Boonton

NJ MONTHLY NAMED BOONTON #1 BEST TOWN FOR FAMILIES

New Jersey's Best Towns for Families 2016 Morris County Winner

Population: 4,311
Average Home Price: $495,857

If you’re looking for a down-to-earth suburb steeped in wholesome values, Boonton is it. Tracy Lynn Paulozzo was born and raised in Boonton and is now raising her two children, Alex, 12, and Angela, 7, here with her husband Frank. “I like that everyone knows you and everyone looks out for your kids even when you’re not around. It’s safe here.”

At only 2.45 square miles, Boonton is chock-full of parks, playgrounds and sports fields. But the gem here is Grace Lord Park, veined with waterfalls, stone ruins and hiking trails.

While she loves the Labor Day Weekend carnival and the Halloween trunk-or-treat party, the Christmas parade, which her mother ran for 20 years, remains Paulozzo’s favorite. Volunteer firefighters from Boonton’s five companies walk in the parade, as do the Harmony Senior Drum Corps, of which her father and son are members. “It’s the ultimate family day!” she says.

MORE: Boonton is a vibrant community which is grounded in its historical past. It is recognized for its grand victorian homes as well as modest properties, townhomes and apartments.  A rich cultural background has been passed down the years from immigrants who came to Boonton to work in its iron industry. Boonton has been home to abolitionists, a stop on the Underground Railroad and home of the world famous Boontonware.  Trolley cars, vaudeville theatres and hotels thrived on Main Street at the turn of the century. Now the home of high-tech companies, a wide range of international restaurants, galleries and antique stores, the town has grown and diversified both in its industry and in its ethnic population.

Although Boonton is a town built on industry, it is not without natural beauty. Grace Lord Park, with its fountain, falls and landmark gazebo, is home to the town’s concerts during the summer season.  The Rockaway River meanders through the park and our town offering walking trails and a variety of flora and fauna for the nature enthusiast. Boonton is home to one of Morris County’s best kept secrets.  The Boonton Falls.  Rivaled only by the Great Falls of Paterson, the power of the falls helped establish the town as a iron town in the 1800.  Now, it offers hiking trails and a chance to see the town as it looked a century ago.

The Saturday Farmers Market and Dog Days of Summer Celebration are community favorites.  Residents and people from throughout Morris County enjoy monthly First Friday night events organized by Main Street Boonton featuring sidewalk activities, food and music.  

Boonton is also home to the historic New Jersey’s Firemen’s Home.  One of only a handful in the entire country, this hospital cares for both fulltime and volunteer fireman that have no other facilities to turn to during retirement or convalescence.