Millburn New Jersey Real Estate

Maplewood at a Glance

Welcome to this spotlight on Maplewood, New Jersey where you will find an introduction to Maplewood and gain insight into buying and selling a home in this hugely popular town. As both a Realtor and a long time resident in the area, I have gained a comprehensive knowledge about the local neighborhoods, schools, market conditions, and ordinances in Maplewood and the surrounding communities. I look forward to sharing with you my insight into this wonderful community and helping you find the perfect house for you to start your own memories.

Allow me, Perri K. Feldman to be your Neighborhood Expert in Maplewood , New Jersey . I look forward to helping you find your dream home in Maplewood and welcoming you to this vibrant community. If you want to sell your home in Maplewood , my twenty-five plus years of experience in marketing and sales will help expose your home to the maximum number of qualified buyers. I will provide you with an individualized marketing plan designed to sell your Maplewood home in a timely manner for top dollar utilizing the latest technologies online and in traditional media. Maplewood is a quaint suburb, just 30 minutes from Manhattan via the Mid-Town Direct and Hoboken train lines, with a bustling Village and quiet residential streets. Many people from Manhattan and Brooklyn are drawn to Maplewood because of its reputation for being home to many artists and people involved in social organizations. Maplewood offers a strong sense of community and values diversity, culture and inclusion. Regularly appearing in the New York Times Real Estate section as an idyllic town for its quaint village, quiet streets, sense of community and diversity, Maplewood has become one of the most desirable towns for relocating home buyers.

With seven parks, two community centers and a municipal pool, recreation abounds in Maplewood. From Golf at the Maplewood Country Club to tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, paddle tennis courts and bocce ball at Memorial Field or one of the many other playing fields throughout town. The South Mountain Reservation on the edge of town offers an additional 2000 acres of open space for hiking and communing with unspoiled nature.

Maplewood Village offers several cafes and restaurants, retail stores, Kings grocery store and a movie theater. It¿s truly a one stop shopping experience. Maplewood is also only minutes from South Orange and Millburn-Short Hills offering Whole Foods Supermarket, the renowned Mall at Short Hills, restaurants and upscale boutiques.

Maplewood is conveniently only 24 miles of Manhattan and about 6 miles west of Newark Liberty International Airport . Several major interstates, including the I-78, the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway are less than five minutes away and offer easy access to the surrounding towns and cities.

History

Maplewood was originally known as Jefferson Village and was part of South Orange , New Jersey . Located in Essex County , one of Jersey ¿s four original counties, it was established in 1682 by the East Jersey Legislature. The recorded history of Essex County begins in 1666, when 30 Connecticut families headed by Robert Treat arrived to establish a settlement along the banks of the Passaic River in what is now the City of Newark . The following year the settlers purchased the land from the Lenni Lenape Indians for $800.00 and on May 27, 1793 , an act was passed by the General Assembly at Trenton , forming the Township of Springfield from the Townships of Elizabeth and Newark in the County of Essex . This new township included the area that is now Maplewood . This act remained in force until the County of Union was formed and Springfield became the Townships of Maplewood, Millburn , Summit , South Orange , and New Providence .

General Washington had his headquarters in Springfield from June 7 to June 22, 1780 when the Revolutionary War Battle of Springfield was fought here. In the early 1800¿s Maplewood (or what was to become Maplewood ) consisted of large family farms as well as grist, woolen and paper mills. In the 1850s, dependable rail service made the area accessible to people who lived in large cities and soon wealthy businessmen began bringing their families to spend summers at the local Mountain House Spa. The mountain air was seen as a cure and the gorgeous natural environment of the area was a perfect backdrop for a variety of healthy outdoor activities. Over the next 60 years, Maplewood grew from a farming community into a bustling township that became home to industrialists who built large, comfortable homes for their families. A local brewing industry arose in the area and many famous beers were brewed here.

The stock market crash of 1929, along with the enforcement of prohibition, temporarily crippled the thriving economy of Essex County . But with the repeal of prohibition, the reopening of many major breweries and the gradual national recovery, Essex began to grow once again. With the advent of commuter railroads, which passed through nearby Newark , Manhattan workers could make their homes in comfortable and attractive suburban towns such as Maplewood , South Orange , Millburn , Glen Ridge and Montclair . With an agreeable climate immune to the Big Apple¿s humid summers and freezing winters, Maplewood thrived as a coveted bedroom community.

Maplewood has grown to become in recent decades, primarily a quiet, residential town with business districts and some industry. The town has seen recent development in the form of new apartments, a luxury rehabilitation of the Maplewood Country Club and wonderful residential developments that offer the highest quality of life.

Homes in Maplewood

Built primarily in first few decades of the 20th century, home styles in Maplewood are predominantly traditional, consisting of Colonials, Tudors, Victorians and Arts and Crafts. Neighborhoods in Maplewood are named after the neighborhood grade school, Jefferson (or Jefferson-Marshall), South Mountain, Tuscan, Clinton and Seth-Boyden. The center of town, along Maplewood Avenue, divides the neighborhoods with Jefferson and South Mountain to the west and Tuscan, Clinton and Seth-Boyden to the east.

Jefferson

Jefferson is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Maplewood and it is also the most expensive. Stately homes and broad, tree-lined streets most of which are within walking distance to Maplewood Village and NYC trains are hallmarks of this prestigious neighborhood. Home prices range from $600,000-$1,500,000.

