Death and Taxes; New Jersey Property Taxes Relative to the Current Property Values

 

 

Benjamin Franklin, famously stated, "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."   

 

As a Maplewood resident and area Realtor, we all believe our property taxes to be "too high," and even 

onerous for many of our current residents, let alone negatively impacting potential buyers , as it pertains to affordability.

 

Well, I recently read an article:  "Highest Property Taxes in NJ: 18 Towns Where the 

"Average" Annual Bill Is Over $20k, written by Michelle Rotuno-Johnson and published 

3/18/25. 

Excerpting from her article, here are the Top 5 Towns paying the highest average 

Property Tax:

• Tavistock Borough, Camden: Average residential property value of $2,640,533

and average annual property taxes of $37,908.

• Millburn Township, Essex: Average residential property value of $1,282,294

and average annual property taxes of $25,407.

• Demarest Borough, Bergen: Average residential property value of $809,319

and average annual property taxes of $24,736.

• Mantoloking Borough, Ocean: Average residential property value of $2,849,298

and average annual property taxes of $24,422.

• Tenafly Borough, Bergen: Average residential property value of $839,028

and average annual property taxes of $23,833.

 

But, I don’t look at the above in the same way as the author, because $20,000 in taxes relative to a $500,000 average residential property value is far more aggressive and financially cumbersome when compared to the same $20,000 in taxes someone might be paying relative to an average property value that is 2 to 3 times that value.

So, I went back and created the below chart to show the actual tax rates as they calculate compared to the property value*, here is the entirety of Essex County, and I’m happy to report that Maplewood was actually one of the lower taxed towns, percentage-wise:

*The above data pulled from Department of Community Affairs from the Official Site of The State of New Jersey-- https://www.nj.gov/dca/dlgs/resources/Property_Tax_info.shtml

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/West Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.  

 

 

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers  

I am also a Luxury specialist (CLHMS), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying and selling process. Not only does this extra training help me better understand this upper echelon in real estate, its benefit include a special luxury website: www.njluxhomes.com and a corresponding worldwide luxury network that helps to put luxury buyers and sellers together. 

As your Maplewood/South Orange/ West Orange New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the West Orange, Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority. Don’t forget These Helpful Sites: 

www.BedroomCommunitiesofNYC.com

www.UnionCountyProperties.com

86D Troy Dr # D Springfield Twp., NJ 07081

Property Site: https://tour.corelistingmachine.com/home/AEWJ25/86D-Troy-Dr-%23-D-Springfield-Twp.-NJ-3976716

Charming & Recently painted 1-Bedroom Condo in Troy Village, a lovely garden apartment community offering a park-like setting in Springfield, New Jersey. Priced to sell quickly, so dont wait too long or it will likely be SOLD! Welcome to this beautifully appointed one-floor condo, complemented by hardwood floors.. This inviting home features a very spacious bedroom, an Eat-In Kitchen with a new stainless range/oven and a very convenient breakfast bar, to allow for modern comfort. The entertainment living space includes a Living Room and Dining Room combination and due to its large size, offers a great deal of flexibility on how you choose to live and enjoy it. There is a nice-sized full bath with a tub and shower providing you with the choice of a relaxing bath or a quick shower to get ready for work. The unit also has a back staircase for easy access to the resident parking area. Troy Village also includes a recently updated association pool for your enjoyment and relaxation, offering a perfect oasis for hot summer days. Dont miss this exceptional opportunity for comfort, convenience, and style in a prime location and just move-in to enjoy on your first day! Located close to town, with easy access to shopping The Short Hills Mall--and services, major highways and Newark/Liberty Airport for your air travel needs.

