Pompton Lakes
NJ
Average Sales Price
$426,928
Median Sales Price
$449,900
Population
11,250
Total Listings
39
Living in Pompton Lakes
Walkable Downtown. #1 Schools.
Three Rivers, One Great Town.
Everything you need to know before making Pompton Lakes, NJ home.
Browse Listings
Active homes for sale in Pompton Lakes
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Market Insights
Prices, trends & sold data
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Home Valuation
What's your Pompton Lakes home worth?
→Pompton Lakes sits at the confluence of three rivers — the Ramapo, Wanaque, and Pompton — and has the kind of genuine downtown that most Passaic County towns can only wish for. Wanaque Avenue is walkable, bikeable, and alive: local restaurants, shops, live theater, and the historic 1871 train station all within easy reach. It's the kind of main street character that buyers pay a premium for in Bergen County, available here at a Passaic County price.
The school district is exceptional — rated A by Niche, ranked #1 in Passaic County, and among the top 5% in the state for teacher quality. Homes here are moving fast: median 26–28 days on market, with a median price around $473K–$560K that makes Pompton Lakes one of North Jersey's most accessible entry points without sacrificing walkability, schools, or community character.
🏫
#1 Schools in Passaic County
Niche A-rated · 5th best teachers in NJ · 95% graduation
🚶
Walkable Downtown
Wanaque Ave dining, shops & live theater
🏡
Accessible Market
Median ~$473K–$560K · 26–28 days on market
🌊
Waterway Community
Three rivers converge · Pompton Lake
🚌
NYC Transit
Bus downtown + train 4 mi away at Lincoln Park
🛣️
Highway Access
I-287 · GWB ~40 min · major routes nearby
Commute & Connectivity
Getting There From Here
Pompton Lakes offers more transit options than most Passaic County boroughs — NJ Transit bus downtown, a train station 4 miles away, and direct I-287 access.
NYC Port Authority
NJ Transit bus · stops along Wanaque Ave downtown
~60
minutes by bus
NYC via Train
Drive 4 mi to Lincoln Park Station · NJ Transit Main Line
~55
minutes to Hoboken/Penn St.
George Washington Bridge
Via I-287 E / Rt-208 S / Rt-4
~40
minutes by car (off-peak)
Newark Liberty Airport
Via I-287 S / I-78 E
~45
minutes by car
Willowbrook Mall (Wayne)
Via I-287 S · major retail & dining corridor
~15
minutes by car
Public Schools
Education That Raises Property Values
Pompton Lakes runs its own K–12 district rated A by Niche — #1 in Passaic County, 5th best teachers in NJ, 95% graduation rate, and an average SAT of 1210.
| School | Grades | Type | Student:Teacher | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pompton Lakes Elementary Pompton Lakes School District |
K – 5 | Public | 12 : 1 | A |
| Pompton Lakes Middle School Pompton Lakes School District |
6 – 8 | Public | 12 : 1 | A |
| Pompton Lakes High School Pompton Lakes School District · K–12 district |
9 – 12 | Public | 12 : 1 | A |
District rated A by Niche · #1 in Passaic County · 5th best teachers in NJ out of 378 districts · 95% graduation rate · avg SAT 1210.
Neighborhood Life
What Makes Pompton Lakes Pompton Lakes
Explore the downtown, waterways, and community staples that define life here.
Mack's American Bar & Grill
Wanaque Ave · The downtown anchor for casual dining — familiar American dishes with a lively atmosphere. A reliable weeknight or weekend staple for residents.
American · Local Favorite
Taqueria La Juquilita
Wanaque Ave · Authentic Mexican street food with standout tacos, tortas, and salsas. One of the most popular spots on the downtown strip among residents.
Mexican · Authentic
Tony's Pizza
Downtown · Serving Pompton Lakes since 1963. The kind of local pizza institution that doesn't need to advertise — generations of residents already know where to go.
