A bedroom community of Manhattan, but also deeply connected to nearby Paterson's history
Wayne, New Jersey is considered by many to be a bedroom community of Manhattan, only 20 minutes east. Yet on second glance, it’s just as much an exurb of Paterson, not least because William Paterson University moved over here in the 1950s, transforming farmland into an academic campus. Even the president’s office is in a former country manor. By that time, Packanack Lake had already bolstered Wayne’s reputation as a semi-rural vacation retreat, but as highways and interstates modernized the area, people began staying year-round. Suburbanization was boosted by wartime industries, and manufacturing continues to provide an economic base today, with Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics being a top employer.
Wayne residents benefit from lots of commercial centers and an equal amount of outdoor spaces.
Lifeguards protect swimmers during swimming season at Pines Lake in Wayne, NJ.
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Lakefront homes, midcentury styles and a mix of condos and townhouses
Near the shores of Lake Packanack and Pines Lake , homebuyers can still find quaint ranch and cottage styles from the neighborhood’s heyday in the 1920s and 30s. Often, rugged stonework shows up on the face of these homes, enhancing the slightly rural vibe of Wayne. Midcentury single-family homes include Cape Cods, split-level and ranch-style homes, particularly in Preakness . Newer builds are often Colonial Revival or New Traditional style.
Trees and larger lots are commonly seen on properties in Wayne. But for those who prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle, there are condos and townhouses. The city's median housing price is around $700,000, which is higher than the national median.
Large private homes can be found surrounding Pines Lake.
Homes with private boat docks are found all around Pines Lake.
Lakefront Properties are larger and more expensive due to their prime location in Wayne, NJ.
The Wayne neighborhood surrounds parts of Pines Lake. Plenty of opportunities in Wayne County.
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A football rivalry at local high schools, plus a historic university
A highly ranked public education system is another incentive drawing in homebuyers. Niche gives the Wayne Township Public School District an overall A rating. Over 7,500 students are in attendance across 15 schools. “There’s a legacy of football in the community,” says Messercola. “Former NFL tight end and current NFL broadcaster Greg Olsen went there.” There’s a rivalry between Wayne Hills High and Wayne Valley High, with the annual football game between them usually occurring in mid-September. But for the 2024 game, instead of each team wearing school colors, they united to show up in orange together – the color for leukemia awareness, in honor of a Wayne Valley player who suffered from the disease.
William Paterson University also anchors the community, standing as the third-oldest public institution in the state. Since its founding in 1855, creating the next generation of teachers has been a core mission, but the school has expanded to include business, health and arts degrees. The campus borders High Mountain Park Preserve, and so it’s noted for having a wooded environment.
Older students attend Wayne Hills High School in Pines Lake.
Students of Pines Lake can attend Pines Lake Elementary School.
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The Wayne Route 23 Transit Center offers bus and train service
Commuters can pick up a train at the Mountain View station, but the main hub is the Wayne Route 23 Transit Center, which opened in 2008. This intermodal facility features 22 trains per day, with 14 outbound to Hoboken, with connecting service to New York Penn Station. Commuters can also benefit from bus travel, with an express line taking riders to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. On weekends there’s a route between William Paterson University and New York, but during all weekdays there’s local service to Willowbrook, which has a popular mall. Interstate 80 is near this transit hub, and drivers can use that to reach Manhattan in less than an hour. Newark Liberty International Airport is a 25-mile drive south.
Hiking in deep nature, strolls in botanical gardens and waterslide fun
Abundant sidewalks make walking a big part of the lifestyle here. Wayne Walks is a club that brings together socializing with goal setting. Alternatively, residents can go vertical at High Mountain Park Preserve. From the summit of High Mountain, it’s possible to see New York City. Historically, these elevated points were used for observation during the Revolutionary War. On the other 1,000-plus acres, visitors can hike through woodlands and wetlands, spotting waterfalls along the way. Endangered species, like mountain mint and long-eared bats, live here.
