chuckjr84 OP t1_j1qcbcj wrote on December 26, 2022 at 3:40 PM

Reply to comment by xXxdethl0rdxXx in Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair - making a big move… by chuckjr84

Thank you. Haven’t spent time on Springfield Ave, will do so. Understood re Maplewood/SO being close, which is great and a important factor. Ultimately, though, I’m interested in the community I can walk to - wake up, head out for coffee, see some friends and shops, etc.

re traffic, I don’t understand why towns make the main shopping area also the main driving area. Burlington Vt and Boulder Co do it right - a walk only main drag is good for everyone. But sounds like the traffic issue is mostly a wash in nj.

xXxdethl0rdxXx t1_j1qyedd wrote on December 26, 2022 at 6:23 PM

Funny you mention Burlington, I spent a few years there! Being a college town, it's uniquely walkable and laid out around that idea. I don't think the equivalent of Church Street exists anywhere in New Jersey.

Anyway, I think Maplewood/South Orange is among the closest in NJ you can get to that; I did a bit of research when initially looking for a house to buy a few years ago around New York.

Both train stations are very walkable depending on where you buy. From where I live, for example, Maplewood station is 15 minutes and South Orange station is 25. A few friends of mine from the city have also moved here, and I meet with them every week or so for coffee and whatnot in each town's downtown area. We eventually bought a car so we could interact with the rest of New Jersey, but in terms of local needs, a car is helpful but not at all required.

For me, at least, it's firing on all cylinders with your requirements, which are pretty close to mine. Had to pay a lot when I bought though, hopefully the market isn't as crazy for you now.

Another note: we vetoed Montclair not because of the prices, but because the train lines are worse. SO/Maplewood is on a line that is always really convenient. One stop further is Millburn, which you also may want to check out.

chuckjr84 OP t1_j1qzx7e wrote on December 26, 2022 at 6:34 PM

Thanks for the thoughtful response. Lived in Burlington for 4 years - not without its own problems but layout is pretty great.

Sounds like I'm on the right track narrowing in on Maplewood/SO. Just need to deep dive a little on the various neighborhoods. Very little inventory now, but i think that will change in the spring. So, see you at a local cafe in 2023!

xXxdethl0rdxXx t1_j1r10ku wrote on December 26, 2022 at 6:41 PM

I hope so, best of luck! We had to look for almost a year, but it was absolutely worth it. You got this!