Discover Morris County Communities: Jefferson Township

Discover Morris County Communities: Jefferson Township

Discover Morris County Communities: Jefferson Township 150 150 Morris County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC)

NJ often gets a bad rap from folks that swing through our garden state briefly when exiting Newark Airport or driving down the Turnpike.  What most people never see, however, are the hidden rare gems that encompass most of the state hence our very appropriate slogan. Rolling hills, beautiful farms, quaint downtowns, beaches, trails, urban centers…you name it and NJ has it.  In Morris County alone we have 18,704 acres of park land and over 150 miles of hiking trails. Jefferson is one of those rare NJ gems.  It is here that you can get to anywhere and get away from everywhere all within less than an hour’s drive.

Country living meets modern convenience in spacious, tranquil Jefferson Township. As the “year-round recreational capital of New Jersey,” the town offers much to see and do in all seasons.  Situated in the Northwest corner of Morris County, Jefferson encompasses approximately 44 square miles and contains many lakes, most notably, a large portion of Lake Hopatcong. Also, the Rockaway River flows nearly the entire length of the township, rolling south through the Berkshire Valley on the township’s east side between Green Pond and Bowling Green mountain ranges. Having the most lake front property, Jefferson boasts several wonderful restaurants, an antique paddle boat with cruises and at this time of year water sports galore, canoeing, paddle boats, kayaks, and wakeboarding. Jefferson Township has approximately 21,196 residents, 7,711 households, and a median household income of $101,462. The average home value in Jefferson is close to $388,636.

Image Source:  Jefferson Township Historical Society, Inc

The parallelogram-shaped Jefferson offers many homes that are part of smaller lake communities within the township.  With an abundance of open space and natural beauty, Jefferson is an idyllic location for nature enthusiasts and for those looking for a respite from busy city life, which happens to be a mere 45 minute drive away.

History is rich here.  The 97-acre Camp Jefferson was purchased by the municipality in the 1990s and is used as a civic center; the complex boasts trails, an all-purpose field, three-acre lake and playground, as well as an outdoor pavilion and amphitheater.  Camp Jefferson is also used in the summer as a Day Camp for all of Morris County to enjoy. Also famous is the Ringling Mansion now 100 old as it remains a quiet old manor which is invokes curiosity and is the subject of local legend. Only the plaque, half-hidden by an overgrown pine tree, gives a clue as to its history as the home of one of the founding members of The Greatest Show on Earth, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.  Jefferson also is home to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, the largest Morris County Park, encompassing 3,200 acres of wilderness and recreation. The area offers year-round camping, a bridle path and blazed trails that are used for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. Near the top of Bowling Green Mountain, Headly Overlook is one of Morris County park system’s highest elevations.

In keeping with the spirit of independence that Jefferson Township was founded, the township hosts its’ annual Jeff Fest on the Saturday after the Fourth of July. The celebration includes a concert and food trucks, culminating with a fireworks display.

While it is true Jefferson Township is rich in history and home to some of the county’s most fascinating sites and trails, Jefferson has much to be proud of in terms of their overall economy. Jefferson has more than 48% of all adults receiving some sort of college degree. Moreover, the average disposable income of its residents is approximately $83,639, which means that residents have much more to spend on Jefferson’s local shops and restaurants. A recent tapestry segmentation analysis proved this to be true; residents in Jefferson have been found to not be so cost-conscious, and are willing to spend more for quality and brands they like. Businesses like Dykstra Walker Design Group, Delta Strategic Marketing LLC, and Jefferson Lumber & Millwork, have chosen Jefferson Township as their place to conduct business. They are just a few of the 685 businesses that currently operate in the township.

Want to learn more about all that Jefferson has to offer?  Reach out to us today and let us fill you in!

Image Source: Jefferson Township Municipal Website

Image Source: RE/MAX HOUSE VALUES

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