Hikers can also head to the Laurelwood Arboretum, whose gravel trails are easy on the feet. Originally the area was a commercial nursery, but today it functions as a 30-acre botanical park. Seasonal blooms ensure frequent events, like the New Jersey Chrysanthemum Society Show each fall, which has been running for over 60 years.
History and nature also collide a short drive away. “Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is an outdoorsy spot,” says Leyva, speaking of the popular destination less than 10 miles east. “That area is good for people trying to get away from the city.” The nearly 80-foot waterfall brought waterpower to Paterson, and later fostered the construction of textile mills. An observation deck provides a place for views and photo opportunities.
But there’s fun along the water closer to home, at least during warmer months. Captain Michael Kilroy Memorial Park on the north side is a popular escape. Toms Lake, a man-made swimming hole, has inflatable play equipment. The park also features James W. Roe Memorial Pool, which has a large flume slide.
Wayne locals come the Laurelwood Arboretum at all times of year to enjoy beautiful foliage.
Hikers have 11.5 miles of trails to explore at the High Mountain Park Preserve.
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Plenty of Italian food in the metro area, and two big shopping centers
The southern border of Wayne meets Caldwell, known as a backdrop for hit TV show “The Sopranos.” In fact, a lawn ornament store in Wayne was featured in one episode called “Another Toothpick.” The Fountains of Wayne store may have closed, but today residents can hop onto Bloomfield Avenue – a couple miles from Tony’s mansion – and enjoy Angeloni’s Pizzeria, which has blown up on social media for its thin crust pizza.
Not that Italian cuisine is missing in Wayne’s backyard. It’s just more of a white tablecloth variety, like at Novelli. The scene turns more modern at Viaggio, which aims for an industrial chic look, but the food is still upscale and thoughtfully presented. Set in a lighter beachy atmosphere, diners can find Caribbean cuisine and cocktails at Bahama Breeze. The restaurant is part of Wayne Towne Center Mall, which attracts regional shoppers. Willowbrook Mall is adjacent, and equally as sprawling, but is distinguished by a Cinemark movie theater.
The Willowbrook Mall is just a short drive away from Packanack Lake.
Bahama Breeze serves authentic Carribean food in Wayne, NJ.
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Dey Mansion once served as George Washington's headquarters
Annual happenings bring neighbors together. “Wayne Day, Holiday Tree lighting ceremony, Saturday farmers market in the summer are all popular events put on by the township,” says Messercola. Wayne Day is an all-inclusive crowd pleaser with a petting zoo, live music and food vendors.
Dey Mansion is a major cultural site, once serving as George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can receive guided tours of the brick colonial mansion on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They’re also free to walk the Olmsted Gardens on site.
Wayne Jinglefest Craft Fair brings friends and neighbors together to share their talents.
The Wayne Jinglefest Craft Fair attracts hundreds of holiday shoppers.
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Rising flood risk along the Passaic River, but declining crime rates
Despite the elevation elsewhere in Wayne, especially around the aptly named High Mountain, the southernmost part can be susceptible to floods. “That’s a bit of a lower lying area on the Passaic River,” says Lauren Orsini, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway.
Daniel Buchsbaum, also a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway, says this issue extends beyond shopping for homes. “You have to think about how this may affect you getting around,” he says. “Some of the roads start closing.” Fairfield Avenue, for example, is a widely used thoroughfare on this side of Wayne near the river.
According to FBI data, violent crime is low in Wayne. For example, in 2020, there was only one violent crime per 1,000 people in Wayne. By contrast, on the national level, there were four violent crimes per 1,000 people. Downward trends are present in nearby Paterson, too, with the Peterson Police Department crediting the $1 million boost in funding given by the governor and attorney general. As for property crimes, there were 12 per 1,000 Wayne residents – which can be compared to the national average, about 20 property crimes for every 1,000 residents. The Wayne Police Department asserts that the city’s large retail centers, like Willowbrook Mall, are major contributing factors to the property crime rate.
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