Why Denville, NJ?
Denville is the Hub of Morris County — four private lake communities (Indian Lake, Cedar Lake, Rock Ridge Lake, and Lake Arrowhead), a Broadway district that NJ Monthly crowned the Dessert Capital of NJ, Midtown Direct service to Penn Station, and Babe Ruth's former summer home on Cedar Lake. The Tourne County Park's 897-foot summit delivers panoramic NYC skyline views. Laura San Giacomo (Pretty Woman, Sex Lies and Videotape) and Kevin Jonas (Jonas Brothers) call Denville home. At $650K median with crime in the 97th percentile for safety (safer than 97% of U.S. places), Denville delivers lake living, train access, and small-town charm.
Denville Real Estate Market in 2026
Denville homes sell in 20 days at a $650K median. Indian Lake area averages $783K. Range from $400K to $2.45M. Median year built 1962. Lake-adjacent homes command significant premiums. Bungalows, Cape Cods, colonials, split-levels, and bi-levels. New construction from $680K to $1.33M across 13 communities including Mason Ridge (Pulte Homes) and The Enclave at Denville (Toll Brothers). 34 Midtown Direct trains daily to Penn Station.
Best Neighborhoods in Denville
5 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Indian Lake
$600,000 to $1,000,000+Founded 1924. Approximately 1,200 homes around 86-99 acres of water. Largest and most active community. Three lifeguarded summer beaches, clubhouse on East Shore Road. Swim/dive teams, boating, fishing, tubing, water-skiing. Motorboats allowed. Year-round programming. South of I-80.
Cedar Lake
$500,000 to $750,000Founded 1939. More than 350 families. Intimate, club-centered environment with exclusive events. Babe Ruth owned a summer vacation home here for relaxation and fishing. Hub Lakes sports participation. North of I-80.
Rock Ridge Lake
$475,000 to $700,000Founded 1907 — oldest community. 292 residents. Structure-driven, nature-aware, established club. Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, basketball, tennis. Amazing sunset views from the beach. North of I-80.
Lake Arrowhead
$500,000 to $800,000Founded 1925. Three bodies of water: Arrowhead Lake, Bay of Deep Waters, Great Bay (34 acres total). Named after Lenni Lenape flint arrowheads found on the land. Steps from downtown Denville — nearest lake community to boutiques, eateries, and NJ Transit. North of I-80.
Broadway / Downtown
$475,000 to $700,000The Dessert Capital of NJ. Denville Dairy (50+ years, 300+ ice cream flavors), Chocolatine (French patisserie), El Coqui Crepes (3-generation Puerto Rican family), Beignets, Sweet Expressions. Near Denville Station for Midtown Direct.
Commuting from Denville to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Denville
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Denville?
Denville Schools and Ratings
Lakeview Elementary (PreK-5, 691 students), Riverview Elementary (K-5, 460), Valleyview Middle School (6-8, 539). Student-teacher ratio 10.1:1. Morris Knolls High School (9-12, 1,473 students, ranked #90 in NJ by U.S. News, 94% graduation rate). Morris County School of Technology (#19 in NJ) also available. Private: Morris Catholic High School (founded 1957).
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Valleyview Middle School
Morris County School of Technology
Lakeview Elementary School
Riverview Elementary School
Morris Knolls High School
Denville vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denville | $650,000 | 2.34% | $12,500 | 75 min |
| Parsippany | $532,000 | 2.34% | $10,567 | 50 min |
| Mountain Lakes | $1,174,000 | 2.01% | $20,471 | 55 min |
Where to Eat in Denville
Broadway District
Denville Seafood and Codmothers Cafe (61 Broadway, fresh from Fulton Fish Market, outdoor patio), The Pasta Shop (handmade pasta, wood-fired Italian American), Thatcher McGhee's Irish Pub (53 Broadway), Riviera Maya (authentic Mexican, tableside guacamole), PH Tavern and Steakhouse, Redwoods (wood-grilled steak), Denville Diner (17 Broadway, breakfast/brunch/lunch).
