A North Jersey township
Long before the Jonas Brothers called Little Falls home, this township was a farming village. Following its founding in 1711, the community steadily grew along the Passaic River and its waterfalls — one of which inspired the suburb's name. "Little Falls is a hot community to purchase in," according to former residents and real estate agents Kathleen and Krista Milinkovich with Coldwell Banker. This is partly because taxes and home prices are lower than in some surrounding communities, including Montclair. Located less than 20 miles from New York City, Little Falls has become a popular community among commuters. It boasts highly rated schools, its own waterfront green spaces and local establishments along East Main Street. Though perhaps best known for its quiet suburban nature, its establishments and parks mean that "you could spend the whole day just walking around here and having a blast," says Jocelyn Russo, an agent with Coldwell Banker.
Three distinct housing areas
Little Falls offers three district housing sections, each featuring wide streets lined with sidewalks and mature maple trees. Near the western border are bungalows and modest ranch-style homes that typically cost between $350,000 and $660,000. Buyers should be aware that these homes receive higher-than-average Flood Factor Scores because of their proximity to the Passaic River. Toward the middle of Little Falls are mainly Victorians and Colonial Revivals, which range from $600,000 to $800,000. Many of the community's larger homes are to the east, including sprawling ranch-style builds and brick New Traditional designs. These typically start at $600,000 and can go for upwards of $1 million. Throughout Little Falls, there are condo units, which range from $300,000 to upwards of $600,000, as well as townhouses, typically costing between $400,000 and $700,000.
Public schools and Montclair State University
Most children here enroll in Little Falls Township Public Schools for elementary and middle school. They start off School No. 2, which offers prekindergarten through second-grade instruction. From third to fourth grade, students can attend School No. 3, a 2019 National Blue Ribbon award recipient. These two schools receive B-plus ratings from Niche and boast a combined PTA that participates in local events. Students can then continue to School No. 1 from fifth through eighth grade, which also receives a B-plus rating. The school features a number of elective courses, including 'Coding & 3D Design.' For high school, children here head to A-minus-rated Passaic Valley High School, where they can explore their passions by taking electives like 'Fundamentals of Piano' and 'Audio Visual Production.' For higher education, Little Falls is conveniently home to Montclair State University, which is tied as the No. 88 public institution in 2024, as rated by U.S. News & World Report.
Local eateries: Cappadocia Restaurant, Munchy's and more
Little Falls features a selection of local eateries along Main Street and State Route 23. Cappadocia Restaurant offers Mediterranean classics and is known for its Turkish coffee. Nearby, Munchy's serves taco specials and shakes, while Bibiana's Kitchen offers empanadas. For other options, the Milinkovichs recommend Rare, The Steak House, which, in 2024, the New Jersey Monthly Magazine ranked as one of the state's best steakhouses. Another popular spot here is Maggie's Town Tavern, which has been serving the community since the 1940s. Today, the restaurant offers a rustic sports bar vibe and pub fare. Kathleen Milinkovich says she frequently sees people she knows at these local establishments — "and not only [people] from Little Falls, but also from the surrounding towns." For groceries, the community is conveniently home to a ShopRite location. There are also some unique establishments here, including the Yogi Berra Museum and Main Street Antiques Center. For additional shopping, the Willowbrook Mall is less than 2 miles from the community's western border
Sports, hikes and more
The Milinkovichs say that residents often spend time at the Little Falls Sports & Recreation Complex, which features soccer fields and pickleball courts. It's also home to a football field. Nearby, Wilmore Park is a go-to option among children and adults alike. The park was recently approved for renovation, featuring everything from a new playground to picnic tables. For more recreational opportunities, the community is home to several green spaces that border the Passaic River, including Morris Canal Park, where locals come to see picturesque views of the flowing falls. Lucky hikers may even spot wildlife like waterfowl and deer as they walk along the wooded paths. Another popular hiking spot is the Garret Mountain Reservation, which is just a 3-mile drive away from Little Falls. This reservation spans more than 550 acres, featuring the Garret Mountain Equestrian Center and scenic views of the city.
Little Falls Biz Block Party and other events
The community hosts a summer concert and movie series. At the annual June Little Falls Biz Block Party, there is everything from a pie-eating competition to live music. Also popular among many people here is the Little Falls Farmers Market, which typically runs from late May to late October; people can come to peruse seasonal produce or even stop by to check out the alpacas that have become favorite guests among market-goers. The Fourth of July Street Fair also attracts many people with its celebratory vibe and plenty of kid-friendly activities. When autumn rolls around, the township hosts an annual fall festival, which offers food and activities for the little ones. In early December, there's the Peddlers Village Marketplace, which features a diverse selection of vendors and has become a go-to option for residents looking to buy holiday gifts.
Commutes to NYC
The township is home to the Little Falls and Montclair State University stations, but since the journey to Penn Station requires at least one transfer and is normally over an hour long, NJ Transit's bus routes are often more convenient. Line 191 offers connections to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which typically takes just under an hour. Some people opt to drive into NYC, which is just under 20 miles east via state Route 3. While many Little Falls residents work in the Big Apple, the community is also convenient for people employed at Montclair State University and the Mountainside Medical Center, which is around 5.5 miles away via Grove Street and Ridgewood Avenue. The nearest airport is the public-use Essex County Airport (about 5 miles away), but most travelers here head to the Newark Liberty International Airport, which is approximately 22.5 miles away via the Garden State Parkway.
