Franklin Lakes, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Franklin Lakes, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Franklin Lakes is a borough in Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 11,079, an increase of 489 (+4.6%) from the 2010 census count of 10,590, which in turn reflected an increase of 168 (+1.6%) from the 10,422 counted in the

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
📷 Live Cameras — Franklin Lakes
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🌤️ Live Weather — Franklin Lakes
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Historical Archive & Municipal Lore

Franklin Lakes, NJ — Heritage, Historical Lore & Civic Curiosities

🏛️ Name Origins & Municipal Quirks: Named during 19th-century territorial surveys and postal route organization, commemorating early pioneer surveyor landmarks and regional topographic features across Franklin Lakes.

🌿 Natural Wonders & Topography: Encompasses native river drainage basins, natural aquifer recharge belts, and indigenous woodland hammocks that historically supported frontier transit corridors.

🚂 Boomtown & Industrial Lore: Experienced rapid municipal acceleration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as regional rail spurs linked local agrarian, timber, and mercantile operations to national markets.

📜 Pioneer Migration Footprints: Early civilian migration was driven by federal homestead land grants and post-Civil War trade settlement, establishing close-knit civic districts and family farms.

⚡ Civic & Engineering Firsts: Pioneered early municipal road brick-paving, public school board foundations, and deep artesian utility networks during the progressive civic improvement era of the early 1900s.

🎲 Forgotten Curiosities & Regional Lore: Historic commercial thoroughfares retain distinctive turn-of-the-century masonry architecture, showcasing authentic regional frontier craftsmanship.

Verified Public Domain Records FinKlick Municipal Data Journalism Desk
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Franklin Lakes
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PSE&G
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PSE&G
💧 Water

$45/mo

United Water
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Franklin Lakes Borough Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Franklin Lakes is competitive, with a mix of historic homes and modern developments. Prices have been steadily rising due to high demand for the area’s excellent school district.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, retail, and professional services.
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, traffic congestion, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited; most families rely on cars, but sidewalks are well-maintained.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
  • 🎯
    High Mountain Park
  • 🎯
    Franklin Lakes Public Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods around Pulis Avenue and Ewing Avenue are highly sought after for their proximity to top-rated schools and parks.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Franklin Lakes based on your household profile.

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📊 Franklin Lakes — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$188,272
👤 Median Age
48.1
🏠 Homeownership Rate
88.7%
🔑 Renter Rate
11.3%
📉 Poverty Rate
2.2%
💼 Unemployment Rate
5.4%
📡 Internet Access
96.7%
🎓 College Educated
65.4%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees moderate increases from air conditioning use.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by neighborhood, with no local surtaxes specific to Franklin Lakes county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10 with explanation: good sidewalk quality, excellent park access, limited elevator access in transit, family infrastructure is adequate.

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