Is Franklin Lakes The Right Move For Your Family

Thinking about a move to Franklin Lakes but not sure if it fits your family’s wish list? You want the right balance of space, schools, recreation, and a manageable commute. In this guide, you’ll see how Franklin Lakes compares with nearby Wyckoff and Ridgewood so you can decide with confidence. You’ll get a clear view of home types, lot sizes, prices, schools, lifestyle, and commuting. Let’s dive in.

Franklin Lakes snapshot

Franklin Lakes sits in northwest Bergen County with about 11,200 residents and a high owner‑occupancy rate. Median household income is about $230,987, and the mean commute time is roughly 36.5 minutes. The borough is primarily single‑family and residential with lakes, preserved open space, and convenient access to neighboring towns for shopping and transit options.

Homes and lot sizes

Franklin Lakes is known for single‑family homes, including custom builds, expanded mid‑century properties, and newer or renovated Colonials. Many listings feature 1‑acre or larger parcels, and you will see estate‑scale properties on 2 or more acres in the mix. Smaller, denser subdivisions exist, but they are less common than in nearby towns.

How that compares nearby:

• Wyckoff offers a mix. Village‑core areas can have smaller lots, while outlying neighborhoods and certain zones allow 0.5 to 1 or more acres. Municipal zoning drives this variety.
• Ridgewood tends to have smaller lots near downtown and medium lots in outer neighborhoods.

If yard size and privacy are high priorities, Franklin Lakes generally delivers more options with larger parcels.

Prices and inventory

Expect a premium for larger lots and estate settings in Franklin Lakes. As of early 2026, Zillow’s Home Value Index is about $1.52 million for Franklin Lakes. Recent median sale price snapshots from MLS and vendor pages have ranged from about $1.4 million to $1.8 million depending on the period and property type. Numbers vary by source and month, so use the index for a broad view and recent solds for true street‑level comparisons.

Inventory for larger homes is modest and can be seasonal. Well‑located properties can draw strong interest, while some bigger parcels may spend more time on market. If you are targeting a specific lot size or neighborhood, be ready to move when the right listing appears.

Schools and programs

Franklin Lakes Public Schools serve K–8 students across four schools, with approximately 1,200 students districtwide. For grades 9–12, students attend the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District, which serves Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, and Oakland. Families can choose between Indian Hills High School and Ramapo High School depending on program and seat availability.

Commonly referenced measures show the Franklin Lakes K–8 district and Ramapo High School performing above state averages. Ramapo High School enrollment is around 1,100 to 1,200 students, and independent snapshots note strong academic and extracurricular outcomes. Always verify current program details and enrollment policies before deciding.

Smart next steps for parents:

• Review current NJ Department of Education school report cards.
• Visit schools, speak with principals and PTA members, and ask about programs and class sizes.
• Confirm attendance zones for any property you are considering, since boundaries and programs can change.

Recreation and lifestyle

If you value easy outdoor access, Franklin Lakes is a standout. The borough manages a roughly 120‑acre nature preserve with ADA‑accessible trails around a lake. It connects into the larger High Mountain Park Preserve trail network, which offers hiking, birding, and wide‑ranging open space. Local lakes and private clubs, including seasonal swim and tennis options, support a very active lifestyle.

Franklin Lakes is primarily residential. Daily errands are car‑dependent, though commercial areas and supermarkets are a short drive away. Community events and seasonal programs add to the family calendar.

How nearby towns differ:

• Ridgewood features a walkable downtown with shops, dining, and arts, and it is a major NJ Transit rail hub.
• Wyckoff offers a classic suburban feel with a village center and quieter, larger‑lot neighborhoods beyond.

Commute and transit

Franklin Lakes does not have a direct NJ Transit rail station. Many residents drive to nearby Main/Bergen Line stations, most commonly Ridgewood or Waldwick, for service to Hoboken or Midtown via Secaucus. Express bus routes and park‑and‑ride options exist in Bergen County. Driving to Manhattan can range from roughly 35 to 70 minutes or more depending on time of day and destination.