Local Landmark · Since 1963
Pompton Lakes Town Square
The borough's central retail hub — Lidl grocery, Home Towne Pet Shoppe, and everyday essentials all in a walkable downtown setting.
Walkable · Grocery
Live Theater Downtown
Pompton Lakes' downtown arts scene includes live theater — a genuine cultural amenity that sets it apart from neighboring boroughs and draws residents to Wanaque Avenue year-round.
Arts & Culture
The Train Station Bookshop
1 Station Plaza · An independent used bookstore and record shop housed in the historic 1871 train station building. A beloved local institution worth exploring on any afternoon.
Independent · Historic Building
Pompton Lake
The lake at the heart of the borough — a scenic backdrop for walking, kayaking, and fishing. The convergence of the Ramapo, Wanaque, and Pompton Rivers gives the borough its distinctive waterway character.
Lake · Waterway · Fishing
Ramapo Mountain State Forest
One of North Jersey's premier hiking destinations is minutes away — thousands of acres of trails, ridgeline views, and preserved wilderness just north of downtown.
Hiking · ~10 min
Pompton Lakes Recreation
The borough's rec program is active and well-run — youth baseball, soccer, basketball, and a summer camp drawing families who want organized activities within walking distance of home.
Youth Sports · Summer Camp
High Mountain Park Preserve
1,200 acres of ridgeline wilderness in neighboring Wayne — accessible in 15 minutes. One of the best day hikes in North Jersey, with summit views stretching to NYC on clear days.
Hiking · ~15 min
Pompton Lakes Public Library
A well-used community library with active programming, children's events, and digital resources serving one of Passaic County's most educated communities.
Civic
Old Stone House Museum
1120 Ringwood Ave · A Dutch Colonial homestead built in the early 1700s — serving as tavern, inn, and post office across the centuries. Now a museum celebrating Pompton Lakes' 300+ year history.
Historic · 1700s
Historic Train Station (1871)
The rubble-stone station on Wanaque Avenue — designated a historic site in 2004 — now houses a bookshop and serves as a bus stop. A reminder of Pompton Lakes' 150-year railroad heritage.
Historic Landmark · 1871
Community Events
Pompton Lakes has a tight-knit community culture — annual events, sports championships, and a downtown that functions as a genuine gathering place. Multi-generational families return here to raise their own kids.
Community Pride
Wanaque Avenue Downtown
The walkable main street of Pompton Lakes — local shops, salons, restaurants, and services within strolling distance for most residents. A genuine downtown that most surrounding towns can't match.
Walkable · Local
Willowbrook Mall (Wayne)
Major mall with Macy's, HomeGoods, and full retail just 15 minutes south on I-287 — the primary destination for major shopping needs.
~15 min · Major Mall
St. Joseph's Health (Wayne)
Major regional hospital system in Wayne — the primary healthcare provider for Pompton Lakes residents, approximately 15 minutes away via I-287.
Healthcare · ~15 min
By the Numbers
Pompton Lakes at a Glance
Municipality Type
Borough
Passaic County, NJ
Population
10,874
2020 Census
Sq. Miles
3.2
Compact, walkable borough
Median Home Price
~$510K
26–28 days on market
School District
A
#1 in Passaic County · Niche
NYC Bus
~60 min
NJ Transit · stops downtown
Zip Code
07442
Single zip borough
Est. Founded
1895
Ironworks heritage · 1700s roots
Explore the Area
Similar Towns Near Pompton Lakes
Buyers considering Pompton Lakes often explore these nearby communities — each with its own character, commute profile, and price point.
Ringwood
Bordering · nature · more rural
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Oakland
Bergen County · slightly higher price
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Wanaque
Bordering · reservoir community
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Bloomingdale
Passaic County · quiet · affordable
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Wayne
More amenities · larger township
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Franklin Lakes
Bordering · Bergen Co. · luxury
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North Haledon
Passaic County · residential · quiet
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Hawthorne
NJ Transit · walkable · affordable
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Allendale
Bergen Co. · walkable · NJ Transit
→Active Homes for Sale in Pompton Lakes, NJ
Browse current active listings in Pompton Lakes, NJ, including single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes.
