Why Boonton, NJ?
Boonton is an arts-driven hillside town experiencing a Main Street renaissance — 8 galleries, 3 independent coffee shops, and a $125,000 annual NJ DCA Neighborhood Preservation grant (awarded October 2021). Boonton Falls cascades 25-36 feet over the Rockaway River in Grace Lord Park, with iron works ruins and an 1866 fieldstone arch bridge (National Register 2022) below. The Boonton Reservoir (completed 1904, 700 acres) became the first continuously chlorinated municipal water supply in U.S. history on September 26, 1908 — a globally significant public health milestone. The Darress Theatre (built 1919, unique reverse-entry fireproof design) is being rehabilitated into a 500-seat Regional Performing Arts Center. At $571K median, Boonton offers Victorian charm, an NJ Transit station, and creative energy at Morris County's most affordable train-town price.
Boonton Real Estate Market in 2026
Boonton homes sell in 30-45 days at a $571K median — up 5% YoY. Victorians, colonials, Craftsman bungalows, Foursquares, and multi-family properties. Queen Anne and Second Empire homes from 1850-1935 in The Flats. Livability Score 81/100 (AreaVibes #58 in NJ). Highest Pakistani American population percentage nationally (3.53%) and 5th-highest Turkish American (1.3%).
Best Neighborhoods in Boonton
4 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Historic District / Main Street
$475,000 to $650,000National Register Victorian-era architecture. Walking distance to 8 galleries, Boonton Coffee Company, Sinofilia Tea Shop, Broadfoot Gallery, and NJ Transit station. The heart of the arts revival.
The Flats
$425,000 to $575,000Earliest residential area. Two-story Queen Anne, Second Empire, Victorian, Craftsman bungalows, and Foursquares built 1850-1935. Historic character.
Upper Boonton / Hillscape
$500,000 to $700,000Hillside residential with scenic views. Quieter setting with established homes and mature landscaping.
North Boonton
$525,000 to $725,000Suburban subdivisions with larger lots and newer construction. Family-oriented.
Commuting from Boonton to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Boonton
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Boonton?
Boonton Schools and Ratings
Boonton High School (the Bombers, 646 students, Niche #261, U.S. News #155 in NJ, 90-94% graduation rate). John Hill School (3-8, SchoolDigger #119 in NJ, 4/5 stars, math 49%, reading 66%). School Street School (PreK-2, 325 students). Student-teacher ratio 10.4:1. Private: Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (PreK-8, Catholic, operating since 1882).
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Intervale Elementary School
School Street School
John Hill School
Boonton High School
Boonton vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boonton | $571,000 | 2.4% | $13,200 | 26 min |
| Mountain Lakes | $1,174,000 | 2.01% | $20,471 | 55 min |
| Denville | $650,000 | 2.34% | $12,500 | 75 min |
Where to Eat in Boonton
Main Street Arts Scene
Boonton Coffee Company (602 Main St, opened 2016 by Frank McDonald, catalyzed the downtown revival), Sinofilia Tea Shop (805 Main St, owner Feng Xiao Liu, former Buddhist nun, opened 2015), Catfight Coffee (opened 2024), Ombra cocktail bar (opened 2024). Boonton Sushi House, Johnnies Tavern. Uzbeki, Mediterranean, Thai, Jamaican, and Italian restaurants within walking distance.
Galleries & Shops
Broadfoot and Broadfoot Gallery (819 Main St, 33 years, $280,000 renovation), Speakeasy Art Gallery (owners Paul Jach and Kristy Brucale Jach of Boonton Arts, behind public murals), Hollywould Studios (414 Main St), Hidden Tracks record shop (opened 2024). 8 galleries total operating. Chili Willie's (702 Main St, Jackie Pagan, 20+ years).
Parks and Recreation in Boonton
Grace Lord Park
Named after Grace Lord Nicoll, local conservationist. Features Boonton Falls (25-36 foot waterfall over the Rockaway River, one of the most voluminous in NJ). Iron Works ruins near the 1866 fieldstone arch bridge (National Register 2022). Hidden rail trestle and turntable from the industrial era. Morris Canal Greenway trail section begins here.
