Maplewood, NJ is a borrow a cup of sugar type of town; it is as simple and wonderful as that. Incredibly, we are only 20 miles from the Holland Tunnel, and we have this fantastic neighborhoody type of town. We have deck parties, garage or backyard all-inclusive bars, holiday progressive dinners, street wine for the adults. Laser tag, capture the flag, daily tag games, scooter afternoons, street crafting, flag football games, driveway chalk drawing, skateboard clubs for the kids. Block parties, pizza Friday nights, movie nights all on my street, and many others in Maplewood. Many live close to walking distance to the two thriving street areas Maplewood Ave and Springfield Ave. Residents love that they can walk to their nearest bakery to pick up a coffee and scone and sit on a bench with a friend for a quick early morning chat. The town comes together for anyone and everyone in need at any time. Living here, you are allowed to be yourself without any judgment, and I love that. We accept all kinds of people; we prefer it! Maplewood is a uniquely magical place that I am proud to call my home and raise my children during these crazy times.
- Kimberly Casciaro, Realtor®-Salesperson & Maplewood, NJ resident
I lived in Maplewood at The Top Condominium for almost 9 years and loved it. I was right by South Mountain Reservation with the Washington Rock lookout over NYC, the dog park, and a 2 mile measured course for bike riding or roller skating, and of course the secret Santa Christmas tree. I had a great time driving through the S curves in my convertible sports car. Falling down the hill to Maplewood Village or downtown South Orange for great restaurants, lively bars, fun people, adorable shops, supermarkets, and virtually anything you could want or need, was so convenient. Just 10 minutes to Newark Liberty Airport, it was easy to travel. Walking down Wyoming Avenue to Millburn and back again, along with everyone else in town, was great exercise but we all also felt part of something. I am still friends with people I met there, everyone moves to Maplewood because they want to be involved, not anonymous. Even without kids, I enjoyed going to the annual 4th of July event in Memorial Park and brought friends to it. I could not believe my luck in living so close to NYC in a town of warm, caring, interesting people. It is a very special place.
- ~ Stephanie Mallios, Realtor®-Salesperson
Maplewood is a bucolic suburb of New York City with tree-lined streets and wooded avenues. Only 18 miles from NYC, Maplewood is a favorite town with commuters many of whom move here from Jersey City, Hoboken, and Brooklyn. The township is 3.8 square miles with a population of about 24,000. Maplewood has a wonderful community feeling to it with a lovely downtown called ‘the Village’ – it looks like a Swiss town was transported to New Jersey.
Maplewood schools are part of the unified South Orange-Maplewood School District. Together there are 6 Elementary Schools, 2 Middle Schools and 1 High School.
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
High School
Columbia High School – has one of the largest number of AP class offerings (24) in the region – more than 91% of graduates pursue higher education degrees and are accepted at some of the best private and Ivy League universities in the US. In addition the school offers a wealth of electives as well as a variety of extracurricular activities.
Maplewood is the first town on the Midtown Direct train line. If you catch the express you can be in Penn Station in less than 30 minutes! Another thing that Maplewood residents love is the concierge service at the train station providing a variety of services to help commuters. Parking is available at the station and a jitney service runs multiple routes throughout Maplewood getting commuters to the trains on time and picking them up at the end of the day.
Maplewood has 6 parks, a municipal pool as well as public tennis courts. Memorial Park is located between Dunnell Road and Valley Street and is the site of the Maplewood Memorial Library. The park features ball fields, tennis courts, an amphitheater and a community pool that boasts two slides and a diving tower.
The South Mountain Reservation is one of the largest recreational areas in the region at over 2000 acres. Part of the reservation is within the township of Maplewood. The reservation is the site of the Turtle Back Zoo and the Richard J. Codey Arena, an ice hockey and skating facility. The Safari Mini-golf and the Treetop Adventure Course are other recreational venues in the reservation. There is a beautiful 2-mile trail around the lake right behind the Turtle Back Zoo which is a great place to run or walk your dog.
South Mountain Reservation has waterfalls which include Hemlock Falls and Blackrock Falls that are popular with hikers and nature lovers. There’s also a dog run as well as many lookout points where you can see the NYC skyline.
The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts is a multi-purpose cultural facility located in a former church and now houses a 100-seat theatre and community room.
The Historic Murals of Maplewood are a series of murals that highlight the history of Maplewood. The murals are located in the Town Hall on Valley Street across from Memorial Park.
The Durand-Hedden House and Garden is Maplewood’s historic house museum that highlights the past by providing the community with unique and exciting exhibits, programs and events.
The Thomas Edison National Historical Park is only minutes away from Maplewood in West Orange. This park and historical attraction includes the home and laboratory of Thomas Edison, one of America’s greatest inventors.
Maplewoodstock is the township’s signature music and art festival that occurs each July. The free event features both local and national musical acts. A cultural event such as Maplewoodstock is one of the many reasons that Maplewood NJ is a great place to live!
The Annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration begins at Ricalton Square and progresses to the athletic fields on Oakview Avenue. Events also include races for the kids, baking contests, as well as, games and fireworks. The community comes together for these events.
The Maplewood Annual Art Walk and Music Fest happens in September. Artists and musicians can show their talents during this event in the downtown Maplewood Village where neighbors support each other as well find new pieces for their homes.