Passaic County, NJ

Living in West Milford, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

NJ's Largest Municipality. Mountain Lakes. 80 Square Miles.

Last updated: September 2026

$430,000
Median Home Price
70 min
To Penn Station
25,687
Population
1834
Founded
6.2%
YoY Appreciation

Why West Milford, NJ?

West Milford is NJ's largest municipality at 80 square miles — a mountain-lake community with Greenwood Lake, Clinton Reservoir, and multiple swimming lakes. At $430K, it offers the mountain-lake lifestyle at half the price of northern Bergen or Connecticut. An hour from NYC but a world away in character.

West Milford Real Estate Market in 2026

West Milford homes sell in 30 days at a $430K median. Lakefront homes, colonials, and cabins on larger lots.

$430,000
Median Price
$240/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
30 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.2%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in West Milford

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

Greenwood Lake

$400,000 to $700,000

Lakefront living on the NY border. Boating, fishing, swimming.

Best for: Lake lifestyle

Upper Greenwood Lake

$375,000 to $550,000

Quieter lake community. Year-round residents.

Best for: Families

Newfoundland

$350,000 to $500,000

Village section with more affordable pricing.

Best for: Value seekers

Commuting from West Milford to NYC

70
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 West Milford

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

5
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
70 min
NYC Commute
2.56%
Property Tax Rate
$9,890/year avg
8.4%
Hispanic/Latino
8.2% foreign-born

West Milford Schools and Ratings

West Milford Public Schools includes West Milford HS (the Highlanders).

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

Apshawa Elementary School

WEST MILFORD, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
D
12.5:1 ratio 250 students Score: 67/100

Maple Road Elementary School

WEST MILFORD, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
D
12.8:1 ratio 320 students Score: 61/100

Marshall Hill Elementary School

WEST MILFORD, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
F
13.9:1 ratio 305 students Score: 59/100

Macopin Middle School

WEST MILFORD, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
F
11.6:1 ratio 683 students Score: 58/100

West Milford High School

WEST MILFORD, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
F
11.9:1 ratio 937 students Score: 52/100
View all West Milford schools with full ratings →

West Milford vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
West Milford $430,000 2.56% $9,890 70 min
Ringwood $580,000 2.23% $11,456 60 min
Bloomingdale $400,000 2.56% $9,123 55 min

Where to Eat in West Milford

Greenwood Lake

Lakefront dining along Greenwood Lake. Seasonal restaurants and year-round options.

Parks and Recreation in West Milford

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest

2,000 acres of mountain hiking.

Greenwood Lake

9-mile-long lake straddling the NY border with public beach, boating, and fishing.

New Development and Growth in West Milford

History of West Milford, NJ

Incorporated in 1834. At 80 square miles, it is the largest municipality in New Jersey.

Clinton Reservoir and Greenwood Lake have made it a summer resort destination since the 1800s.

The Appalachian Trail passes through the township.

Safety in West Milford

West Milford is a very safe community.

Notable Residents

Derek Jeter, Hall of Fame shortstop for the New York Yankees Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs and founder of Emerson Collective Jeremy Glick (1970-2001), hero of United Flight 93 on September 11 Donna Weinbrecht, first-ever Olympic gold medalist in women's mogul skiing (1992) Tom Wopat, actor (Luke Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard)

Annual Events and Festivals

Greenwood Lake Air Show West Milford Day

Frequently Asked Questions About West Milford, NJ

What is the median home price in West Milford, NJ?

The median home price is $430,000 as of 2026, with 6.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average $240/sqft, selling in 30 days.

How long is the commute from West Milford to NYC?

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

What are property taxes in West Milford, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.56%. Average homeowner pays $9,890/year. At the median price of $430,000, expect about $11,008/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in West Milford?

Greenwood Lake ($400,000 to $700,000). Upper Greenwood Lake ($375,000 to $550,000). Newfoundland ($350,000 to $500,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is West Milford safe?

West Milford is a very safe community.

How walkable is West Milford, NJ?

Walk Score of 5, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $98,000, median age 44.6. 10% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in West Milford?

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

Explore Nearby Communities

Ringwood $580,000 60 min Bloomingdale $400,000 55 min