Just a few miles from America’s largest city, Essex County, New Jersey offers a blend of diverse communities, rich culture, and easy access to some of the world’s greatest urban amenities. This article will compare various communities within Essex County, focusing on factors including quality of life, education, transportation, and recreation to help potential residents find their ideal home.
Whether you’re a young professional looking for easy access to the city, a family in search of excellent schools, or someone seeking a tight-knit community with vibrant cultural experiences, Essex County has a lot to offer.
Overview of Essex County, NJ
Located in northeast New Jersey, Essex County is a dynamic blend of urban and suburban environments, offering something for everyone. With a population of approximately 850,000 residents, it is one of the most populous counties in the state.
Historical Significance
Essex County is rich in history, dating back to the 1600s, when it was settled by Dutch colonists. Many of its towns played pivotal roles during the American Revolutionary War, and their historical landmarks are still preserved today. The county’s historical narrative also includes being the home of famous American figures, such as Thomas Edison, who established his laboratory in West Orange and invented devices that changed the course of history.
Proximity to NYC and Urban Access
Essex County’s location just a few miles from New York City makes it an attractive option for those seeking the perfect balance between urban and suburban living. With robust public transportation options, including NJ Transit trains and buses, many residents commute to Manhattan, enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle upon returning home.
Education and Employment Opportunities
The county boasts many top-tier school districts, highly ranked private schools, and access to higher education institutions like Montclair State University. Additionally, Essex County is home to a number of major employers in sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance, creating a wide range of employment opportunities for residents. This economic stability contributes to a higher quality of life.
Recreation and Green Spaces
In addition to urban amenities, Essex County offers phenomenal green spaces and outdoor activities. Residents can enjoy scenic parks like the South Mountain Reservation and Eagle Rock Reservation, which provide hiking, biking, and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. The county’s vast network of parks, including smaller neighborhood parks and recreational centers, ensures that nature is never far from reach.
Major Towns in Essex County
Montclair
Nestled at the feet of the Watchung Mountains, Montclair is a diverse community of about 40,000 residents with a burgeoning arts and culinary scene. The town is also home to Montclair State University, the second-largest public university in New Jersey, and has convenient transportation options for commuters to New York City.
Learn more about living in Montclair, NJ
Maplewood
One of the first three townships that formed Essex County, Maplewood was originally named Jefferson Village. Like many towns outside of New York City, the advent of the railroads in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries transformed the community, leading to a boom in population and real estate. Today, Maplewood’s population hovers around 25,000 with residents attracted to abundant park space, quick commutes, and world-class culinary experiences.
Learn more about living in Maplewood, NJ
Livingston
Located in western Essex County, Livingston is home to a culturally significant population with a bevy of performing arts and recreational opportunities, including nearly 500 acres of park space. The community is also home to a variety of local shops and several larger shopping centers throughout town. There are also a variety of family-friendly amenities in town, including many youth activities, pools, children’s theaters, and more.
Learn more about living in Livingston, NJ
West Orange
The former home of inventor Thomas Edison, West Orange offers residents access to several large parks—South Mountain Reservation and Eagle Rock Reservation—encompassing nearly 3,000 acres of open space for the community. West Orange is also home to recreation centers with a significant number of family-friendly programming.
Millburn
Just 25 miles from Manhattan, Millburn is situated in the southwestern corner of Essex County. Known for its exceptional schools, vibrant downtown core, and easily-accessible public transportation options, Millburn is an ideal landing spot for individuals and families alike. Particularly around Millburn Station, residents and visitors enjoy top-notch culinary experiences (Basilico for Italian is a local favorite), while the Short Hills Mall is an attraction for anyone who loves to shop. The community is also quite active, thanks to a host of recreational opportunities and ample park space throughout town.
Education and School Districts
One of the primary draws to Essex County is that families can find highly rated schools throughout. Whether it’s the more than 100 extracurricular activities at Montclair Public Schools, the nationally ranked Livingston High School, or the top-performing Millburn Township Public School District, families have access to both academic rigor and recreational opportunities via the county’s public school districts. Families interested in private school also have a menu of options, including Seton Hall Preparatory in West Orange, Montclair Kimberley Academy, and Newark Academy.
