Why Netcong, NJ?
Netcong is Morris County's most compact borough (0.96 sq mi) with a train station that has served since 1854, the 329-acre Lake Musconetcong (kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing), and a formal sister city relationship with Cesa, Italy (signed 2019 — Italian immigrants from Cesa came for the Singer Steel Foundry in 1893). A Cold War AT&T underground facility (1968, 47 feet below ground, nuclear-resistant, 3-week autonomous operation) sits beneath the borough. The Growing Stage is NJ's only professional children's theater (Equity member, 240-seat venue). 206 new apartments built since 2021 (34 Bank Street and Crown Walk) have energized the station area. At $477K median — up 8.8% YoY with crime 64% below national average — Netcong is the deepest value play in Morris County with train access and lake recreation.
Netcong Real Estate Market in 2026
Netcong homes sell in 40 days at a $477K median — up from prior years. Average list $540K. Many early 1900s homes still standing. 206 new apartments since 2021 (126 at 34 Bank Street, 80 at Crown Walk on former Pocketbook Factory site). 80 more units proposed at former St. Michael's Church lot. Highlands Center designation approved April 2025 with $123K grant.
Best Neighborhoods in Netcong
2 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Station Area / Downtown
$400,000 to $550,000Near the 1901-1903 NJ Transit station (DL&W brick building). Walking distance to 34 Bank Street apartments (5 blocks) and Crown Walk. Carmine's Pizza (since 1968), La Cocina De Maria's (South American), Polo's Bar and Grill.
Lake Musconetcong / DiRenzo Park
$425,000 to $600,000Near the 329-acre lake (kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing for bass, sunfish, trout). DiRenzo Park waterfront. Musconetcong River access. Museum in old Morris Canal locktender's house.
Commuting from Netcong to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Netcong
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Netcong?
Netcong Schools and Ratings
Netcong Elementary School (PreK-8, 299 students, 9.3:1 ratio). Lenape Valley Regional High School (9-12, 667 students in Stanhope, SchoolDigger #138 of 434 NJ high schools, Niche B+, 88.7-93.2% graduation rate, 43% AP participation). St. Michael School (Catholic, founded 1923, closed June 2016).
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
View all Netcong schools with full ratings →Netcong vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netcong | $477,000 | 2.78% | $9,500 | 60 min |
| Dover | $520,000 | 2.89% | $9,500 | 60 min |
| Mount Olive | $525,000 | 2.34% | $10,234 | 62 min |
Where to Eat in Netcong
Downtown
Carmine's Pizza (family-run Italian since 1968, celebrating 50+ years), La Cocina De Maria's (South American), Polo's Bar and Grill, Molto Bene Pizza, Cluck-U Chicken.
Culture & Entertainment
The Growing Stage — The Children's Theatre of New Jersey (7 Ledgewood Ave, non-profit professional Equity theater, 240-seat venue in historic Palace Theatre building, balcony art gallery). Historical Museum in old Morris Canal locktender's house.
Parks and Recreation in Netcong
Lake Musconetcong
329 acres, mean depth 5 ft, max 10 ft. Part of Hopatcong State Park. Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing (largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, perch, pickerel, stocked trout). Public boat ramp. No motorboats. Part of Musconetcong Watershed National Water Trail.
DiRenzo Park
Waterfront park — kayaking, fishing, occasional ice skating.
Nearby
Allamuchy Mountain State Park (hiking, mountain biking) and Hopatcong State Park (boating, swimming) within 10 minutes.
New Development and Growth in Netcong
34 Bank Street
126 apartments (13 affordable), four buildings, 3-4 stories. Completed 2021. 5-minute walk from station.
Crown Walk
80 apartments on former Pocketbook Factory site. Opened Fall 2022.
St. Michael's Church Lot
Proposed 80 units (20 age-restricted affordable) by Landmark developer.
History of Netcong, NJ
Name from Musconetcong River — Lenape (Delaware Indian) word meaning grass creek or swamp stream. Railroad station opened January 16, 1854 as South Stanhope. Incorporated October 22, 1894 from parts of Mount Olive and Roxbury.
Morris Canal arrived 1831 — carried Pennsylvania coal 102 miles across NJ. Netcong served as a port. Museum in old locktender's house preserves canal history.
Singer Steel Foundry opened 1893, attracting Italian immigrant workers from Cesa, Italy. They established the St. Cesario Society in 1902. Formal Sister City Agreement signed June 6, 2019 between Netcong and Cesa. St. Michael Church contains a bone fragment reliquary of St. Cesario.
In 1968, AT&T built a two-story underground facility 47 feet below ground — nuclear-resistant, connecting Boston-to-Miami cable infrastructure, capable of 3-week autonomous operation.
December 2019 three-alarm fire destroyed nine businesses in the commercial center.
Netcong station could become a junction for proposed Lackawanna Cut-Off service to Scranton, PA — potentially transformative if built.
Safety in Netcong
Netcong crime rate is 64.3% lower than national average. Violent crime 72.8% below national average. Zero homicides. Overall downward trend over 15 years.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Netcong, NJ
What is the median home price in Netcong, NJ?
The median home price is $477,000 as of 2026, with 8.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $280/sqft, selling in 40 days.
How long is the commute from Netcong to NYC?
60 minutes via NJ Transit from Netcong Station on the Morristown Line / Montclair-Boonton Line. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Netcong, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.78%. Average homeowner pays $9,500/year. At the median price of $477,000, expect about $13,261/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Netcong?
Station Area / Downtown ($400,000 to $550,000). Lake Musconetcong / DiRenzo Park ($425,000 to $600,000). See the full guide above for all 2 neighborhoods.
Is Netcong safe?
Netcong crime rate is 64.3% lower than national average. Violent crime 72.8% below national average. Zero homicides. Overall downward trend over 15 years.
How walkable is Netcong, NJ?
Walk Score of 52, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $59,167, median age 41.1. 38% renter-occupied.
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