$530,840Average Value$310Average Price per Sq Ft49Homes For Sale
Living alongside nature about 42 miles from NYC
Up in New Jersey’s mountains, West Milford is a quiet township speckled with lakes. Its little town center has shops and restaurants and a few subdivisions, but it quickly gives way to winding, forested roads and plenty of nature. “It’s just kind of laid back, and the prices are really good compared to what you’d pay in the city or close to the city,” says Rob Nebel, a real estate agent and the owner of RE/MAX Country Realty who has lived in West Milford for his entire life. He adds that West Milford is in a sweet spot when it comes to price and commute, as it typically takes about an hour to reach New York City. “You could end up on an acre for half what it would cost you for the same house 30 minutes closer to the city.” Wildlife like deer, foxes and bears are part of life here, and Nebel says many residents don’t even think twice about a bear walking through their yard. The proximity to nature and the peace that comes with it is part of the township’s draw. “You can go out and fish on the lake during the week, and there’s hardly anybody out there. It’s quiet,” Nebel says.
Houses come up to the water's edge at West Milford's Greenwood Lake.
Apshawa Preserve has 5 miles of hiking trails.
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Hiking and hunting in the woods, lakes for fishing and kayaking
West Milford is full of hiking trails, including through protected land like the Apshawa Preserve. Its trails are a particular favorite among locals because some lead past crumbling buildings or to a little waterfall. Many residents hunt or birdwatch. West Milford’s many ponds, lakes and reservoirs also make water-based activities popular. Some lakes are private, requiring people to live directly around them to have access, but not all of them are. The reservoirs are open to everyone, as is Greenwood Lake. There’s no swimming allowed in Greenwood Lake due to a concern about harmful algae blooms, but other activities, including fishing, are welcome. “If you want to power boat or water ski, jet ski, wakeboard, you can do it right there,” Nebel says, adding that Greenwood Lake has no horsepower limit, just a speed limit, and is the only lake that allows motorboats. “Or if you want to just chill out and kayak, paddleboard or sail, you can do that too.” When residents want to swim, they head to Bubbling Springs Park, which has a smaller pond with a sandy beach, lifeguards and a concession stand. The park also has playgrounds, athletic fields and walking paths.
Pinecliff Lake in West Milford offers a serene escape with abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Bubbling Springs Park beckons visitors with its tranquil beauty and natural charm.
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Homes in suburban neighborhoods, on forested land and lakefronts
Colonials and bi-levels, sometimes called hi-ranches, are the most common home styles in West Milford. Properties come in a wide range of sizes, from roomy but decidedly suburban lots or stamp-sized bits of forest to well over an acre. Nebel says West Milford is now zoned for four acres, so no more subdivisions will be added to the township, preserving its rural areas. “Some people come out here because they want to have the properties, they want to have the acreage, they want to go quadding and all, and other people just want to have a big house,” Nebel says, adding that prices here make it possible to get a lot more house for the money. Small cabins that need renovations start as low as $250,000. Big, updated houses, often with a lot of land or a position on a lakefront, usually max out at around $975,000, but can occasionally climb to about $1.2 million. The median home price, though, sits at $450,000. West Milford also has a few condos, which typically cost between $100,000 and $470,000.
Many traditional American Foursquare style homes can still be found in West Milford.
Properties in West Milford come in a wide range of sizes and styles.
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Adapting to coexist with wildlife, some flood zones
Living around so much wildlife takes a little adapting for newcomers. “We’re covered in bears up here,” Nebel says. “You don’t put your garbage out at night, you put it out in the morning, or else it’ll be gone. They’ll carry your cans away and have a picnic.” Residents coexist with the bears, which Nebel says don’t bother people. “If you don’t mess around by the cubs and you don’t chase after them, they just wander by.” A few areas around West Milford’s ponds and lakes are in flood zones. Most homes are unaffected, but it’s good to keep in mind, especially for lakefront properties.
Restaurants and groceries in West Milford
While there’s a concentration of restaurants in West Milford’s town center, including chains like Dunkin’ and McDonald’s, local restaurants are scattered throughout the township. Frank’s Pizza is a favorite spot to grab a quick dinner to go. West Milford Thai Restaurant is popular for its traditional Thai food and J&S Roadhouse has live music every Friday through Sunday, with genres from country to rock. Several restaurants even ring Greenwood Lake, which Nebel says people can drive or boat to. West Milford’s town center also has a few shopping essentials, including pharmacies, T.J. Maxx and ShopRite for groceries.
Frank's Pizza in West Milford has some of the best pizza in Passaic County.
West Milford Thai Restaurant is a local destination for Thai food.
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Special classes through Kinnelon High’s academic program
Niche gives the Kinnelon School District an A-minus. Children in the neighborhood attend Stonybrook School, which also has an A-minus, from kindergarten through fifth grade before moving on to Pearl R. Miller Middle School and Kinnelon High School, which both have A ratings. The high school offers an academic program with classes in subjects like Latin, business education, architecture and TV media.
Stonybrook School teaches kids from grades K-5.
Kinnelon students in grades 6-8 can attend the highly rated Pearl R. Miller Middle School.
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Summer concert series, Fourth of July fireworks and fishing derbies
Bubbling Springs Park hosts a free summer concert series on Thursday nights, plus community programs like archery lessons for both adults and kids. West Milford’s Community Day & Fourth of July Fireworks features live music, lawn games, local vendors and a beer garden, plus fireworks after dark. Nebel says there are also annual fishing derbies for local children with food and prizes.
Bubbling Springs Park beckons visitors with its tranquil beauty and natural charm.
The Annual Fishing Derby takes place every year at Masar Pond in Masar Park in Montville.
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Driving or catching a bus to Manhattan
State Route 23 runs along West Milford’s southern edge. Commuters can get to Manhattan by driving straight there — a 42-mile trip that takes an hour or more, depending on traffic — or by driving to the Park & Ride just off Route 23. From there, they can hop on a bus to the city without worrying about driving. Chilton Medical Center is the closest hospital to West Milford, located about 18 miles away.
Written By
Christina Norwood
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
Video By
Mark Tilley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Del Cioppo,
an experienced agent in this area.
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