Parsippany NJ lake communities and corporate office buildings in Morris County

Parsippany NJ Homes for Sale:
Morris County's Corporate Hub

Corporate Employment • Lake Communities • Diverse Housing Options

Quick Summary

Parsippany-Troy Hills, Morris County's largest municipality with over 50,000 residents, offers diverse housing options from $600,000 to $800,000 across distinctive lake communities including Lake Hiawatha, Lake Parsippany, and Rainbow Lakes. As a major corporate hub anchored by Gilead Sciences' 500-employee East Coast headquarters and proximity to dozens of Fortune 500 employers, Parsippany attracts professionals seeking affordable alternatives to premium Morris County towns while maintaining quality schools (7-8/10 high schools), extensive Route 46 shopping and dining, and easy highway access to NYC and regional employment centers.

Why Buy a Home in Parsippany, NJ?

Parsippany-Troy Hills represents Morris County's most diverse and dynamic municipality, offering something for nearly every buyer profile and budget. As the county's largest town by population (over 50,000 residents), Parsippany provides urban-level amenities and employment opportunities within a suburban framework.

The town's identity as a corporate hub drives much of its character and appeal. Gilead Sciences' decision to locate its 96,000-square-foot East Coast headquarters in Parsippany in 2023, bringing 500 employees to the Latitude campus, exemplifies the town's business-friendly environment and strategic location.

For corporate relocators, Parsippany offers unmatched convenience. Employees of Gilead, Novartis (nearby Florham Park), ADP (Roseland), and other regional employers can live minutes from work, eliminating long commutes and maximizing quality of life.

Parsippany's lake communities create distinctive neighborhoods with waterfront character rare in Morris County outside of Denville's Indian Lake. Lake Hiawatha, Lake Parsippany, Lake Intervale, Rainbow Lakes, and Mount Tabor each offer unique charm with access to lakes, parks, and water-oriented recreation.

Route 46's commercial corridor provides shopping, dining, and services that rival any Morris County town. This commercial density means residents rarely need to travel to other towns for daily needs, saving time and enhancing convenience.

Highway access represents another key advantage. I-287, I-80, and Route 46 intersect in or near Parsippany, placing residents within 30 minutes of most North Jersey employment centers. Newark Airport sits 25-30 minutes away, and Manhattan is accessible via multiple routes.

Parsippany Real Estate Market Overview

$661K - $775K
Median Home Value
23-30 Days
Average Time on Market
$363/sqft
Price Per Square Foot

The Parsippany housing market in 2025 shows signs of acceleration, with median home prices ranging from $661,000 to $775,000 depending on property type. Single-family homes in standard neighborhoods typically range from $600,000 to $900,000, while lake community properties command premiums.

The average price per square foot of $363 positions Parsippany in the middle range of Morris County, below premium towns but above more affordable options. This middle-market positioning attracts buyers seeking quality without paying top-tier premiums.

The corporate presence, particularly Gilead Sciences' recent arrival, supports housing demand and property values. The 500 employees at Gilead's East Coast hub, plus thousands at other nearby employers, create consistent buyer pools seeking homes within short commutes.

Lake community properties operate as distinct sub-markets within Parsippany. Homes with lake access, beach rights, or waterfront locations command premiums of $50,000-$150,000 compared to similar properties without water amenities.

Parsippany Neighborhoods & Home Prices

Lake Hiawatha

Median Home Price: $650,000 - $850,000

Lake Hiawatha represents Parsippany's most distinctive neighborhood, functioning as a census-designated place within the larger township. The area centers on Lake Hiawatha itself and surrounding residential streets, creating a lakefront community atmosphere with small-town charm.

Homes vary from modest mid-century ranches to updated colonials and contemporaries on quarter-to-half-acre lots. Properties with lake access command the highest prices, while homes near but not directly on the water offer more affordable entry points.

Lake Hiawatha Park serves as the community's recreational hub, providing swimming, picnicking, and gathering spaces that foster neighborhood connections.

Lake Parsippany

Median Home Price: $650,000 - $900,000

Lake Parsippany offers another distinctive lake community featuring homes surrounding Lake Parsippany with water recreation and community amenities. This neighborhood tends to attract slightly higher prices than Lake Hiawatha due to larger homes and the highly-rated Lake Parsippany Elementary School (9/10 GreatSchools rating).

Properties typically include updated colonials, contemporaries, and custom builds on quarter-to-half-acre lots. The neighborhood's crown jewel is Lake Parsippany Elementary School's 9/10 rating, placing it among the top elementary schools in Morris County.

Community amenities including beach access, boat launches, and organized activities create a resort-like atmosphere during summer months.

Rainbow Lakes / Lake Intervale

Median Home Price: $600,000 - $850,000

Rainbow Lakes and Lake Intervale represent additional lake communities within Parsippany, each offering unique character and waterfront amenities. These neighborhoods feature homes surrounding their respective lakes with varying degrees of water access.

Housing stock spans mid-century ranches to contemporary builds on quarter-to-half-acre lots. These lake communities appeal to buyers seeking waterfront lifestyles at more accessible prices than premium Morris County towns.

Troy Hills

Median Home Price: $650,000 - $900,000

Troy Hills represents the more traditional suburban portion of Parsippany, featuring single-family homes on quarter-to-half-acre lots without lake amenities. This area offers classic suburban living with good schools, safe streets, and proximity to Route 46's shopping corridor.

