atd1313

Hackettstown has a great mix of old-style main street, a more modern commercial area, rental communities, typical suburban living, and college life. There is plenty to keep you busy and shopping is close at hand with both large chain stores and mom & pop's. Restaurants are plentiful and it has some nightlife as well. All-in-all the place is pretty friendly but watch out because there are rumors of a seedy underbelly of drug influences (you really only know its there if you're looking for it). Parking can be a bit hazardous as there is an ordinance against parking in the street between 3 & 4 am in the winter months. You WILL get a ticket if you park overnight. Also, there is an NJT station in Hackettstown so that is an option for NYC commuters but mind the ticket price.

Hopatcong is a converted lake community gone horribly wrong. Defended to the death by its born and bred residents, it is a haven for the less sophisticated and uncultured. With large portions of the district built in mazes of side streets and dead-ends, the only thing that is easy to do in a car in Hopatcong is get lost. Parking is difficult and snow plowing is a disgrace. It isn't all bad, though. In the summertime, it can be quite beautiful...down by the water. Neighboring this burg is the lake from which it draws its name. If you are lucky (wealthy) enough to own a piece of lakefront property, you can enjoy all the summertime splendors that the water has to offer. Though, if you don't have $100k's to spare and want to enjoy the water, good luck. The nearby State Park with lake access is egregiously crowded in the summer and many of the private beach clubs can be called dirty at best and unimpressive by all accounts. Crime is relatively minimal in this area but due to the proximity of the houses to each other, noise and light pollution are a huge problem. This area might be a good starter home area as long as you don't mind the things I listed. Note: I have personally lost power for more than 5 consecutive days twice in the year that I've lived in the area. All those intending to move in: I would recommend a generator.