$1,361,686Average Value$455Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Like a storybook
20 miles northwest of Newark, at the gates of North Appalachia, resides the aptly named borough of Mountain Lakes. Here, homes sit on the mountainside, wreathed with shrubbery and draped in the shade of dense canopies, achieving a kind of storybook vibe no one would expect just 30 miles from Manhattan. Walking the streets can feel like a journey in the great outdoors as trees cover the roads like roofs of leaves while critters hop from branch to branch and birdsong fills the air. While hikers can see the whole borough from atop the local mountain, others can lounge by the beach, fish or dive into one of the eight lakes. “When I’m outside looking at the lake, really the thing you hear is the laughter of the children, which always brings me a lot of joy,” Says Marshi Richter, resident and Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty, where she is part of The Fisher Group.
The Mountain Lakes neighborhood is a truly great place to live, work and raise a family.
Enjoy lakeside living in one of the many lakefront properties in Mountain Lakes
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Walk the mountaintop or swim the lake
Along with the five major parks on the mountains, Mountain Lakes’ water bodies are crucial to local living. “Two of the lakes have beaches, and when I say a beach, I mean it’s lifeguarded, it has a snack shop, it has bathrooms and facilities,” says Richter, “so it’s a great place to go with your kids if you want to go for a swim.” When asked about other lake activities, Richter says, “There’s also fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, ice fishing and ice skating.” The lakes maintain a no-motor policy for watercrafts, creating a quiet serenity everyone gets to enjoy.
When it's too cold for a swim, you can still enjoy the water on a paddleboard in Mountain Lakes.
Hiking trails in Tourne County Park.
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Unique home in high demand
The neighborhood’s sloped roadways are populated with homes built with an Arts and Crafts design philosophy, merging styles like Tudor, prairie, Colonial and Dutch Revival to fit the tastes of their initial inhabitants. Of course, these kinds of homes come with a hefty price tag and a high demand. “We have very low inventory, and when things come on the market, we are having multiple offers in a lot of cases and on average they were selling over the asking price,” said Richter. While some properties dance a little above $500,000, agents sell homes that easily jump over $1 million, getting as high as $4 million.
Find your dream lakefront home in the Mountain Lake neighborhood.
Lakefront property is, of course, at a premium in Mountain Lakes.
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Fishing contests in April
Nature even plays a part in local festivities like the Trout Derby held in April, where children help stock Birchwood Lake with trout that contestants fish for prizes. “We have Mountain Lakes Day, we have a Memorial Day Parade, we have so many things,” says Richter. “On Fourth of July, it’s really fun here because the whole town has parties all day long. And then there’s a barge in the middle of the main lake where they set off fireworks.”
Paul's Family Diner is covered in chrome
Paul’s Family Diner is one of the most popular locations in the neighborhood’s short list of restaurants. Locking up the car in Paul’s Parking lot on US-46, patrons are ambushed by chrome-covered Greek and Egyptian revival architecture and an interior that can only be described as a throwback to fifties diner culture. Home cooks can travel up the road to find the local Whole Foods Market. Down the road, getting off on Bloomfield Avenue, carts are filled with locally sourced produce at Farmers Market Denville. If all these options miss the mark, one may travel a mile southeast on the highway to Waterview Marketplace.
Paul's Diner, a Mountain Lakes landmark, has been feeding hungry patrons since the late 1940s.
Whole Foods, in nextdoor Denville, is a popular destination for Mountain Lakes grocery shoppers.
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Students can join the literary magazine at Mountain Lakes High School
Many young learners take the morning school bus to Wildwood Lake, where Wildwood Elementary School sits just across the street from its eastern shore. Briarcliff Middle School is a common next step, as it’s only a walk down the street. Finally, Students complete their journey at Mountain Lakes High School, just across the forest in the other schools’ backyards. The facility offers more than 50 clubs, including a filmmaking club and a literary magazine. All these schools earn an A-plus from Niche.
Wildwood Elementary School sits right on Wildwood Lake in Mountain Lakes.
Briarcliff Middle School gets an A+ from Niche with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.
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30 miles from New York
“We’re only about 30 miles from the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln Tunnel, so you can get into New York very easily,” says Richter, who also noted that the NJ Transit train and shuttle bus provide plenty of alternatives to driving into the city. “We’re an hour away from the Jersey Shore, which is where the beaches are.” Those who do want to drive hop on US-46, which cuts through the borough's southwest side.
The Lincoln Tunnel connects Mountain Lakes to Manhattan for quick access to city life and culture.
Mountain Lakes residents often head to the Jersey Shore for summer beaches and ocean views.
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Flash flood hazards
Mountain Lakes is, no surprise, prime real estate for flash flooding. Homes in the south end of the borough may deal with over 3 feet of water in their backyards. Apart from property damage, walking any trails during flood warnings is especially dangerous with the risk of being swept down the mountainside.
