$411,008Average Value$254Average Price per Sq Ft48Homes For Sale
A rural community with an outdoorsy lifestyle, less than two hours fro
Marked by lakes and hiking trails, Vernon is a rural exurb about 90 minutes from New York City. Adjoining the New York state border, it’s mixed in with other townships clustered around northeast Sussex County. Each of these locales has their own identity but share an outdoorsy lifestyle. Vernon stands out for its numerous resorts. There are some modern aspects, too, like offices for Sirius XM Radio and Route 94 running through the middle of town, uniting the various side roads. Jessica Caldwell, a community planner who’s done redevelopment studies for Vernon, says there’s room to balance growth and preservation. Realtors say keeping the lowkey lifestyle is crucial for securing future homebuyers. “I moved to Sussex County from Bergen County in 2019,” says Juliet Lopez, a real estate agent at Keller Williams Integrity. “Its brand is based on bringing people in touch with nature. The county has 65 lakes.”
Gather your friends and family for a game of basketball at any park in Vernon, NJ.
A woman enjoys coffee on the terrace of the Daily Bean in Vernon Township, NJ.
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Mountain Creek Resort stays active in warm and cool months
Mountain Creek Resort is one of the biggest destinations associated with the area. People visit to enjoy ski slopes in the cool months and a mountain bike park in the warmer months. The Appalachian Hotel offers luxury accommodations, and some visitors decide to have a room available whenever they want by purchasing a condo. Crystal Springs Resort has extensive pool amenities, too, like a water slide and vortex pools. People from across the region also visit to enjoy the seven golf courses. The Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge features portions of the famous Appalachian Trail. Hikers can also hop on the Stairway to Heaven in Wawayanda State Park. Plus, fishing and swimming are popular pastimes, thanks to numerous bodies of water, like Highland Lake and Pleasant Valley Lake.
The Pochuck Boardwalk in Vernon Township, NJ is a convenient entrance to the Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Hotel offers an array of activities to its guests during all seasons.
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Condos, Cape Cods and waterfront communities
With the preponderance of lakes, it’s no surprise that waterfront communities are a big deal. The Highland Lakes community in southeast Vernon is one example of a popular spot. Streets with naturalistic names like Coon Den Road and Poplar Road snake around in fluid fashion, passing only homes and the occasional church. Homes are priced between $250,000 and $425,000. They’re typically midcentury vintage or from the late 1980s. Simple ranch-style homes are a common sight. For those who want more space, split-levels are available. Homes from the 2020s pop up, but they stick to complementary genres, like Cape Cods.
Regardless of the home styles, most properties have mature trees nearby. Plus, there’s always something to do. “There’s lots of activity, especially through the neighborhood clubhouses,” says George Perrone, a Realtor with 21st Century Realty. “My two grandkids were brought up in Vernon and enjoyed it.” Condos in the area sell between $130,000 and $220,000. Many of them have lodge-like stylings, in keeping with the mountainous rural surroundings. The median price of a home for Vernon is $325,000.
This suburban street in Vernon Township, NJ has a variety of housing styles.
Private homes with lake frontage are the norm at Vernon Valley Lake in Vernon Township, NJ.
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Local resorts play host for annual events
Local resorts also host annual community events. Oktoberfest is held at Mountain Creek Resort, for example. In the spring, culinary delights are celebrated at the Taste of Vernon, held at the resort’s Red Tail Lodge. Highland Lake Country Club is where people gather to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. And in the fall, Heaven Hill Farm hosts the Great Pumpkin Festival, where visitors can take hay rides and wander a corn maze.
Small businesses and strip malls define the retail scene
For pastries and coffee served with a slice of Americana, patrons go to Scout Goods. Outdoor seating along a creek plays to Vernon’s outdoorsy sensibilities, while inside the walls are covered with pop culture paraphernalia. Tomato Garden Pizza and Restaurant is part of Vernon Valley Plaza, which features an Acme supermarket and Sushi Ya 2.
The resorts aren’t just for sports and adventuring – they’re also an upscale dining and entertainment option. The wine cellar at Crystal Springs contains over 130,000 bottles. It’s also just 3 miles west to Sussex borough, which has boutique small businesses like Emily’s Heart, a wood-fired pizza place set in a classic Airstream trailer.
Scout Goods 1831 is a place of elevated tastes that has become a favorite coffee spot in Vernon.
Local businesses are flourishing in Vernon with a strong support network and community.
