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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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-.
1/2
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
1/2
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
Crime data is not readily available.
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
Michelle Fichera-Caruso,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Spacious 5-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Brick Home with Year-Round Lake ViewsNestled in a serene lakeside community, this beautifully updated brick home offers 5 generous bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The main floor features a modern kitchen open to the dining room, an updated bathroom, and three spacious bedrooms. The open-concept living and dining areas seamlessly flow into the kitchen, creating an
Great location! Near Rt 15, Previously used as a business restaurant/ bar. Old building was removed. Buyer is responsible for any permits/ approvals. Sold strictly as-is
Rare opportunity to own a beautiful undeveloped lot to build your dream home. This is raw land. Lot size 433 sq ft. x 136 sq ft. approximately 1.37 Acres. Buyers do your due diligence. Seller has no documents. Just minutes away to launch your boat and enjoy life on Lake Hopatcong. Close to Rt 80 to NY or PA.
Spacious 5-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Brick Home with Year-Round Lake ViewsNestled in a serene lakeside community, this beautifully updated brick home offers 5 generous bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The main floor features a modern kitchen open to the dining room, an updated bathroom, and three spacious bedrooms. The open-concept living and dining areas seamlessly flow into the kitchen, creating an
Great location! Near Rt 15, Previously used as a business restaurant/ bar. Old building was removed. Buyer is responsible for any permits/ approvals. Sold strictly as-is
Rare opportunity to own a beautiful undeveloped lot to build your dream home. This is raw land. Lot size 433 sq ft. x 136 sq ft. approximately 1.37 Acres. Buyers do your due diligence. Seller has no documents. Just minutes away to launch your boat and enjoy life on Lake Hopatcong. Close to Rt 80 to NY or PA.
Updated 1-Bedroom First-Floor Apartment in Highly Desirable Jefferson Gardens!This beautifully updated first-floor unit features hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, and an open-concept layout that offers both comfort and functionality. A must-see rental in a prime location!Excellent for commuters?conveniently located just off Route 15 and only 2.7 miles to Route 80.Everything you need is
Enjoy the Lifestyle of Lake Living with this Fantastic Custom Lakefront Home features include 3 Spacious Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Family Room, Large Deck and Dock. The quiet Cove offers a bit of peace/serenity and the multiple outdoor activities of Lake Hopatcong. Close to great restaurants, shopping & major roadways. Fully Furnished and available short or long term. Unpack your bags, you've reached
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
