For most of the 4,173 people who call Medford Lakes home, that's the way they like it. That's why they choose to live in this tiny, built-out borough of log cabins, winding trails and pristine lakes.

``It's like an oasis to come here from all the hubbub going on out on Route 70 and that way,'' said Ella Babb, 64. ``I don't see Medford Lakes changing. What's it going to change to?''

In many ways, residents are right when they predict the borough won't change. Strip malls, warehouses and apartment complexes are things that will, in all likelihood, never be built here. The lakes, cabins, pine trees and children will be here for years to come. Couples who spent their childhood here will likely continue to move back to raise their families.

But some changes, however few and small, will occur. Some things are already changing.

Taxes and property values are changing, going up every year, although that's nothing new.

Historic Oaks Hall, which was condemned in July 1999, is finally being renovated and expanded.

Neeta and Nokomis Schools are getting some much-needed renovations thanks to a $5.1 million bond referendum approved by voters in January. Part of the money will pay for a new all-purpose room at Neeta School.

The former Settler's Inn site, which has been empty since the famed restaurant burned down in 1998, will soon be home to a P.J. Whelihan's Pub. In keeping with the tradition of the site and the town, the pub will be a two- story log cabin.

Mayor Gary Woodend believes that 20 years from now, many of the lakefront homes in town, will look much different and be much larger than they are today.

``I think you'll see massive renovations to the houses on the lakes ... which we encourage,'' Woodend said. ``That' s something that can help our tax base if those home values are going up.''

Ever so slightly, the people of Medford Lakes are changing, too.

The population here peaked in 1970 at 4,792. Since then it has declined slowly each decade. Between 1990 and 2000 the population dropped another 6.5 percent, down to 4, 173.

Woodend thinks that's because parents are having fewer kids today than they did 20 or 30 years ago.

``Years ago, you could have three or four kids because one parent was home taking care of them. Now it's going to be one or two (kids) because both parents are working.''

A testament to that is the fact that over the last 10 years, the number of people under 20 years of age declined by 4.5 percent.

During that same period, the number of senior citizens age 65 and up rose 26 percent. The number of unmarried couples and minorities living in town also rose, but only by a few dozen.

Babb said she occasionally sees an Asian or black family in Medford Lakes. She believes a few more minorities moving to Medford Lakes would be a change for the better.

``Maybe in 10, 20 years, it will be a little bit more of a mix ... I think that could be a good thing.''

One thing in Medford Lakes that seems to never change, however, is the annual Canoe Carnival. Thousands from Medford Lakes and beyond gathered on the beaches and back porches facing Lower Aetna Lake on Aug. 3 to watch the 71st edition of the carnival.

The event, which predates Medford Lakes becoming a borough, should be as much a part of the town's future as its past.

``As we have a lot of people in their late 20s and 30s moving back into town, they're getting involved and bringing a lot of energy to it,'' said Woodend, a Canoe Carnival participant.

• Medford Lakes: An oasis in the pines
  In Medford Lakes, change is subtle.

• More couples here without families
  Real estate agent Marie Holmes of Medford Lakes says she's part of the rising number of couples here without children.

• Carnival tradition continues
  The annual Canoe Carnival, which celebrated its 71st anniversary this month, should live on for at least another 71 years, according to participants and borough officials.

• Canoe Carnival 2002 draws nearly 5,000 revelers
  The 71st Annual Medford Lakes Canoe Carnival, a signature event in this small borough, was marked by excitement and also tinged with sorrow.

• As white pop. declines, minorities rise
  Medford Lakes' white population declined in the last decade, but the number of minority residents increased, according to U.S. Census figures.

• Medford Lakes strives to remain independent
  There's no supermarket, no liquor store, no library and no high school within the borough limits.

• Senior services lacking for surge in number of elderly
  A new boardwalk ramp on Beach 1 at Lower Aetna Lake was built this summer, allowing the disabled and senior citizens to safely walk to the water.

• What do you think will be different in Medford Lakes in 2010?

• Photo Gallery - Medford Lakes
  
• Video: Canoe Carnival 2002 - RealVideo | QuickTime