The Troy Hills Shopping Center anchors the neighborhood's commercial activity, providing grocery stores, restaurants, and services within minutes of home.

Commuting from Parsippany to NYC

No Direct Train Station
Drive to Morristown or Morris Plains (90+ min total)

Parsippany's commuting situation differs from many Morris County towns due to the absence of a direct train station within township boundaries. For train commuters, the typical approach involves driving to nearby Morristown or Morris Plains stations (10-15 minutes), parking, and taking NJ Transit's Midtown Direct Line to Penn Station.

The combined drive-plus-train journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes door-to-door. Bus service along Route 46 provides an alternative, taking 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.

The commuting reality means Parsippany attracts fewer daily Manhattan commuters than towns with direct train stations. Instead, Parsippany's buyer base skews toward professionals working locally or regionally, those with hybrid schedules, and families prioritizing affordability over Manhattan access.

For non-Manhattan commutes, Parsippany excels. The intersection of I-287, I-80, and Route 46 places most North Jersey employment centers within 20-30 minutes. Morristown sits 10-15 minutes away, Florham Park 10 minutes, and Newark Airport 25-30 minutes.

Corporate Hub: Gilead Sciences & Major Employers

Gilead Sciences HQ
500 employees at East Coast headquarters

Parsippany's identity as Morris County's premier corporate hub drives much of its character, housing demand, and economic vitality. The town hosts dozens of major employers across pharmaceuticals, technology, finance, and professional services.

Gilead Sciences' decision to establish its East Coast headquarters in Parsippany represents the most significant recent corporate development. The biopharmaceutical giant opened its 96,000-square-foot facility at the Latitude campus in September 2023, bringing 500 employees.

The Gilead presence creates immediate housing demand from relocating employees and supports long-term property values through employment stability. The 500 employees represent potential homebuyers seeking short commutes.

Beyond Gilead, Parsippany hosts or sits adjacent to numerous Fortune 500 companies. Novartis maintains significant operations in nearby Florham Park, ADP's headquarters in Roseland sits 15 minutes away, and Barclays, Prudential, and other financial services firms operate regional offices within short drives.

Schools in Parsippany-Troy Hills

7-8/10 High Schools
9/10 Lake Parsippany Elementary

Parsippany-Troy Hills school district serves over 6,000 students across multiple elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Parsippany Hills High School earns an 8 out of 10 GreatSchools rating, placing it in the "above average" category.

Parsippany High School rates 7 out of 10, indicating solid performance above state averages. While not at the elite 9-10 level of Chatham or Madison, this rating suggests most students receive quality education and adequate college preparation.

Elementary school ratings vary dramatically, from Lake Parsippany Elementary's excellent 9/10 rating to Littleton Elementary's 4/10. Families should carefully research which elementary school serves their prospective neighborhood.

Lake Parsippany Elementary's 9/10 rating places it among Morris County's top elementary schools. Families seeking excellent elementary education at more accessible prices than Chatham or Madison find the Lake Parsippany neighborhood attractive.

Property Taxes in Parsippany

2.169% Effective Rate
$17,352 annually on $800K home

Parsippany's property taxes reflect the town's extensive municipal services and school system, with an effective tax rate of 2.169% based on 2024 data. This translates to approximately $17,352 in annual property taxes on an $800,000 home, or $13,014 on a $600,000 property.

These rates position Parsippany in the middle-to-upper range for Morris County. The rate reflects Parsippany's large size, extensive infrastructure, and school district serving over 6,000 students.

Parsippany's commercial tax base helps moderate residential tax burdens. The extensive Route 46 corridor, corporate office parks, and industrial facilities generate substantial property tax revenue without requiring school services that residential properties demand.

Living in Parsippany: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Corporate Hub: Gilead Sciences HQ plus major employers
  • Lake Communities: Multiple waterfront neighborhoods
  • Diverse Housing: Options from $400K condos to $1M+ homes
  • Route 46 Corridor: Extensive shopping and dining
  • Highway Access: I-287, I-80, Route 46 intersection
  • Good Schools: 7-8/10 high schools, 9/10 elementary option
  • Affordability: $661K-$775K median vs premium towns

Cons

  • No Train Station: Must drive to Morristown for NYC trains
  • Longer NYC Commute: 90+ minutes door-to-door
  • Higher Property Taxes: 2.169% rate ($13K-$17K+ annually)
  • Mixed School Ratings: Elementary schools range 4/10 to 9/10
  • Route 46 Traffic: Heavy congestion during rush hours
  • Strip-Mall Aesthetic: Lacks charming walkable downtown

Frequently Asked Questions About Parsippany

Ready to Find Your Parsippany Home?

Parsippany's combination of corporate employment opportunities, diverse lake communities, solid schools, and affordable prices creates a compelling value proposition for professionals and families seeking quality of life without premium costs.

As a Morris County real estate specialist, I provide insider knowledge of Parsippany's neighborhoods, school boundaries, lake communities, and corporate relocation processes. I'll help you navigate the market and find the right Parsippany home for your needs.

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Last Updated: November 2025

Sources: GreatSchools.org, NJ Transit, NJ Department of Treasury, Redfin, Realtor.com, Zillow, Gilead Sciences, local market data