The Guide to Living in Franklin Lakes NJ 🌳 Moving to Franklin Lakes
Thinking of moving to Franklin Lakes NJ? The borough is one of the state's highest median-income communities, ideal for those who appreciate tranquility, a rural feel, and an easy commute to New York City. Beautiful homes with large yards line the tree-lined streets. The average income in Franklin Lakes NJ is high, as are the median home prices.
Franklin Lakes offers residents great public schools, a strong sense of community, and plenty of public parks. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the big move you are thinking about - living in Franklin Lakes NJ.
Where Is Franklin Lakes New Jersey?
The Borough of Franklin Lakes NJ, is a suburb located in Bergen County, New Jersey. The drive from Franklin Lakes NJ to NYC is 25 miles. To the south, it's 24 miles from Franklin Lakes NJ to Newark. Both are about a 30–40 minute drive from Franklin Lakes, not accounting for traffic. The town offers an ideal location — close to Manhattan for city access, yet surrounded by nature with nice opportunities outdoors; fishing, biking, and exploring lush forests.
As the name suggests, Franklin Lakes NJ, is home to several small lakes and ponds. While none rank among New Jersey's largest, they add charm to the area. The largest, Franklin Lake, offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. With a dozen bodies of water and connecting streams, the town lives up to its name.
Franklin Lakes NJ is surrounded by similar commuter suburbs with high living standards, like Oakland, Wayne, Mahwah, and Ramsey.
Franklin Lakes NJ Public Transportation
While Franklin Lakes has a suburban feel, public transportation is within easy reach. NJ Transit bus line, which runs between Ridgewood and Hackensack, has a stop on Franklin Avenue.
Franklin Lakes has quick access to regional and interstate connections, making it a convenient place to live in close proximity to major economic hubs.
Franklin Lakes Population and Demographics
The population living in Franklin Lakes NJ is 11,079 people, remaining fairly stable over the last 20 years. The population density, 1,177 persons per square mile, is a fairly spacious urban environment with plenty of green space.
The Census Bureau Demographics for Franklin Lakes:
- 52% male and 48% female
- 25.4% of the population is younger than 18 years old, well above the national average of 21.7%. Persons over 65 years old were 21.6%, above the national average of 17.7%,
- Median age 46.9 years
- The median household income in Franklin Lakes NJ is $230,987, which is significantly higher than the average for both NJ and the nation. Approximately 3.2% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- The Franklin Lakes NJ population is 74% White (7% Hispanic or Latino), 12% Asian, and 5% Black or African American.
- The education level is high — 98.4% of the adult residents have graduated from high school, and 78.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher — both figures are well above the national averages. Across the nation, only 35% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The average household size is 2.92 persons, well above the national average household size of 2.54.
Franklin Lakes NJ Crime Rate
Living in Franklin Lakes NJ is considered very safe. According to FBI statistics data, the total reported crime rate is 6.5 per 1,000 residents, with property crime being the most common at 6.2 per 1,000. This is significantly lower than the NJ crime rate in general —for example, Newark, a nearby larger city, has a total crime rate of 43 per 1,000 residents.
The local Franklin Lakes Police Department serves residents living in Franklin Lakes NJ.
Franklin Lakes NJ Cost of Living
Living in Franklin Lakes NJ definitely comes with a premium price tag. Like much of Bergen County, the cost of living is high - the recommended budget for a family of four needs to be $10,935 a month to live comfortably.
In Franklin Lakes, the upscale homes push costs even higher. Families in the borough earn well above the national average, with a median household income of $230,987 — among the highest in the country.
Typical Living Expenses in Franklin Lakes NJ*
- 1 meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $17.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.90
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $3.86
- 1 pound of apples: $3.36
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.39
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.36
- Average Franklin Lakes utilities per month: $190.04
Source: Numbeo
*Note: Prices are for Paterson.
Franklin Lakes NJ Real Estate
Is housing affordable when moving to Franklin Lakes NJ? If you are looking to buy a home in Franklin Lakes, according to Redfin, the median Franklin Lakes home price is $2,1M. This is way above both the national median price of $438,357 and the New Jersey median price of $587,995. Homes in Franklin Lakes are spacious and built on generous lots. Franklin Lakes NJ does not have distinct neighborhoods; instead, it offers a consistently upscale suburban living, with beautiful tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes.
To get a sense of the Franklin Lakes NJ homes for sale, prices start around $750,000 for one of the few available 2-bedroom townhouses. A 3-bedroom single-family home costs above $1 million.
Most people living in Franklin Lakes NJ own their homes — around 88% of residences are owner-occupied, and rentals are limited. For upscale suburban apartment living, options include The Franklin and The Horizons at Franklin Lakes, a +55 residence. Larger homes for rent in Franklin Lakes NJ are harder to come by and might be listed on RentCafe. The average rent in Franklin Lakes NJ is $3,325 per month.
