Wanaque is a borough of 11,317 residents in northern Passaic County, according to the 2020 Census, covering about 8 square miles of land along the Wanaque River at the edge of the Ramapo Mountains. The borough has two main sections: Wanaque itself, which was once known as Midvale, and Haskell, which has its own ZIP code. Wanaque was created in 1918, when Pompton Township was split into the boroughs of Wanaque, Bloomingdale and Ringwood. Here's what to know before you buy, sell, rent or invest in Wanaque or Haskell.

Why People Choose Wanaque

Water and mountains define this borough. The Wanaque Reservoir, which lies along the Wanaque River in Wanaque and neighboring Ringwood, holds roughly 29.6 billion gallons and is owned and operated by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, which has its headquarters in the borough. Together with the Monksville Reservoir, it supplies drinking water to much of Passaic, Essex, Bergen and Hudson counties. On the east side of town, trails climb from Back Beach Park onto the Wanaque Ridge, where viewpoints look west over the reservoir and Raymond Dam.

The borough's history is tied to industry. Haskell grew up around a gunpowder works and its workers' village. DuPont acquired control of the Laflin & Rand Powder Company, including the Haskell Works, in 1902, and the plant was an important source of smokeless powder during World War I.

Wanaque is also a practical base for drivers. Interstate 287 runs through the borough, so the rest of North Jersey is a straightforward drive.

Getting Around: Commuting from Wanaque

• Car: I-287 crosses the borough, and Exit 55 (Wanaque/Pompton Lakes) connects to local roads. Ringwood Avenue (County Route 511) is the main local road, running through Haskell and downtown Wanaque toward Ringwood.
• Bus: NJ Transit route 197 runs between Ringwood and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, with stops in Wanaque, including at Ringwood and Second Avenues.
• Rail: Wanaque has no passenger rail station, so rail commuters drive to a station in another town.

Neighborhoods and Housing Types

Wanaque is mainly a homeownership town. The Census Bureau estimates that about 78% of occupied homes in the borough are owner-occupied, based on 2020–2024 American Community Survey data. The state's list of local place names includes several areas inside the borough:

• Haskell: The section along Ringwood Avenue near I-287, with its own post office and ZIP code (07420).
• Wanaque (formerly Midvale): The borough's other main section, historically called Midvale, bordering Ringwood.
• Lake areas: Lake Inez, Lake Washington, Meadow Brook Lake and the Wanaque portion of Ramapo Lake are all recognized local place names in the borough.
• Single-family homes: The bulk of the for-sale market, from older houses to newer construction, on lots that range from level ground in the valley to hillside sites.
• Townhouses, condos and two-family homes: A smaller share of the market.

Buying a Home in Wanaque

A few things we help buyers check in Wanaque and Haskell:

• Flood zones: The National Weather Service has recorded dozens of floods on the Wanaque River at its Wanaque gauge, most often in spring. The borough enforces a flood damage prevention ordinance based on FEMA flood maps, which requires permits and elevation standards for construction in special flood hazard areas. For homes near the river or a lake, we check flood maps and insurance needs early.
• Older homes: Many houses here have decades of history. A thorough inspection of the roof, heating system, electrical, plumbing and foundation is a must, and hillside lots call for a look at drainage.
• Two-family homes and FHA: If you're using an FHA loan, a two-to-four family property can be bought with a low down payment as long as you live in one of the units. Rent from the other unit can help with the mortgage.
• Condo and townhouse associations: We review monthly fees, reserves, rules and any planned special assessments, and confirm whether a complex works with your financing.
• Property taxes: Taxes are a major part of any New Jersey budget. We pull the current tax figure for every home you're considering.

Need financing? We can connect you with a lender for pre-approval before you start touring.

Selling Your Wanaque Home

Value in Wanaque turns on specifics: whether a home is in Haskell or closer to the reservoir, how near it sits to I-287 and the 197 bus, lake or ridge views, lot slope, flood zone status and how much has been updated. We'll prepare a free comparative market analysis using recent sales of homes like yours, then market your property across the MLS and every major online channel. If your home is in a mapped flood hazard area, we'll have elevation and insurance information ready so buyers can move forward with confidence.

Renting and Investing in Wanaque

With most of the borough owner-occupied, Wanaque's rental supply is limited. Renters usually find a mix of apartments in two-family homes, condos and townhouses, and single-family homes offered by individual owners, so it helps to be ready to apply quickly. We help renters find options that fit their budget and commute, and we help landlords price, market and screen applicants. For investors, we'll walk through realistic rents, taxes, insurance, flood exposure and condition so the numbers hold up before you buy.

Local Landmarks and Amenities

• Wanaque Reservoir and Raymond Dam, part of the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission system
• Back Beach Park, with trailhead parking for the Indian Rock and Wanaque Ridge trails
• Wanaque Ridge viewpoints overlooking the reservoir and the Wyanokies, with trail links toward Ramapo Lake
• Passaic County Community College's Wanaque Academic Center at 500 Union Avenue, home to the college's culinary arts and fine and performing arts programs
• Wanaque Public Library
• Public schools: Wanaque Borough Public Schools (grades PreK–8) and the Lakeland Regional High School District, which serves Wanaque and Ringwood, with Lakeland Regional High School on Conklintown Road in Wanaque

Talk to a Local Broker

The Thompson Realty Group is a licensed New Jersey real estate brokerage based at 20 MacArthur Ave in Garfield, serving buyers, sellers, renters and investors across Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. Whether you're a first-time FHA buyer, a cash investor, or a homeowner wondering what your place is worth, we'll give you straight answers about Wanaque.

Call or text 201-928-5562 or book a free 15-minute consultation. You can also search every active New Jersey listing on our website.

Information on this page is provided for general guidance and is believed accurate as of October 2026. Programs, ordinances, taxes and transit schedules change, so please verify details for any specific property. Equal Housing Opportunity.