Is Lake Hiawatha Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lake Hiawatha
Lake Hiawatha, a charming community nestled within Parsippany-Troy Hills Township in Morris County, New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. This census-designated place provides a distinctive living experience, characterized by its well-established neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. Its location offers residents the best of both worlds: a peaceful residential environment coupled with proximity to major transportation routes and employment centers.
The area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with numerous parks and good schools contributing to its appeal. Lake Hiawatha provides a comfortable lifestyle for its residents, balancing the quietude of suburban living with the conveniences of modern life. The community’s development has been mindful of preserving a pleasant living environment while ensuring accessibility to essential services and recreational opportunities.
Is it Safe to Live in Lake Hiawatha?
Lake Hiawatha generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is considered low, with a safety grade of A- in the 07034 zip code (as reported by DoorProfit). This indicates that crime is significantly below the national average, 37% lower according to the latest data (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents often feel secure due to the community’s suburban setting and its generally low incidence of major crimes.
While the community is safe overall, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Some areas might experience higher incidences of property crimes like vandalism or theft (as reported by DoorProfit). However, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Lake Hiawatha is relatively low, with the southeast part of the city often considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The community ranks in the 75th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 75% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Lake Hiawatha presents a range of options, though costs are generally above the national average. The median home value in Lake Hiawatha is approximately $361,888 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, other sources indicate a median listing price of $589,450 (as reported by Realtor.com®) and a median home value of $402,500 (as reported by World Population Review). This variation in reported median home values reflects different data collection methods and timeframes.
Rental prices also reflect the area’s cost of living. The average rent in Lake Hiawatha is around $1,861 per month (as reported by Zillow), with some sources indicating a median rental price of $2,700 per month (as reported by ApartmentHomeLiving.com). This suggests a competitive rental market. The homeownership rate in Lake Hiawatha is about 60.8%, which is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey Population 2026 | Demographics, Income & Housing).
Home Prices
Home prices in Lake Hiawatha are considered to be higher than the U.S. national average. The median cost of a home is $361,888, which is lower than the New Jersey state average of $388,929 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, other recent data shows a median sale price of $495,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a dynamic market with varying price points depending on the specific property and current market conditions.
The housing market is described as very competitive, with homes selling quickly. For instance, homes in Lake Hiawatha often sell within 21 days on average (as reported by Redfin). The median listing price can be around $649.9K, indicating strong demand and potentially higher-priced properties entering the market (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, NJ Housing Market & Rental trends – Home Prices, Rent, Inventory & More).
Rental Market
For those considering renting, Lake Hiawatha offers various options, though at a premium compared to national averages. The average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Lake Hiawatha is $1,861 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is 6.95% lower than the national average rent of $2,000 (as reported by Zillow).
However, other sources suggest a higher median rental price of $2,700 per month (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, NJ Housing Market & Rental trends – Home Prices, Rent, Inventory & More). Rental prices for one-bedroom apartments can range from $1,650 to $5,510, with an average of $2,531 per month (as reported by ApartmentHomeLiving.com). These variations highlight the importance of checking current listings for the most accurate rental costs.
Cost of Living
Living in Lake Hiawatha is notably more expensive than the U.S. national average. The overall cost of living is estimated to be 26% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). This is also significantly higher than New Jersey’s state average, being 114% higher (as reported by Salary.com).
The primary drivers for this higher cost of living are substantial housing expenses, elevated transportation costs, and rising food prices. These factors contribute to a monthly expense of approximately $3,110 for singles and $6,848 for families of four (as reported by Salary.com). This makes Lake Hiawatha one of the more expensive cities in the United States for overall living expenses.
Job Market and Economy
Lake Hiawatha’s economy is closely tied to the broader economic landscape of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township and Morris County. While specific major employers within Lake Hiawatha itself are not detailed, the township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a significant economic hub. Major employment centers are located in Parsippany’s business parks and nearby Morris Plains, accessible via major roadways (as reported by Lake Hiawatha Public Records & Statistics).
