Maplewood Real Estate: Welcome to a Charming, Eco-Friendly Community Near City and Shore

“Maplewood is such a quaint, peaceful community, it doesn’t really seem like New York City is so close by,” says Brianna Haggerty, a Maplewood real estate and local business owner. “The location is perfect for us because my husband can easily commute to his office in New York and there are plenty of parks, recreational activities, and excellent schools in the area for our two young children.”

Historical Homes Abound in This Commuter-Friendly Location

The quiet, tree-shaded streets of Maplewood are lined with attractive and well-kept homes, most of which range from 60 to over 100 years old. Lush green lawns and well-manicured gardens make walking leisurely through the charming neighborhoods of this suburban enclave a popular pastime.

Home buyers find real estate listings for mostly Colonial style houses, a favorite of Maplewood, but may also discover Tudor, Ranch and Victorian homes for sale, in addition to high-rise apartments. The average price for a Maplewood residence is approximately $500,000, while larger, more highly upgraded properties fetch more than $1.2 million.

Located in northeastern New Jersey, the Essex County township is 15 minutes southwest of Newark Liberty International Airport and two hours north of the beaches of Atlantic City. Maplewood is a conveniently central location for New York City commuters, who are just 40 minutes from Penn Station via New Jersey Transit rail. Residents may opt to park their cars at the Maplewood train station or use a local jitney service that shuttles passengers to the train from locations throughout town.

Top Notch School District Attracts Real Estate Buyers

Home buyers with children are attracted to the well-regarded South Orange-Maplewood school district, which ranks 189th out of 487 New Jersey school districts. The town contains four elementary schools, a middle school and a high school.

There are also plenty of prestigious private schools in Maplewood and nearby towns, including Seton Hall Prep, Pingry, Kent Place, Oratory Prep, Delbarton, Oak Knoll, and Morristown Beard.

Enjoy a Healthy Lifestyle and an Eco-Friendly Community

Outdoor adventurers and nature lovers have plenty of options for fun in the sun. Six parks located within the town, and many within the surrounding communities, contain several playgrounds, athletic fields, dog-friendly areas and a nature preserve frequented by hikers and picnickers. During the summer months, the town’s Olympic-size public pool is a hotspot where residents cool off and enjoy a variety of fun-filled theme nights. Hikers explore the many trails of the Watchung and South Mountain reservations while animal lovers and equestrians visit the Turtle Back Zoo and Watchung Stable.

Locals who want to mix up their exercise routines can look to Maplewood’s DeHart Community Center and South Mountain YMCA, which offer seasonal camps and fitness classes for adults and children. Avid golfers have the option of playing a round at the Maplewood Country Club and Golf Course, or at any of the eight golf courses and country clubs in neighboring areas.

Residents are active in the preservation and protection of their nature-friendly community through the “Maplewood Is Green” initiative, which encourages energy conservation, choosing eco-friendly alternatives and recycling, as well as purchasing local food, products and services. The initiative was started to preserve Maplewood’s greenery and sustainability for future generations.

Tempting Cuisine from Around the World and a Long List of Shopping Options

Maplewood homeowners enjoy convenient access to a quaint, pedestrian-friendly downtown area that boasts more than 20 boutiques, jewelers and design shops in addition to more than 50 eateries. After a long day of browsing unique and handcrafted products, hungry shoppers have their choice of sandwich shops, pizza joints, steakhouses and Asian, Italian, American or Mexican restaurants.

Arturo’s Osteria & Pizzeria is known for its locally-sourced fresh ingredients that adorn its beloved artisanal pizzas. Coda Kitchen and Bar, brings a big city vibe to the village of Maplewood, with grilled fish tacos, sliders, and signature cocktails making it a popular destination.

A local foodie favorite, Verjus, owned by Chef Charles Tutino and his wife, Jane Witkin, serves contemporary French/New American cuisine. Specialties of the house include Blanquette de Veau: Veal simmered with white wine and cream and served with mushrooms, haricots verts, ginger honey glazed carrots and wild rice, and Herb Crusted Roast Filet of Sustainably Farmed Atlantic Salmon: Served with beluga black lentils, roasted cauliflower, wilted cucumbers, roasted tomatoes and Verjus beurre blanc.

Thriving Theater Scene Enchants Culturally-Minded Residents

Artistic and cultured residents find their creative outlets at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, a historical multi-purpose establishment that houses a 100-seat theatre and Community Room used for classes, performances and private functions. Budding musicians partake in the Maplewood Community Music program through the DeHart Community Center. “The Home of Maplewood’s Amateur Community Bands” hosts practices for a variety of local music groups that perform concerts at local venues.

Theatergoers may also catch performances at the nearby New Jersey Performing Arts Center located 15 minutes east in Newark, NJ. In fact, the Maplewood community is surrounded by a variety of destinations perfect for sightseeing and day trips. To learn about local history, residents and visitors can pay a visit to the Durand-Hedden House, a historical establishment brimming with information about early life in the Maplewood area.

Great Location Coupled with Boundless Amenities Make Maplewood a Popular Place to Call Home

Maplewood’s proximity to Manhattan and an abundance of shopping, dining and cultural opportunities attract real estate buyers to this charming village. In addition, the well-regarded schools, recreational activities and engaging community spirit make it a popular place to call home.

“Just last weekend, our family went for a hike at the beautiful Watchung Reservation,” says Haggerty. “I love shopping for gifts at the local stores downtown and frequently take the train to see friends in Manhattan. Maplewood really has everything my family needs, and I foresee us being comfortable here for a long time.”