Recreational Opportunities
Throughout Essex County, recreational opportunities are abundant. In addition to the sprawling park space—the gem being South Mountain Reservation, a 2,110-acre nature reserve that borders Maplewood, Milburn, and West Orange—each town in the county is home to parks and recreation centers that offer everything from softball fields to tennis and pickleball courts and community pools. Essex County Parks operates 24 parks and five reservations, while each town hosts leagues for adult and youth sports.
Commute and Transportation
Proximity to New York City is one of the main reasons people choose Essex County. Thanks to public transportation via the Montclair-Boonton and Morris & Essex lines in particular, most communities in Essex County have an ideal commute to the city. For instance, Montclair and Millburn residents can reach Penn Station in Manhattan in about 45 minutes, while Maplewood residents can make it in 35. NJ Transit also operates public buses throughout the county, and the proximity to interstates makes reaching Newark Liberty International Airport by car a breeze.
Learn more about the best commuter towns in NJ to NYC
Why Choose Essex County?
No matter what type of lifestyle or environment you’re searching for, Essex County, New Jersey, offers an array of living experiences that cater to a wide variety of preferences and needs. Each town within Essex County has its own unique character and charm, allowing potential residents to find a community that best aligns with their lifestyle priorities—whether that’s proximity to New York City, top-notch schools, cultural diversity, or expansive recreational opportunities.
A Balanced Blend of Urban and Suburban Living
Essex County’s greatest appeal is perhaps its ability to offer residents the best of both worlds. For those who seek the excitement of an urban environment, towns like Newark and Millburn offer bustling streets, rich cultural experiences, and easy access to public transit. At the same time, quieter suburban enclaves like Livingston, Montclair, and West Orange provide a more relaxed atmosphere, often with larger homes, spacious parks, and a family-friendly vibe. Whether you enjoy the buzz of city life or the peace of suburban tranquility, Essex County has a spot for you.
Strong Sense of Community
Another defining feature of Essex County is its strong sense of community. Many of the towns here boast deep-rooted traditions, neighborhood events, and welcoming atmospheres that make newcomers feel at home quickly. From Montclair’s famous film festivals to West Orange’s outdoor concerts at the Eagle Rock Reservation, you’ll find that residents are passionate about engaging in community life. Even in larger towns, residents often rally together for civic causes, local volunteerism, or cultural celebrations that highlight the area’s diverse heritage.
Top-tier Schools and Family-Friendly Amenities
For families, Essex County offers an abundance of well-regarded public and private schools, as well as a myriad of extracurricular activities for children. Communities like Livingston and Millburn are particularly known for their high-ranking school districts, making them ideal for parents who place education as a top priority. Additionally, Essex County’s numerous recreational facilities—from swimming pools and sports fields to children’s theaters—offer plenty of opportunities for family fun.
Cultural and Recreational Diversity
From the world-class dining and entertainment options in Montclair, to the historic attractions of West Orange, to the food scene in Millburn, Essex County is a place where cultural exploration thrives. No matter where you live in the county, you’re never far from diverse cuisine, art galleries, live music, and museums. Plus, with vast green spaces like South Mountain Reservation and local parks, residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
A Thriving Real Estate Market
Essex County’s real estate market continues to thrive, bolstered by its proximity to New York City and its excellent infrastructure. Homebuyers can find a wide range of housing options, from historic properties with charming character to newly built homes designed for modern living. The steady appreciation of home values makes Essex County not only a desirable place to live but also a solid investment for the future. Whether you’re looking for a starter home, an investment property, or a forever home, Essex County has real estate options to meet your needs.
Future Growth and Development
As the county continues to grow, local governments and developers are focusing on smart, sustainable development. Projects aimed at expanding public transportation, improving green spaces, and revitalizing urban areas are underway, ensuring that Essex County will remain an attractive option for homebuyers in the coming years. Neighborhoods near train stations or undergoing revitalization projects could offer strong potential for future investment.
If you’re considering moving to Essex County, NJ, or looking to learn more about what it has to offer, don’t hesitate to explore your options further. Speak with a Local Expert Strategist. Discover the vibrant lifestyle, excellent amenities, and welcoming communities that await you in Essex County. Start your journey today!
