Passaic County, NJ

Living in Wanaque, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Reservoir Township. Mountain Base. Affordable Nature Living.

Last updated: September 2026

$420,000
Median Home Price
50 min
To Penn Station
11,681
Population
1918
Founded
6.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Wanaque, NJ?

Wanaque sits at the base of the Ramapo Mountains with the Wanaque Reservoir — one of NJ's largest — providing water and natural beauty. The Haskell section has small-town village character. At $420K, outdoor recreation access at affordable prices.

Wanaque Real Estate Market in 2026

Wanaque homes sell in 22 days at a $420K median. Mix of colonials, capes, and ranches on moderate lots.

$420,000
Median Price
$270/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
22 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Wanaque

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

Haskell

$400,000 to $525,000

Village section with small-town character.

Best for: Families, village seekers

Reservoir Area

$425,000 to $575,000

Near the reservoir. Nature access.

Best for: Nature lovers

Commuting from Wanaque to NYC

50
Minutes to Penn Station
Drive 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 Wanaque

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

18
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
50 min
NYC Commute
2.45%
Property Tax Rate
$9,123/year avg
14.8%
Hispanic/Latino
12.4% foreign-born

Wanaque Schools and Ratings

Wanaque students attend Lakeland Regional High School.

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

Wanaque Elementary School

WANAQUE, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-8
D
10.6:1 ratio 510 students Score: 67/100

Lakeland Regional High School

WANAQUE, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
D
11.0:1 ratio 847 students Score: 64/100
View all Wanaque schools with full ratings →

Wanaque vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Wanaque $420,000 2.45% $9,123 50 min
Ringwood $580,000 2.23% $11,456 60 min
Pompton Lakes $450,000 2.56% $9,876 45 min

Where to Eat in Wanaque

Local

Ringwood Avenue has casual dining.

Parks and Recreation in Wanaque

Wanaque Reservoir

One of NJ's largest reservoirs with nature areas.

Norvin Green State Forest

Nearby state forest with extensive hiking trails.

New Development and Growth in Wanaque

History of Wanaque, NJ

Incorporated in 1918. Named after a Lenni Lenape word meaning place of the sassafras.

Safety in Wanaque

Wanaque is a safe community.

Notable Residents

Steven Spielberg (born 1946) — film director who grew up in the Haddon Township area before Haddonfield Mitch Albom (born 1958) — bestselling author of Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven Joe Flacco (born 1985) — Super Bowl MVP quarterback who grew up in the Audubon-Haddon Township area Mark Donohue (1937 to 1975) — legendary race car driver who won the Indianapolis 500 and Trans-Am championship Larry Kane (born 1942) — reporter who was the only American journalist to travel with The Beatles on their entire 1964 and 1965 U.S. tours Mary Roebling (1905 to 1994) — first woman to serve as president of a major American bank Sal Paolantonio (born 1956) — ESPN national correspondent

Annual Events and Festivals

Wanaque Day

Frequently Asked Questions About Wanaque, NJ

What is the median home price in Wanaque, NJ?

The median home price is $420,000 as of 2026, with 6.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $270/sqft, selling in 22 days.

How long is the commute from Wanaque to NYC?

50 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Drive to Wayne. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Wanaque, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.45%. Average homeowner pays $9,123/year. At the median price of $420,000, expect about $10,290/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Wanaque?

Haskell ($400,000 to $525,000). Reservoir Area ($425,000 to $575,000). See the full guide above for all 2 neighborhoods.

Is Wanaque safe?

Wanaque is a safe community.

How walkable is Wanaque, NJ?

Walk Score of 18, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $82,000, median age 41.8. 18% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Wanaque?

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

Explore Nearby Communities

Ringwood $580,000 60 min Pompton Lakes $450,000 45 min