Passaic County, NJ

Living in Pompton Lakes, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Lakefront Living. Public Beach. Walkable Downtown.

Last updated: September 2026

$450,000
Median Home Price
45 min
To Penn Station
11,234
Population
1895
Founded
6.4%
YoY Appreciation

Why Pompton Lakes, NJ?

Pompton Lakes is a lakefront borough with a public beach on Pompton Lake, a walkable Wanaque Avenue downtown, and community pride that runs deep. The annual Fourth of July fireworks are legendary. At $450K, it offers affordable lakefront living.

Pompton Lakes Real Estate Market in 2026

Pompton Lakes homes sell in 20 days at a $450K median. Compact lots with a walkable character.

$450,000
Median Price
$290/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
20 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.4%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Pompton Lakes

2 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Lakefront

$450,000 to $600,000

Near Pompton Lake. Lake views and beach access.

Best for: Lake lifestyle seekers

Downtown / Wanaque Avenue

$400,000 to $525,000

Walkable commercial area.

Best for: Walkability, young families

Commuting from Pompton Lakes to NYC

45
Minutes to Penn Station
Bus to Wayne
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Pompton Lakes

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Pompton Lakes?

55
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
45 min
NYC Commute
2.56%
Property Tax Rate
$9,876/year avg
14.8%
Hispanic/Latino
14.2% foreign-born

Pompton Lakes Schools and Ratings

Pompton Lakes Public Schools includes Pompton Lakes High School (the Cardinals).

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Lincoln School

POMPTON LAKES, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
C
10.9:1 ratio 360 students Score: 76/100

Lakeside School

POMPTON LAKES, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
D
11.5:1 ratio 380 students Score: 67/100

Pompton Lakes High School

POMPTON LAKES, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
D
12.8:1 ratio 640 students Score: 60/100

Lenox School

POMPTON LAKES, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
F
12.8:1 ratio 332 students Score: 56/100
View all Pompton Lakes schools with full ratings →

Pompton Lakes vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Pompton Lakes $450,000 2.56% $9,876 45 min
Wanaque $420,000 2.45% $9,123 50 min
Wayne $650,000 2.23% $12,345 45 min

Where to Eat in Pompton Lakes

Wanaque Avenue

Downtown restaurants and cafes in a walkable setting.

Parks and Recreation in Pompton Lakes

Pompton Lake Beach

Public beach with swimming, fishing, and recreation.

Hershfield Park

Borough park with sports fields.

New Development and Growth in Pompton Lakes

History of Pompton Lakes, NJ

Incorporated in 1895. Named after the Pompton Lakes that define the borough.

The DuPont explosives facility operated here from 1902 to 1994.

Safety in Pompton Lakes

Pompton Lakes is a safe community.

Notable Residents

Joe Louis (1914-1981), heavyweight boxing champion, trained in Pompton Lakes Cecil B. DeMille (1881-1959), most commercially successful film director in history Albert Payson Terhune (1872-1942), author of Lad A Dog James Hart Wyld (1912-1953), rocket scientist who cofounded Reaction Motors

Annual Events and Festivals

Fourth of July Fireworks Pompton Day

Frequently Asked Questions About Pompton Lakes, NJ

What is the median home price in Pompton Lakes, NJ?

The median home price is $450,000 as of 2026, with 6.4% year-over-year appreciation. Average $290/sqft, selling in 20 days.

How long is the commute from Pompton Lakes to NYC?

45 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Bus to Wayne. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Pompton Lakes, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.56%. Average homeowner pays $9,876/year. At the median price of $450,000, expect about $11,520/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Pompton Lakes?

Lakefront ($450,000 to $600,000). Downtown / Wanaque Avenue ($400,000 to $525,000). See the full guide above for all 2 neighborhoods.

Is Pompton Lakes safe?

Pompton Lakes is a safe community.

How walkable is Pompton Lakes, NJ?

Walk Score of 55, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $82,000, median age 40.4. 28% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Pompton Lakes?

Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Pompton Lakes inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.

Explore Nearby Communities

Wanaque $420,000 50 min Wayne $650,000 45 min