Franklin Lakes
,Franklin Lakes is a picturesque borough located in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. Known for its beautiful residential neighborhoods and affluent community, Franklin Lakes offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
With top-rated schools and convenient access to major highways and shopping centers, Franklin Lakes is a highly desirable place to live in the New York metropolitan area.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore the Great Outdoors
morning
:Start your day with a refreshing hike at Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Enjoy the scenic views and the fresh air as you explore the wooded trails.
afternoon
:Pack a picnic and head to Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve. Relax by the water while soaking up the sun and enjoying your lunch.
evening
:Wind down with a stroll around the quaint downtown area. Grab dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy some light shopping.
A Day on the Green
morning
:Tee off at the Crystal Springs Golf Club for a challenging round of golf. The serene environment will enhance your gameplay.
afternoon
:After golf, enjoy lunch at the clubhouse, where you can refuel with some delicious food. Take some time to relax and take in the scenic views.
evening
:End your day with a sunset view over the course. Share your experiences over dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant.
Highlights
Good
- Peaceful suburban environment with a family-friendly atmosphere
- Highly rated school district providing quality education
- Access to various outdoor recreational activities and parks
- Affluent community with well-maintained homes and neighborhoods
- Proximity to New York City, allowing for easy commuting
Bad
- Higher cost of living compared to nearby towns
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours
- Less diversity in dining and shopping options
- Property taxes can be quite high
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking at Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Explore the scenic trails and beautiful landscapes of Ramapo Valley County Reservation, perfect for all levels of hikers.
Fishing at Franklin Lakes
Enjoy a relaxing day fishing at Franklin Lakes, which offers a peaceful environment and a variety of fish species.
Biking along the Saddle River County Park
Take a bike ride along the picturesque trails of Saddle River County Park, ideal for cycling enthusiasts.
Picnicking at Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
Have a family picnic surrounded by nature at the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, with plenty of space to relax.
Bird Watching at the Frankling Lakes Nature Reserve
Visit the Franklin Lakes Nature Reserve for bird watching opportunities, where you can observe various local and migratory birds.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Franklin Lakes with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
This beautiful nature preserve offers serene trails and stunning views of the lakes, perfect for nature photography and observing local wildlife.
Parkland at Franklin Lakes
A large park with open fields and wooded areas, providing great spots for landscape photography, especially during sunset.
Ponds at Franklin Lakes
Several scenic ponds in the area provide picturesque reflections and unique photo opportunities, especially in the fall when foliage changes.
Franklin Lakes Historic District
Capture charming architecture and vibrant street scenes amid the quaint homes and historical buildings.
Local Hiking Trails
Trails throughout Franklin Lakes offer expansive viewpoints where hikers can capture panoramic shots of the surrounding natural beauty.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Bergen County Bagel
A classic NY-style bagel with a perfect combination of chewy interior and slightly crispy exterior. A must-try for breakfast or brunch.
Must-Try!
Jersey Tomato Pie
A local twist on the traditional pizza, with a thick crust, robust tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Found in various pizzerias around town.
Taylor Ham Sandwich
A beloved staple in the region, featuring pork roll, egg, and cheese served in a Kaiser roll. Look for it in delis and diners.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Franklin Lakes better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Franklin Lakes Farmers Market
Open seasonally, this market offers locally grown produce, artisanal food products, and homemade treats. A great place to experience the community's culinary offerings.
Food Truck Fridays
During the warmer months, Food Truck Fridays bring a variety of gourmet food trucks to the town, serving up everything from BBQ and tacos to ice cream and crepes.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeting Etiquette
In Franklin Lakes, it is common to greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' A firm handshake is often appropriate in more formal settings, while a warm smile can be sufficient in casual interactions. It's important to maintain eye contact during greetings to convey sincerity.
Punctuality
Being punctual is highly valued in Franklin Lakes, especially for business meetings and social gatherings. Arriving on time demonstrates respect for others' time and commitments. If you are running late, it's courteous to inform the host or other participants.
