Maplewood, New Jersey

Maplewood, New Jersey

Maplewood's Norman Rockwell image is not just an illusion.  Nothing much has changed here in 30 years.  Sure, there is an art gallery and a bagel shop in town, but there is also an old-fashioned luncheonette, where neighbors sit and talk.  Ther four-square mile township is a vision of sidewalks, parks, and tranquil streets lined with tall tress and Colonial and Turdor homes.  It's four-blocked downtown, affectionately known as "the village", is filled with quaint, family owned shops.  Even the downtwon Kinds - the smallest of the sixteen store chain is more like a country store than a supermarket.

This small town atmosphere is what attracts people to Maplewood, along with the town's natural beauty and amenities.  Maplewood abuts the South Mountain Reservation - a 2,020-acre recreational preserve that includes picnic grounds and hiking trails.  The town aslo has six parks and an award-wining outdoor pool.

Another attraction, especially for first-time buyers, is affordability.  Many couples are drawn to the socioeconomic mix of the community's 23,000 residents, which some say, gives it a down to earth feel.

The scenery in Maplewood attracts people to the 4-square mile township, but a strong sense of community keeps tradition strong and neighbors close.  A collection of Tudors, Victorians and Colonials predominate most of the single family housing.  Beautiful established landscaping is a common thread throughout.

The median sales price for a home in Maplewood is $468,512 for the last twelve months.  There are larger homes on larger properties selling for as much as $1,100,000, and more modest, yet appealing, neighborhoods selling in more moderate ranges.

Maplewood is 18 miles from Manhattan and many residents commute daily by train (about 30 minutes at rush hour).

The township shares a quality school system with South Orange.  There are six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school with a reputation for academic excellence.  Columbia High School offers advanced placement, college prep and vocational courses and well as classes in film making and forensic science to name a couple.  Columbia offers 25 clulbs from astronomy to chess and 23 varsity sports. 

Maplewood is governed by a Township committee, made up of 5 men and women and a mayor.