Nestled in Essex County, New Jersey, sits the quaint Township of Maplewood. To the north, the town is bordered by West Orange and South Orange, while to the south lies Union. In the west, you’ll find Millburn, and to the east, Newark and Irvington. Only 35 minutes to Manhattan and twelve minutes to Newark Liberty International Airport, this 3.879-square-mile town has a bustling population of 24,000. You can’t beat it the location!
Maplewood offers a picturesque landscape complete with clean sidewalks, green grass, robust trees, and friendly neighbors ready to make newcomers welcome. Most of the town is comprised of beautiful Colonial, Tudor, Victorian, and bungalow-style homes built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries—most with modern upgrades inside.
Just by walking through its eclectic neighborhoods and downtown you’ll feel right at home. If you’re still unsure of Maplewood, New Jersey’s atmosphere, here’s a list of charming characteristics that could please anyone:
- Parks: On any beautiful day outside, you have your choice between six parks to enjoy. Memorial Park on Valley Street between Oakland and Baker offers a multipurpose field, picnic area, playground, tennis court, and even an amphitheater. It is home to many great seasonal events like Maplewoodstock, Maplewood Green Day and the NJ Pride Festival. Maplecrest Park on Oakland Road has it all with a baseball field, park building, picnic areas, playground, skate park, and tennis court. It’s home to MayFest and the Harvest Festival. Then DeHart Park on Burnett Avenue has a cool street hockey rink along with a huge field, playground, and tennis court. Walter Park on Oakland Road even has a bocci court, paddle tennis, and tennis court. And if you’re looking to relax, venture over to Orchard or Borden parks to soak up the sun. Pocket parks really make each neighborhood within reach of green space.
- Greenness: Another delightful aspect of Maplewood lies in its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint so future generations can enjoy this earth. Maplewoodians cherish their recycling and transportation programs that limit harmful waste. They also promote a community garden that all can enjoy along with the Green Day Fair that encourages sustainability in the community. Even their businesses jumped onboard with the Green Business Program that helps increase efficiency and decreases wasteful utilities. There’s also a website so residents can be informed of alternative ways to stay green
- Jitney: Part of Maplewood’s eco-friendly initiatives includes a jitney service. This small bus shuttles residents to and from the Maplewood Train Station. A year-long pass costs just $92 or $1 per ride. The jitney has four convenient routes that start at Boyden Avenue and Brown Street, Elmwood Avenue and Essex Road, DeHart Community Center, or Ridgewood Terrace and Ridgewood Road. This little bus saves you from trying to find parking at the train station or buying another car. And all while helping out the environment. Go ahead and make some friends on the jitney!
- Maplewood Village: The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Village! Here you’ll find a lovely downtown that promises enjoyable activities throughout the year. Go shop at Alchemy Hour or Bee and Thistle Antiques for memorable gifts. Or check out the large selections of fine wines, liquors, and beers at Maplewood Wine and Liquor. Then go ahead and dine at Village Trattoria for some delicious Italian food. Or perhaps try Abril Cocina’s upscale Mexican. You won’t be disappointed!
Overall, Maplewood’s sense of community makes it a cherishable place. Its involved residents make this town memorable. For example, its Maplewoodstock is a two-day festival that brings food, music, and art vendors together in one place. Then there’s Studio B, which encourages and promotes local artists because the town agrees that “art creates community.” Not to mention Restaurant Week, the Dickens Christmas Village, and the Maplewood Murals. All of these pieces and more put together a truly charming picture of a town that has so much to offer. Move to Maplewood, New Jersey, and become a Maplewoodian today!
Allison Ziefert is Maplewood, NJ based realtor and the #1 individual real estate agent at Keller Williams Mid-Town Direct in Maplewood, NJ. A local market expert, Allison specializes Maplewood, NJ real estate and homes and South Orange, NJ real estate and homes as well as Millburn/Short Hills, NJ, West Orange, NJ and surrounding towns. Allison’s success as a Maplewood/S. Orange realtor is driven by earning great testimonials from sellers and buyers of homes her marketplace. You can read her testimonials at www.azhomesnj.com/testimonials
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