Franklin Lakes NJ Weather and Climate
The Franklin Lakes climate is humid continental, bordering humid subtropical, typical of northern New Jersey, with long and hot summers and cold winters. The warmest month is July, with an average high of 83°F. The coldest month, January, has an average low temperature of 23°F, with frequent snowfall in the winter.
The best time to visit is in late spring (May and June) or late summer/early fall (September and October).
Things to Do in Franklin Lakes NJ
Franklin Lakes offers a variety of activities, from fine dining and upscale shops to well-maintained parks and recreational facilities. In neighboring boroughs, you’ll find golf courses, museums, and a wide range of entertainment options.
Beyond its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Franklin Lakes is also rich in history — the borough is home to 14 beautiful buildings listed on the national register National Register of Historic Places.
Caption: By JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve
G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Reserve) is an easily accessible park with numerous outdoor opportunities. Kayaks, canoes, pedal boards, and stand-up paddleboards are all there for discovering the lake.
A common question is: Can you swim in Franklin Lakes? The answer is no — swimming isn’t allowed in the lakes.
Franklin Lakes NJ, offers residents several other parks open to the public, such as Shadow Lake and Parsons Pond Park.
1 Nature Preserve Way, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, (201) 891-4000
Saddle Ridge Riding Center
The equestrian center sits on 28 acres of ideal riding terrain. It’s fully equipped and offers lessons and training for all skill levels.
900 Shadow Ridge Rd, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, (201) 847-9999
Shopping Centers
The two local neighborhood-style retail centers, Urban Farms and Franklin Crossing, offer boutique shops, health stores, casual eateries, and plenty of entertainment.
- Urban Farms Shopping, Market Basket Franklin Lakes has the best gourmet food, 813 Franklin Lake Rd, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, (201) 848-8800
- Franklin Crossing Shopping Center, 814 Franklin Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, (201) 487-1500
Additional Attractions Near Franklin Lakes NJ
- Franklin Lakes Racket Club - Indoor tennis, there are also outdoor courts at the Franklin Lakes. Tennis Courts
- Indian Trails Club - Exclusive Country Club
- Celery Farms - Bird sanctuary, an ideal place for hiking
Franklin Lakes NJ Restaurants
The Franklin Lakes NJ restaurants are worth a visit, with plenty of choices in the borough and then an abundance more within a short drive.
Harmony Mediterranean Grill
Start with typical Turkish appetisers - Hummus, baked bread, and olive oil. The mixed Grill is a signature main dish, with plenty of options.
842 Franklin Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, (201) 485-8707
Farm & Flour
Breakfast and brunch restaurant, great coffee, and organic ingredients sourced locally. Classic buttermilk pancakes and French toast.
434-436 Pulis Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, (201) 942-2066
Pazza
Wood-fired pizza oven turning out crisp, fresh pizzas with plenty of toppings. The creative lasagna and other pasta dishes are a must.
794 Franklin Ave, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, (201) 848-5050
Jobs in Franklin Lakes NJ
The average salary in Franklin Lakes NJ, according to PayScale, is $105k. Many of the residents are working higher-paid jobs elsewhere. The average commute time is 36.5 minutes, which is significantly longer than the national average of 27 minutes. Many residents commute to New York City for work.
Top employers in Franklin Lakes NJ are Becton Dickinson, the local government, and the education sector. Locally, there’s a broad range of jobs, and when you factor in nearby opportunities, the prospects are excellent for moving to Franklin Lakes NJ.
Franklin Lakes NJ Schools
Thinking of moving to Franklin Lakes NJ with your family? The town is known for its excellent school system, run by the Franklin Lakes School District, which prepares students well for future success. Most children in the area attend these highly rated public schools. There are three elementary schools and one middle school, Franklin Avenue Middle School, where 67% of students meet reading proficiency standards and 52% meet math proficiency standards.
The high school options are Ramapo High School Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes and Indian Hills High School Indian Hills High School in Oakland.
New Jersey has a great mix of colleges and universities, from big research schools to smaller specialized ones, offering lots of options for undergrad, grad, and professional programs. Some of the nation's best universities are within driving distance from Franklin Lakes - Princeton, NYU, Rutgers, and Stevens Institute of Technology, to name a few.
The Franlin Lakes local library offers a large range of books in a quiet setting.
Franklin Lakes NJ Information
- Franklin Lakes NJ county: Bergen
- Franklin Lakes NJ area: 9.88 square miles
- Franklin Lakes zip code: 07417
- Franklin Lakes NJ area code: 201
- Franklin Lakes NJ time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4)
- Closest airport to Franklin Lakes NJ: Newark Airport, 33 miles away
Map of Franklin Lakes NJ
Explore more things to do before moving with this Franklin Lakes map.
Start Living in Franklin Lakes NJ Now
Are you interested in living in Franklin Lakes, NJ? Harrington Movers is the #1 moving company in the state with affordable rates and superior customer support. Call our Franklin Lakes NJ movers at (973) 313-2246 for a free quote!
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