Inventory updates in real time, giving buyers the most accurate view of available homes in the Oakland real estate market.
Recently Sold Homes in Pompton Lakes, NJ
Recent home sales in Pompton Lakes, NJ offer valuable insight into local pricing trends and buyer demand.
Review recently sold listings to better understand home values and market activity in the Oakland real estate market.
Demographics
Data provided by Attom Data
Population
Employment
Population
11.3K
11.3K in 2020
Density
3.3K
per square mile
Households
4.2K
Total households
Gender
48% / 52%
Men Vs Women
Occupancy
78% / 22%
Owned Vs Rented
Age Median: Years
Education Level
Educational Environment
Elementary Schools (4)Middle Schools (3)High Schools (2)
Name
Category
Grades
Library
Ratio
7/10
Lincoln Elementary School
40 Mill St, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Public
PK - 5
No
13:1 STUDENTS/TEACHERS
6/10
Lenox Elementary School
35 Lenox Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Public
KG - 5
No
13:1 STUDENTS/TEACHERS
0/10
St Marys School
25 Pompton Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Private
PK - 8
Yes
15:1 STUDENTS/TEACHERS
0/10
Windsor Learning Center
234 Wanaque Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
Private
KG - 8
Yes
6:1 STUDENTS/TEACHERS
Amenities & Attractions
Featured Listings
For Sale (31)
For Sold (608)
Open Sat 1PM-3PM1 Bed1 Bath100 Pierson Miller DR #F32, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
MLS# 26029049
Listed by Catherine J. Nimmo of The Agency Rutherford City West
New2 Beds2 Baths321 Ringwood AVE, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
MLS# 26034500
Listed by Jennifer Weston of Keller Williams Village Square Realty
New2 Beds1 Bath100 Pierson Miller DR #D1, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
MLS# 26039602
Listed by Michael Ciavarella of Howard Hanna Rand Realty
New1 Bed1 Bath100 Pierson Miller #C52, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
MLS# 26039595
Listed by Michael Ciavarella of Howard Hanna Rand Realty
New1 Bed1 Bath100 Pierson Miller DR #F15, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
MLS# 26039604
Listed by Michael Ciavarella of Howard Hanna Rand Realty
New2 Beds3 Baths114 Mountainside DR, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
MLS# 26039075
Listed by Bryan Adelson of Serhant New Jersey LLC
Similar Neighborhood
Common Questions
Pompton Lakes, NJ — Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers about buying, selling, taxes, schools, and daily life in Pompton Lakes from a team that works here every day.
Pompton Lakes is one of the most active markets in Passaic County. Homes are selling in just 26–28 days on market — well below the state average — reflecting genuine buyer demand from commuters, families, and first-time buyers who recognize the value the borough offers. Redfin rates it as "very competitive." The combination of walkable downtown, top-rated schools, and accessible pricing creates a tight market where well-priced homes move fast. Talk to us about current Pompton Lakes market conditions →
The median sale price in Pompton Lakes ranges from approximately $473,000 to $560,000 depending on the time of year and data source. NeighborhoodScout puts the median home value at approximately $607,000 reflecting longer-term appreciation. Entry-level Capes and ranches start in the $350K–$425K range, while larger colonials and renovated homes push $550K–$700K+. Homes have appreciated over 106% in the last 10 years — top 30% nationally — making Pompton Lakes a strong long-term investment alongside genuine everyday affordability.
