Chosen by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live in America,” Maplewood has the best of all worlds. While only a 30-minute train ride from Midtown Manhattan, Maplewood has retained its charming ambience while embracing its city-vibe. Many residents are ex-Manhattanites searching for small-town charm, a sense of community, good schools and a yard, without giving up “real-world” diversity. Residents are welcoming of all races, religions, ethnicities and sexual orientation taking away any notions that this is just another cookie-cutter suburb.

Made up of mostly older homes on gracious tree-lined streets, Maplewood is bordered by the South Mountain Reservation. Covering over 2,047 acres of land, the reservation is a wilderness waiting to be discovered. With 19 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and sweeping views of Manhattan, the Reservation also hosts the Turtle Back Zoo, the South Mountain Arena with two ice rinks, an archery range, and 27 miles of carriage roads for jogging, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

Maplewood and bordering South Orange combined host 14 parks with playing fields, playgrounds and 30 public tennis courts, while the Maplewood Country Club offers an 18-hole golf course.
Centrally located, residents of Maplewood can easily access Interstate 78, I-280, the Garden State Parkway, and the Newark Airport is only a 15-minute drive. While the village center surrounding Maplewood Avenue boasts many wonderful shops and restaurants, Springfield Avenue is also bustling with activity. Short Hills Mall with its designer shops and boutiques is only a ten-minute drive west.

The Maplewood/South Orange school district is comprised of six elementary schools, two middle schools and Columbia High School. The high school offers 21 Advanced Placement courses, more than 25 clubs, 24 interscholastic sports teams and features a new Technology Center and an award-winning student-run informational cable station. Columbia has averaged 5 National Merit Scholars annually tying Millburn High School in Short Hills. Average class size is 20, and student-teacher ratio is 12.2 to 1. Fifty-six percent of the faculty and staff hold a master’s degree or higher education. Columbia High School was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. Click here for more information.

While the market value of homes in Maplewood is increasing rapidly, an affordable home can still be found. The diversity of homes available insures a style for everyone’s tastes. From Victorian to Colonial to Ranch and Tudor, prices range anywhere from the low 200’s to over one million. Regardless of the style of home you are seeking, Maplewood offers a unique home in a wonderfully diverse and vibrant community.

Click here to see samples of homes in Maplewood