A walk down the residential streets of South Orange, NJ takes you along cozy, vintage-looking pathways. In the evenings, gas lamps still light the way for its almost 16,500 residents. South Orange is one of several towns in New Jersey that still retain gas lamps giving it a sense of old world charm. Coupled with distinctive architecture, a vibrant downtown, and an enviable location, it is an ideal commuter haven and suburb for growing families.

Here are 5 things that make South Orange, NJ so liveable and likeable:

1. Unique South Orange Architecture

The houses in South Orange have a vast array of architectural styles. Built during various eras, they range from Tudors to English cottages, Colonials to Mansard-roof mansions. There is a charismatic Village Hall built in 1894 which doubles as a well-know landmark for the town. Even the fire house, built in 1926, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The uniqueness of the architecture gives South Orange a distinct appearance and historic feel.

2. Midtown Direct to New York City

Located only 22 miles from midtown Manhattan, residents of South Orange have convenient commuting options into New York. The town is serviced by Midtown Direct, so the train ride into New York is only 30 minutes. There is also bus service to New York City as well as highway access via 280 West. The easy commute into New York gives the residents of South Orange the perfect mix of small town suburbia and proximity to the City. As one resident quipped, “It’s like getting a city, with a backyard.”

3. Community Activities in South Orange

South Orange benefits from having the fantastic South Orange Performing Arts Center or SOPAC. It offers live theatre and a five-screen movie theater. There are other great community activities such as the town pool, the Pierro Gallery, and the Orange Lawn Tennis Club. The crown jewel of South Orange is the South Mountain Reservation which is a 2,000 acre reservation. Some trails have panoramic views and you will often see runners, bikers and rollerbladers traversing the grounds.

4. The Diversity of South Orange

South Orange is characterized by an ethnically diverse population with many of the residents having roots in Western and Eastern Europe. In fact, over 15% of the town population was born outside of the United States, and the cultural influence of the town’s many nationalities supports a thriving restaurant scene. There is Ethiopian cuisine at Lalibela, French and American food at Papillon 25 and Mexican food at Toro Loco, just to name a few of the many interesting dining options!

5. South Orange Schools

The combined school district of South Orange and Maplewood is large with 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and one high school. Columbia High School is consistently ranked as one of the top schools in New Jersey with a wide range of advanced-placement (AP) courses. Whether it be the annual Shakespeare festival or Dance Day, the school district is infused with a blend of the arts, rigorous academics and athletics.

Are you interested in learning more about South Orange, NJ? I would love to show you some of the wonderful homes for sale in town and take a stroll with you through the downtown. Contact Victoria Carter at (973) 220-3050 or email victoria@victoriacarter.com.