Rockaway, New Jersey is a vibrant town located in Morris County.
It offers many attractions and amenities to its residents and visitors alike. With beautiful views of the Ramapo Mountains, easy access to transportation networks, great educational opportunities and an array of cultural activities – Rockaway has something for everyone!
Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or a day trip out with friends, Rockaway NJ has it all. Take some time to explore this charming community nestled between Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and Denville Township – you won’t regret it! In this blog post we will discuss the geography, demographics, transportation options as well as attractions that make Rockaway New Jersey such an attractive place to live or visit.
Geography of Rockaway, NJ
Rockaway, New Jersey is located in Morris County and is bordered by the towns of Denville, Dover, and Parsippany-Troy Hills. The town has a population of around 6,600 people and covers an area of about 2.2 square miles. Rockaway is situated on the eastern side of the state near the Appalachian Mountains.
Location
The exact coordinates for Rockaway are 40°53’N 74°32’W which places it at an elevation of approximately 500 feet above sea level. It lies within easy reach to major cities such as Newark (about 30 miles away) and New York City (around 50 miles away).
Climate
The climate in Rockaway is generally mild with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from 25 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months. Precipitation levels tend to be higher than average throughout most of the year with snowfall occurring between December through March each year.
Topography
The topography of the area consists mainly of rolling hills with some valleys scattered throughout, as well as a few lakes including Lake Hopatcong State Park which offers many recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. The terrain also includes several streams that flow into larger rivers like Musconetcong River which runs along much of its western border before emptying into Lake Hopatcong just northward from there.
Demographics of Rockaway, NJ
Rockaway, NJ is a small town located in Morris County. According to the 2010 census, the population of Rockaway was 6,945 people. The majority of residents are white (90%) followed by Asian (4%), Hispanic (3%), African American (2%), and other races (1%).
The median age in Rockaway is 42 years old with a median household income of $95,000. Education levels are high with over 90% having at least a high school diploma and nearly 40% having a bachelor’s degree or higher.
This makes it an ideal place for families looking for good schools and safe neighborhoods as well as those seeking career opportunities due to its proximity to major cities such as New York City and Newark.
In terms of population statistics, Rockaway has seen steady growth since 2000 when it had 5,744 people living there according to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey estimates from 2017-2022.
In addition to this growth in population size, the area has also seen an increase in diversity with more than half of all households speaking languages other than English at home according to recent data from 2018-2022 ACS estimates.
When it comes to education level among residents of Rockaway, over 90% have earned at least a high school diploma while nearly 40% have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher.
This speaks volumes about how highly educated this community is compared to others throughout New Jersey and even across the country. Furthermore, many students go on after graduating from local schools like Morris Hills High School or Parsippany Hills High School either attending college nearby or traveling out-of-state for their studies depending on what they wish pursue professionally later down the line.
Finally, when discussing income level among residents within Rockaway we can see that most households earn around $131K annually making them part of middle class America yet still able enough financially to enjoy life’s luxuries without feeling too much strain on their wallets each month.
This is something that not everyone gets to experience regardless of where they live geographically speaking and should be taken into consideration if you plan on moving here soon.
Transportation in Rockaway, NJ
Public Transit Options
Rockaway is served by NJ Transit bus routes, providing access to nearby towns and cities. The buses run frequently throughout the day and evening, making it easy for residents to get around without a car. Taxi services are also available in the area for those who need a more convenient way of getting around.
Roadways and Highways Accessible to Rockaway, NJ
Several major roadways provide access to Rockaway including Route 46, Route 10, I-80, I-287 and US 202/206. These highways make it easy for commuters to travel into New York City or other parts of New Jersey with ease.
For travelers looking for an airport close by, there are several options near Rockaway including Newark Liberty International Airport which is approximately 25 miles away from town.
Other airports include Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU) located about 15 miles away, as well as Essex County Airport (CDW), which is just over 15 miles away from the town center.
Attractions in Rockaway, NJ
Rockaway, NJ is home to a variety of attractions that are sure to please visitors and locals alike. From parks and recreation areas to shopping centers and dining options, there’s something for everyone in this small town.
From parks and recreation areas to shopping centers and dining options, there’s something for everyone in this small town.
Hedden Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations near Rockaway; it offers hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing opportunities on its lake as well as plenty of open space for running around or just enjoying nature.
Other nearby parks include Jockey Hollow which features a Revolutionary War encampment site with interpretive tours available year-round; Tourne County Park which offers miles of scenic trails perfect for biking or walking; and Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area which has an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Shopping Centers and Malls Nearby Rockaway, NJ
Willowbrook Mall is the closest mall to Rockaway offering over 140 stores ranging from high-end retailers like Nordstrom Rack to more affordable outlets like Forever 21 plus restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory and entertainment venues including movie theaters and bowling alleys.
There are also several smaller shopping plazas located throughout town where you can find everything from groceries to clothing stores.
When it comes time for dinner there is no shortage of options near Rockaway.
For casual eats, try local favorites such as Bistro at Main Street Pizza & Grill or Mama’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, both serving up delicious pizzas along with other classic Italian dishes. La Casa Del Sol Mexican Restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.
History of Rockaway, NJ
Rockaway, NJ was first settled by Dutch farmers in 1715 who named it after their hometown in Holland called “Rockeweg” meaning “rocky way” due to its rocky terrain. This small town has a rich history and is home to many notable people.
Early Settlers and Founding of the Town
The area now known as Rockaway was originally part of New Barbadoes Township before being incorporated into Dover Township in 1922. It was initially settled by Dutch farmers who gave it the name Rockeweg which translates to “rocky way” due to its rocky terrain.
Major Events Throughout History
In 1844, Rockaway became an independent borough before being annexed into Dover Township where it remains today. During World War II, the United States Army Signal Corps established Camp Evans on what is now Picatinny Arsenal near Rockaway, NJ for training purposes.
Rockaway New Jersey FAQs
Is Rockaway NJ A good place to live?
Rockaway, NJ is a great place to live. It offers a quiet suburban lifestyle with easy access to New York City and Philadelphia.
The town has plenty of parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities for residents to enjoy. Residents can also take advantage of the nearby beaches or explore the many hiking trails in the area.
Rockaway’s schools are highly rated and there are numerous recreational activities available for families. All in all, Rockaway is an ideal location for those looking for a peaceful yet convenient home base near two major cities.
Is Rockaway NJ Democrat or Republican?
Rockaway, NJ is located in Morris County which leans Republican. In the 2016 Presidential Election, Donald Trump won with 53% of the vote while Hillary Clinton only received 44%. This trend has continued into recent elections and Rockaway remains a largely Republican area. However, the town does have a sizable Democratic population and there are local races that can be competitive.
What towns are near Rockaway NJ?
Rockaway, NJ is located in Morris County and is surrounded by several towns. To the north lies Boonton Township, to the east Denville Township, to the south Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and to the west Dover Townships.
All of these towns are within a 10 mile radius of Rockaway and offer plenty of activities for residents including shopping centers, restaurants, parks and recreation areas.
Additionally, there are many nearby cities such as Morristown (14 miles), Newark (25 miles) and New York City (40 miles). With so much close by, Rockaway provides an ideal location for those looking for a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities.