Boonton Reservoir
700 acres, completed 1904. Capacity 7.62 billion gallons. Provides water for Jersey City. On September 26, 1908, became the first continuously chlorinated municipal water supply in U.S. history (devised by Dr. John L. Leal, system by George W. Fuller). Old Boonton village was submerged when the dam was built. Plans for 7.7-mile nature preserve trail announced 2018.
Tourne County Park
547 acres adjacent with over 25 miles of trails. Peak elevation 897 feet with NYC skyline views.
New Development and Growth in Boonton
Darress Theatre Rehabilitation
Built 1919 by architect/inventor Clair Darress with unique reverse-entry fireproof design (audience enters from under the stage). Town purchased December 2020. Being rehabilitated into a 500-seat Regional Performing Arts Center. Phase II in progress.
Transit Village Initiative
Planning for NJDOT Transit Village designation around Boonton station. Community outreach driving Main Street enhancement, pedestrian safety, parking, and housing diversity.
Plane Street Redevelopment
River Walk LLC (FM Construction Group) presented high-density housing plans February 2023.
History of Boonton, NJ
Incorporated March 18, 1867. Named after Colonial Governor Thomas Boone (original name 'Boone-Towne', 1761). Obadiah Baldwin operated an iron refining forge on the Rockaway River as early as 1747.
Samuel Ogden founded Boonton Iron Works around 1770 on a 6-acre tract. Supplied military goods during the Revolutionary War. In 1830, the New Jersey Iron Company built a new plant costing $283,000 with skilled mechanics imported from England. Industry collapsed in 1876.
Boonton Ironworks Historic District added to U.S. National Register July 14, 2023. 53-acre district with 13 contributing sites. The 1866 fieldstone arch bridge was separately listed in 2022.
On September 26, 1908, the Boonton Reservoir became the first continuously chlorinated municipal water supply in U.S. history — a globally significant public health milestone. The original village of Old Boonton was submerged when the dam was built in 1903-04.
Loanda Hard Rubber Company (founded 1891) pioneered molded plastics in 1907, leading to Boontonware molded plastic dinnerware in the 1950s-60s. The town evolved from iron to rubber to plastics.
Film Jules (2023, starring Ben Kingsley) was filmed in Boonton. The Sopranos used Boonton as fictional Dartford, New Hampshire in Season 6.
Boonton Main Street Inc. (501c3 nonprofit) leads the downtown revival. $125,000 annual NJ DCA Neighborhood Preservation grant awarded October 2021.
Safety in Boonton
Boonton crime rate is 57% below national average. Violent crime 81.6% lower than national average (96th percentile for safety). Property crime 52.9% below U.S. average. Year-over-year crime decreased 17.1%.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Boonton, NJ
What is the median home price in Boonton, NJ?
The median home price is $571,000 as of 2026, with 5.0% year-over-year appreciation. Average $320/sqft, selling in 35 days.
How long is the commute from Boonton to NYC?
26 minutes via NJ Transit from Boonton Station on the Montclair-Boonton Line. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Boonton, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.4%. Average homeowner pays $13,200/year. At the median price of $571,000, expect about $13,704/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Boonton?
Historic District / Main Street ($475,000 to $650,000). The Flats ($425,000 to $575,000). Upper Boonton / Hillscape ($500,000 to $700,000). North Boonton ($525,000 to $725,000). See the full guide above for all 4 neighborhoods.
Is Boonton safe?
Boonton crime rate is 57% below national average. Violent crime 81.6% lower than national average (96th percentile for safety). Property crime 52.9% below U.S. average. Year-over-year crime decreased 17.1%.
How walkable is Boonton, NJ?
Walk Score of 58, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $114,302, median age 40.2. 35% renter-occupied.
Ready to Find Your Home in Boonton?
Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Boonton inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.