Considered one of the best places to live in New Jersey, South Orange’s small population combined with its urban suburban vibes can make anyone feel at home. Only about a half-hour drive from New York City, South Orange is a draw for families, young professionals, and students seeking a peaceful residential community with convenient accessibility to attractive amenities for education, dining, shopping, outdoor activities, and more.
Overview of South Orange, NJ
The quaint village of South Orange, located in Essex County, has roots dating back to 1666. That year, Connecticut settlers landed on the shores of the Passaic River and purchased land, now known as Newark, from the Lenni Lenape Indians in July. In 1678, the Lenapes sold a second parcel of land to settlers that stretched from the east branch of the Rahway River to the mountaintop.
The transformation of South Orange from farmlands to a residential community can be partially attributed to a New York attorney named John Gorham Vose. Vose bought a home on Scotland Road in 1858, driven by his admiration of the mountain scenery. Four years later, he started purchasing large plots of land – drawing interest from villagers in the development of the impressive homes – with construction on 175 acres between Scotland Road and Center Street completed in a few years. Vose named the area Montrose, and other successful businessmen followed his lead, buying farms and carving out streets.
Until 1806, South Orange was part of Newark. The “Orange Township” consisted of what is now Maplewood and Oranges. In 1780, the inhabitants officially adopted the name “Orange.” In 1793, the name “South Orange” made its first appearance in a print newspaper ad in the “Wood’s Gazette.”
Today, approximately 18,000 people live in South Orange.
The Schools in South Orange, NJ
South Orange makes up part of the School District of South Orange & Maplewood. The school district educates more than 7,000 students and consists of 10 schools. It has one early-childhood center, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
Over the years, the school district has won several accolades, including receiving national acclaim as one of the top 100 communities for Music Education four years in a row. Five of its elementary schools have been named national Let’s Move Active Schools.
The district also has the highest number of Nationally Board Certified teachers in any New Jersey district. Each year, the diverse student body earns recognition for academics, high school publications, robotics team, fine and performing arts programs, and championship athletic programs.
One of the nation’s leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall University, has a main campus situated in South Orange. The university offers a range of academic options, including a nationally ranked law school and a new interprofessional health sciences campus.
Public Transportation Options in South Orange, NJ
To get around the area, residents and visitors can easily hop onto a bus or train operated by NJ Transit. With a station in South Orange, NJ Transit makes service stops to New York Penn Station and various New Jersey towns, including Newark.
For those longing to tame their nomadic spirits, there are plenty of nearby airports. South Orange is only 10 miles away from Morristown Municipal Airport, 12 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport, 21 miles from Teterboro Airport, 40 miles from LaGuardia Airport, and 46 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Parks and Recreation in South Orange, NJ
Residents and visitors can find solace in the abundance of parks, water activities, and green spaces that South Orange offers.
The South Mountain Reservation spans over 2,000 acres. Located on the borders of South Orange, this nature reserve contains a portion of the 36-mile Lenape Trail, which connects 11 municipalities and 18 parks in Essex County. Part of the Rahway River flows through it with a watershed and reservoir located in the northern tract. The reservation also houses the South Mountain Recreation Complex, which features several activities, including MiniGolf Safari, Turtle Back Zoo, paddle boating, the Clipper Pavilion picnic shelter, and more.
Or you can visit Meadowland Park to play softball, soccer, or tennis. If you’re looking to play baseball, Cameron Field has a regulation baseball diamond along with a playground and swimming pool for kids to enjoy. For winter time festivities, head on over to Floods Hill for winter sledding or Duck Pond for winter ice skating.
Additionally, South Orange provides residents a recreational, organic community garden as a way to educate themselves about and partake in sustainable, edible plant culture.
Dining and Shopping in South Orange, NJ
South Orange has two main commercial districts: Downtown South Orange and Seton Village.
The bustling downtown brags of a plethora of diverse restaurants serving delicious entrees that curb any type of craving, whether it’s a tasty lobster crepe at the artisanal French Mediterranean restaurant Bistro d’Azur or mouthwatering meat and vegetarian entrees paired with injera at Walia Ethiopian Restaurant.
Of course, there are also choices for comfort treats and drinks downtown, including Carvel, a longstanding ice cream shop with a full menu of sundaes, shakes, ice cream cakes, and more. Elitist Coffee, a mother-daughter run business, serves drinks with exquisite flavors from a stock of ethically-sourced international coffee beans.
For cute boutiques and stores, shoppers can stroll along the downtown area and pop into Ambiance for high-end jewelry, Indigo Road Studio for pottery, or Sadie’s for clothing, accessories, bags, and totes.
Seton Village has a few dining options as well, including Village Pizzeria, OMGYRO, La Villa, and Inkosi Cafe. The business district has a handful of shopping options for essential supplies, such as a beauty supply store and a convenience store.
Culture and Arts Scene in South Orange, NJ
Downtown South Orange is not only a thriving hub for dining and shopping, but also the epicenter of the town’s culture and arts scene.
The South Orange Performing Arts Center is located downtown and includes a 439-seat mainstage theater, the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery, and a 2,185-square foot multi-purpose space for performances, rehearsals, classes, and more. The center also helps host local events, such as South Orange Summer Nights and the Poetry Out Loud competitions. It supports arts education through performing art residences, a school performance series, and yearly juried art exhibits called Inspired Minds and Inspiring Minds.
The downtown area holds several vibrant community events, including a film festival, an after-sundown live music series, street fairs, a holiday market, and a few cultural and historical celebrations – truly serving as the heart of the township.
Visitors and residents can also check out the Pierro Gallery, which has a mission to culturally enrich patrons by displaying the artwork of “diverse, established, and emerging visual artists in a non-commercial, user-friendly venue.”
Thinking About Moving to South Orange, NJ?
If you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to settle, you don’t have to look further than the village of South Orange. From well-rounded education options to diverse culinary delights to a flourishing culture and arts scene, this charming township checks off the must-have amenities on everyone’s list.
Want to learn more about South Orange, NJ? Contact a local expert strategist to discover more about the community or to find your perfect home in South Orange.
