Rockaway Borough vs. Rockaway Township: What’s the Difference?

Many people looking to move to Rockaway, NJ don’t realize there are actually two Rockaways: the Township and the Borough. While they share a name and a zip code, they offer very different lifestyles, housing options, and even school systems. Here’s what you need to know if you’re choosing between them.

If you’re still exploring what daily life looks like overall, you may want to start with this complete guide to living in Rockaway NJ before narrowing down which side is right for you.

📍 Location & Population

Rockaway Borough is a smaller, walkable community with a population of about 6,589 residents, nestled in Morris County’s core downtown area.

In contrast, Rockaway Township is much larger in size and population, with roughly 25,810–26,893 residents spread across more suburban neighborhoods.

This difference in scale shapes everything from housing options and amenities to schools and community life.

Lifestyle & Vibe

• Borough: Charming, small-town feel with a walkable Main Street, local diners, and an old-town character.

• Township: More suburban, spread-out neighborhoods, a lake community feel, and easy access to major shopping centers.

School Districts: Borough vs. Township

One of the biggest practical differences between Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Township is how the public school systems are organized.

🏫 Rockaway Borough Schools

Rockaway Borough has a smaller, more consolidated school district. The district’s total enrollment is around 515–553 students across both schools. With just two public schools serving Pre‑K through eighth grade:

• Lincoln Elementary School (PreK–3) — community elementary school

• Thomas Jefferson Middle School (4–8) — middle school (4th grade has its own wing within the building)

Students then attend high school through the Morris Hills Regional High School District.

This setup gives Borough families a single, unified education path through middle school — which many parents appreciate for continuity and community feel.

📚 Rockaway Township Schools

In contrast, Rockaway Township Public Schools, serve a much larger student population — roughly 2,386 students in kindergarten through 8th grade across six schools.

• Several Elementary Schools (K - 5):
  • Birchwood Elementary
  • Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary
  • Katherine D. Malone Elementary
  • Dennis B. O’Brien Elementary
  • Stony Brook School

• Copeland Middle School (6–8) serves the middle grades for the township.

After 8th grade, township students also feed into the Morris Hills Regional High School District (either Morris Hills or Morris Knolls depending on your address).

Property Taxes & Government

• Each has its own mayor, police department, and municipal services.

• Property taxes and budgets are set independently — they often differ based on services, school spending, and area size.

🏡 Real Estate Differences: Borough vs. Township

Rockaway Borough homes are typically older and full of character, with colonials and capes on smaller, walkable lots close to downtown, schools, and parks. Inventory is limited, renovations vary, and charm is a major draw.

Rockaway Township homes offer more variety and space, including split-levels, ranches, townhomes, and larger suburban properties. Many homes sit on bigger lots, include garages, and are located in lake or planned communities.

While price ranges can overlap, the decision often comes down to walkability and charm versus space and suburban living — making it important to know which side of Rockaway best fits your lifestyle before buying.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you love small-town charm, a tight-knit community, and walkability, Rockaway Borough might feel like home. If you want more space, modern developments, or lake access, Rockaway Township may be the better fit.

📣 Still not sure which part of Rockaway is right for you?

I live and work in Rockaway Borough — let's find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle.

📞 Schedule a local real estate consultation today.