Rural community just 30 miles from Upper Manhattan
Located in the heart of the Ramapo Mountains, Ringwood is a New Jersey township that offers a rural backdrop to its friendly community. It's home to dense pine forests, chilly reservoirs and expansive state parks hugging the New York border, yet the rustic borough is only 30 miles away from Upper Manhattan. “Ringwood attracts outdoorsy people who value commutability and the beauty of nature,” says Orly Steinberg, President of Keller Williams Village Square Realty, who’s been selling homes in Ringwood since 1986. “They can swim and hike during the day and still see a Broadway play that night.”
Ringwood State Park, New Jersey State Botanical Garden
State parks comprise 70 percent of the township and provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Spanning over 4,400 acres, Ringwood State Park offers hiking trails, mountain biking, swimming and fishing. The park’s Shepherd Lake Recreational Area also features a trap and skeet range, playground and picnic areas. At the New Jersey State Botanical Garden, located within the over 1,000-acre Skylands estate property, visitors can stop to smell the flowers with elaborate floral displays across six different gardens. Stonetown Recreation Center is a smaller park in the borough’s south end with baseball diamonds, a soccer field, basketball court and a playground. While water access on the Wanaque Reservoir is prohibited, the nearby Monksville Reservoir is open for boating and kayaking with two launches.
Ringwood is a scenic town filled with forests and wildlife.
Residents can bring their furry friends to Ringwood Dog Park.
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Modest log cabins and contemporary estates
Ringwood’s housing stock features a variety of architectural styles thanks to its changes over time. In the early 20th century, log cabins were built around the area’s lakes for easy hunting and fishing access. Cape Cod-style homes and colonials sprouted up in the 1960s, and the 1980s saw the development of larger contemporary-style estates. Regardless of style, homes here often have spacious lots. “The nice thing about Ringwood is that lots can be half an acre up to 4 acres depending on where in town you are,” says Steinberg. “As you get further away from the lake, you get more land.” Homes with up to four bedrooms typically sell for $300,000 to $600,000, while the township’s large estates go for $1 million to $1.5 million. According to the CAP Index, the borough has an overall crime score of one, which is the lowest possible tally and is well below the national average of four.
You can find many bungalows and homes surrounding the lakes in Ringwood.
You can find a variety of log cabin styled homes in Ringwood.
Cottages and Cape Cod style homes can be found around Ringwood.
Large colonial homes can also be found in Ringwood.
Neighborhoods filled with colonials and large family homes are common in ringwood.
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Ringwood Friends of Music hosts free concerts
St. Patrick’s Day brings the Ringwood community together. A family fun event at the public library kicks off the celebrations and a parade runs along Skyline Drive. Ringwood Friends of Music has been hosting free concerts around the borough for over 40 years. Ringwood Manor hosts events throughout the year, including speaker series and an annual young artists expo that was chartered by the state in 1966. There are also fireworks at Shepherd Lake in September and a Halloween Hoopla with a haunted house, food vendors and family-friendly games.
University Program at Lakeland Regional High
Students may start at Robert Erskine Elementary, which gets a B-minus from Niche, for kindergarten through third grade. Fourth and fifth graders may go to Eleanor G Hewitt Intermediate, which also has a B-minus, before continuing to Martin J Ryerson Middle with a B-minus. Lakeland Regional High, which earns a B, offers a University Program where students can explore career opportunities and earn college credit in fields like Biomedical Research and Graphic Design.
Robert Erskine Elementary School in Ringwood, New Jersey.
Martin J. Ryerson Middle School in Ringwood, New Jersey.
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Close to shopping centers and local eats
Though the mountains offer a rural feel for the township community, amenities aren’t far. Ringwood is only about 15 to 20 minutes from four major malls, including Willowbrook in Wayne and Palisades Center in Nyack. At these centers, residents have a slew of department stores at their fingertips, with chains like Macy’s and HomeGoods. Local stores and the central Stop & Shop supermarket fulfill needs closer to home, while dining staples like Lakeside Diner and Luigi's Pizza serve familiar favorites.
Commuting to New York City
Proximity to thoroughfares like Interstate 287 and Interstate 87 makes Ringwood highly commutable, getting locals to Upper Manhattan in under an hour. Commuters can also leave their car at Ringwood Park and Ride and take the bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The trip takes about an hour, and buses arrive every 30 minutes.
Commuters to NYC take advantage of the Ringwood Park & Ride for a one hour bus trip to the city.
Written By
Tina Davis
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Brendan Rogers
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ringwood, NJ sell after 8 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Ringwood, NJ over the last 12 months is $686,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes awaits you, just an hour drive from Manhattan NY, this stately colonial estate beckons with approximately 5944 sq ft of meticulously crafted living space. Leaving behind Busy Life of NYC and feel the Nature. Hold Parties on the multi-level deck with pool without over crowding home. Spanning 3 levels, the ground, main and second floor encompasses 4944 sq ft,
Located in a beautiful wooded area of Ringwood, this half acre property is backed up against acres of undevelopable open space providing access to miles of hiking trails without driving. This parklike setting is often visited by local wildlife and is located on a dead-end street ensuring minimal traffic.This 2-bedroom, 2 bath home features a large master suite with jet tub, sauna, and easy access
Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes awaits you, just an hour drive from Manhattan NY, this stately colonial estate beckons with approximately 5944 sq ft of meticulously crafted living space. Leaving behind Busy Life of NYC and feel the Nature. Hold Parties on the multi-level deck with pool without over crowding home. Spanning 3 levels, the ground, main and second floor encompasses 4944 sq ft,
Located in a beautiful wooded area of Ringwood, this half acre property is backed up against acres of undevelopable open space providing access to miles of hiking trails without driving. This parklike setting is often visited by local wildlife and is located on a dead-end street ensuring minimal traffic.This 2-bedroom, 2 bath home features a large master suite with jet tub, sauna, and easy access
FOR RENT BY OWNER Charming 3-Bedroom Home Near Private Lake with Spacious Driveway, Garage, and DeckNestled in a peaceful residential neighborhood, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers abundant space and comfort. The eat-in kitchen, with direct access to a spacious deck, is perfect for casual meals or outdoor dining, while the separate dining room is ideal for entertaining
Available Sept 1, 2025 a€“ May 31, 2026 | Seasonal Rental Only For more information on this home please contact Andrew Delgado- 347-502-8546 Experience the best of seasonal living in this lakefront Erskine Lake ranch! Ideal for NYC commuters with close proximity to Manhattan and direct express bus access. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem features a large eat-in kitchen, spacious living room with a
Stunning Lakefront Colonial for Rent in the Heart of Erskine Lakes! Spacious home features sun-filled living room, formal dining room, and sliders to a large lakeside deck. Oversized primary BR w/ walk-in closet, updated baths, vinyl/carpet floors, and plenty of storage. Enjoy outdoor living w/ patio, deck, and lake access. Available immediately. A rare rental gem!
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