Started as a collection of log cabin vacation homes around a man-made lake in 1927, Pines Lake is now a year-round lakeside community. One of the three private lake communities in Wayne, a township that made Travel + Leisure Magazine’s list of New Jersey’s top 10 towns to live in, life here truly revolves around the water. “They have two beaches at the lake. They teach swimming lessons, sailing, they have barbecues, they have events for the holidays,” says Joseph Simone, a licensed real estate salesperson at Howard Hanna who has sold homes here for 35 years. “So the whole lake community gets involved and if you’re looking for outdoor recreational opportunities, it’s just a peaceful lifestyle.”
Pines Lake is a scenic destination to live and enjoy for residents.
Houses tucked into the forest along the water can be found around Pines Lake.
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Swimming and boating at Pines Lake, nature trails and community clubs
Carrying the same name as the community, Pines Lake is the literal and metaphorical center of the community. "It's a really clean lake with a lot of social activities like tennis courts and pickleball, sailing and a swim team," says Carole Lynn Brescia, a Pines Lake resident for almost four decades and a broker sales associate at Coldwell Banker Realty. Residents swim at the lake’s two beaches, and sailing, kayaking and boating are all popular, though there’s a rule that only three powerboats or jet skis can be out on the water at a time. Catch-and-release fishing is another favorite activity, including ice fishing during the winter. The community cares a lot about its lake, which is home to rare tiger salamanders as well as several other species of salamanders, frogs and toads. Amphibians are considered an ecological indicator species, which means that they’re highly sensitive to pollutants in water sources, so their presence is a testament to the lake’s health.
The Laurelwood Arboretum is a 30-acre botanical park with gardens, ponds, and hundreds of plants, trees and wildlife species. Hikers and runners enjoy setting out on its wooded trails for a little exercise and exploration. Terhune Memorial Park is another favorite spot for its dog-friendly wooded trails and views of Pompton Lake. Pines Lake residents often participate in clubs centered around fishing and conservation, gardening and sailing, plus a women's and seniors club. You also have access to the lake, where you can go boating, swimming, fishing, and play tennis, pickleball and basketball. There's also an annual summer program for kids. Even more parks featuring ball fields, playgrounds, basketball courts and dog runs are located throughout Wayne, and the Wayne Community Center opened in November 2024 in place of the old YMCA just 5 miles away; it offers much of the services the old gym used to, just through the town. “There’s just so much for the families in town that Wayne is probably one of the strongest communities in northern New Jersey,” Simone says.
Pines Lake provides the perfect setting for kayaking, canoeing, and leisurely boating adventures.
Locals can take a stroll through the scenic trails in Laurelwood Arboretum in Pines Lake.
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Small fixer-uppers starting around $450,000
Pines Lake still has a few of its original little wood cabins, but many of those houses have been replaced. Today, the neighborhood has wide range of home styles — anything from the Cape Cods, colonials and more recently built new traditionals so common on Long Island to Mediterranean, Tudor and contemporary-style homes. Contemporary homes in particular could date anywhere from the 1990s to the present. “A lot of the homes have been knocked down and they’re building brand new homes on the lake,” Simone says. “They’re putting in beautiful homes where the entire back of the homes are all windows overlooking the lake with huge decks and patios to appreciate the waterfront.”
Homes here start as low as $450,000, but bigger, newer houses can climb to about $2 million. Homes directly on the water typically cost between $850,000 and $2 million, depending on size and renovation needs. As a private lakefront community, all homeowners pay dues to the Pines Lake Association. Pines Lake’s CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Pines Lake features charming Cape Cod homes that blend classic architecture with lakeside living.
Pines Lake feature an array of classic architecture, including Tudor style homes.
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Potential impacts of hurricane season
Hurricane season can bring major storms to Pines Lake, but it doesn’t always. When these storms do hit, Pines Lake has a moderate risk of flooding and a major risk of high winds.
Regular community events, Wayne Day
The Pines Lake Association hosts frequent events, especially during the summer. Pickleball happens twice a week, and during the summer there are regular “Fun Nights” dedicated to different ideas, from painting to dessert competitions. There are plenty of holiday events, too, including a Fourth of July parade and picnic. According to Simone, residents from throughout the township participate in Wayne Day, where local businesses set up tents alongside a petting zoo, carnival rides, live music and more.
Nearby shopping and dining in Wayne, Pompton Lake
Pines Lake itself is entirely residential, so residents need to get in their cars and drive for a few minutes if they want to enjoy a meal out or need to go shopping. Villa Verde Restaurant and Novelli are both popular spots just outside the neighborhood. For more options, the more commercial parts of Wayne are about 4 miles away. Maggies Town Tavern is known for its ribs and its bar, while Viaggio is an Italian restaurant known for its BYOB policy. The restaurant doesn't sell alcohol, but customers are welcome to bring their own. Shopping is abundant in Wayne, especially when it comes to grocery stores, which include a ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. “Anything you want in town, we have it,” Simone says. Pines Lake is also less than 3 miles from Pompton Lakes, which has even more shopping and entertainment like the Pompton Lakes Towne Square mall and a Rage Room.
Maggies Town Tavern is popular with Pines Lake residents.
Novelli is a classic Italian restaurant in the Pines Lake area of Wayne.
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Highly rated Wayne schools, William Paterson University
The Wayne Township Public School District is also a major draw for the community. Niche gives it an A and lists it as the best school district in Passaic County as well as the state's best district for student athletes. Children can attend Pine Lakes Elementary, which has a B-plus, before moving on to Schuyler-Colfax Middle and Wayne Hills High School, which both have A ratings. Niche lists Wayne Hills High as the third best public high school in Passaic County. The high school has a long-standing football rivalry with the other high school in the district, Wayne Valley High School.
William Paterson University is also in Wayne — about 5 miles from Pines Lake. Educating over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, William Paterson University has received national recognition as one of the most diverse colleges and universities in New Jersey. Lectures and events are open to the public, like the annual Jazz Room Series event, a 45-year tradition.
Pines Lake Elementary, located on Pines Lake Drive, serves grades K–5 with a strong focus on academic excellence and character development.
Wayne Hills High School near Pines Lake ranks among New Jersey’s top public schools, emphasizing college readiness and community values.
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Nearby hospital, highway access
Wayne General Hospital is about 6 miles away. U.S. Route 202, also called Terhune Drive, edges Pines Lake, and it takes only a few minutes to get onto Interstate 287. Midtown Manhattan is about 27 miles away, a drive that can take about an hour and 30 minutes.
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