Stillwater offers small-town living in the mountains
In northern New Jersey, near the state border with Pennsylvania, Stillwater offers quaint living in the mountains featuring properties on big lots. “People are mostly attracted to its small-town feel,” says Juliet Lopez, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Integrity, who’s been selling homes in the area since 2019. The township was incorporated in 1824 and has long been supported by the agricultural and tree farming industries. Locals also have access to plenty of outdoor attractions, including Swartswood State Park, established as New Jersey’s first state park in 1914.
Swartswood State Park, nearby hiking trails
In the east end of town, Swartswood State Park features a lake with a beach and boat launch, hiking trails and a playground. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which stretches over 2,000 miles through 14 states, runs alongside the west end of Stillwater on Kittatinny Mountain. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has over 150 miles of hiking trails. And just 10 miles north, Stokes State Forest has over 60 additional miles of marked hiking and biking trails.
Traditional home styles starting in the $200,000s
Homebuyers can find ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and colonial revivals from the early to late 1900s. Most houses sit along winding country roads with several acres of land, but there are also a few subdivisions in town that have more of a suburban feel. Homes typically sell for $200,000 to $600,000.
Fall Fest, more events at the Sussex County Fairgrounds
The Historical Society of Stillwater Township hosts the annual fall festival in October with hayrides, craft vendors and family activities. Sussex County hosts more events at the nearby Sussex County Fairgrounds, including Crawfish Fest with live music and seafood vendors. Other fests at the fairgrounds include the Garden State Anime Fest and Maverick's Legacy Spring Craft and Vendor Fair.
Local primary school, regional high school
Students may start at Stillwater Township School, which earns a B-plus from Niche, for kindergarten through sixth grade, before going to Kittatinny Regional High School, which gets a B-minus and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 10-to-1.
Popular local restaurants and nearby shopping
There are popular local dining options in town like Hyde-Away Restaurant & Tap Room, Mengo's Pizzeria and the Stillwater Cafe. Sussex County Mall is less than 10 miles away with supermarkets and department stores.
Commuting via Route 94
Stillwater is car dependent due to its rural nature. Commuters can take back roads out of town to state Route 94, which connects to U.S. Route 206 and Interstate 80. “I used to live in Bergen County, and there’s a lot less traffic around here,” says Lopez.
