Sparta, New Jersey – a Priceless Gem in the Pocono Mountains

I have had several occasions to visit Sparta, New Jersey in Sussex County because I have relatives living there. Sparta has the feel of a resort town with its winding roads, large evergreen trees, and lakes surrounded by beautiful homes.

New York City is a mere 49 miles from Sparta and can be reached in a little over an hour by using the Lincoln Tunnel into the city. This affords Spartans access to theatres, sporting events, restaurants and shopping over and above what is available in Sparta.

Sparta could be considered a bedroom community for commuters to New York City jobs. Many Spartan breadwinners have their main source of income from companies based in the city. A Chamber of Commerce report mentions that there are a high number of JFK pilots and their families who have chosen to make their home in Sparta.

And for good reason. Sparta is a child-friendly town with excellent schools, both private and public. Children have access to sports teams and recreational activities far beyond what other areas might provide. Bus transportation is available to the schools which declare snow days frequently in the winter since the mountain roads are treacherous with just a few inches of snow. Ski clubs in Sparta schools are popular with students when winter comes. They have access to New Jersey’s largest and most popular ski resort, Mountain Creek, just 15 miles north of Sparta in the Kittatinny Mountains. It is located at 200 Route 94 in Vernon, NJ 07462. For further information on Mountain Creek, their Email address is: [email protected] and the phone number is 973-827-2000.

The town seems to be geared toward upper middle class families with many homes selling for $500,000 and up. The 2010 U. S. Census lists Sparta’s population at 19,722 with 96.7% of its residents being Caucasian.

Lake Mohawk, located partially in the Township of Sparta, is a man-made lake and is the largest private lake in New Jersey. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lake has ten distinct beaches and is available for powerboating, sailing, water skiing and swimming. Click here to view a video of Lake Mohawk.

Sparta and the surrounding area offers fine restaurants for its residents and tourists to the area. A favorite of ours is The Black Forest Inn in nearby Stanhope, NJ which accepts reservations at (973) 347-3344. Another more casual but appealing restaurant is the Jefferson Diner in nearby Lake Hopatcong which can be reached at (973) 663-0233.

Sparta is a small piece of modern Americana which speaks to families searching for a peaceful, safe place to raise children.

Sources:

Personal experience

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