Franklin Lakes
Estate living in the heart of Bergen County
By Scott Selleck Licensed NJ/FL Real Estate Agent | 32+ Years in Bergen & Hudson Counties | The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Last updated: June 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Franklin Lakes, NJ?
Franklin Lakes is a borough known for luxury homes, lake communities, and a country-like atmosphere. With approximately 11,000 residents and median home values of \$765K to over \$1.1M, it offers spacious estate-style properties with local schools.
Franklin Lakes is one of Bergen County's most longstanding communities, a borough of roughly 11,000 residents known for its spacious estate-style homes, large lots, and abundant natural beauty. Nestled in the Ramapo Valley region of northwestern Bergen County, the town offers a level of privacy that's hard to find this close to New York City.
The residential landscape is dominated by large colonials, Tudors, and contemporary estates set on wooded lots of an acre or more. The borough's strict zoning preserves its rural character, with no commercial strip malls or dense development. Shopping and daily needs are met at Tice's Corner Marketplace and the surrounding retail corridors in nearby towns.
Franklin Lakes is served by the Ramapo High School (part of the Regional School District), which offers academics and competitive athletics. The Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve and High Mountain Park provide extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, and the borough's location near Route 208 and the Garden State Parkway keeps it well-connected to the broader region.
Schools Serving Franklin Lakes, NJ?
Rated A on Niche.com (as of 2025). Ramapo High School offers rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular programs.
What Do Homes Cost in Franklin Lakes, NJ in 2026?
Median prices $1.1M$2M+. Estate homes on large, wooded lots. Premium pricing for privacy and exclusivity.
How Long Is the Commute from Franklin Lakes to NYC?
No local train station. NJ Transit bus to Port Authority or nearby stations in Ridgewood/Mahwah. 3555 min by car.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Franklin Lakes, NJ?
Pazza
An Italian restaurant on Franklin Avenue known for handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and an inviting atmosphere popular with homebuyers.
Uncle Louie's Pizza
A beloved local pizzeria on Franklin Avenue serving New York-style slices and classic Italian dishes since 1974.
Naru Restaurant
A Japanese restaurant on Franklin Avenue offering sushi, hibachi grills, and a full Asian menu in an elegant setting.
Harvest & Ale
A farm-to-table restaurant in nearby Oakland with craft beers, seasonal dishes, and a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Franklin Lakes' Franklin Avenue corridor offers a mix of family restaurants, with wider dining options available in nearby Oakland and Paramus.
What Parks and Recreation Does Franklin Lakes Offer?
Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
A protected nature area with hiking trails, wetlands, and wildlife observation areas a scenic retreat for nature lovers.
High Mountain Park
A scenic county park with trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Popular for hiking and nature walks.
Colonial Road Park
A community park with athletic fields, playgrounds, and open green space for community recreation and recreational sports leagues.
Blue Heron Park
A scenic park with a pond, walking paths, and natural areas for bird watching and outdoor enjoyment.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Franklin Lakes, NJ?
Franklin Lakes Farmers Market
Weekly seasonal market with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food vendors from Bergen County and beyond.
Independence Day Celebration
Annual Fourth of July festivities with a community parade, live music, and fireworks.
Holiday Walk-Through
A festive downtown celebration each December with caroling, shop visits, and seasonal activities for all ages.
Community Fun Run
An annual charity run attracting participants of all ages through Franklin Lakes neighborhoods.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Franklin Lakes, NJ?
Franklin Lakes does not have its own train station, making it primarily a car-commute community. NJ Transit bus service connects to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, with travel times typically between 35 and 55 minutes depending on traffic.
By car, Franklin Lakes is accessible via Route 208 and the Garden State Parkway. Driving to Midtown Manhattan takes approximately 3555 minutes off-peak, with routes connecting to the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors.
Nearby train stations in Ridgewood, Mahwah, and Ramsey provide rail options for residents who prefer to drive a few minutes to catch a train.
Franklin Lakes — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Franklin Lakes area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Franklin Lakes Public Schools serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Colonial Road School — Pre-K2
- High Mountain Road School — PK5
- Woodside Avenue School — 35
Middle Schools
- Franklin Avenue Middle School — 68
High Schools
- Ramapo High School (regional) — 912
- Indian Hills High School (regional) — 912
For enrollment information and district details, visit Franklin Lakes Public Schools.