Respect for Privacy
Individuals in Franklin Lakes often appreciate their personal space and privacy. Avoid asking overly personal questions unless you know the person well. Instead, engage in more general topics such as local events or community activities to foster respectful conversation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Franklin Lakes with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Franklin Lakes, as in many parts of the United States, tipping is a customary practice in the service industry. It is common to tip service staff such as waiters, hairdressers, and taxi drivers. The standard tip is typically around 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service provided. Tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for good service.
Payment
Payment practices in Franklin Lakes include a variety of options. Most establishments accept cash, credit, and debit cards. Digital payment methods, such as mobile payments via apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay, are also becoming increasingly popular. Residents are generally accustomed to using contactless payment methods for convenience and safety.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Franklin Lakes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring in Franklin Lakes typically features mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Expect pleasant weather with average highs in the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. This is a great time for outdoor activities, such as hiking and visiting local parks.
Summer
Summer offers warm weather with temperatures often reaching the 80s Fahrenheit. It’s ideal for outdoor events, lake activities, and festivals. Expect occasional rain but generally, you can enjoy long sunny days and vibrant community activities.
Autumn
Autumn showcases stunning fall foliage, with colorful leaves creating picturesque landscapes. Temperatures start in the 70s but can drop to the 50s by late October. This is a great time for hiking, enjoying local farms, and visiting annual fall festivals.
Winter
Winters in Franklin Lakes can be cold, with temperatures often below freezing and occasional snowfall. Expect a cozy atmosphere with activities like sledding and holiday events. The scenery is beautifully transformed with snow, making it a picturesque time for winter sports enthusiasts.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Ramapo Valley County Reservation
A large park offering a variety of trails through diverse landscapes including forest, streams, and lakes.
Hohokus Brook Trail
A scenic trail that runs along Hohokus Brook, providing a peaceful hiking experience with beautiful views.
Sterling Forest State Park
Located slightly further, this park features extensive hiking trails, stunning vistas, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Ringwood State Park
Offers a range of trails that vary in difficulty, with options to explore picturesque views, lakes, and historical sites.
Norvin Green State Forest
A rugged and wild area with challenging trails, featuring overlooks and included rocky terrain for experienced hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Franklin Lakes through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Franklin Lakes by plane.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Franklin Lakes, EWR is one of the major international airports serving the New York metropolitan area.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Approximately 35 miles southeast of Franklin Lakes, JFK is a primary international airport serving New York City.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
About 30 miles southeast of Franklin Lakes, LGA primarily serves domestic flights but also has some international flights.
Westchester County Airport (HPN)
Located roughly 40 miles north of Franklin Lakes, HPN serves a mix of domestic and limited international flights.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Approximately 80 miles southwest of Franklin Lakes, PHL is a major airport offering a variety of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
White
The majority racial group in Franklin Lakes, typically comprising over 80% of the population.
Asian
This group has been growing in recent years, making up around 10% of the population.
Hispanic or Latino
A smaller percentage of the population, usually around 5-7%.
Black or African American
This demographic group represents a small percentage, often around 1-3%.
Other ethnicities
Includes individuals from various other racial and ethnic backgrounds, typically representing less than 1%.
The Soul of Franklin Lakes
Discover the essence of Franklin Lakes through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer
A widely popular sport in Franklin Lakes, enjoyed by youth and adults alike, with various leagues and clubs available.
Baseball
A traditional American sport played at local parks, with teams ranging from Little League to adult leagues.
Basketball
A popular indoor and outdoor sport, with community leagues and school teams providing opportunities for participation.
Ice Hockey
A favored winter sport in the area, with access to local rinks and youth programs.
Golf
An accessible sport in Franklin Lakes, with several golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels.
Tennis
A popular recreational sport in the community, with courts available for public use and local tournaments.
Lacrosse
Gaining popularity among youth in Franklin Lakes, with clubs and school teams promoting the sport.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Many eateries in Franklin Lakes provide extensive vegetarian and vegan menus, with creative plant-based dishes and alternatives to cater to these dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free Offerings
Individuals seeking gluten-free options will find accommodating choices at numerous restaurants in town, including gluten-free pizzas, pastas, and baked goods.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Franklin Lakes with these cultural adventures.
