Mountain Lakes, NJ

Mountain Lakes has a distinct, storybook look that sets it apart from typical New Jersey suburbs. Starting around 1910, developer Herbert Hapgood shaped the community out of wooded hills and man-made lakes, designing hundreds of Craftsman-style homes nestled among the trees. Known locally as "Hapgoods," these historic houses feature earthy stucco walls and distinctive chimneys and porches built from native fieldstone. The town layout follows the natural landscape rather than a rigid street grid, with the central Boulevard connecting neighborhood roads to schools, municipal buildings, and the train station. Even today, the borough retains the quiet, planned charm that has defined it for over a century.

If you are house hunting here, older properties come with a few unique considerations. The signature Hapgood homes are full of character, but their age means buyers should pay close attention to century-old stucco, stone foundations, insulation, and updated wiring or plumbing. Like many historic towns, Mountain Lakes has strict local zoning guidelines for exterior renovations and additions, so you will want to make sure past permits are properly closed before closing. Waterfront and hillside properties bring their own upkeep details, from drainage and steep winter driveways to shoreline maintenance. It is also wise to verify recreation perks before buying, as access to town beaches and boat racks requires resident tags, while the historic Mountain Lakes Club operates as a private membership.

Day-to-day living revolves heavily around the outdoors and the tight-knit school system. During the summer, residents gather at Island Beach and Birchwood Lake for swimming, sailing, and weekly evening concerts on the grass. Miles of wooded trails weave through town and connect directly to Tourne County Park, giving hikers and dog walkers plenty of room to explore. Families appreciate that children attend local borough schools from kindergarten through high school, including the well-regarded Mountain Lakes High. For commuters, the Midvale Road station offers weekday train service into Hoboken and New York on the Montclair-Boonton Line, making it easy to balance a city career with a peaceful lakeside lifestyle.