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Price: $249,000

For more information about this property, please contact MARK SLADE at 973-762-5400 or sladehomes@gmail.com. You can also text 8907856 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

See more listings at: https://markslade.kw.com/

MLS ID: 3976716

https://www.facebook.com/10209177657823074 https://www.twitter.com/maplewoodhomey https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtjAK9lx3HHKoqUFMRc1NWQ

35 Porter Pl Montclair Twp., NJ 07042

Property Site: https://tour.corelistingmachine.com/home/ZYVN3D/35-Porter-Pl-Montclair-Twp.-NJ-3968075

Welcome to this exquisite luxury residence nestled in one of Montclairs most coveted neighborhoods. With timeless curb appeal and modern upgrades throughout, this beautifully maintained home offers four levels of elegant living, featuring 6 spacious bedrooms, a dedicated home office, 3 full baths, and 2 powder rooms. Step onto the charming front porch, perfect for relaxing evenings, and into the inviting living room with a wood-burning fireplace. The elegant formal dining room leads to a sun-filled eat-in kitchen, complete with ample cabinetry, coffee/beverage bar, and access to the mudroom and backyard patio, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining. The second floor features four bedrooms, including a serene primary suite with a private bath and generous closet space. The third floor offers two additional beds, a full bath, and a home office a perfect retreat for guests or remote work. The finished basement includes a family room, laundry room and storage with a convenient powder room. Enjoy the convenience of 2-zone central air conditioning, a sprinkler irrigation system, a nearly-new water heater, and a two-car garage with a long driveway. The home has been freshly painted inside and out, and the roof is only 6 years old. Professionally landscaped with mature trees and located near Porter Park, this home combines luxury, comfort, and location a rare find in Montclair and only 6/10s of a mile to the downtown, including highly rated Faubourg Restaurant & NYC Trains

Bedrooms: 6

Bathrooms: 5

Price: $1,395,000

For more information about this property, please contact MARK SLADE at 973-762-5400 or sladehomes@gmail.com. You can also text 8860143 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).

See more listings at: https://markslade.kw.com/

MLS ID: 3968075

https://www.facebook.com/10209177657823074 https://www.twitter.com/maplewoodhomey https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtjAK9lx3HHKoqUFMRc1NWQ

New This Week in Montclair, A Great New Listing and The Start of Montclair's Pride Celebration

One of Montclair’s most festive happenings is returning once again for 2025. Hosted by local non-profit Out Montclair, the fourth annual Montclair Pride Festival will take place on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, and include entertainment, vendors, activities, and so much more to celebrate our amazing LGBTQ+ community and its allies. 

At the same time, you won't want to miss out on this newly launched and amazing home for sale in Montclair at 35 Porter Pl.  Just 6/10's of a mile to Bloomfield Ave, featuring Whole Foods, Faubourg (one of my favorite restaurants in New Jersey), The Claridge Movie Theaters, The Wellmont Theatre for live music and so much more.

Welcome to this exquisite luxury residence nestled in one of Montclair's most coveted neighborhoods. With 

Welcome to this exquisite luxury residence nestled in one of Montclair's most coveted neighborhoods with easy and quick access to Montclair's thriving downtown.  Enjoy timeless curb appeal and modern upgrades throughout, this beautifully maintained home offers four levels of elegant living, featuring 6 spacious bedrooms, a dedicated home office, 3 full baths, and 2 powder rooms, ensuring convenience on every one of the four levels.  Step onto the the charming front porch, perfect for relaxing evenings, and into the gracious front hall from which point you can then enter the inviting living room with a wood-burning fireplace.  The elegant formal dining room leads to a sun-filled eat-in kitchen, complete with ample cabinetry, as well as a coffee/beverage bar, and easy access to the back mudroom and backyard patio and yard for alfresco dining and entertaining.  The second floor features 4 bedrooms, including a serene primary suite with a private bath and generous closet space and a hall bath.  The third floor offers two additional bedrooms and a full bath, as well as a home office with skylights, making it the perfect retreat for guests or remote work from home.  The finished basement includes both a family room, a laundry room, storage, and recreation area, complemented by a powder room.  Enjoy the comfort of 2-zone central air conditioning, keep your landscaping lush with an in-ground sprinkler system, enjoy your hot water from a nearly-new hot water heater, and you and your guests will enjoy the long driveway with parking for several cars as well as a detached 2-car garage.  This home has just been freshly painted inside and out, and the roof is newer, having just been redone 6 years ago.  Professionally landscaped with mature trees and located across the street from Porter Park, this home combines luxury, comfort, and a location that is a rare find in Montclair, only 6/10's of a mile to Montclair's main drag--Bloomfield Ave.--featuring Whole Foods, my favorite restaurant--Faubourg, The Claridge for movie going and The Wellmont for live musical performances.   

