Montague Township, ‘a real small-town feel’
Montague Township, 70 miles from Newark, is the only New Jersey municipality bordering both Pennsylvania and New York. The township is primarily composed of state lands and protected areas with rolling green hills and recreational opportunities near the surrounding lakes and trails. Many move to the area because of the school district and low property taxes. “It is a real small-town feel in Sandyston and Montague,” says Marjorie Morville, a local Realtor and sales associate with Coldwell Banker Realty, adding that small class sizes at district schools and "reasonable taxes" attract people to this northern part of Sussex County.
Views of three states from High Point State Park
A monolith stands at the highest point in New Jersey on the summit of Kittatinny Ridge in High Point State Park. The High Point Monument is dedicated to New Jersey veterans, and those visiting the structure have a scenic view of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The High Point Cross Country Ski Center offers lessons and trail passes during the winter, as well as year-round activities such as hiking, boating and fishing on all four of the park's lakes. Morville says that anglers also frequent Flatbrook River in Stokes State Forest, which is stocked with trout. The Delaware River borders the area and is another popular spot for fishing and boating. High Point Golf Club surrounds the private Holiday Lake, allowing for scenic views while playing its 18-hole course.
Variety of housing styles among the hills of Montague
“You will find a variety of homes from ranch-style, stately colonials, old farmhouses, capes and bi-levels,” Morville says. “There are properties with acreage, lots of farmland and several orchards and Christmas tree farms.” Most homes in Montague are surrounded by farmland or feature large lots along winding roadways; prices range from $205,000 to $580,000. Many are clustered around Holiday Lake near High Point Golf Club. These properties are part of the High Point Country Club; once a vacation destination, it is now a small community overseen by the FirstService Residential community management company. Several condos and townhouses can be found near Holiday Lake, ranging from $200,000 to $500,000.
Clubs and service groups at High Point Regional High School
The Montague Township School serves prekindergarten through eighth grade and receives a B-minus from Niche. High Point Regional High School, which also receives a B-minus, has a variety of clubs for students, including service organizations and special-interest groups like jazz ensemble, art club and more.
Commuters use Port Jervis Train Station
Port Jervis Train Station in New York is 9 miles away and takes commuters to Hoboken. Those going to New York City would take the train to Secaucus Junction and transfer to Penn Station, with an approximate travel time of over 2 hours. Interstate 84 is nearby for those commuting to Middletown. U.S. Route 206 also traverses the area and leads to Newton, the commercial center of Sussex and the site of Newton Medical Center, about 20 miles to the south. Newark Liberty International Airport is 65 miles away.
Sunflower Maze at Liberty Farm
Residents attend the tractor parade 3 miles away in Sandyston Township, hosted by the local volunteer fire department. Morville notes that the event "always has great attendance.” At Liberty Farm, also in Sandyston, the Sussex County Sunflower Maze is open from August to September. The seasonal attraction offers photo opportunities, a farmers market with crafts, and a 200-acre sunflower maze.
Shopping and dining in nearby municipalities
Most shopping and dining is found in neighboring municipalities like Newton, Milford and Matamoras. Milford is 2 miles away, while Matamoras is 10 miles to the north. Both boroughs offer several diners and cafes. In Sandyston, Flatbrook Tap House serves American comfort food in a dive bar setting. Gyp’s Tavern, 9 miles away in Branchville, serves bar food and is known for being frequented by legendary baseball player Babe Ruth. Groceries are available in Newton at Weis Markets and in Sandyston at Hainesville General Store. Religious services are held at St. James the Greater Roman Catholic Church, Salt & Light Community Church, Minisink Reformed Church and other houses of worship around the area.
