If you’re considering a move to Franklin Lakes, NJ, Urban Farms is one neighborhood you’ll hear about again and again—for good reason. As a longtime local, I’ve seen Urban Farms win people over with its blend of timeless charm, exceptional family amenities, and a friendly, tight-knit community vibe. Here’s what it’s really like to call Urban Farms home.
Community Vibe: Friendly Faces and Lasting Connections
Urban Farms has a distinctive feel that sets it apart from some of the busier, less personal suburbs nearby. Here, neighbors really do know one another, and if you go for a walk along East Gate Road or Colonial Road, don’t be surprised if you get a wave or even a friendly chat. The local Urban Farms Shopping Center serves as a hub where residents meet over coffee, pick up groceries, or grab a quick lunch. This shared sense of community is something almost every resident mentions as a major perk.
Events like spring block parties, Halloween parades, and annual Fourth of July fireworks bring everyone together, making it easy for newcomers to feel instantly at home. Whether you’re a family with young kids, a retiree, or anyone in between, you’ll find people eager to include you.
Types of Housing: A Home for Every Taste
One of the reasons Urban Farms appeals to so many is the diversity of its housing. The streets are lined with a mix of grand Colonials, traditional Cape Cod homes, renovated ranches, and newer construction luxury residences. Many homes are set back on spacious, wooded lots—a hallmark of Franklin Lakes—offering privacy and room for kids to play or garden enthusiasts to grow.
Some of the more notable streets for beautiful homes include Blue Ridge Road, Sherwood Road, and Valley View Road. Properties here tend to be meticulously maintained, and there’s a strong neighborhood pride that keeps curb appeal high. Whether you’re looking for a stately center-hall Colonial or a more modern home with open-concept living, Urban Farms has it.
Walkability: Strolling Through Scenic Streets
While Franklin Lakes is generally considered car-dependent, Urban Farms scores well for walkability within the context of suburbia. Kids walk or bike to Colonial Road School in good weather, and families stroll to the Urban Farms Shopping Center for ice cream or errands. Walkers and joggers love the loop around High Mountain Road, which offers both safety and scenic views, particularly in the fall when the foliage peaks.
Sidewalks are present on the main streets and there are safe crosswalks near schools and shopping. For anyone with dogs or young kids, walking around Urban Farms feels peaceful and safe throughout the day.
Schools and Family-Friendliness: A Top Choice for Growing Families
The Urban Farms neighborhood is zoned for Colonial Road School, one of Franklin Lakes’ highly ranked elementary schools, located right on Colonial Road. Known for its caring teachers and strong parent involvement, the school is central to the community and within walking or biking distance for many residents.
For middle and high school, students attend Franklin Avenue Middle School and then Ramapo High School—both excellently regarded for academics, sports, and extracurriculars. The area is well-known for its PTA events, seasonal fairs, and strong tradition of community volunteering.
Locally, you’ll find playgrounds, sports leagues, and after-school programs—Urban Farms is designed with families in mind.
Parks and Green Spaces: Nature at Your Doorstep
A major highlight of living in Urban Farms is easy access to pristine green spaces. Residents are just minutes from the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, a sprawling 120-acre sanctuary with hiking trails, fishing spots, and birdwatching opportunities. The Franklin Lakes Community Park, located just off De Korte Drive, features athletic fields, a playground, and hiking paths for kids and adults alike.
Smaller parks dot the neighborhood, and mature trees line nearly every street—giving even casual walks a tranquil, almost country-like feel.
Safety: Peace of Mind Day and Night
One thing residents consistently praise is how safe they feel here. Urban Farms enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in Bergen County, thanks to a strong, visible local police presence and an engaged community watch. Streets are well-lit, and it’s not uncommon to see kids playing outside from after school until dusk.
Parents feel comfortable letting children ride their bikes or walk to friends’ houses—a testament both to the low traffic on side streets and the neighborly trust that prevails.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Despite its peaceful setting, Urban Farms offers easy access to essential amenities and commuting routes. The Urban Farms Shopping Center includes essentials like Market Basket grocery store, Sugar Flake Bakery, yoga studios, and casual dining. For more extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment, downtown Franklin Lakes is just a five-minute drive.
Commuters appreciate the proximity to Route 208 and I-287, which offer straight routes to corporate parks in Bergen and Passaic counties, as well as to Manhattan (about a 40-minute drive without heavy traffic). New Jersey Transit bus stops nearby provide public transit options for those heading into the city.
What Residents Love Most: The Urban Farms Difference
Ask anyone why they love Urban Farms, and the answers revolve around community spirit, safety, and lifestyle. Here are just a few of the things neighbors can’t stop talking about:
- The friendly, welcoming culture—where you’ll always find someone willing to lend a hand.
- The convenience of walking or biking to school, parks, and shops.
- The beautiful, tree-lined streets and well-tended homes that show pride of ownership.
- The blend of nature and suburban comfort—close enough to the city, but far enough for peace and quiet.
- Year-round neighborhood traditions that create lasting memories, such as driveway firepits in fall and holiday lights tours in December.
For anyone seeking a neighborhood where neighbors look out for one another, amenities are close, and life feels just a bit simpler, Urban Farms stands out as one of Franklin Lakes’ most beloved communities. If you’re ready for a new chapter somewhere special, you may just find yourself calling Urban Farms “home.”