Residential streets situated amid recreational areas
The city of Oak Ridge sits just off Route 23 in northern New Jersey, surrounded by a landscape of large lakes and expansive tracts of land. Oak Ridge possesses a slight air of mystique, mostly thanks to the combination of a theme park celebrating classic fairy tales and the century-old “Ghost Bridge,” which slowly reappeared from the submerged depths of Oak Ridge Reservoir during its draining in 2024. Those are complemented by intertwining residential streets making up much of the city’s southern half. “Oak Ridge comprises two different towns, the Jefferson side and Morris County,” says Julia Gaffney, a team leader with Keller Williams Prosperity Realty. “It’s a lot of residential areas. You do have your grocery stores and stuff, but no big, gigantic industries that employ people.”
Oak Ridge has a population of about 11,000 and sits approximately 40 miles northwest of New York City, though commuters often travel to other areas for work. “There are some people that commute into the city, but a lot of people work in different towns,” Gaffney says. “People move to Jefferson to get land to get half an acre or an acre, and they’re not spending as much as they are in nearby Kinnelon. It’s beautiful and has a really nice, hometown feel.”
Oak Ridge blends natural beauty, rich history, and a close-knit community in northern New Jersey.
A row of colonial homes in Oak Ridge showcases classic architecture and timeless neighborhood charm.
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Communities and architectural variety in Oak Ridge
Homes in Oak Ridge are primarily situated in the southern part of the city, and properties are most often single-family homes. “Cozy Lake is a small lake community where the homes aren’t more than $500,000,” Gaffney says. “Other areas in Jefferson have bigger homes, but it’s a more affordable town in Morris County, and that’s why people like that. It’s more affordable and a good town for people to start their home-owning journey in.” The median price in Oak Ridge is about $498,000. Architectural styles include colonial-and ranch-style homes, split-levels and Craftsman designs.
The northern New Jersey area often experiences cold winters, with the early months of the year averaging about a foot of snow.
Cozy Lake in Oak Ridge is a quiet lake community with scenic surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere.
Split-level homes in Oak Ridge offer spacious interiors and a unique, multi-level design for modern living.
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Heading outside of Oak Ridge to dine and shop
Few restaurants sit within Oak Ridge, but locals can head to the north side of town and Route 23 to find places to eat. Several bars and chain restaurants sit along the thoroughfare, while the Rockaway Mall is less than 15 miles south. “The Rockaway Mall’s probably 15 minutes away and there are restaurants around there,” Gaffney says. “There aren’t a ton of restaurants in Oak Ridge, but there are some bars and taverns.” About 10 miles east down Route 23, residents can also find local restaurants serving sushi, Mexican food and more. Grocery shoppers have access to an ACME Markets within the town.
The Rockaway Mall, located just 15 miles south of Oak Ridge, offers a variety of shops and dining options.
Island of Spirits Bar and Grill in Oak Ridge offers a relaxed atmosphere with great food and drinks.
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Sprawling green spaces outside the city
Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from golf courses, wildlife management areas and more green spaces in and around the city. A pair of golf courses lie within Oak Ridge, but more recreation can be found right outside of the city. Rockaway River State Wildlife Management Area encompasses nearly 4,000 acres and offers miles of trails on its grounds. “There’s lots of outdoor recreation and tons of hiking trails,” Gaffney says. “I’m a hiker, so I’m out in the woods all the time. There are lots of lakes.” Oak Ridge Reservoir accommodates fishing and boating when filled, though it was drained for maintenance during late 2024 and early 2025. To the east of Oak Ridge, Farny State Park’s nearly 5,000 acres of space are lined with trails and are adjacent to another reservoir.
Berkshire Valley Golf Course in Oak Ridge features rolling greens and a picturesque landscape for golfers.
Farny State Park in Oak Ridge offers miles of hiking trails and vast woodlands for outdoor exploration.
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A stone bridge emerging from the bottom of Oak Ridge Reservoir
Close to Oak Ridge Road, in the northern part of the city, the Fairytale Forest theme park pays homage to Grimms’ fairy tales and more stories. “It was closed for years but has opened back up again,” Gaffney says. Marked by an enormous shoe out front, another allusion to the tales of old, the park incorporates displays referencing Cinderella, Robin Hood, Goldilocks and more. Close to Route 23, the draining of the Oak Ridge Reservoir unearthed a stone structure, now known as the “Ghost Bridge,” at the bottom. “Because we had a drought and they’re draining the reservoir, there’s a bridge that has been buried underwater for 100 years,” Gaffney says. “It’s a real big draw. People are coming from all over to see the Ghost Bridge.” Visitors can see the formerly submerged, multi-arched bridge from vantage points around the reservoir, and it is the only remaining vestige of a village that was supplanted by the reservoir.
The Fairytale Forest in Oak Ridge brings classic fairy tales to life with whimsical displays and attractions.
The Ghost Bridge in Oak Ridge emerged from the drained reservoir, revealing a century-old hidden structure.
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Getting around via Route 23
Route 23 runs through parts of northern Oak Ridge. Drivers can access Interstate 287 over 10 miles east on Route 23, or hop on Interstate 80 over 20 miles south of the city. “Route 23 makes for a nice, easy commute to get out of Jefferson,” Gaffney says. “It’s probably about 10-15 minutes up Route 23 from Kinnelon.” NJ Transit operates a train station for public transit in Morris Plains, less than 25 miles south of Oak Ridge. New York City is over 40 miles southeast.
Education in Jefferson Township Public Schools
Jefferson Township Public Schools serves the area for education and gets a B-minus from Niche. The district consists of four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The Alpine Montessori School in Oak Ridge is a private school for preschool and kindergarten students, and the Skyland campus of Kean University is located nearby. The university as a whole enrolls over 13,000 students, and the main campus is over 40 miles southeast in Union.
Cozy Lake Elementary School in Oak Ridge serves PK to 1st grade with a close-knit learning environment.
The Skyland campus of Kean University near Oak Ridge provides diverse academic opportunities close to home.
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Crime statistics in Jefferson Township
The Jefferson Township Police Department serves the Oak Ridge area. From 2019 to 2022, the department reported decreases in violent and property crimes each year, according to the FBI crime database. However, 2023 saw a slight increase in both categories, according to the latest available statistics.
Written By
Adam Cheek
Photography Contributed By
Pushparaj Aitwal
Video By
Brad Davis
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On average, homes in Oak Ridge, NJ sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Ridge, NJ over the last 12 months is $515,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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