So, Where is Mountain Lakes, NJ Located?

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Mountain Lakes is located 35 miles west of New York city in Morris County, NJ. It is nestled between two main highways of Northern New Jersey, Route 80 (east-west) and Route 287 (north-south). You really couldn't ask for a better location for ease of travelling. From just about anywhere in town you are 5 minutes from either of these highways. For a typical Sunday morning drive into New York City, I am at the Lincoln Tunnel in 35 minutes. Not bad.

There are quite a few people who drive into New York City on a daily basis or drive to Harrison, NJ and take a train from there. But for the most part, it seems the Lakeland bus (which picks up on the Boulevard), or the train into Hoboken, NJ (at Mountain Lakes' own train station) is the way to go.

Travelling west, the Poconos are 50 minutes away with an easy ride on Route 80. My wife and I like an antiques mall in Stroudsburg, PA called the Olde Engine Works Antiques Mall.

I could go on and on about interesting destinations, but I think you can see best for yourself using google maps to map out travels plans starting from Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046.

My Favorite Holidays in Mountain Lakes

I have two favorite holidays in town: Memorial day and the 4th of July.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a big deal in Mountain Lakes. First there is the parade (pictured above) where 1/2 of the town is in the parade and the other 1/2 watches it. With so many town based organizations, you are bound to find yourself walking in the parade.  The course is short and it is a lot of fun.

After the parade there is a ceremony in which awards are given, the Briarcliff Middle School band plays, and speeches are given by residents recognized for their service.

The next activity is the Mountain Lakes Day celebration. Rides, food, and local groups gather at the Esplanade parking lot (across from the railway station) for all-day fun. I always make sure to get my fill of zeppole for a once a year treat.

The 4th of July

It's all about the fireworks. The fireworks are setup on Island Beach on Mountain Lake. It is a day of house parties for those who live on the lake. If you weren't invited to a party, you can settle down at the Mountain Lakes Club, paddle out in your canoe, or just take a chair to the Midvale dock. No matter where you are, it is breathtaking as the fireworks are huge and very close. The lake is a perfect setting for the full effect of the deafening booms and color. I was so surprised that the fireworks were so spectacular for such a small town  -- especially after having seen the NYC fireworks on many occasions. 

The Hapgood Houses

Herbet Hapgood was the developer of Mountain Lakes at the turn of the century. He built around 600 houses of which many still exist today. The houses are, for the most part, situated on small lots of .5 to 1 acre of land. The small(ish) lots are important to the walkability and feel of Mountain Lakes. On any given day, driving through town, you will see residents ("Lakers") out and about in their yards, on the street, or along the Boulevard. I encourage you to check out other towns and see who is out and about besides the landscaping crews.

Also, with the smaller lots, you will get to know your neighbors. I know that some of you have had problems with neighbors in the past, but there is a special common ground in neighborly relationships that makes them easy -- everyone loves being in Mountain Lakes. Don't believe me? Just crash any party in town. You'll see  it's all they want to talk about.

As nice as the Hapgood houses are (and I encourage you to take the annual house tour in December), Mountain Lakes is not about the houses. There are all kinds of houses in town covering a wide range of styles and price points. The natural landscaping of the town, and lack of fences, integrates all of the houses and makes them blend seamlessly together.

My wife and I refer the Hapgood houses as tree houses. With many of them being three stories tall, views from the widows are framed by the town's many mature trees and bushes (and yes, Fall brings lots of leaves). It is a lot like living in a tree house and you can't beat the views.. 

Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

After 6 years of living in Mountain Lakes, I still feel like I just got here. Leaving Manhattan was a tough decision and where to go was even tougher.

If you are looking to relocate (like I did), give Mountain Lakes a look. I think you will be surprised by what you find here.

Imagine a community of homes built at the turn of the century in the craftsman style. The whole town is landscaped as a  residential park with 9 lakes. Imagine that community emphasizes the importance of education and has built one of the best school systems in the state of New Jersey. I think now you are getting the picture of what is so special about Mountain Lakes.

To get you started here is a history of Mountain Lakes.