Written By
Samuel Grom
Photography Contributed By
John Gallino
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Dasaro,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Mountain Lakes, NJ sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Mountain Lakes, NJ over the last 12 months is $1,200,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked away in the serene surroundings of The Enclave, this sophisticated 3-bedroom end unit offers a seamless blend of modern luxury and quietude. The interior is defined by an effortless open flow, where gleaming hardwood floors and oversized windows invite an abundance of natural light to sweep through every room. At the heart of the home, the gourmet kitchen serves as a masterclass in design,
Nestled in the Hill Section of Mountain Lakes this stunning Grand Manor Hapgood blends refined, comfortable living with resort style amenities. The expansive 7 bedroom, 5 bathroom home offers exceptional space 6500 square feet + and thoughtful design, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The home sits on over 1 acre of land backing to the Tourne Park. At the heart of the home is a
Defined by legacy, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence, this Hapgood Colonial has been deliberately transformed to honor its authentic character while embracing modern refinement; thoughtfully designed for effortless entertaining, everyday comfort, and fluid indoor-outdoor living. The 13-foot coffered family room sets the tone for the home- grand in scale, intimate in detail. Family room extends
This lovingly and meticulously updated 5-bedroom craftsman colonial is move-in ready for summer. Just add memories! Located a stone's throw from the scenic cove, boating, fishing, and skating are practically at your doorstep. From the circular drive, you're welcomed by an expansive mahogany porch ready to host dinner parties for twenty! Inside, distinctive architectural details abound, including
Step into this European-inspired lakefront masterpiece, built in 2021 and set on a pristine 1.24-acre level lot overlooking the serene Crystal Lake. Just 30 minutes from NYC and nestled within a top-rated school district, this home blends luxury, convenience, and the coveted Mountain Lakes lifestyle. From the moment you arrive via the brick-paver driveway, the two-story wrought iron entrance and
Step into the charm of Mountain Lakes living with this beautifully updated Colonial, offering stunning seasonal lake views and modern comforts. Designed for effortless entertaining, the home boasts an open floor plan, a formal dining room, sunny kitchen open to expansive family room w/ lake views and handsome fireplace as well as an spacious deck perfect for al fresco gatherings. Inside, you'll
Nestled on a picturesque, level 0.60-acre lot in the heart of town, this custom Cape Cod home has charm, character & thoughtful updates. Tucked away w/ a driveway off Laurel Hill Rd, this gem offers serenity while being just steps from all that Mountain Lakes has to offer. Step into the stunning FR, where a soaring ceiling, oversized windows & a striking brick fireplace create a warm & inviting
Tucked away in the serene surroundings of The Enclave, this sophisticated 3-bedroom end unit offers a seamless blend of modern luxury and quietude. The interior is defined by an effortless open flow, where gleaming hardwood floors and oversized windows invite an abundance of natural light to sweep through every room. At the heart of the home, the gourmet kitchen serves as a masterclass in design,
One of Mountain Lakes' most sought-after and recognizable homes, this landmark, turnkey property blends presence, history, and modern comfort. Set on a striking hilltop, it offers exceptional curb appeal with a circular driveway and classic porte-cochere an unforgettable arrival. Inside, timeless architectural details meet refined updates: original chestnut trim, diamond-pane windows, period
Experience the perfect blend of modern luxury and small-town charm in the heart of Mountain Lakes. Set on a pristine, level .36-acre lot framed by signature stone walls, this meticulously updated custom home offers a lifestyle of effortless elegance. The open-concept main level is anchored by a gourmet chef's kitchen featuring sleek quartz countertops, stainless appliances and a sun-drenched
Tucked away on a coveted wood lot in sought-after Mountain Lakes, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2 full, 2 half bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and effortless entertaining. Surrounded by lush, professionally landscaped grounds, the stunning backyard creates a true private retreat with exceptional outdoor living spaces.Inside, an expansive open-concept layout is
Experience sophisticated luxury in this stunning contemporary New York-style penthouse-inspired home, set in the serene suburbs of New Jersey. This exceptional residence showcases modern design, high-end finishes, and impeccable attention to detail throughout. Enter through a dramatic two-story foyer with striking lighting, glass panels, and sleek stainless steel railings. The elegant dining room
Nestled in the Hill Section of Mountain Lakes this stunning Grand Manor Hapgood blends refined, comfortable living with resort style amenities. The expansive 7 bedroom, 5 bathroom home offers exceptional space 6500 square feet + and thoughtful design, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The home sits on over 1 acre of land backing to the Tourne Park. At the heart of the home is a
Defined by legacy, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence, this Hapgood Colonial has been deliberately transformed to honor its authentic character while embracing modern refinement; thoughtfully designed for effortless entertaining, everyday comfort, and fluid indoor-outdoor living. The 13-foot coffered family room sets the tone for the home- grand in scale, intimate in detail. Family room extends
Must see, move in condition. quiet cul-de-sac at end of street. Open floorplan, high ceilings, backing to parklands, Excellent, highly rated Mountain Lakes School System. Original owner made improvements and upgrades throughout every nook and cranny in this luxurious townhome. Second floor Laundry room off of Main Bedroom. Recently installed window treatments, All bathrooms upgraded with designer
LUXURY LAKEFRONT LIVING! One of a kind, custom home completely renovated. High end finishings including Wolf/SubZero/Miele appliances, Waterworks in primary bath and marble throughout. Open floor plan with views from all rooms. Living room with cathedral ceiling and wood burning fireplace leads to a large den on the second floor with built-in desk area and glass doors overlooking desirable
Spacious, custom designed apartment homes are available at Meadowbrook Gardens in wonderful Parsippany, New Jersey. Our lovely community is minutes from acclaimed schools, fantastic dining, thrilling entertainment venues, and nearby lakes.Living in Parsippany doesn't get any better than this! We offer two impressive floor plans with 1 or 2 bedrooms to choose from. Meadowbrook Gardens
This bright, open 2-bedroom, 2 1/2 bath townhome in Pine Edge offers all the benefits of the Mountain Lakes lifestyle without the maintenance or taxes! You'll appreciate the gleaming hardwood floors throughout, neutral paint palette, and high ceilings. The main floor features an inviting open floor plan. The spacious living room offers sliders to a sunny balcony at one end, and a two-sided
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