Nestled in the verdant landscape of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, the Knolls neighborhood stands as a testament to the region’s enduring heritage and community spirit. Ask anyone fortunate enough to have called the Knolls home, and they’ll tell you stories steeped in history, neighborly warmth, and the gentle evolution of suburban life. Here, the past and present intermingle on tree-lined streets, at cherished parks, and within historic homes, creating a neighborhood as rich in character as it is in natural beauty.
Origins of the Knolls Neighborhood
The origins of the Knolls stretch back to the early 20th century, when Franklin Lakes was beginning to transition from sprawling estates and farmland to residential enclaves. The area that would become the Knolls was dotted with wooded hills and gentle rises, giving the neighborhood its picturesque terrain and, ultimately, its name.
The term “Knolls” refers to the small, rounded hills that define the landscape. Early developers, recognizing the appeal of these rolling features, branded the area accordingly when platting streets and subdividing land parcels in the postwar housing boom. The result was a community where home placements followed the land’s contours, affording many properties sweeping views and a sense of privacy rare in suburban developments.
How the Knolls Got Its Name
The name “the Knolls” is a testament to the unique geological character of the neighborhood. Where much of Bergen County is flat or only gently sloped, the Knolls stands out for its signature hills—remnants of glacial activity that shaped New Jersey’s northern terrain thousands of years ago. Developers in the late 1940s and early 1950s celebrated these knolls rather than leveling them, integrating their gentle slopes into the street plan. Streets like Knollwood Road and Crest Place echo this heritage, with gentle rises and canopies of mature trees.
Key Historical Milestones
The Knolls has seen its share of key milestones, each adding a chapter to its collective story:
- Early Development (1950s-1960s): With post-World War II prosperity and the opening of Route 208 nearby, Franklin Lakes became attractive to families leaving New York City and Hackensack. The parcels making up the Knolls were among the first planned suburban communities in the Borough, with lots generously sized to preserve the natural topography.
- Community Growth and Green Spaces: The Knolls quickly established itself as a family-friendly place. Indian Trail Club, though technically outside the official boundaries, became a community hub for recreation, swimming, and celebrations.
- Franklin Lakes Youth Center: Just down the road on Franklin Avenue, the youth center has long served Knolls residents, offering programs from sports to arts — to the delight of generations of families.
- Preservation and Modernization (1980s-Present): As Franklin Lakes matured, the Knolls community became invested in balancing preservation with modernization. Homeowners lovingly restored mid-century homes, while newer arrivals brought fresh energy. The appearance of the area today reflects this blend, with classic ranch and colonial homes living harmoniously alongside thoughtfully designed renovations.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
While the Knolls is defined more by its cohesive charm than by grand monuments, it boasts several local landmarks worthy of note:
- Old Knollwood Split-Level Homes: Many of the mid-century split-levels and colonials, especially along Knollwood Road, are now considered architectural gems. Their well-maintained facades, mature landscaping, and orientation on cul-de-sacs tell the story of careful planning and enduring appeal.
- Nearby Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve: While not within Knolls proper, the Nature Preserve is beloved by residents, who frequent its trails and fishing spots. Accessed off High Mountain Road, this 120-acre preserve provides a glimpse into the area’s pre-development natural state.
- Historic Farmstone Walls: Along some property borders, remnants of old farmstone walls can still be found. These walls, built by early settlers, are a living echo of a time when the land was primarily agricultural.
How the Knolls Has Evolved
The Knolls’ evolution reflects both the changing tastes of suburban America and the timeless values of neighborhood and stewardship:
- Architectural Variety: Original homes, built in the 1950s-60s, were largely split-levels and ranches, though capes and colonials soon followed. Over the decades, tasteful expansions and renovations have added variety—yet the “feeling of the Knolls” remains intact.
- Family-Centric Lifestyle: The neighborhood is known for its block parties, Halloween parades, and holiday events. Streets like Birch Drive and Crest Place become gathering points for children and families.
- Commitment to Greenery: Residents remain dedicated to maintaining the lush, parklike setting. Many homes back up to wooded areas, and meticulous landscaping abounds. It’s common to see neighbors gardening, chatting by the curb, or walking dogs along gently curving streets.
- Community Organizations and Civic Pride: Today, neighborhood associations and local initiatives ensure that the Knolls thrives as a safe, welcoming place for all ages. There’s a shared sense of pride in both the natural beauty and the multi-generational bonds that define life here.
A Neighborhood That Endures
To stroll through the Knolls is to witness the tapestry of Franklin Lakes itself: a place where past and present intertwine seamlessly. Street signs borne of glacial history; homes built for comfort, but refreshed with care; and a spirit of togetherness that has lasted through generations. Whether you’re walking with friends to the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, admiring the way the late afternoon sun gilds the trees along Knollwood, or attending a summer picnic on Crest Place, you’re participating in—and contributing to—the enduring legacy of the Knolls.
The Knolls isn’t just a collection of homes. It’s a living piece of Franklin Lakes history, a cherished address, and above all, a neighborhood where heritage is always in season.