Former vacation spot turns into a year-round small town
The Roaring 20s launched Lake Hopatcong into ultimate vacation haven status, but now it’s a year-round residential spot. Not only is this the largest lake in New Jersey, but residents have the benefit of accessing shopping and dining by boat – another rare feature. Tourism still plays a part in the local economy, but just one highway traverses the far eastern edge, which maintains the community’s insular and exclusive status. Only 12,000 people live here, and they can venture into even quieter stretches on the east side at Mount Arlington Municipal Beach. Even though Bear Pond on the west side is privately owned, residents are permitted to wander trails along the shoreline. Or they can go to Lake Musconetcong on the southern border. This is truly the land of the lakes. “Sussex County has 65 lakes,” says Juliet Lopez, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Integrity. “The motto is ‘people and nature together.’ When I moved here, I wanted more nature, an outdoor lifestyle. I got all of that and more.”
Aerial view of boat cruising on Lake Hopatcong.
Boaters crusing along Lake Hopatcong.
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Midcentury ranch-style homes mingle with modern traditional homes
Though it’s possible to find luxurious homes, as in other lakefront communities like neighboring Sparta, the median price of a home here is $471,000, higher than the national median. “You can get better deals here compared to Bergen County,” says Lopez. There was a building boom around World War II, so homebuyers will see plenty of styles reminiscent of that time. For example, simple ranch-style homes with lots that economically blend a bit of grass with decorative plantings are a common fixture here. But there are also plenty of modern traditional homes with sprawling lots. These tend to have more suburban amenities like driveways and attached garages.
Colorful homes in neighborhood in Hopatcong.
Scenic boathouse on the water on Lake Hopatcong.
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Jefferson Township Public Schools earns a B
Jefferson Township Public Schools receives a B-minus from Niche. Residents can also choose to attend Byram Township School District, which became an interdistrict school in 2013 and earns a B. “My kids go to Byram schools, which are absolutely amazing with great teachers, great staff and programs,” says Lopez. “They have tons of extracurriculars.”
Jefferson Township High School in Jefferson, NJ serves students in grades 9-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1.
Jefferson Township Middle School in Jefferson, NJ received an overall Niche grade of B-.
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Hopatcong State Park offers trails, a museum and waterfront views
Boating and marinas are part of the lifestyle here. Pontoon boat rentals are available at Bridge Marina, and Lakeview Marina offers hydrobike rentals. The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club is located on Bertrand Island in the middle of the lake. Hopatcong State Park has space to launch canoes or kayaks into the water. The park also has fields, trails, athletic facilities and picnic grounds. Fishing here is unrivaled. There aren’t many places in New Jersey where anglers can catch trout, bass, perch, catfish and herring all in one spot. The Lake Hopatcong Golf Club is an 18-hole mini-golf course with décor highlighting the area’s history. For even more history lessons, Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum contains thousands of photos and memorabilia that tell the story of the area's past as a resort area frequented by celebrities like Babe Ruth used to frequent the area.
Man fishing with people camping out in Hopatcong State Park.
Hopatcong State Park features a playground on the water for families in
Mt. Arlington
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Shopping and dining along State Route 15
State Route 15 is lined with all sorts of shopping and fast-food chains. Places like Jefferson Diner, whose chrome exterior is immaculately retro, provide a large seating section and crowd favorites like burgers. But waterfront restaurants with views are essential to lake life. Stone Water at 3 Peaks Marina is an upscale eatery with lots of seafood entrees. True to the lowkey setting, grocery shopping happens at a daily farmers market in a red barn building. Jst 4 miles south of the market, Rockaway Town Plaza includes Target and Costco.
Commuting to Manhattan on I-80
The surrounding area can be a bit rural, so it’s best to own a car. Route 15 runs north-south through town, intersecting with Interstate 80 just 4 miles south. Route 15 is best for reaching other regional lake destinations like Sparta, which has an extensive shopping district. I-80 leads to New York City. It takes about an hour to complete the 45-mile journey.
Crime
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Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
Brendan Rogers
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christine Bond,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Lake Hopatcong, NJ sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Hopatcong, NJ over the last 12 months is $548,250, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lovely 4-Bdrm /2.5 Bath Colonial in Dawns Mist community has been meticulously maintained by the original owners.This Beautiful Home is nestled on gorgeous, 3/4 acre lot w/tremendous curb appeal.The spacious floorplan provides for front door entry to a light & bright LivingRm, Eat-In Kitchen w/Breakfast Nook opens to sunken Family Room on one side & Dining Rm on the other - perfect for
This move-in ready, ranch style home is only a short walk away from Lake Hopatcong as well as the Prospect Point park which features a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts and access to the Liffy Island hiking trails. As you walk into the home you're greeted with hardwood floors and tons of natural light. The recently renovated kitchen features stainless steel appliances and quartz
Located in a prime Lake Hopatcong neighborhood, 1 Spinnaker Way offers 3 finished levels, 4 bedrooms, and 2 full plus 2 half baths. With hardwood floors, recessed lighting, and a eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, this Colonial blends comfort, style and convenience near schools, shopping, recreation and highways. An additional AC unit was added to the second floor. There is a water
Bring your vision to life with this rare LAKEFRONT parcel on the sparkling shores of Lake Hopatcong in Jefferson Township. Located in a coveted R-30 Residential Zone, this pre-existing non-conforming lot offers the chance to create your own waterfront retreat - just one hour from Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy 40 feet of lake frontage in a tranquil setting with direct access to boating, fishing,
PRICE REDUCTION! MAKE AN OFFER, seller is very motivated! Cozy cottage on beautiful Raccoon Island, Lake Hopatcong. Charming stone fireplace with large kitchen, 2 bedrooms, full bath, and porch room that could be used as a bedroom. Lake access. Great views in a tranquil setting. Island living at its best. A short ferry ride to rest and relaxation. Get on New Jersey's largest lake this summer.
Welcome to this cozy home situated on a beautiful and well-maintained property. Rebuilt in 2016 from the foundation up, it offers a range of modern features perfect for comfortable living. The kitchen is equipped with essentials including a dishwasher, gas range, and microwave, making meal preparation a breeze. On the first floor, you'll find a full bath, while an additional half bath is
Property Id: 710025Newly renovated, private 2 bedroom 1 bathroom 800 sq. ft. guesthouse in Lake Hopatcong, available 10/08/2025. Has renovated bathroom and kitchen with granite counter tops, 2 parking spots in driveway, deck, washer/dryer, with basement storage. $2125/month, 1.5x month rent security deposit required. Water, garbage pickup, sewage service, and landscaping is included. NO
Beautiful Renovated, Spacious & Bright Colonial Style home with Gorgeous Seasonal Water Views of Lake Hopatcong. 3 Large Bedrooms. Main Bedroom with walk-in closet! 2 Fully Renovated Baths. Nicely appointed Updated Kitchen with Dishwasher, Stainless Appliances & Granite Counters. Home includes inside Laundry with Washer & Dryer. Kitchen opens to a Nice deck and FULLY fenced in yard. Just down
NICELY UPDATED 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH RANCH STYLE HOME. THIS HOME HAS NEWER KITCHEN WITH STAINLESS APPLIANCES,WASHER & DRYER, NEWER LAMINATED FLOORING, LARGE LIVING ROOM, A/C UNIT IN WALL, SHARED PROPERTY, AND MUCH MORE. A MUST SEE!
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