What this means for your routine:

• If you want frequent, predictable rail service, Ridgewood’s direct train access may be a better daily fit.
• If larger lots, privacy, and outdoor access are your top goals, and you can handle a car‑to‑rail or bus commute, Franklin Lakes is a strong contender.

Franklin Lakes vs nearby towns

Use this at‑a‑glance view to align your priorities:

• Price picture

  • Franklin Lakes: higher typical values, with Zillow’s index around $1.52 million and recent medians often in the mid to high $1 million range.
  • Wyckoff: lower typical values than Franklin Lakes by index.
  • Ridgewood: lower typical values than Franklin Lakes by index, often near Wyckoff’s range.

• Lot sizes and yard

  • Franklin Lakes: many 1‑acre or larger properties, plus estate‑scale parcels.
  • Wyckoff: mixed, from small village‑style lots to larger 0.5 to 1 or more acres depending on zoning.
  • Ridgewood: smaller lots near downtown, medium lots outside the core.

• Schools

  • Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff share the Ramapo Indian Hills regional high‑school system.
  • Ridgewood has its own K–12 district and high school.

• Commute and transit

  • Ridgewood: direct rail access and a hub station.
  • Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff: more car‑dependent, with short drives to nearby stations or bus options.

• Lifestyle

  • Franklin Lakes: lakes, preserve access, and quieter residential blocks.
  • Ridgewood: lively downtown and rail convenience.
  • Wyckoff: suburban middle ground with both village areas and larger‑lot neighborhoods.

Steps to decide with confidence

Use a simple process to build your short list.

1. Set a budget range with two data points. Combine a broad index with recent MLS solds to pinpoint a working range for your specific neighborhoods.

2. Choose two non‑negotiables. Examples include at least 1 acre, a target commute time, or proximity to a specific program.

3. Test the commute. Drive the route during peak hours. If rail is required, park at Ridgewood or Waldwick and ride a full door‑to‑door trip.

4. Tour schools and ask detailed questions. Review report cards, programs, class sizes, and anticipated enrollment shifts.

5. Walk neighborhoods on different days and times. Note traffic patterns, park access, and the feel of nearby amenities.

6. Check zoning and future potential. If lot size matters, confirm local zoning and any easements or restrictions that affect additions or possible subdivision.

Also, budget for New Jersey property taxes and operating costs. Review recent tax bills for any listing you consider, and estimate total monthly costs including taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Is Franklin Lakes a fit?

Choose Franklin Lakes if you want space, privacy, and fast access to nature without moving far from Bergen County services. You will likely pay a premium compared to nearby towns, especially for larger parcels, but you gain a residential setting with lakes, trail networks, and a clear single‑family focus. If your must‑haves include a highly walkable downtown and direct rail, explore Ridgewood. If you want a mix of village convenience and larger‑lot living, add Wyckoff to your tour list.

Ready to talk through neighborhoods, price bands, and timing for your move? Connect with Michele DeStefano to map your options and start a focused search.

FAQs

How much do homes in Franklin Lakes cost in 2026?

• Vendor snapshots show a Zillow index around $1.52 million, with recent median sale prices ranging about $1.4 million to $1.8 million depending on month and property type.

Are 1‑acre lots common in Franklin Lakes?

• Yes, many properties offer 1 or more acres, and estate‑scale parcels above 2 acres appear in the market mix alongside a few smaller‑lot subdivisions.

Which schools serve Franklin Lakes students?

• K–8 students attend Franklin Lakes Public Schools, and grades 9–12 attend the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District at Ramapo or Indian Hills High School.

What is the commute to NYC like from Franklin Lakes?

• There is no in‑town rail station; most commuters drive to Ridgewood or Waldwick for NJ Transit, use express buses, or drive, with times varying widely by destination and peak hours.

How does Franklin Lakes compare to Ridgewood for families?

• Franklin Lakes emphasizes larger lots and outdoor access, while Ridgewood offers a walkable downtown and direct rail service that suits daily train commuters.

What first steps should I take if I am considering Franklin Lakes?

• Set a clear budget range, pick two non‑negotiables, test your commute, tour schools, walk target neighborhoods, and confirm zoning or any property restrictions.