Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Packanack Lake, NJ
Considering a move to Packanack Lake, NJ? This scenic community of about 5,000 offers a tranquil lakeside lifestyle with excellent schools, low crime rates (just 68 violent crimes per 100K), and a high owner-occupancy rate. The median home price is around $635,000, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,400, reflecting its desirable setting. Residents enjoy strong household incomes, a highly educated population, and easy access to top healthcare and recreation—all within a classic four-season New Jersey climate. Explore more to see if Packanack Lake is your perfect fit!
Demographics - Packanack Lake, NJ
Demographics - Packanack Lake, NJ
Packanack Lake is a close-knit community of about 5,000 residents, with a median age of 44, reflecting a mature and family-friendly environment. The area is predominantly White (85%) but also features a mix of Asian, Black, and other backgrounds, with 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density provides a comfortable suburban atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
5,000
Density:
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
7.0%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Packanack Lake, NJ?
Living in Packanack Lake comes with a higher cost of living index of 140, largely due to a median home value of $635,000 and average rents around $2,400 for a two-bedroom apartment. While housing and groceries are above national averages, residents benefit from quality amenities and a desirable lakeside location. Utilities and insurance costs are also higher than average, reflecting the area’s affluence.
Median House Value:
$635,000
Gross Rent:
$2,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
140
Grocery:
124
Housing:
158
Utilities:
116
Transportation:
127
Health Care:
115
Miscellaneous:
112
Crime
Is Packanack Lake, NJ a safe place to live?
Packanack Lake boasts a very low violent crime rate of just 68 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is also relatively minimal, with a 1 in 140 chance, contributing to the community’s reputation for security and peace of mind. Residents enjoy a tranquil environment with crime rates well below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
68
Property Crimes Per 100k:
710
Crime Index:
778
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,470
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 140
Weather
What is the weather like in Packanack Lake, NJ year-round?
Packanack Lake experiences all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 84°F and chilly winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 49 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, allowing for a variety of outdoor activities. This classic New Jersey climate supports year-round recreation and scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Packanack Lake enjoy strong household incomes, with a median of $153,000 and a low poverty rate of just 2.5%. The community is highly educated, as 62% hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and unemployment remains low at 3.1%. Most households are owner-occupied, contributing to a stable and engaged neighborhood.
Median Income:
$56,000
Household Income:
$153,000
Family Income:
$175,000
Per Capita Income:
$64,000
Income Male:
$90,000
Income Female:
$65,000
Poverty Rate:
2.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.0%
Rent:
$2,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
4.1%
Commute Time:
34 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.5%
Bachelors or More:
62.0%
Education
How are the schools in Packanack Lake, NJ?
Packanack Lake offers access to highly rated public and private schools, including Packanack Elementary and Wayne Valley High School, both featuring low student-teacher ratios around 12:1. The area is also close to prominent colleges like William Paterson University and Montclair State University, providing excellent educational opportunities for all ages. Families benefit from a strong focus on academics and lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Packanack Elementary School
Street:
190 Oakwood Dr
Phone:
973-633-3170
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Wayne Valley High School
Street:
551 Valley Rd
Phone:
973-317-2000
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Private Schools
Name:
DePaul Catholic High School
Street:
1512 Alps Rd
Phone:
973-694-3702
Students:
510
Colleges
Name:
William Paterson University
City:
Wayne
State:
NJ
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
9,600
Name:
Montclair State University
City:
Montclair
State:
NJ
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
21,000
Healthcare
Packanack Lake residents have convenient access to several major hospitals, including St. Joseph's Wayne Medical Center and Valley Hospital, both offering emergency services. The area is well-served medically, with 3.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and 95.6% health insurance coverage. Healthcare quality is high, with a strong focus on accessibility and comprehensive care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Joseph's Wayne Medical Center
Address:
224 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone:
(973) 942-6900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Valley Hospital
Address:
223 N Van Dien Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone:
(201) 447-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.6%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Packanack Lake, NJ?
The housing market in Packanack Lake is robust, with a median home price of $635,000 and an 89% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 7.2% over the past year, while the rental vacancy rate is low at 2.1%, indicating high demand. The market favors buyers seeking long-term stability and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$635,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
89.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, with the main office located in Trenton and comprehensive online resources available. Services include licensing, vehicle registration, and more, easily accessible via the state’s official DMV website. The process is streamlined for both new arrivals and long-term residents.
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.