South Mountain

This upscale neighborhood of Maplewood offers stately homes in a quiet setting. Located northwest of the Jefferson section, South Mountain is nestled mountainside among mature trees and while most streets are not within walking distance to the Village, Maplewood Jitney stops are throughout the neighborhood. Homes prices range from $650,000-$1,300,000.

Washington Park in South Mountain

Washington Park is a quiet enclave located off of Ridgewood Road . Upscale homes, manicured properties and unique architecture on winding road make this a charming neighborhood to call home. Home prices range from $750,000-$1,200,000.

Tuscan

The Tuscan section, located east of Prospect Street on both sides of Springfield Avenue, offers a diverse range in homes. The desirable Golf Island area of Tuscan is located north of Springfield Avenue. Smaller and more affordable homes are located south of Springfield Avenue. Home prices run the gamut from $300,000-$900,000.

Golf Island within Tuscan

Golf Island is a quiet enclave surrounded by Maplewood Country Club¿s golf course in the Tuscan School district. Many homes here back to the golf course or have views of its manicured lawns, but all enjoy the serenity of this private neighborhood which is only a few blocks from Maplewood Village, NYC trains, Maplewood Library and Memorial Field. Home prices range from $500,000-$800,000.

Clinton

The Clinton section is a great option for younger couples, families and first time home buyers. Some streets are within walking distance to the South Orange train station and Maplewood Jitney stops are throughout the neighborhood. Home Prices range from $350,000-$650,000.

Seth-Boyden

The Seth-Boyden section is located in the most eastern part of Maplewood east of Boyden Avenue and on both sides of Springfield Avenue . This up and coming neighborhood is known for moderately priced, smaller homes. Home prices range from $250,000-$500,000.

Maplewood Gardens

These garden apartments, located off Boyden Avenue, offer units of various sizes and prices. Single floor units and townhouse units are available and prices range from $150,000-$275,000.

The Top

The Top, located on South Orange Avenue, is a luxury condominium in a full service low- rise elevator building. This beautiful building offers views of New York City, valet garage parking, 24-hour doorman, fitness center with spa and lap pool, entertainment facilities and storage. Units range from one to three bedrooms and feature kitchens with top of the line appliances, parquet floors, balconies, marble baths, washer and dryer and walk-in closets. Prices range from $350,000-$1,200,000.

Education

Maplewood shares a common pubic school system with neighboring South Orange . There are six elementary schools in the district, four of which are in Maplewood and two middle schools, one of which is in Maplewood while Columbia High School serves both communities. Acclaimed Columbia High School has been named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and active parent and teacher organizations support all the schools in the district.

Elementary schools have up to date facilities that include computer and Internet access in all schools and modern media and technology centers. Special education services begin with pre-K programs and strong support program is available for students needing additional assistance while gifted enrichment programs are available to 4th and 5th graders. Students can attend their local school, but they also have the option of applying to attend the Seth Boyden Demonstration School , the district's staff development and best practices center, which offers innovative teaching techniques. After-school programs are also available throughout the district to meet the needs of families that require extended child supervision.

Students in Maplewood attend elementary school for grades K-5. Students in the Jefferson district attend Marshall School in the Montrose section of South Orange for K-2 and Jefferson School on Ridgewood Road for grades 3-5. Students are bused accordingly. The South Mountain School district is likewise divided between two school buildings, both within South Orange . The Lower School , located in the Newstead section, serves K-1 and the Upper School , located on South Orange Avenue , serves grades 2-5. Students at Tuscan, Clinton and Seth-Boyden schools attend all grades, K-5, in the same building.

Maplewood Middle School serves grades 6 through 8. There is an emphasis not only on the academic, but also on guiding students socially to prepare them for high school. Along with well-structured academics, middle school students also take part in character-building programs and community activities.

Columbia High School was founded in 1885, is rich in history and has been recognized nationally for academic excellence and for offering a wide range of elective courses and extracurricular activities. Columbia offers a strong college preparatory curriculum, with 24 AP offerings and five or more Columbia High School seniors are usually selected as National Merit Semi-Finalists each year. Over 90% of graduates pursue further education and many are accepted to attend some of the best universities in the country including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.

Extracurricular activities range from a championship athletic program to an award winning literary magazine and student newspaper to a chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America. There's a mock trial team, a state-champion chess team, a cable TV station and many music and drama groups.

Cultural Activities

There is a pervasive appreciation for arts and culture in Maplewood . There is a local Cultural Center where community theater productions are performed as well as a strong network of groups and social organizations dedicated to pursuing every hobby and interest. Whether you want to volunteer, do charitable work or find people that share your hobbies, Maplewood is a town with a real sense of community and strong civic involvement.

With its historic preservation activities and community rehabilitation projects that are always ongoing, as well as responsive city government, attractive businesses, excellent schools and friendly residents, it¿s no wonder Maplewood continues a tradition that for more than two centuries has offered one of the finest places in the whole country to call home.

Maplewood ¿s location allows easy access to arts and cultural events in the area including theater at Millburn ¿s Papermill Playhouse and the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival at Drew University in Madison . Cultural activities can also be found at the nearby New Jersey Center for Performing Arts in Newark and museums in Morristown and Montclair .

For additional information about Maplewood and its services check out these links:

Official Maplewood Website

Maplewood-South Orange website

Maplewood Chamber of Commerce

Maplewood-South Orange School System

Marshall School

Jefferson School

South Mountain School

Tuscan School

Clinton School

Seth-Boyden

Maplewood Middle School