Introduction: A Community Steeped in History
Nestled amid the rolling hills and tranquil lakes of northern Bergen County, the Urban Farms neighborhood of Franklin Lakes, NJ, is more than just a picturesque residential enclave. For those lucky enough to call it home, Urban Farms represents generations of stories, milestones, and enduring charm. Its peaceful streets, verdant parks, and close-knit feel make it a jewel of the township. To understand why Urban Farms is so beloved, we have to look back at its roots and the journey that transformed this area from rural farmland to a vibrant suburban neighborhood.
Origins: How Urban Farms Got Its Name
Long before the word “suburb” became synonymous with Franklin Lakes, the land that would become Urban Farms was agricultural through and through. Much of what we recognize today—like the broad stretches of forest, winding drives, and green lawns—was once cultivated farmland, complete with barns and fields.
The name “Urban Farms” is both a nod to the original farming families and a clever reflection of the area’s evolution. The “Urban” in Urban Farms doesn’t refer to a city, but instead comes from one of the prominent landowning families, the Urbans, who farmed these lands for generations. Their legacy lives on not only in the name but also in the community’s commitment to preserving open space and fostering a harmonious relationship with the land.
Key Historical Milestones
- Early 1900s – Farmland Era: Throughout the early 20th century, Franklin Lakes was largely rural, with the Urban family and their neighbors tending to large plots filled with corn, tomatoes, and dairy herds. The main roads that crisscross the neighborhood today—like Urban Club Road and Windbeam Road—were first carved out by wagon wheels and horse hooves.
- Mid-century Suburbanization: As Bergen County grew after World War II, so did the demand for homes outside the big cities. The family farms began to be subdivided, and by the 1950s and 60s, the developers arrived. Urban Farms became one of Franklin Lakes’ first planned communities, designed to offer spacious homes, private lots, and a unique blend of preservation and modern conveniences.
- Formation of Urban Farms Homeowners Association: To maintain the character of the neighborhood and the quality of life for its residents, the Urban Farms Homeowners Association (UFHA) was established. This group played a pivotal role in guiding the area’s development, maintaining its amenities, and ensuring its serene character remained intact.
Landmarks and Notable Buildings
Urban Farms is dotted with landmarks that tell the story of its past and present:
- Urban Farms Shopping Center: Located at the intersection of Franklin Lake Road and High Mountain Road, this local hub has been a gathering spot for residents for decades. With its quaint shops, family-owned restaurants, and annual events, the center brings neighbors together much as the old general stores did.
- Shadow Lake and Haledon Reservoir: These natural features shape the landscape and provide peaceful scenery for those strolling or biking along their perimeters. Once crucial for irrigating the old farmland, today they serve as beloved recreational spots, perfect for birdwatching, fishing, or quiet reflection.
- West Side Presbyterian Church: Though not directly within Urban Farms, this historic church on West Saddle River Road has long served the spiritual and community needs of residents. Its traditional steeple is visible from nearby parts of the neighborhood, symbolizing the area’s enduring values.
- Local Schools: Urban Farms is fortunate to border several respected schools, including High Mountain Road School and Franklin Avenue Middle School. These institutions foster a sense of community pride and continuity, with many families boasting generations of attendance.
A Neighborhood That Grows With Its Residents
What truly sets Urban Farms apart is its adaptability. Over the decades, the neighborhood has grown and changed, but always with an eye toward balance and respect for its history.
- Preserved Green Spaces: While development has brought new homes and amenities, Urban Farms has always prioritized green space. Parks like Parsons Pond Park not only offer playgrounds and walking trails, but they also preserve the neighborhood’s bucolic ambiance for future generations.
- Community Organizations: The Urban Farms Homeowners Association continues to be a vital force in maintaining the area’s unique charm. Block parties, holiday parades, and volunteer events keep the neighborhood close-knit and welcoming for newcomers and longtime residents alike.
- Architectural Diversity: From classic mid-century Colonials to modern custom builds, the homes in Urban Farms reflect changing tastes but a constant desire for beauty, space, and comfort. Mature trees, carefully tended gardens, and winding streets make it a haven for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from urban hustle.
The Spirit of Urban Farms Today
Ask anyone who lives in Urban Farms what makes it special, and you’ll hear familiar themes: the beauty of the pond at sunset, the laughter of children on tree-lined streets, and the sense that here, neighbors are more like family. Newcomers quickly find themselves swept up in neighborhood traditions—the fall bonfires, summertime concerts at the Urban Farms Shopping Center, or friendly gatherings for coffee at the local market.
Urban Farms remains a place where history and progress coexist. Its fields may have given way to driveways and gardens, but the enduring spirit of stewardship and community lives on. As Franklin Lakes continues to thrive, Urban Farms stands as a testament to the idea that a neighborhood can honor its past while also embracing its future.
Conclusion: The Heartbeat of Franklin Lakes
Urban Farms is more than just a name on a map—it’s a warm embrace, a living memory, and a beacon for those seeking comfort, heritage, and connection. To stroll its streets is to walk through the pages of Franklin Lakes’ history, and to live here is to become part of a story that continues to blossom with each new generation.