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xXxdethl0rdxXx t1_j1qyedd wrote

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

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.

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xXxdethl0rdxXx t1_j1q4nnb wrote

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

Couple things about Maplewood/South Orange:

  1. Maplewood has several sit-down cafes, both in the downtown area and on Springfield avenue. There’s also other satellites like True Salvage, Yellow Rose, etc. You’re wrong about that.

  2. Downtown (Maplewood Avenue) gets quite active during rush hour and on weekends. If you’ve visited recently, try to catch one of the local community events in warmer weather; lots of locals come out from both towns. It is indeed a bit small and quiet, but it has its moments.

  3. Speaking of which, Maplewood and South Orange are extremely close. They share a lot, including a school district. You basically get the best of both when you move to either. SO has slightly less expensive homes so I’d start there, but again they are so close that you’ll find yourself looking at properties in both.

  4. Yeah traffic in South Orange is a nightmare at times. The area is pretty decent for cycling, it’s also quite walkable in general.

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