We will be hosting Open Houses Saturday 6/14 and Sunday 6/15 from 2pm-4pm, so please come by and say hi, or call Mark to make a private appointment at 917-797-5059

Before or after you visit www.35Porter.com, you may want to enjoy the 2025 Montclair Pride Festival, which will take place from 12PM-6PM on Saturday, June 14th in downtown Montclair. Locals and visitors can enjoy live entertainment from three stages and over 200 local vendors, including food + drink vendors, food trucks, LGBTQ+ owned businesses, artisans, crafters, community organizations, and more.

Read More: The 1st Ever Montclair Pride Festival: See Photos

Kiddos can also partake in the fun at the festival’s Family Zone, featuring games, activities, and local talent. Some highlights include a drag story time, face painting, crafts, + games, LGBTQ+ book giveaways, a sensory-safe space, and an Audi painted car activity, where attendees can decorate a real Audi vehicle as part of a collaborative art experience.

The three stages of live entertainment include: the Main Stage along Lackawanna Plaza + Bloomfield Avenue, Wellmont Plaza Stage at 5 Seymour Street, + the Open Call Stage along Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue.

For those who want to continue the festivities after the main event, there will also be an after-party from 9PM to 1AM at Porta, located at 499 Bloomfield Avenue.

The Main Stage

La Diva Ciccone, a well-known performer and founder of the annual Madonna Worship Night in NYC, will headline the festival and perform a Maddona tribute on the Main Stage. This stage will also feature guest host Dominique Jackson, a renowned author, model, and trans advocate.

Other performers on the Main Stage include:

• Kris Cherry (Singer and Performer)
• NJ Gay Men’s Chorus
• School of Rock Montclair House Band
• Rocky Horror Picture Show performance by The Ordinary Kids
• Amanda Is Tall (Singer)
• Hades Nuttzz (Performer)
• Isabel Cruz (Spoken Word Poet)
• NAIM (Singer/Justice Advocate)
• Justice LaBrave with w/guitarist (Singer Songwriter)
• Dane (from the TV Show The Voice)
• Tiger James (Singer Songwriter)
• Mimi Sashimi (Drag Performer)
• Drums of Thunder
• The Cast of Hair performed by the cast of the Vanguard Theater
• Pride Choir
• DJ Vito Fun – Dance Party
• Emcees throughout

The Wellmont Plaza Stage

Presented by The School of Rock Montclair, performances at the Wellmont Plaza Stage will be hosted by drag performer Lady Keyante and musician Austin Halls. Headlined by the all-female band She’s All That, the lineup includes:

• School of Rock Montclair (Staff Band)
• Marina DeMaio (Band)
• Lady Keyante (Drag Performer)
• Grayson Tyler (Singer-Songwriter)
• NJ Gay Men’s Choir
• Sofista Funk (Fashion Designer Show)
• Adjustable Thrills (3-piece Blues Band)
• Jazz House Kids
• Indie Illusion (Drag Performer)
• Ela Martini (Singer-Songwriter)
• DJ Jspin_s

Open Call Stage

Comedian Donna Vee and Chauncey Dandridge from Stonewall Inn will host the Open Call Stage. This will be a space where local LGBTQIA+ voices and talent, including queer teens, acoustic sets, spoken word artists, and independent musicians, and more, can perform.

Accessiblity + Parking

Accessible viewing areas, ASL interpreters on the Main Stage, and all-gender restrooms will be available to all attendees. Public parking is available at Lackawanna Plaza Garage, Fullerton Deck, Valley Road Deck, and Montclair Art Museum Lot (overflow).

 

 

Mark Slade Keller Williams 917.797.5059 Good Homes Selling a Montclair, Maplewood/South Orange/West Orange area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers

I am also a Luxury specialist (CLHMS), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying and selling process. Not only does this extra training help me better understand this upper echelon in real estate, its benefit include a special luxury website: www.njluxhomes.com and a corresponding worldwide luxury network that helps to put luxury buyers and sellers together.

As your Montclair, Maplewood/South Orange/ West Orange New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Montclair, West Orange, Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority. Don’t forget These Helpful Sites:

www.bedroomcommunitiesofnyc.com

www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com

downtown, including highly rated Faubourg Restaurant.