Hardwick is a rural community with interstate access
Hardwick is a scenic Warren County community of about 1,600 on the New Jersey-Pennsylvania state line. “People move here because it’s gentle and quiet,” says broker Joan O’Brien with Re/Mac Town & Valley, who has lived in Warren County for 42 years. This township offers rolling farmland, scenic woodlands and access to Worthington State Forest and the Delaware Water Gap. Plus, with close proximity to U.S. Interstate 80, it’s convenient for residents to travel to nearby areas to shop, dine or work. “It makes a big difference when you don’t have to drive 20 miles to get a gallon of milk,” O’Brien says.
Hiking Worthington State Forest, Delaware Water Gap and more
Worthington State Forest offers a range of outdoor activities over its roughly 6,660 acres, including 26 miles of hiking trails, seven of which are on the Appalachian Trail. “It’s a well-known area to hike,” O’Brien says. “It accommodates all sorts of levels.” Climbers who reach the summit of routes like Mount Tammany see panoramic views of the Delaware Water Gap, where the Delaware River passes through a ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. “The Delaware Water Gap has areas to raft, boat, camp—all kinds of things,” O’Brien says. One of New Jersey’s seven natural wonders, Sunfish Pond sits in Worthington State Forest, with a hiking trail looping around it. The pond was formed during the last ice age. On the other end of Hardwick, Slabtown Creek Park offers 25 acres of lush greenery and creekside trails, while the over 440-acre White Lake Natural Resource Area surrounds a nearly 70-acre lake and is a popular spot for hiking, kayaking, fishing and horseback riding. In the summer, YMCA Camp Mason is a go-to for kids, featuring overnight camps, day camps and more. Their facility includes a boathouse, swimming pool, sports courts and, of course, wooden cabins.
Homes on scenic lots
Most of Hardwick's homes are east of Worthington State Forest. Two-lane roads wind through the area, and houses are often set back on densely wooded lots. Low stone walls or picket fences surround some properties. Ranch-style homes and Cape Cods usually list between $220,000 and $460,000, while Colonial revivals or bilevel houses can run between $500,000 and $840,000. Prices largely depend on the property's size, age and condition.
Students commute to neighboring areas for school
Because Hardwick is so small, students attend school with kids from nearby areas. For kindergarten to sixth grade, they can attend Blairstown Elementary School, which gets a C-plus from Niche. Next, they can go to North Warren Regional High School, which receives a B, educates seventh to 12th graders and offers dual enrollment with Warren County Community College. Warren County students may also apply to attend Ridge and Valley Charter School in Frelinghuysen Township, and Hardwick residents are given admission priority. Students can also attend Warren County Technical School in Washington Borough. Both schools receive C-plus scores from Niche.
Running errands in nearby Blairstown
Hardwick doesn’t have a town center or central shopping district. Some businesses line Route 94 in nearby Blairstown, where residents can find an Acme Markets grocery store, Tractor Supply Co. and Dollar General. Blairstown also offers dining options. Doghouse Bagel & Deli is a go-to for breakfast and lunch, serving everything from omelets and bagels to sandwiches and burgers. Nearby Buck Hill Brewery & Restaurant has an extensive menu featuring appetizers, kids’ meals, many lunch and dinner options and lots of beer on tap.
55 miles to Newark, 65 miles to NYC and how to get there
Hardwick is car-dependent. U.S. Interstate 80 is just west, putting commuters about 55 miles from Newark and 65 miles from New York City. The closest train station with direct service to Manhattan is about 23 miles southeast in Mount Arlington. “A lot of people commute to the city,” O’Brien says. “They usually drive or take the train.” The township is also located near New Jersey state Route 94 and U.S. Route 209, across the border in Pennsylvania. For air travel, Newark Liberty International Airport is about 62 miles away.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
