Maplewood and South Orange are primarily residential communities, widely known for their suburban charm and for their attractive homes on tree-lined streets. About 95 percent of the homes are owner-occupied. The great variety of dwellings here attracts many families who are looking for a home suited to their way of living, tastes and needs.
Maplewood township occupies an area of 3.97 square miles and has a population of about 23,000. South Orange Village covers 2.83 square miles and has a population of about 16,000.
The conveniences and services which Maplewood and South Orange have to offer are many. Well-kept homes and well-maintained streets, parks and other public properties all add much to the natural beauty of the area. Residents find this a most desirable place to live .., one that has wide appeal for growing families.
Quality Education
The public school system of Maplewood and South Orange combines the school districts of both communities. Excellent planning by the Board of Education has provided the highest educational standards and careful expansion of facilities to keep pace with the needs of the communities.
Impressive Columbia High School, ranked among the leading secondary schools of the nation, is located in Maplewood. A high percentage of the high school graduating classes goes on to higher education. A wide variety of courses in all academic areas is offered in all the schools.
South Orange is the home of the well-known Seton Hall University and Preparatory School.
Residents of Maplewood and South Orange take great pride in their educational standards and facilities, considered among the finest in New Jersey.
Places of Worship
Congregations of many faiths and religions have been established in Maplewood and South Orange to provide the residents with an opportunity to worship as they choose. You will find the churches here conveniently located, pleasantly situated and ready to welcome you.
For the Health and Well-being... of all
A number of large, modern hospitals are nearby to provide medical attention to the residents of Maplewood and South Orange. All are progressive health centers that offer a wide range of the best services available anywhere.
The volunteer first aid squads of Maplewood and South Orange are maintained around the clock for local emergency and ambulance service wherever and whenever needed.
In addition, many other community-spirited citizens contribute invaluable time through volunteer service organizations to comfort and care for those in need. Maplewood and South Orange are communities that care about the health andwell-being of all residents.
Recreation and a Zest for Life
Recreational facilities in Maplewood and South Orange have been planned to include leisure-time activities for all residents.
The Recreation Commissions of both communities maintain supervised playgrounds and provide complete park facilities for various crafts programs and summer and winter sports for all ages. Maplewood Community Swimming Pool, judged the finest complex of its kind in the nation, is also maintained and supervised by the Recreation Department. The South Orange Community Swimming Pool complex provides facilities for all levels of swimming skills in a complete park setting.
At the huge 2,048-acre South Mountain Reservation, streams, riding trails and open fireplaces can be enjoyed throughout the year. The recreational opportunities in Maplewood and South Orange are limitless.
History, the Arts, and the Marketplace
Maplewood and South Orange have rich historical backgrounds from Colonial and Revolutionary Days. The best-known landmark is the Timothy Ball House in Maplewood, visited by General Washington.
In recent years, special-interest clubs have been formed to carry on the traditions of the community. There are many public and private groups which provide workshops for various crafts and the performing arts. The Strollers, an active theater group, produce several shows a year.
Shopping districts in Maplewood and South Orange are conveniently reached by bus or car with ample parking provided throughout the area. Many of the stores have retained their charm of yesteryear. Today there are specialty stores and major shopping malls nearby which offer an abundance of quality merchandise to fill every household and personal need.
Municipal Government and Facilities
Maplewood is governed by a Township Committee of five elected officials. South Orange has a Village form of government consisting of six elected Trustees and an appointed President.
All citizens and property are protected by full-time police forces working under the direction of the Chiefs of Police.
Highly rated and efficient fire departments maintain an outstanding fire prevention and fire protection record for the communities.
A high level of municipal services has consistently been provided by the planning boards. Education, recreation, public and traffic safety, fire protection, parks, roads and free public libraries are all important parts of municipal management and services made possible by local taxes.
All residents of Maplewood and South Orange benefit from these services.
Transportation
Traveling to or from Maplewood and South Orange is easy by car, bus or train. N.J.Transit trains and numerous bus routes provide convenient transportation to nearby towns and cities. Midtown New York can be reached in approximately 3O minutes by train or bus. Newark International Airport, with jet service to all parts of the world, is only about 15 minutes away by car.
Easily accessible highways will direct you to the principal cities, shopping and cultural centers, and recreation areas of New Jersey.