Private Schools
- The Franklin School — Pre-K8 | Private school serving the local community.
Cooperative Programs
- Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District — Franklin Lakes students attend either Ramapo or Indian Hills High School. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Franklin Lakes Early Learning — InfantPre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
School ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org as of 2026 and may change. Verify current data directly with the school district or GreatSchools.org.
How Do You Get to NYC from Franklin Lakes?
Franklin Lakes is primarily car-dependent with excellent highway access via Routes 208, 4, and the Garden State Parkway. NJ Transit bus service provides connections to Manhattan.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Bus routes serve Franklin Lakes with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 5575 minutes.
Driving via Routes 208 and 4
Routes 208 and 4 provide highway access to the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 4565 minutes off-peak.
Garden State Parkway Access
The Garden State Parkway is easily accessible for north-south travel throughout New Jersey and connections to the NJ Turnpike.
Average Commute
Franklin Lakes residents average approximately 5575 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan, primarily by car.
What Are the Schools Like in Franklin Lakes?
Franklin Lakes' public schools earn strong ratings, with the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District serving upper grades. The district is known for solid academics.
Franklin Lakes Public Schools
Elementary and middle schools serving the borough's approximately 11,000 residents with academics.
Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School
Students attend this regional high school offering academics, athletics, and extracurriculars.
Nearby Private Schools
Private options including the Saddle River Day School and others in neighboring communities provide additional choices.
Franklin Lakes Public Library
The borough library offers programs for all ages and serves as a community hub for reading and learning.
School ratings, when cited, are sourced from GreatSchools.org or Niche.com and are provided for informational purposes only. Verify current ratings directly with the relevant school district or rating source.
Where Are the Best Coffee Shops in Franklin Lakes?
Franklin Lakes has a small-town caf� scene with local spots and easy access to dining in neighboring Wyckoff and Ramsey.
Franklin Avenue Caf�s
Local coffee shops and bakeries along Franklin Avenue serve the community's daily coffee needs in a small-town atmosphere.
Wyckoff & Ramsey Options (nearby)
Neighboring Wyckoff and Ramsey offer additional caf� and dining options just minutes away.
Is Franklin Lakes Good for Pet Owners?
Franklin Lakes is excellent for pet owners with large properties, residential streets, and proximity to nature preserves and county parks.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in neighboring Wyckoff, Ramsey, and Mahwah provide comprehensive pet care.
Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
The borough's natural areas and preserves offer pleasant walking trails for dog owners.
Ramapo County Reservation (nearby)
Large county park with extensive trails and natural areas, popular with dog walkers.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Ramsey, Wyckoff, and Paramus.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Franklin Lakes?
The Valley Hospital in Paramus and Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern are accessible from Franklin Lakes. Local primary care practices serve the community.
The Valley Hospital (Paramus)
A 450-bed hospital about 15 minutes away, providing emergency and specialty care.
Good Samaritan Hospital (Suffern, NY)
Nearby hospital in Suffern, NY providing emergency and medical services.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Franklin Lakes and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in nearby Wyckoff, Ramsey, and Franklin Lakes.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Franklin Lakes?
Franklin Lakes has local markets and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Wyckoff, Ramsey, and Paramus.
Local Markets & Delis
Small markets and delis in Franklin Lakes serve daily grocery needs for the community.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in neighboring Ramsey and Wyckoff provide complete grocery selections.
Whole Foods (nearby)
Organic and specialty grocery options accessible in the broader Bergen County area.
Everyday Errands
Franklin Lakes' small commercial district provides basic daily needs, with larger shopping in neighboring towns.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Franklin Lakes Offer?
Franklin Lakes offers nature preserves, borough parks, and proximity to the Ramapo Mountains for outdoor recreation.
Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
Natural areas and preserves with walking trails through wooded landscapes.
Borough Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space for community recreation.
Ramapo County Reservation (nearby)
Extensive county park system with trails and natural areas for hiking and outdoor activities.
Walking & Biking
Franklin Lakes' spacious residential neighborhoods and natural areas provide excellent walking and cycling opportunities.
Thinking About Franklin Lakes?
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Sources & Learn More — Franklin Lakes
- Town of Franklin Lakes Official Website
- Franklin Lakes Public Schools NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- NY Waterway Ferry Service
- Hackensack Meridian Health Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors Market Data
- GreatSchools.org School Ratings & Reviews