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Wanaque

Wanaque

Located in Passaic County

$535,462 Average Value
$286 Average Price per Sq Ft
26 Homes For Sale

A taste of rural living in Northern New Jersey

Set along the Wanaque Reservoir and flanked by scenic mountains and ridges, Wanaque is a northern New Jersey suburb with a rural landscape. Wanaque gets its name from the Lenni Lenape Native American word meaning rest and repose, which fittingly describes this peaceful borough. “Even though it’s tucked within the mountains, Wanaque has more of a suburban feel than Ringwood to the north,” says Orly Steinberg, President of Keller Williams Village Square Realty, who’s been selling homes in Wanaque since 1986. According to the CAP Index, the township has a crime score of 2 out of 10, which is below the national average of four. Though the borough has a rural setting, it’s not secluded. Upper Manhattan is just 25 miles east.

20th-century Cape Cod and colonial-styles

Sidewalks and streetlights line the suburban residential streets in Wanaque. Cape Cod-style homes and colonials built in the mid-20th century are the most common houses here, with most situated on smaller, well-kept lots. A majority of the homes have driveways, and some come with detached garages. “Many people like starting in Wanaque because it’s more affordable than the larger homes in Ringwood,” says Steinberg. Homes tend to stay on the market for about a month and typically sell for $300,000 to $500,000.

Cape Cods and bungalows are common in neighborhoods in Wanaque.
Cape Cods and bungalows are common in neighborhoods in Wanaque.
Colonial style homes, sometimes with detached garages, are the norm throughout Wanaque, NJ.
Colonial style homes, sometimes with detached garages, are the norm throughout Wanaque, NJ.
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Wanaque Ridge, Back Beach Park

The scenic landscape of northern New Jersey provides residents with abundant recreational options. Just across the Wanaque Reservoir, the dense trees of the 5,400-acre Norvin Green State Forest turn to vibrant shades of red and yellow in the autumn, providing views for hikers and mountain bikers who take to the forest’s trails. Residents also enjoy a different point of view from the Wanaque Ridge, where they can walk along the 4.2-mile trail loop and observe local flora and fauna. The nearby Ramapo and Rainbow Lakes are popular fishing spots stocked with trout and bass. Around the community, smaller recreation spaces like Back Beach Park offer sports fields, basketball courts and playgrounds.

Wanaque locals can fish at the trout-stocked Rainbow Lake.
Wanaque locals can fish at the trout-stocked Rainbow Lake.
Adventurous hikers can take the trail from Back Beach Park to the top of Wanaque Ridge.
Adventurous hikers can take the trail from Back Beach Park to the top of Wanaque Ridge.
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University Program at Lakeland Regional High

Prekindergartners through eighth graders may attend Wanaque Elementary before going to Lakeland Regional High. Both schools have a B-plus rating from Niche and boast low student-to-teacher ratios. Lakeland’s students can participate in the University Program to explore career options and receive college credit in fields like Biomedical Research and Graphic Design.

Wanaque Elementary School in Passaic County, NJ has a student body of about 500.
Wanaque Elementary School in Passaic County, NJ has a student body of about 500.
Earning an overall B from Niche, Lakeland Regional is a safe place to send your teens to school.
Earning an overall B from Niche, Lakeland Regional is a safe place to send your teens to school.
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Shopping and dining along Ringwood Avenue

Ringwood Avenue has most of the borough's retail and dining. The slew of stores includes a Stop & Shop supermarket and local shops like The Meating Place, a family-owned butcher and deli that’s been in business since 1991. Local dining staples include The Lantern, which serves familiar American favorites, and Pizza One, which offers homestyle Italian eats. There’s also Tree Tavern and Berta’s Chateau, both of which offer comfortable locales with extensive wine menus for a more elevated dining experience.

Main Street in Wanaque is quiet and filled with options for shopping and food.
Main Street in Wanaque is quiet and filled with options for shopping and food.
The Lantern in Wanaque is a local greasy spoon offering breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The Lantern in Wanaque is a local greasy spoon offering breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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Close to I-287, bus route to NYC

Wanaque's remote nature requires residents to mostly rely on cars for transportation. Thoroughfares like Interstate 287 connect folks to neighboring communities and New York City. Commuters can also drive 4 miles north and leave their car at Ringwood Park and Ride to take the bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. The trip takes about an hour, and buses arrive every 30 minutes.

Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
EB Fox
Video By
EB Fox

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Fernando Leyva, an experienced agent in this area.

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Wanaque Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$495,000
Median Sale Price
$510,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$527,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$477,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$472,250
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
182
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$286

Area Facts

Number of Homes
910
Number of Homes for Sale
26
Median Year Built
1971
Months of Supply
1.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,704
Significantly above the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,824
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,783
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
17,859

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Nov 1
    Open Sat 12PM - 2PM

    3 Stephens Lake Rd, Wanaque, NJ 07465

    $1,220,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3 Stephens Lake Rd
    • New 1 day ago

    Tucked away on one of Wanaque's most private roads, this beautifully updated custom-built Colonial is surrounded by nature and serenity. Featuring 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, the home blends craftsmanship and comfort across its peaceful wooded lot. Upon entering, you're greeted by a warm living space with a wood-burning fireplace and a cozy den perfect for a home office or quiet retreat. Gleaming

    Jordan McGovern CHRISTIE'S INT. REAL ESTATE GROUP

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  • Saturday, Nov 1
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    190 Meadowbrook Ave, Wanaque, NJ 07465

    $599,888

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 190 Meadowbrook Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome home to this immaculate 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath split-level gem in Wanaque! Featuring gleaming hardwood floors, bright and inviting living spaces with Pella doors and windows throughout, and a seamless layout perfect for everyday living or entertaining. The heart of the home offers a comfortable flow from the living and dining areas into a lovely eat-in kitchen with plenty of cabinets space

    Orly Steinberg KELLER WILLIAMS VILLAGE SQUARE

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Wanaque Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,927
Median Age
47
Population Density
68 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$108,263
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$124,170

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.5%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
14''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

38 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

19 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Wanaque