West Orange Real Estate: The Perfect Blend of History, Natural Beauty and Culture

“It’s great here! There’s so much for active people to do,” says Darryl Clark, area real estate owner who has lived in the township for 22 years with his wife Michele and their sons, Kevin and Julian. “In addition to the parks in town, there’s the South Mountain Reservation which has been preserved with lots of open space and the two-mile walk around the reservoir is a pleasure. There are lots of excellent bike trails, and we love ice skating at the Codey Arena.”

The Crown Jewel of Essex County

West Orange is the jewel in the Essex County crown. With a community of nearly 50,000, West Orange has grown 2.8 percent since 2000. Most real estate listings for sale are Colonial style homes built in the 1980s and the 1990s, though there are also beautiful residences dating from the Civil War era to the early 20th century. Average prices of real estate listings for sale range from the mid $300,000s up to the $600,000s.

In the town where Edison—one of America’s greatest minds—lived and worked, quality of education is a priority. The West Orange school district ranks 274 out of the 558 school districts statewide and nearly 90 per cent of West Orange High School graduates continue to post-secondary education, including Princeton and nearby Seton Hall University. Founded in 1856, Seton Hall is about 12 miles southeast of town in South Orange, with an enrollment of 5,500 undergraduates.

An easy 30-minute trip to New York City makes West Orange popular with commuters. Bus routes located throughout the town provide access to the Port Authority, a major transportation hub interlinking rail, bus, aviation, and seaport transportation in northern New Jersey and New York City. For vacations or business travel, Newark Liberty International Airport is 12 miles southeast with easy access and daily- and long-term parking at all terminals. Ready for a road trip? Interstate highway 78 is a 15-minute drive south, leading to other major highways including the Garden State Parkway. For those who crave casino action and stage show excitement, Atlantic City is about two hours’ drive south on the Parkway.

Enjoy Sports and Natural Splendor in the Watchung Mountains

Make no mistake, there’s plenty to do in West Orange. Golfers have the option of scheduling their next tee time at one of five local courses – the Montclair Golf Club, Essex Fells Country Club, Rock Spring Club, Crestmont Country Club, Essex County Country Club – or at two more nearby – the Glen Ridge or East Orange courses.

Outdoor lovers frequent the natural wonders of the Watchung Mountains which lie within the South Mountain Reservation. At 2,050-acres, it is the largest park in the county with 19 miles of hiking and walking trails, and 27 miles of roads for jogging, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Fishing enthusiasts try their luck at Diamond Mill Pond while birder watchers search for warblers, vireos, and thrushes. In addition, the Northern cardinal and the pileated woodpecker are year-round residents, as are deer, raccoons, foxes, turtles, squirrels, rabbits, and wild turkey.

The reserve also features Turtleback zoo, miniature golf, a girl scout camp, and the Richard J. Codey Sports Arena. The arena contains two NHL-size skating rinks for hockey and figure skating, and once served as practice ice for the New Jersey Devils pro hockey team. The recently renovated Turtle Back Zoo, a New Jersey landmark for four decades, welcomes visitors to its educational exhibits such as a chance to watch sea lions up close, two rare species of leopard, and Wolf Woods. The Wolf Woods exhibit has a natural feeling with several viewing stations featuring huge glass panels that allow visitors to feel like they’re members of the pack.

Eagle Rock Reservation, also in the Watchung Mountains in West Orange, is 400 acres of natural splendor laced with bridle paths and hiking trails, and offers an unrivaled view of the New York City skyline and the Essex County 9/11 Memorial at Lookout Point. The township boasts five of its own parks within its borders, and equestrians find their sport flourishing at the Essex Equestrian Center.

Retail Roundup and a Vibrant Arts and Culture Community

Essex Green Shopping Center offers shoppers just about everything they need with 25 stores, restaurants and services. For more extensive shopping lists, the Livingston Mall with over 100 stores and restaurants, including a Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and Sears, is just a short drive from home. Locals find even more options nearby among Willowbrook Mall’s 140 stores, and restaurants. Willowbrook Mall is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, and Macy’s.

There’s also a full menu of local restaurants. Area foodies have plenty to tempt their palates with more than 400 eateries within a five miles radius. A few of the local favorites include the flavorful fare and casual yet elegant dining at Sefarat Mediterranean Cuisine, the authentic Italian dishes and delectable stuffed mushrooms at family owned Due Amici’s, as well Yoshi-Sono Japanese Restaurant, known for its mouthwatering sushi and excellent service. For special occasions, locals make plans to dine at the Highlawn Pavilion, to enjoy its delicious French cuisine prepared by executive chef Mitchel Althoz, as well as its magnificent views of the New York City skyline.

Looking for entertainment? Work from Obie Award-winning playwrights often graces the Luna Stage on Valley Road. Comedies, thrillers, dramas, and the theater and activities for children are offered right in the heart of the Valley Arts District. Movie lovers enjoy the nine-theater AMC cinema showing Hollywood fare. West Orange also claims to stage the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Essex County, a 63-year tradition.

In nearby Montclair, the famous Montclair International Film Festival draws participants from around the globe and the Wellmont Theater showcases world-class talent like bluesmen B.B. King and Buddy Guy, and rockers Slayer. Feel like curling up with a good book? Patrons discover literary treasures in the collections of the Edison National Site Friends Library and the municipal Public Library.

West Orange: Where History, Culture, Nature, and Neighbors Meet

West Orange seamlessly blends the beauty of nature with modern amenities. The township’s slogan, “Where Invention Lives,” is the perfect link from its storied past to its bright future. This is a place where home buyers searching real estate listings for sale find a community with rich historical significance, abundant natural beauty and some of New Jersey’s best shopping and arts districts.

“It’s a wonderful place to live,” says Darryl Clark. “We have great neighbors and there’s always something to do. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”