If You’re Thinking of Living in…South Orange’s West Montrose Neighborhood

Flood’s Hill in Summer

South Orange, a suburb of NYC that is within an easy 30 minute commuting distance, is comprised of many pocket neighborhoods. The boundaries of the West Montrose section are North Ridgewood Road to the west, South Orange Avenue to the south, Scotland Avenue to the east and the borders of Orange and West Orange to the north. (See the map below.) Its ideal location between the South Orange and Mountain Station stops on the NJ Transit Midtown Direct line provide flexibility for commuting. There are a little more than 1,900 residents in the neighborhood who average around 48 years of age.

Neighborhood associations in South Orange are very active. The West Montrose Neighborhood Association, formed in 2011, shares information between residents and the community, encourages volunteerism and promotes appreciation for a unique and diverse community. Neighborhood BBQs and cocktail parties happen regularly and create a great sense of community and inclusion. All board members are volunteers and there are many committees with additional volunteer opportunities for local residents.

Ron Krakower, who works at SRI in Princeton, and his wife Stacy, who works at St. Barnabas in Livingston, moved to West Montrose in 2002. When they started looking for a house to buy, they stumbled on South Orange and absolutely loved it. They found the area to be diverse — a real mix of nationalities and religions, as well as open minded about race and sexuality. They knew West Montrose was where they wanted to be. As Ron says, “It feels like we are in a good spot. This is a town where everyone gets along.” For the Krakowers, West Montrose has just the right mix of suburban lifestyle, easy access to NYC, and plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities.

Many former NYC residents live in West Montrose. Jessica Brewer moved with her young family to the West Montrose neighborhood from Brooklyn in 2015. After originally considering a move to Westchester, the Brewers decided to look in South Orange after a friend suggested the area. The town and the surrounding area had the exact appeal they had been hoping to find. They found the perfect house in the perfect location. When asked what makes the area special, Jessica says, “It’s the people. This community exceeded our expectations. The people are diverse and there is a small town feel. We were greeted with open arms from the day we moved in, with neighbors stopping to say hello and friendships formed early on. The people make SOMA so wonderful.”

The homes in the area tend to be a mix of stately Colonials, Tudors and old world Victorians. Here are three typical recent sales:

430 Meeker St. $625,000

435 Meeker St. $639,000

425 Hillside Pl. $879,000

Here are some of the benefits to living in the West Montrose neighborhood of South Orange:

• The West Montrose neighborhood is located between two stops on the NJ Transit Midtown Direct line which provides flexibility for commuting to NYC.
• The South Orange Community Pool is within walking distance.
• It is just a short walk to Flood’s Hill Park for year round outdoor activities. Floods Hill is THE place for sledding in winter.
• Cameron Field Playground is a fun place to bring your kids for an afternoon outside.
• The bustling South Orange Village is an easy walk away for shopping, dining and entertainment.
• The Baird Community Center, a multi-room recreational facility with adjacent tennis courts, is also within easy walking distance.
• Duck Pond, another recreational facility, offers winter skating, bocce and horseshoes.
• Middle school kids can walk to the Middle School easily from West Montrose

Allison Ziefert is a 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 in 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 in her marketplace. You can read her testimonials at www.azhomesnj.com/testimonials.