Maplewood NJ Boasts Historic Charm and an Ideal Proximity to NYC

Maplewood, New Jersey, is a charming town located in Essex County.  Due to its close proximity to midtown Manhattan, Maplewood is considered a commuter town with a current population of just under 24,000.  Residents are attracted to the diverse population, quaintness of the town center and family-friendly atmosphere.  It is often ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States.

Maplewood Real Estate at a Glance

The township of Maplewood is a small community, covering a total area of just 3.879 square miles.  Maplewood features several recognizable buildings and public spaces that were designed and built by famous architects and designers.  Among them are Maplewood’s schools designed by Guilbert & Betelle.  The Olmstead Brothers were responsible for the design of Memorial Park in the center of town, Winchester Gardens at Ward Homestead and the South Mountain Reservation.

Many of the homes in Maplewood retain their historic charm with styles including 1920 Victorians  and Colonials.  In addition, there are some condo developments.  The town is known for its diversity, with a great mix of people from all different cultures and backgrounds.  Maplewood also boasts a significant intellectual and artistic community, with many artists who have relocated from Manhattan.

Maplewood shares a school district with South Orange.  Schools in the district consistently earn high marks in the state for academic excellence.

Maplewood History

Today’s city thoroughfares were originally created by the Lenape tribe of the Algonquian Native Americans who first settled the area.  The land was later purchased by European settlers who began arriving in the late 17th century.  A village was soon founded on what is now the downtown area of Maplewood, then known as Jefferson Village after Thomas Jefferson.

In 1861, Maplewood was formed under the name of South Orange Township.  It wasn’t until 1922 that Maplewood got its current name.  During this time, the town saw significant growth as farms were divided to make room for more residential housing, growing into the suburban community that residents know today.

Maplewood Attractions

With such a diverse population, there are many things to see and do in Maplewood.  The city has a downtown area popularly known as “the Village” or sometimes “Maplewood Center,” where residents can shop and eat at the many small boutique and quaint restaurants.  Other cultural attractions, recreational activities, seasonal events and festival, shopping centers and dining options found in Maplewood include:

Attractions and Recreation

• Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts
• Maplewoodstock annual free summer concert
• Annual Artist’s Tour
• The Strollers Theatre Company
• New Year’s Eve First Night
• What Exit? Theatre Company
• Jazzberries Center for Music and Art
• New Jersey Dance Center
• Village Dance Academy
• Maplewood Glee Club
• Maplewood Movie Theatre
• South Mountain Reservation, a 2,000 acre nature preserve
• Maplewood Country Club
• Memorial Park with playing fields and picnic areas
• Borden Park
• Orchard Park
• Community Pool
• Durand-Hedden House and Garden
• Maplewood Garden Club

Shopping and Dining

• Verjus Restaurant – gallery of local artists and French/New American cuisine
• Restaurant Lorena’s – Zagat rated romantic eatery
• The Able Baker
• Coda Kitchen & Bar
• Cent Anni – Italian trattoria
• St. James Gate Publick House – Irish pub
• Sona – classic Indian cuisine
• Roman Gourmet pizza shop
• Village Coffee
• Freeman’s Fish Market
• Words Book Store

Maplewood Commuting Information

Maplewood is an excellent community for those traveling to work in Manhattan as it lies approximately 30 minutes away.  The area is easily accessed by several major roads including Route 24, Route 280, I-78, the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.  Commuter rail service is provided by New Jersey Transit via the Midtown Direct Line which takes passengers straight into New York Penn Station. The nearest airport is Newark Liberty International Airport, which is approximately 20 minutes away by car.

More Information About Maplewood Real Estate

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