Located along the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border, Liberty Township offers its residents scenic lakes, sprawling greenspaces and a charming local shopping scene – a very different side of New Jersey when compared to its well-known urban and coastal locations. “It really is completely different from the impression most people have of New Jersey,” says Nicola Cumiskey, Broker-Associate with RE/MAX Town & Valley, and resident of the area for over 15 years. “People think of the big city, not the very rural and very charming little townships like Liberty.” While the area features many life-long residents, Liberty Township is among the areas in New Jersey seeing growth – with the township's unique rural charm that still manages to provide access to urban amenities, an influx of urban transplants has come seeking more space and serenity.
Mountain Lake is over 12,000 years old and is Warren County's largest natural glacial lake.
Liberty Township is a perfect combination of farmland and mountainous forest.
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Classic homes with plenty of room to stretch out
Liberty Township features a variety of classically styled homes such as ranch styles, Colonial Revivals, and split-levels, along with Cape Cods and cottages sitting around Mountain Lake. Residents take advantage of the spaced-out nature of the area with porches, gardens, well-maintained lawns and even the occasional chicken coop. “The way the homes and the outdoor beauty of the area blend together, it’s just breathtaking,” says Nicole Haslett, real estate agent (along with her husband and partner, Adam) with Keller Williams Metropolitan. “It’s one of my favorite drives – sometimes, we’ll go out to drive around and just take in the beauty of the area.” Prices start at around $185,000 for lakeside cottages and range up to $750,000 for large estates on acres of land.
Historic Colonials give the township an old-fashioned feel.
Homes alongside Mountain Lake is a refuge for homeowners looking for more space.
Bungalows in Liberty Township offer patios for admiring the scenery
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Hackettstown High helps with the transition to high school
Students in the area are served by the Great Meadows Regional School District and begin at Central Elementary School – which earns a B from Niche. Students then move on to Great Meadows Regional Middle School, which earns a Niche score of B-plus. From there, students integrate into the Hackettstown Public School District and attend B-minus-rated Hackettstown High School. The high school’s Freshman Academy is locally renowned for the way it helps students smoothly transition into the new atmosphere with easy access to study teams and guidance counselors. The area is also home to Warren County Community College.
Hackettstown High School has Great Meadows pride.
Team sports build community at Hackettstown High.
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Nearby access to Interstate 80 and Route 46
Liberty Township sits just six miles from the Pennsylvania border, 38 miles from Allentown and 70 miles from Manhattan. Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 46 provide broad access to the tri-state area, though a car is a must – public transportation is limited to an in-town shuttle service in neighboring Hackettstown. “Most people are commuting to work in either Morristown or Hackettstown,” says Haslett. “But some people commute even further, just to be able to stay in Liberty.”
Meals at The Lodge overlook Mountain Lake
Because of its rural atmosphere, shopping and dining options are rather limited – though the area has some unique advantages, such as local farmstands and farmers markets in neighboring communities such as Knowlton Township and Blairstown. Rogers Gourmet Produce & Seafood is another option for groceries, while Hackettstown’s Walmart serves as the spot for everyday essentials and retail. “It’s definitely sparse when it comes to shopping,” says Haslett. “But really, that’s part of the appeal and Hackettstown is close enough that it’s easy to get what you need.” Off Hope Road, J.P. Kelly’s Pub and Eatery offers a full bar alongside classics such as burgers and wings, while The Lodge at Mountain Lake is a popular venue that also serves a small menu featuring things such as roasted chicken and beef stew.
Since big box stores are few and far between, small shops and markets populate Liberty.
Johnny's is the perfect place to grab a roadside snack in the great outdoors.
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Explore the sprawling Jump State Forest
The western side of Liberty Township is home to Mountain Lake, a glacial-made body of water estimated to be over 12,000 years old. Residents can relax on the community beach or admire the waterfront from the lakeside lodge. Jenny Jump State Forest offers visitors a number of trails that culminate in scenic views of the Allamuchy-Panther Valley and Kittatinny Mountains. “If people could see the area, they’d know it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the tri-state area,” says Adam Haslett. “Simply put, people who don’t think much of New Jersey clearly haven’t seen Liberty.” Residents can also take in truck races at the Island Dragway located off Island Road or enjoy a variety of rides and waterslides at the Land of Make-Believe amusement park.
Liberty Township offers a more rural side of New Jersey.
Mountain Lake, a glacial-made body of water that is estimated to be over 12,000 years old
There are plenty of places to stroll in Liberty Township.
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Written By
Gerald Withers
Photography Contributed By
Glen Mordeci
Video By
Zack Kojoyian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Norma Kania,
an experienced agent in this area.
Custom 4BR ranch on 1.3 acres with a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind mountain view in Great Meadows (Liberty Twp). Designed to showcase the scenery, the main level features an open living and dining area with soaring ceilings made possible by the home's unique layout where the only upper-level room is a loft bedroom/office. Three comfortable bedrooms and a full bath* complete the main floor, offering
Custom Contemporary Home on your own private lot! Discover this one-of-a-kind single-family contemporary home, perfectly tucked away for privacy and peaceful living. Step inside to a bright, open floor plan featuring a formal living room with soaring ceilings, skylights, a cozy pellet fireplace, and sliding doors that open to a covered deck with an 18-ft awning ideal for relaxing or entertaining
Just steps from Mountain Lake, this enchanting stone cottage combines storybook charm with modern updates. Lovingly restored, it blends timeless craftsmanship with today's comforts. The granite kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a center island, and beadboard detail, while the sunlit living and dining area with a gas fireplace and walls of windows, sets the stage for cozy evenings or
Freshly renovated, fully furnished one-bedroom apartment in a peaceful country setting, surrounded by rolling hills, pastures, and mountain-view sunsets. Located on the second floor of a well-kept multi-family home, this bright, comfortable unit offers the perfect blend of modern convenience and rural charm. All utilities included, with shared washer/dryer. Includes wi-fi. One pet under 50 lbs
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.
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