Buying and Selling a Home in West Milford, NJ

West Milford at a glance

West Milford covers more than 40% of Passaic County. Greenwood Lake, about 9 miles long, is shared with Greenwood Lake, New York, and the township includes many other lakes — Upper Greenwood Lake, Lindy Lake, Pinecliff Lake, Echo Lake and more. A large part of the township is City of Newark watershed property in the Pequannock River watershed, and Norvin Green State Forest extends into West Milford. Route 23 is the main highway. West Milford is in the Highlands region.

What the housing is like in West Milford

• Lake homes on Greenwood Lake, Upper Greenwood Lake, Pinecliff Lake and other lake communities.
• Single-family homes on wooded lots, typically with wells and septic.
• Former seasonal cottages converted to year-round use.

What buyers should check in West Milford

1. Lake association rules. Each lake community has its own membership, dues and rules — and some have waiting requirements.
2. Wells and septic. Plan for the required well test (Passaic County includes uranium) and a septic inspection.
3. Highlands rules. West Milford is in the Highlands; check the parcel before planning additions.
4. Winter access. Hilly roads and long driveways are common.
5. Property taxes. Look at the actual tax bill for the house, not an average, and compare West Milford's rate using the state's municipal tax data.
6. Town certificates. New Jersey requires a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher certificate at a change of occupancy; ask the town about any added resale inspections.

Selling a home in West Milford

West Milford's lakes and setting attract buyers from across North Jersey and New York. Separate lake-access types when pricing, and have association documents ready.

Want to know what homes like yours in West Milford have actually sold for? Get a free home valuation, or search homes for sale if you're buying.

A note on fair housing

I describe homes, land and places — not who lives where. For school information, I point you to official sources so you can decide for yourself.