91 Academy St, Califon Boro
Califon Homes for Sale
Califon is a borough located in Hunterdon County, with a population of 1,076 as of the 2010 United States Census. The borough was once a station on the High Bridge Branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, which was abandoned in 1976. The former rail line has since been repurposed as the Columbia Trail, managed by Hunterdon County, stretching south to High Bridge and north into Morris County. Califon was initially named California, reflecting Jacob Neighbor's enthusiasm for the milling business around the time of the California Gold Rush. The Califon Historical Society has registered 170 structures with the National Register of Historic Places. The borough is situated along the South Branch of the Raritan River, where the water begins to widen, hinting at the scenic beauty ahead. Nearby, Ken Lockwood Gorge, named in honor of the conservationist and fly fisherman Ken Lockwood by Trout Unlimited, is a picturesque area reminiscent of Montana. Check out Califon's market statistics HERE!
Shopping and Dining in Califon
Many contemporary businesses are located in the borough’s historic buildings, including an art gallery, mosaic shop, market, hardware store, bookshop, and a combined flower, antique, and gift shop. Brasserie 513 offers a full-service bar along with a complete lunch and dinner menu, serving only the freshest ingredients. Their menu features a variety of finely crafted dishes, from homemade soups and fresh salads to grilled burgers and a unique selection of specialty entrees.
Parks and Recreation in Califon
Just down the river from Califon, in High Bridge, lies Ken Lockwood Gorge, an area renowned for its huge glacial boulders in the water, calm pools, bubbling rapids, and tall hemlocks lining the banks. It’s a popular spot for fly fishermen and those who appreciate the area’s unique scenery. The Califon Historical Society Museum, located at 25 Main Street, shares the site with the town museum. Among its displays are original station furniture, historic photos, and antique uniforms donated by longtime residents. The Central of New Jersey Railroad built both a wooden freight and passenger station in town around 1875, and the citizens of Califon later replaced it with the existing stone structure at their own expense. The seven-mile-long Columbia Trail passes through Califon, running from Lake Solitude and the South Branch of the Raritan River to High Bridge. As a former railroad bed, the level trail has no grades higher than 2.5%, making it ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
Living in Califon
Califon is a Victorian-style enclave where homes are marked by the names of their builders and the dates of establishment, rather than by street numbers. In addition to the classic front porch Victorians, Califon features a mix of housing styles, including waterfront homes along the river, Federal-style homes from the early 1800s, and vintage homes from the early 1900s, often with detached garages or small barns in the back. The town also boasts traditional Colonials, historic stone and clapboard homes, antique farmhouses, and well-maintained residences built in the second half of the past century.
Schools, Health, and Transportation in Califon
The Califon School District serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, while students in grades 9 through 12 are served by the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District. The district is classified by the New Jersey Department of Education as being in District Factor Group 'I,' the second highest of eight groupings.
Hunterdon Medical Center and Somerset Medical Center are both just a short drive away.
Califon is located just a few miles north of Interstate 78, about 60 miles west of New York City, and less than an hour from Newark Liberty International Airport. Train service to New York City is available from High Bridge, approximately three miles south of Califon. Bus service runs from Clinton and Annandale along I-78 to both Newark Airport and New York City. Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania is about 42 miles away, while Newark Liberty International Airport is about 47 miles from Califon.
Newest Califon Homes for Sale
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