional
Located in the sought-after Stone Row at Hickory Run in Lebanon Township with a Califon mailing address, this beautifully updated home offers the perfect blend of space, style, and location. Features include 9-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and flexible living spaces designed for today's lifestyle.A paver walkway leads to a charming wraparound front porch with distant views. The foyer opens to
Immaculate, center hall colonial offered by the original owners, located in sought-after Tewksbury Township with a desirable Califon mailing address. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath home offers exceptional space for both everyday living and entertaining inside and out. The main level features hardwood floors, fresh paint, and an oversized living room for added openness. Family
Welcome to Whipstick Farm, a heritage residence set on approximately five private acres off a private road with two other homes, offering usable land, seclusion, and a peaceful rural setting in Califon. Once a working farm, the larger property has been thoughtfully subdivided over time, preserving a sense of openness and connection to the land while allowing for comfortable private living.
Set on more than 3 acres in highly sought-after Tewksbury Township, this ranch-style home offers the rare combination of single-floor living and a location surrounded by some of the area's most exquisite homes and picturesque horse farms. The setting provides both privacy and a scenic backdrop that's increasingly hard to find.The home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with a functional
Located in the sought-after Stone Row at Hickory Run in Lebanon Township with a Califon mailing address, this beautifully updated home offers the perfect blend of space, style, and location. Features include 9-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and flexible living spaces designed for today's lifestyle.A paver walkway leads to a charming wraparound front porch with distant views. The foyer opens to
Immaculate, center hall colonial offered by the original owners, located in sought-after Tewksbury Township with a desirable Califon mailing address. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath home offers exceptional space for both everyday living and entertaining inside and out. The main level features hardwood floors, fresh paint, and an oversized living room for added openness. Family
Welcome to a home that was never meant to be sold. Every upgrade was made with long-term living in mind, creating a rare opportunity to own a space built with true care and intention. This fully renovated modern home blends luxury and comfort across 3,900 sq ft, featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a fully finished basement and set on 3.12 private wooded acres. Inside, you'll find a bright, airy layout
Stately 4-5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath Newer Center Hall Colonial Situated On A Quiet Residential Cul-De-Sac, Set On A Very Private 3-Acre Property. This Impressive 3,642 Sq. Ft. Home Features A Thoughtfully Designed Floor Plan, Highlighted By A Grand Entry Foyer And A Spacious Eat-In Kit. The FR Offers A Gas FP, Soaring Vaulted Ceilings w/Sliding Doors From Both The Kitchen And FR Leading To An
Exceptional Custom Home on a private & wooded 5 acre lot by 147 acre Teetertown Ravine Nature Preserve. Loaded w character this home is filled w upgrades including hardwood floors on both levels & walls of oversized windows to take advantage of the tranquil setting & winter valley views. Designed for entertaining w a resort-style in-ground pool, paver patios & expansive mahogany deck. Cathedral
Exceptional Center Hall Colonial with awesome views and a Valley location! This home is set above the street on a 3 plus Acre lot. The 1st floor offers wood floors, 9ft ceilings with a 2 story foyer and cathedral ceilings in the family room. The updated kitchen offers quartz counter tops, tiled back splash and stainless appliances. The kitchen opens to the family room with a wood burning insert
Custom contemporary/colonial home designed by architect N.S. Kim. The property sits on approximately 5.21 acres of secluded, wooded land contiguous to 82 acres of NJDEP protected Fish & Game Lands with paths leading to Ken Lockwood Gorge. The residence features cedar plank siding and oak hardwood flooring on the first and second floors. The basement offers engineered maple wood flooring. A bonus
Nestled in scenic Long Valley with a Califon address, this modern farmhouse offers an open layout filled with abundant natural light, three bedrooms plus an office and playroom/gym. The beautiful eat-in kitchen is ideal for everyday living and entertaining. A private, oversized third-floor room with skylights provides the perfect retreat, while the ground floor features a possible in-law suite
Welcome to this beautifully designed custom Colonial set on 20 picturesque acres, offering a seamless blend of comfort and functionality. The open floor plan creates inviting spaces ideal for everyday living and entertaining, while hardwood floors throughout much of the home add warmth & appeal. Highlights of this spacious layout include a private guest suite above the mud room and a first floor
Step inside into circa 1800's and admire the times!This bank style home has kept its original charm with the beams in the ceilings & original wood floors.1st floor invites you into a charming living room with wood burning stove.The kitchen features original brick floors & offers an abundance of natural light!The formal dining room is absolutely beautiful with its original tin walls and ceiling
Beautifully updated one bedroom apartment. Wood floors throughout, freshly painted, new appliances and new bathroom. Enjoy living in downtown Califon near the Columbia Trail and Ken Lockwood Gorge.
Beautifully remodeled two bedroom apartment. Wood floors throughout, freshly painted with all new appliances and new bathroom. Enjoy living in downtown Califon near the Columbia Trail and Ken Lockwood Gorge.
Stunning Partly Furnished 5-BR Waterfront Rental FEATURING TWO SEPARATE UNITS! Beautifully renovated home and move-in ready, this unique riverfront home offers two fully independent units. Each unit has its own private entrance, full kitchen, and living room, all professionally closed off for privacy. A shared main entry is also available for flexible use. The first floor includes two
Step back in time with this charming early 1900s two-story Colonial, perfectly situated just moments from beautiful Christie Hoffman Park and downtown Califon. This partially renovated home features timeless character with modern updates, including three cozy fireplaces, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, classic architectural details throughout. A standout feature is the detached three-story
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