The median household income in Lake Hiawatha is reported as $101,500 (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey Population 2026 | Demographics, Income & Housing), which is above the U.S. median. This suggests a relatively strong economic base within the community. The unemployment rate for the broader Parsippany-Troy Hills area was 4% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons).
Major Employers
While specific major employers are not listed for Lake Hiawatha as a distinct entity, the surrounding Parsippany-Troy Hills area hosts a diverse range of industries. These include pharmaceutical companies, financial services, technology firms, and retail sectors. The presence of these diverse businesses provides a wide array of employment opportunities for residents within commuting distance.
The proximity to major highways such as Routes 46, 80, and 287 facilitates easy access to these employment hubs. This strategic location allows residents to benefit from the job market of a larger metropolitan area while residing in a quieter suburban setting.
Salaries and Wages
The average annual household income in Lake Hiawatha is $101,500 (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey Population 2026 | Demographics, Income & Housing). This figure is considerably higher than the national median household income, suggesting a robust earning potential for residents.
For the broader Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, the average annual salary is estimated to be around $110,000 (as reported by 6figr.com), with salary ranges typically between $77,102 and $100,088 annually (as reported by Parsippany Troy Hills Township Average Salary and Pay Ranges). These figures indicate a strong earning potential for individuals working within or near the Lake Hiawatha community.
Climate and Weather
Lake Hiawatha experiences a humid subtropical climate, typical of the northeastern United States. This means the area has four distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The average high temperatures in the summer can reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winter lows can dip into the 20s Fahrenheit.
Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, though summer months can see more thunderstorms. Snowfall is common in the winter, contributing to the picturesque winter landscape. The area experiences moderate humidity levels, particularly during the summer months.
Education and Schools
Lake Hiawatha is part of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, which serves the educational needs of the community. This district is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and offers a comprehensive range of educational programs. Parsippany High School, within the district, is noted for its strong performance, ranking in the top 20% in New Jersey with a high graduation rate of 94% (as reported by Lake Hiawatha Public Records & Statistics).
The district provides advanced placement (AP) programs and adult education courses, catering to diverse learning needs. Educational attainment in Lake Hiawatha is strong, with approximately 51% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey Population 2026 | Demographics, Income & Housing). This high level of educational attainment reflects a community that values learning and academic achievement.
Demographics
Lake Hiawatha is a diverse community with a population of approximately 10,406 residents (as of 2023 ACS) (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey Population 2026 | Demographics, Income & Housing). The population is nearly evenly split between males and females, with 51.2% male and 48.8% female (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey Population 2026 | Demographics, Income & Housing). The median age in Lake Hiawatha is 40.3 years, which is older than the national median (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey Population 2026 | Demographics, Income & Housing).
The racial composition of Lake Hiawatha is notably diverse. White residents make up approximately 50.7% of the population, while Asian residents constitute a significant portion at 35.41% (as reported by World Population Review). Other racial groups, including Black or African American, Native American, and multiracial populations, account for the remaining percentages.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Lake Hiawatha is characterized by its significant racial and ethnic diversity. White residents comprise about 49.3% of the population, with Asian residents making up 36.2% (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, NJ Demographics – Map of Population by Race – Census Dots). Hispanic or Latino individuals represent 9.3% of the population, while Black or African American residents account for 2.0% (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, NJ Demographics – Map of Population by Race – Census Dots).
This diverse demographic makeup contributes to a rich cultural tapestry within the community. The population has seen an increase, with an estimated population of 11,018 in 2026, an increase from the 10,194 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by Lake Hiawatha, NJ Demographics – Map of Population by Race – Census Dots). This growth reflects the area’s appeal to a diverse range of residents.
Pros and Cons of Living in Lake Hiawatha
Lake Hiawatha offers a desirable suburban lifestyle with several advantages. Its strong sense of community, family-friendly environment, and access to good schools are significant draws for residents. The area’s safety, with crime rates below the national average, further enhances its appeal as a place to live and raise a family.
However, the cost of living in Lake Hiawatha is a notable drawback. Expenses, particularly for housing and transportation, are considerably higher than the national average, which can be a challenge for some budgets. While the job market is generally stable, the high cost of living requires a commensurate income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.