Dessert Capital of NJ
Denville Dairy (34A Broadway, Jack and Lois Fine family, 50+ years, 300+ ice cream flavors, all-natural, now run by Patrick, Richard, Karen, and Tyler Fine). Chocolatine (23 East Main St, French patisserie by Cedric Hosy from Lyon and Elaine Castro, 10 croissant varieties, dozens of macaron flavors). El Coqui Crepes (5 Broadway, 3-generation Puerto Rican family, tropical crepes). Mo'Pweeze Bakery (32 Broadway, Christine Allen, allergen-free and vegan cupcakes). Sweet Expressions By Geri (26 Broadway, in historic Art Deco Denville Theater building, chocolate bonbons, cooking classes). Beignets (45 Broadway, hot beignets, custom glazes, dark roast coffee bar).
Fine Dining Nearby
Hunan Taste (67 Bloomfield Ave, fine dining Chinese, landmark since 1986, building resembles ancient Chinese pagoda).
Parks and Recreation in Denville
The Tourne County Park
540-547 acres spanning Denville, Mountain Lakes, Boonton Township, and Parsippany. Over 25 miles of trails. Peak elevation 897 feet with panoramic NYC skyline views from The New York Overlook. 9/11 Memorial at the summit. Biking, equestrian trails, hiking, picnicking, sledding, cross-country skiing.
Gardner Field
Multi-use field, playground, pavilion, bandstand, basketball, tennis, pickleball. Hosts Denville Days (3-day festival), Food Truck Festival, and Music in the Park summer concert series.
Cook's Pond
One of Denville's most popular gathering places. Scenic walking path, picnic pavilion, playground, gazebo, open lawn areas.
Muriel Hepner Park
Handicap accessible path around main pond. Trails around back pond, playground, open green space.
Jonathan's Woods
560 acres of hiking through forests and wetland areas.
New Development and Growth in Denville
Mason Ridge
Along Route 10. Pulte Homes Ashton townhomes from $764,990.
The Enclave at Denville
Toll Brothers new construction. Quick move-in homes available.
History of Denville, NJ
Formed April 14, 1913 from portions of Rockaway Township. Named after Peter Denville, French immigrant who established a trading post along the Rockaway River in 1735.
Five iron forges operated along Den Brook and Rockaway River in the 18th century, producing munitions during the Revolutionary War. Lenni Lenape campsite documented along the Minisink Trail.
Babe Ruth owned a summer vacation home on Cedar Lake, used for relaxation and fishing.
Lake communities originated as summer resort destinations in the early 1900s. Indian Lake founded 1924, Lake Arrowhead 1925 (land purchased from the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother), Cedar Lake 1939. Rock Ridge Lake (1907) is the oldest.
NJ Monthly crowned downtown Denville the Dessert Capital of NJ. Denville Dairy has served 300+ ice cream flavors for 50+ years.
Frank Stephen Baldwin, inventor of the Baldwin Computing Engine and Baldwin Recording Calculator (precursors to modern computers), spent his final years in Denville.
Safety in Denville
Denville is in the 97th percentile for safety — safer than 97% of U.S. places. Violent crime rate 29.1 per 100K (72.6% below national average). Property crime 75.1% below national average. Chance of being a crime victim: 1 in 223 (vs U.S. average 1 in 47).
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Denville, NJ
What is the median home price in Denville, NJ?
The median home price is $650,000 as of 2026, with 5.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $414/sqft, selling in 20 days.
How long is the commute from Denville to NYC?
75 minutes via NJ Transit from Denville Station on the Morristown Line / Midtown Direct. Direct service, no transfers.
What are property taxes in Denville, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.34%. Average homeowner pays $12,500/year. At the median price of $650,000, expect about $15,210/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Denville?
Indian Lake ($600,000 to $1,000,000+). Cedar Lake ($500,000 to $750,000). Rock Ridge Lake ($475,000 to $700,000). Lake Arrowhead ($500,000 to $800,000). Broadway / Downtown ($475,000 to $700,000). See the full guide above for all 5 neighborhoods.
Is Denville safe?
Denville is in the 97th percentile for safety — safer than 97% of U.S. places. Violent crime rate 29.1 per 100K (72.6% below national average). Property crime 75.1% below national average. Chance of being a crime victim: 1 in 223 (vs U.S. average 1 in 47).
How walkable is Denville, NJ?
Walk Score of 42, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $160,817, median age 43.1. 18% renter-occupied.
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