The New Jersey borough where luxury meets a Loyalist legacy
In short: Franklin Lakes is more than just a high-income enclave in Bergen County. It is a place where the weight of colonial history meets modern corporate power, from its namesake's ties to Benjamin Franklin to its status as a filming hub for reality television and medical technology.
The borough's identity is rooted in a complex lineage. It was officially formed on March 11, 1922, following a referendum held just weeks prior. The name pays homage to William Franklin, who was the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin. In contrast to his parent, William remained a loyal supporter of the Crown while acting as New Jersey's final colonial governor, a role that defines the locality's heritage.
Economically, Franklin Lakes stands as one of New Jersey's wealthiest communities. Data from the American Community Survey for 2014–2018 revealed a median household income of $159,883, a figure more than double the statewide median. Thisaffluence is reflected in its real estate; in 2010, Forbes ranked the area 146th on its list of "America's Most Expensive ZIP Codes," noting a median home price of $1,306,546.
Beyond its wealth, the borough serves as a hub for industry and media. It hosts the headquarters of Becton Dickinson, a medical technology firm founded in 1897. It has also served as a prominent backdrop for reality television, including Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" and VH1's "My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding." Today, the borough navigates modern governance through a "weak mayor / strong council" system, balancing its prestigious reputation with ongoing housing obligations under the Mount Laurel doctrine.
The community is characterized by a high urban concentration, with 99.8% of residents living in urban areas. While it maintains a quiet, residential feel, it is governed by a structured partisan system where the mayor presides over a six-member council, each elected at-large to serve staggered three-year terms.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
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