Pompton Lakes has a diverse housing stock — 67% single-family detached homes, primarily Capes and ranches built in the post-WWII era (1940s–60s), with a growing share of renovated and updated properties. The borough also has a meaningful multifamily component (~18% larger apartment buildings) and townhomes. The compact 3.2-square-mile footprint means homes are closer together than Ringwood or Oakland, but the tradeoff is genuine walkability to downtown, the lake, and schools. New apartment construction has increased, which some residents welcome and others have concerns about in terms of density.
Pompton Lakes offers multiple transit options — more than most surrounding Passaic County boroughs. NJ Transit bus service stops directly in downtown on Wanaque Avenue, running to New York City in approximately 60 minutes. Residents can also drive 4 miles south to Lincoln Park Station on the NJ Transit Main Line for rail service to Hoboken Terminal and Penn Station. By car, I-287 connects directly to Route 4 and the GWB in approximately 40 minutes off-peak. The average commute time is 30.4 minutes — a sign that many residents work locally or nearby. Routes 280, 80, 46, 3, and 4 are all within a few minutes' drive.
Pompton Lakes has one of the most impressive school districts in Passaic County — and the numbers are hard to argue with. Niche rates the district A overall, ranking it #1 in Passaic County and among the top districts statewide for teacher quality (5th best teachers in NJ out of 378 districts). The graduation rate is 95% with an average SAT score of 1,210. The district runs K–12 within the borough — no regional high school split — which means continuity from kindergarten through graduation. For families prioritizing school quality, Pompton Lakes punches well above its price point.
Pompton Lakes' 2025 general tax rate is 4.131% (effective rate 2.533%), per the NJ Division of Taxation. Like Ringwood, the high nominal rate is partially offset by lower assessed values. The average annual tax bill is approximately $10,700 — one of the lower average bills in Passaic County and well below most Bergen County towns despite the A-rated school district. On a $510,000 home, expect roughly $11,000–$13,000 per year. Tax bills are due quarterly: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
Pompton Lakes' average tax bill of ~$10,700 is actually lower than Ringwood ($12,177), Wayne ($13,139), and most Bergen County towns — despite having an A-rated K–12 district. This is the borough's hidden financial strength: you get school quality that rivals Bergen County at a fraction of the price. Compare: Allendale's average bill is $17,309 for an 8/10 high school; Pompton Lakes' is $10,700 for an A-rated district ranked #1 in its county. The effective rate of 2.533% is the honest comparison figure — it accounts for the gap between assessed and market values.
Yes — Pompton Lakes is one of the stronger seller markets in Passaic County right now. With just 26–28 days on market and consistent demand from first-time buyers, commuters, and families relocating from higher-cost Bergen County towns, inventory is tight. The A-rated school district and walkable downtown give the borough a meaningful advantage over similar-priced Passaic County towns. Sellers who price accurately and present well are seeing strong results. Get a free Pompton Lakes home valuation →
Pompton Lakes is one of the fastest-moving markets in this guide. The median days on market is just 26–28 days — comparable to competitive Bergen County towns and far faster than nearby Ringwood (60–90 days) or Franklin Lakes (80–90 days). Well-priced, move-in ready homes — especially those close to downtown, the lake, or the school district — regularly go pending in under two weeks. The key as always is accurate pricing; the market rewards discipline and punishes aspirational pricing with extended sit times. Learn how we sell homes in Pompton Lakes →
Pompton Lakes has something rare in Passaic County: a genuine, walkable downtown. Wanaque Avenue is bikeable, shoppable, and alive — Tony's Pizza (since 1963), Mack's Bar & Grill, Taqueria La Juquilita, live theater, the historic 1871 train station bookshop, and Pompton Lakes Town Square all within easy reach of most homes. The borough sits at the confluence of three rivers, giving it a waterway character that feels naturally peaceful. Residents describe a close-knit, multigenerational community — "middle class town with working class mentality" — where kids can ride bikes to town, neighbors know each other, and multiple generations come back to raise their own families. It's the kind of community character that's increasingly hard to find, still available here at a price that makes financial sense.