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Agricultural extracurriculars at Vernon Township High
“Vernon has a good school district, it’s one of the reasons people move there,” says Perrone. Vernon Township School District earns an overall B from Niche. Students can start at Rolling Hills Elementary, rated C-plus. Lounsberry Hollow, which receives a B-minus, is where kids can attend fourth to fifth grade. Then it’s on to Glen Meadow Middle, a C-plus school, for sixth to eighth grade. Vernon Township High is B-rated. The school has many extracurricular activities, ranging from sports teams to an academic decathlon team. In 2021, plans were made to renovate the football field and surrounding track. In 2024, the school’s livestock judging team beat out 118 other schools in a competition to decide which livestock should be bred and sold on the market.
Vernon students can attend Rolling Hills Elementary School.
Lounsberry Hollow serves students in the Sussex County community.
Glen Meadow Middle School in Vernon, NJ has 628 students in grades 6-8.
Vernon Township High School in Vernon, NJ gets an overall B- rating from Niche.
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Route 94 is important for commuting and running daily errands
State Route 94 is the central thoroughfare of Vernon. Cutting north-south across the neighborhood, it leads to other important regional roads like state Route 23, which goes toward New York City. Commuters can expect a 90-minute drive.
While residential portions of Vernon are walkable, this is a sprawling and sometimes rugged rural area, so owning a car is essential.
Photography Contributed By
Elma Kukaj
Video By
Shannon Hopkins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Timothy Nees,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Vernon, NJ sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Vernon, NJ over the last 12 months is $248,500, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Updated loft-style one-bedroom condo offering an open, modern layout. Located in a prime ski-area location, conveniently set just off the base of Mountain Creek. This upper-level unit features a bright living space with stacked stone fireplace, exposed brick accents, recessed lighting, granite island countertop, and contemporary finishes throughout. The spa-like bathroom includes heated floors
Welcome to this inviting Highland Lakes home, tucked away on a quiet street in one of Vernon's most desirable lake communities. Set on a private lot, this home offers a peaceful setting with access to resort-style amenities. Inside, enjoy a bright and functional layout with generously sized living areas filled with natural light. The kitchen features ample cabinetry and workspace and opens to
This move-in ready 3 bedroom ranch sits on a level, 0.63 acre, corner lot and offers easy one-floor living in a quiet, convenient location. The welcoming front deck with new boards opens into a bright living room with recessed lighting. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and tile flooring. The home is equipped with a 3 bedroom septic system installed in 2019, providing peace of mind
Beautiful 5 Acres with Subdivision Potential in Pleasant Valley Lake. Perfectly positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac spanning two streets, this rare 5-acre parcel offers outstanding potential for subdivision or building your dream retreat. Nestled within the sought-after Pleasant Valley Lake community, residents enjoy a wealth of lifestyle amenities, including: Private lake and beach access
RENT to OWN will be considered. Owner Financing Available!! THE ONLY 4BD 2.5BTH PROPERTY IN THIS PRICE RANGE IN VERNON! rare freestanding 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath residence in the Village Way community. Built 1983, approx. 1,534 sq ft of living area, offering single-family comfort with condominium convenience. APPLIANCES, QUARTZ COUNTERS, FLOORING, NEUTRAL BEN MOORE PAINT, SLIDER & UPDATED BATHS!
Updated loft-style one-bedroom condo offering an open, modern layout. Located in a prime ski-area location, conveniently set just off the base of Mountain Creek. This upper-level unit features a bright living space with stacked stone fireplace, exposed brick accents, recessed lighting, granite island countertop, and contemporary finishes throughout. The spa-like bathroom includes heated floors
Stunning 2 bedroom + loft / 2 bathroom home nestled in the Highland Lakes Country Club section of Vernon. Fully renovated over the last two years, this one-of-a-kind home offers the ultimate cabin getaway or year round sanctuary surrounded by mountains, hiking and bike trails and direct access to Highland Lake, one of New Jersey's most picturesque lake destinations. The main level of this home
Welcome to Theta Grove, a premier living destination located in the heart of Vernon, NJ. Our 55+ community offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance your living experience. Stay active with our state-of-the-art fitness center, perfect for all fitness levels. Enjoy evenings around our fire pits, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for socializing. Our premium outdoor kitchens and BBQ
Nestled in the Pleasant Valley Lake community, 55 Orchard Drive is a fully renovated raised ranch offering 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths with a modern, versatile layout. The home features a light-filled living room with a fireplace, an updated eat-in kitchen with new appliances, stylish finishes, and sliders opening to a private backyard, plus a flexible lower level with a spacious family room, newly
Dianna IvanovKeller Williams Village Square Realty
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
