Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mountain Lakes, NJ
Considering a move to Mountain Lakes, NJ? With a close-knit population of 4,249 and a highly rated public school system, this lakeside town is known for its top-tier education (86% hold a bachelor's or higher), low crime, and beautiful neighborhoods. Median home prices are around $976,000, reflecting high demand, and rents average $2,400. Residents enjoy a safe, family-friendly environment, a strong median household income, and a reasonable 35-minute average commute. With four clear seasons, abundant green space, and a welcoming community, Mountain Lakes is ideal for those seeking suburban tranquility and academic excellence.
Demographics - Mountain Lakes, NJ
Demographics - Mountain Lakes, NJ
Mountain Lakes is a small, close-knit community of about 4,249 residents, known for its high population density and mature median age of 44.2 years. The town is predominantly White, with a notable Asian community and about 10% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly even, making it a welcoming place for families and professionals alike.
Population:
4,249
Density:
1,225 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.4%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
8.8%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mountain Lakes, NJ?
Living in Mountain Lakes comes with a high cost of living, with a median home value nearing $1 million and an average rent of $2,400. The cost of living index is significantly above the national average, reflecting premium expenses for housing, groceries, and services. Residents should budget for higher utility and insurance costs, as well as state taxes ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.
Median House Value:
$976,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,400
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
180.5
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
120.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Mountain Lakes, NJ a safe place to live?
Mountain Lakes is a very safe community, with a remarkably low violent crime rate of just 18 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 320 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are 1 in 5,500, making it an ideal place for those prioritizing safety. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this tranquil suburban setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
18
Property Crimes Per 100k:
320
Crime Index:
338
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 5,500
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 320
Weather
What is the weather like in Mountain Lakes, NJ year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 84°F and cold winters with lows around 21°F. The town receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. This climate supports lush green spaces and a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The Mountain Lakes community boasts a strong median household income of over $250,000 and an extremely low poverty rate of 1.2%. Nearly 99% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and over 86% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commuters typically travel about 35 minutes to work, with a small percentage using public transportation.
Median Income:
$92,000
Household Income:
$250,556
Family Income:
$279,000
Per Capita Income:
$95,000
Income Male:
$135,000
Income Female:
$82,000
Poverty Rate:
1.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.2%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
8.8%
Commute Time:
35.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
99.2%
Bachelors or More:
86.0%
Education
How are the schools in Mountain Lakes, NJ?
Mountain Lakes is renowned for its excellent public schools, featuring low student-teacher ratios and a high rate of academic achievement. The town is served by several top-rated schools, and families also benefit from nearby private options and local colleges such as County College of Morris and Drew University. This strong educational environment makes the community attractive to families seeking academic excellence.

Public Schools
Name:
Mountain Lakes High School
Street:
96 Powerville Rd
Phone:
973-334-8400
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Briarcliff Middle School
Street:
93 Briarcliff Rd
Phone:
973-334-0333
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8
Name:
Wildwood Elementary School
Street:
51 Glen Rd
Phone:
973-334-3609
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.3

Private Schools
Name:
St. Peter's Episcopal Preschool
Street:
215 Boulevard
Phone:
973-334-4429
Students:
50

Colleges
Name:
County College of Morris
City:
Randolph
State:
NJ
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
Drew University
City:
Madison
State:
NJ
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Mountain Lakes is top-notch, with two major hospitals nearby and an impressive 3.4 physicians per 1,000 residents. Almost all residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring broad access to medical services. The area’s healthcare index reflects high-quality care and accessibility for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Morristown Medical Center
Address:
100 Madison Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone:
(973) 971-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Saint Clare's Denville Hospital
Address:
25 Pocono Rd, Denville, NJ 07834
Phone:
(973) 625-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
98.2%
Health Care Index:
82.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mountain Lakes, NJ?
Mountain Lakes features a robust housing market with a median home price of $976,000 and an owner-occupied rate of over 96%. Rental options are limited but well-maintained, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $2,400. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% in the past year, underscoring ongoing demand in this desirable suburb.
Median Home Price:
$976,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
96.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Mountain Lakes residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, with the main office located in Trenton. Services include licensing, registration, and vehicle titling, all accessible through the state’s comprehensive DMV website. For assistance, residents can contact the commission directly by phone or visit online for convenient service options.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.