Pines Lake
Suburban Neighborhood in Wayne, New Jersey
Passaic County 07470
Swimming and boating at Pines Lake, nature trails and community clubs
Carrying the same name as the community, Pines Lake is the literal and metaphorical center of the community. "It's a really clean lake with a lot of social activities like tennis courts and pickleball, sailing and a swim team," says Carole Lynn Brescia, a Pines Lake resident for almost four decades and a broker sales associate at Coldwell Banker Realty. Residents swim at the lake’s two beaches, and sailing, kayaking and boating are all popular, though there’s a rule that only three powerboats or jet skis can be out on the water at a time. Catch-and-release fishing is another favorite activity, including ice fishing during the winter. The community cares a lot about its lake, which is home to rare tiger salamanders as well as several other species of salamanders, frogs and toads. Amphibians are considered an ecological indicator species, which means that they’re highly sensitive to pollutants in water sources, so their presence is a testament to the lake’s health. The Laurelwood Arboretum is a 30-acre botanical park with gardens, ponds, and hundreds of plants, trees and wildlife species. Hikers and runners enjoy setting out on its wooded trails for a little exercise and exploration. Terhune Memorial Park is another favorite spot for its dog-friendly wooded trails and views of Pompton Lake. Pines Lake residents often participate in clubs centered around fishing and conservation, gardening and sailing, plus a women's and seniors club. You also have access to the lake, where you can go boating, swimming, fishing, and play tennis, pickleball and basketball. There's also an annual summer program for kids. Even more parks featuring ball fields, playgrounds, basketball courts and dog runs are located throughout Wayne, and the Wayne Community Center opened in November 2024 in place of the old YMCA just 5 miles away; it offers much of the services the old gym used to, just through the town. “There’s just so much for the families in town that Wayne is probably one of the strongest communities in northern New Jersey,” Simone says.Small fixer-uppers starting around $450,000
Pines Lake still has a few of its original little wood cabins, but many of those houses have been replaced. Today, the neighborhood has wide range of home styles — anything from the Cape Cods, colonials and more recently built new traditionals so common on Long Island to Mediterranean, Tudor and contemporary-style homes. Contemporary homes in particular could date anywhere from the 1990s to the present. “A lot of the homes have been knocked down and they’re building brand new homes on the lake,” Simone says. “They’re putting in beautiful homes where the entire back of the homes are all windows overlooking the lake with huge decks and patios to appreciate the waterfront.” Homes here start as low as $450,000, but bigger, newer houses can climb to about $2 million. Homes directly on the water typically cost between $850,000 and $2 million, depending on size and renovation needs. As a private lakefront community, all homeowners pay dues to the Pines Lake Association. Pines Lake’s CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4.Potential impacts of hurricane season
Hurricane season can bring major storms to Pines Lake, but it doesn’t always. When these storms do hit, Pines Lake has a moderate risk of flooding and a major risk of high winds.Regular community events, Wayne Day
The Pines Lake Association hosts frequent events, especially during the summer. Pickleball happens twice a week, and during the summer there are regular “Fun Nights” dedicated to different ideas, from painting to dessert competitions. There are plenty of holiday events, too, including a Fourth of July parade and picnic. According to Simone, residents from throughout the township participate in Wayne Day, where local businesses set up tents alongside a petting zoo, carnival rides, live music and more.Nearby shopping and dining in Wayne, Pompton Lake
Pines Lake itself is entirely residential, so residents need to get in their cars and drive for a few minutes if they want to enjoy a meal out or need to go shopping. Villa Verde Restaurant and Novelli are both popular spots just outside the neighborhood. For more options, the more commercial parts of Wayne are about 4 miles away. Maggies Town Tavern is known for its ribs and its bar, while Viaggio is an Italian restaurant known for its BYOB policy. The restaurant doesn't sell alcohol, but customers are welcome to bring their own. Shopping is abundant in Wayne, especially when it comes to grocery stores, which include a ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. “Anything you want in town, we have it,” Simone says. Pines Lake is also less than 3 miles from Pompton Lakes, which has even more shopping and entertainment like the Pompton Lakes Towne Square mall and a Rage Room.Highly rated Wayne schools, William Paterson University
The Wayne Township Public School District is also a major draw for the community. Niche gives it an A and lists it as the best school district in Passaic County as well as the state's best district for student athletes. Children can attend Pine Lakes Elementary, which has a B-plus, before moving on to Schuyler-Colfax Middle and Wayne Hills High School, which both have A ratings. Niche lists Wayne Hills High as the third best public high school in Passaic County. The high school has a long-standing football rivalry with the other high school in the district, Wayne Valley High School. William Paterson University is also in Wayne — about 5 miles from Pines Lake. Educating over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, William Paterson University has received national recognition as one of the most diverse colleges and universities in New Jersey. Lectures and events are open to the public, like the annual Jazz Room Series event, a 45-year tradition.Nearby hospital, highway access
Wayne General Hospital is about 6 miles away. U.S. Route 202, also called Terhune Drive, edges Pines Lake, and it takes only a few minutes to get onto Interstate 287. Midtown Manhattan is about 27 miles away, a drive that can take about an hour and 30 minutes.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Edwin Kalinka
KELLER WILLIAMS METROPOLITAN
(973) 554-3317
74 Total Sales
1 in Pines Lake
$670,000 Price
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Robert Bailey-Lemansky
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Suburban Realty
(862) 217-5531
49 Total Sales
1 in Pines Lake
$540,000 Price
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Michele DeStefano
EXP REALTY, LLC
(973) 381-2265
107 Total Sales
1 in Pines Lake
$555,000 Price
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Lauren Orsini
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach Realtors - Montclair
(973) 406-4129
468 Total Sales
1 in Pines Lake
$537,000 Price
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Colin Somerville
RE/MAX Properties-Saddle River
(862) 319-8591
114 Total Sales
1 in Pines Lake
$645,000 Price
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Mindy Sue Felixbrod
Keller Williams Village Square Realty
(845) 712-9255
55 Total Sales
1 in Pines Lake
$684,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Pines Lake | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 1 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 1 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 1 | 4 |
Robbery | 1 | 4 |
Burglary | 1 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 4 |
Larceny | 2 | 4 |
Crime Score | 1 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Pines Lake Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Pines Lake, Wayne sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Pines Lake, Wayne over the last 12 months is $765,000, down 13% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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