Being a New Yorker who moved to New Jersey a few years ago I must say it was a real eye opening experience. New York is fast paced, aggressive and can be somewhat cold (the concrete jungle)
if your not use to the customs; whereas New Jersey (the garden state) has tons of tree's and outdoor living mixed with a blend (just like NY) of all types of people and cultures. I will say both are interesting places to live and both have pro's and con's.
Now enough about that, let's discuss two towns that are great places to live if you are a New Yorker seeking a break from the city grind or if you already reside in NJ and want to find a small oasis that has pretty much everything you could ever ask for in a community...then think Maplewood & South Orange.
With a shared school district
and a mid town direct train that takes just 25 minutes to reach New York Penn Station (home of MSG and the NY Knicks...Go Knicks) you will find a great town mixed with an great blend of outdoor and indoor activities, family, fun, food and a great sense of community all wrapped up in two lovely towns.
Let's discuss both towns so you can get a better understanding of why so many people call these towns home.
Maplewood History
Maplewood was first settled by Europeans around 1675. Prior to that, this area was inhabited by the Lenape tribes of Algonquin Native Americans. It was incorporated on April 1, 1861 as South Orange Township. At that time, it was a part of Clinton Township. In 1838, the Morris and Essex Railroad was extended to the township. A railroad station was built in Jefferson Village named Maplewood. On November 7, 1922, the South Orange Township was renamed to Maplewood.
Maplewood and nearby Attractions
- South Mountain Reservation
- Eagle Rock Reservation
- Montclair Art Museum
- Liberty Hall
- Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
- New Jersey Historical Society Museum
- Edison National Historic Site
- GoodBuy Homes NJ Realty (the best Realtors work here!)
Things To Do In Maplewood
There are several beautiful landscapes in Maplewood where one can enjoy a wonderful family picnic in one of its many parks, take a swim at the Maplewood swimming pool or workout at one of the local gyms or at one of its fitness centers like Blue Life Karate & Fitness. You can also take in a movie at the Maplewood Theater or take a stroll down Maplewood Avenue and see a host of great stores and shops. The township also includes tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields and playgrounds. In addition, Maplewood includes a number of restaurants that serve quality international and regional delicacies. Visit http://www.maplewoodonline.com/ for even more info about this great town.
Maplewood Transportation
International air transportation is available from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Maplewood Higher Education
The nearest universities and colleges are Seton Hall University, Caldwell College, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Bloomfield College.
South Orange Village History
The Lenape Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the region that is now known as the South Orange Village. The land was purchased from them in the year 1666 by Robert Treat, and in the very same year Newark was founded on the banks of the Passaic River. The region was named “Orange” after William of Orange, one of the rulers of England. Though the official incorporation date of the South Orange Village is May 4, 1869, it was then formed within the South Orange Township. In 1904 the Village of South Orange was separated from South Orange Township.
South Orange Village and nearby Attractions
- Kearny Museum
- Edison National Historic Site
- Turtle Back Zoo
- Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary
Things To Do In South Orange Village
Home of Seton Hall University patrons of South Orange Village can visit many of the historic sites and museums like the Edison National Historic Site, the Liberty Hall, the Kearny Museum, the Montclair Art Museum and the New Jersey Historical Society Museum. Animal lovers can take a trip to the various zoos and aquariums nearby including the Staten Island Zoo, the Turtle Back Zoo, the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary and the New York Aquarium. After all of that adventure don't forget to grab a ticket for one of the many events hosted by the South Orange Performing Arts Center or a tasty burger at Stoney's with a fresh scoop of Ice Cream courtesy of Cold stones to cap off what should have been a great day! visit http://www.southorange.org/ for more about this great town!
South Orange Village Transportation
Air transportation is available from Newark International Airport.
South Orange Village Higher Education
Educational facilities are available at Bloomfield College, Caldwell College, Montclair State University, Essex County College and Seton Hall University.
As a local Real Estate Broker I have to tell you that you can get more bang for your buck in my two towns as we feature some great homes ranging from as low as 200k to as high as 1m plus, so no one is left out! Great schools, outdoor festivals and activities mixed with friendly people and Beautiful homes; this should be a no brainer...Now I could tell you tons of reasons why Maplewood and South Orange are Great towns; but don't just take my word for it, come see for yourself.
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