Vacation Home/ Cabin In The Woods

Thinking about a little retreat type place. Nothing fancy, just a small house/cabin for an individual or small family to get away every so often. Might be something by/on a lake, or maybe really private in the woods. Not more than 2 hours away. Not looking for a lot of activities or amenities (don't need jet skis and tennis courts, etc)

I don't know where to begin researching such a thing. Northern NJ, Southern NY, CT, PA?

Buy/rent?

A little lost on where to begin to research such possibilities.

have you looked at Estling Lake in Denville? Its throw back to the '50's kind of community - taxes are low because the community closes down during the winter (so no kids in the school system) Walking distance to the train with is on the Booton and Midtown lines 

We have a place in Ulster County, NY. I adore the area. Great people and breathtaking scenery. Good things to do and eat. Real estate values are low.

Poconos.  

Also, there are cabins for rent by the State of N.J. in Stokes State Forest. You might want to try it to see if you like it.

I'm looking into all these ideas with great interest, thank you. Mostly interested in year round use, but nothing is off the board at this point. Keep 'em coming...

Narrowsburg, NY or Beach Lake, PA (much lower taxes than on NY side of the Delaware river). More like 2.5 hours though from Maplewood.

Sussex county NJ is beautiful and has many lakes (at least 60) with houses and cabins. Here are just a few of the popular lakes from Yelp. Only one hour from SOMa.

https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=lakes&find_loc=Sussex+County%2C+NJ

https://getaway.house/land/new-york

I am reading with interest... I am thinking of renting long term  for the summer to try out an area... any leads for rentals?

what you are looking for is hard to find because those places rarely show up on the MLS.  They are often handed down to family.   I have one now so I know. There are several "hidden" lake communities in sussex and even morris county.   Mine is year round.   I would reach out to a realtor in the area you like and start there.