Maplewood

Maplewood is a rare town that feels like a true escape while staying incredibly connected. Originally formed as part of South Orange Township in 1861, it became its own town in 1904 — and has been cultivating charm ever since.

At its heart is Maplewood Village, a quaint, walkable downtown filled with locally-owned boutiques, bakeries, wine and toy shops, and even a classic ice cream parlor. You’ll find everything from cozy coffee shops to vibrant restaurants serving Italian, Indian, Japanese, farm-to-table American fare, and more.

At the other end of town, Springfield Avenue offers another hub of small businesses and neighborhood favorites. Locals frequent Artie’s for artisanal pizza, Porta Rossa Pasta for handmade Italian specialties, gluten-free bites at True Salvage Cafe, Cornbread Maplewood for authentic southern fare and General Store Shops & Cafe, a shared space with gifts, cheese and eco-friendly shops. With its own unique vibe, this stretch of town adds even more dimension to Maplewood’s strong sense of local pride and community.

The town also plays host to a full calendar of annual events — including the beloved two-day Maplewoodstock music and arts festival, summer concerts at the gazebo, the Maplewood House Music Festival, dance and art showcases, vintage fairs, and more — bringing the community together during every season.

Residents enjoy plenty of ways to stay active. There are tennis courts and parks throughout town, a community pool complex perfect for summer days, and easy access to South Mountain Reservation — a sprawling nature preserve ideal for hiking and fresh air. Golfers can take advantage of the private Maplewood Country Club or nearby public courses.

Maplewood offers an easy commute to Manhattan with direct train service on the NJ Transit Midtown Direct line. Trains run daily from the Maplewood station directly into New York Penn Station, with 35–40 minute travel times. A local jitney bus connects neighborhoods to the station during rush hours, and permit or non-resident parking options are available nearby.

Schools

Maplewood and South Orange share a school district.

South Mountain – Annex, kindergarten through 1st grade.

Marshall Elementary School, kindergarten through 2nd grades.

Clinton Elementary School, kindergarten through 5th grades.

Seth Boyden Elementary School, kindergarten through 5th grades.

Tuscan Elementary School, kindergarten through 5th grades.

South Mountain Elementary School, 2nd through 5th grades.

Delia Bolden Elementary School, 3rd through 5th grades.

Maplewood Middle School, 6th through 8th grades.

South Orange Middle School, 6th through 8th grades.

All South Orange and Maplewood students attend Columbia High School which is in Maplewood. Underhill Field, the high school athletic fields and track, is a half-mile from the high school in a residential neighborhood.