5 minute read
Mount Olive Township
BY RYAN GALLAGHER
The 32-square-mile Northwestern
Jersey mountain town of Mount Olive Township has been slowly growing for years due to its natural beauty, country-style charm, and spread-out population. In addition to recently built dwellings, there are plans for more new homes, rental units, and assisted living communities in Mount Olive.
Budd Lake Draws Tourism to Town
Mount Olive is home to the stateprotected Budd Lake. Feeding into the Raritan River it serves as the foundation for local civilization, supporting tourism, sports, fishing, entertainment, energy, and natural resources such as drinking water and a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife.
Acquired in 1714 by John Budd, 1,300 acres of land in the area would eventually become Budd Lake. About 150 years later, local leaders declared this and surrounding land Mount Olive Township in 1871 after breaking away from Roxbury Township, according to Thea Dunkle, a local historian.
Despite its deep-rooted history, Mount Olive Township saw little development until the 1970s and 80s. Most residents and visitors owned bare-bones mountain homes and some residents can remember times without indoor plumbing.
Turkey Brook Park Serves as Outdoor Community Meeting Hub
While Mount Olive doesn’t have a traditional downtown, Turkey Brook Park serves as the community gathering space. Residents relish the park for its outdoor exercise equipment, a multi-sensory section for children with special needs, a dog park, sports fields, hiking trails, and more.
With new residents, the park’s offerings and clientele are growing. According to New Jersey Realtors® September Housing Market Data Report, there were 220 single family new listings yearto-date, a 22.9% increase over last year followed by 148 single family closed sales year-to-date, the same as last year.
Currently, the single family median sales price sits at $572,500 year-to-date, a 9% increase over last year.
According to Dunkle, community living areas and rental units are the newest dwellings in Mount Olive. The township contains five apartment complexes, several townhouse communities, new family homes, historic homes, as well as older lakeside bungalows.
“People want to stay and live here. And there are two tiers: It’s hard for older people because of taxes. They wonder, Do I sell my house? Do I want to stay in town with my family? So, the 55+ apartments enable people to stay here. While for younger people, I am trying to do everything I can to stabilize and keep taxes from rising too high,” said Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro.
Mayor Nicastro is also working with new building developers so younger people can move to the area and elderly individuals can stay close to home in smaller, more affordable units.
“This is such a beautiful area to raise a family, bring the kids, and get away from the hustle and bustle of cement city and get back to a country area,” said Nicastro who moved from Garfield in 2003. “I never knew it existed. Mountains, trees, and we’ve still got every store you’d want here too—especially with surrounding towns. So, people are moving up this way for that reason. Homes cost less than in Bergen County where it is almost double. It’s been a blessing to be here.”
Township Events Bring the Community Together
Residents, township employees, and local businesses aim to bring the increasingly diverse Mount Olive community together. The Township Recreation Department runs annual events like Oktoberfest, Christmas Tree Lighting, Country in the Park, and more.
“My God does the Rec. [sic] department go out of their way to put together the events at Turkey Brook,” said Michele Hildebrant of RH Farms. “It’s amazing how many events they put on, from jewelry making to flower design classes. It’s wonderful and geared to the kids. And even in the winter when it becomes quite boring, the rec department does not stop.”
From Oktoberfest-style brews to Christmas-inspired cream ales, the local brewery is set for the seasons. Jersey Girl Brewing releases a new beer every month in addition to hosting local events too—with event dates scheduled out through January 2025.
“We do live music, food trucks, country music dancing, make your own charcuterie board, knit your own blanket, dog adoption events, private events, and things where people in the community can get out for a fun night,” said owner Chuck Aaron.
While some might do sunset at the lake and beers at the brewery, others wake early to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the sunrise at local spots like the beautiful RH Farms where local fruits, veggies, and flowers are plentiful.
At any time of day, there are local restaurants with offerings to please any taste. Budd Lake Diner is one catch-all that experiences the highs and lows of the seasonal Mount Olive customer base.
“The Summertime does dip, but the Fall and Spring are my busiest times,” said Gus Thermenos who has owned the 45-year-old diner since 2022.
“I see most couples and families at dinner time. Whereas in the Summer, people come in after events or sports at Turkey Brook.”
Driving around town, one might also notice Mount Olive is home to big manufacturers like Fratelli Beretta prosciutto and foods, as well as small businesses like Das Creamery which has become a local favorite when it is time for dessert.
Mount Olive is also a haven for the arts. The historic Pax Amicus Theatre hosts movies and plays right across from views of Budd Lake.
With countless nature trails and preserves, Mount Olive has stones left unturned, top-notch events, and businesses to keep residents in place and bring in visitors from all over the Garden State and beyond.
