Maplewood NJ

The quaint, historic town of Maplewood is a popular choice for New Jersey homeowners seeking to raise their families in a culturally diverse community. It’s home to more than 40 percent of its residents who aren’t white, and along with its neighbor South Orange, it is known for a diverse, interracial population that includes many gay and lesbian couples.

Families of all ages will find plenty to do in Maplewood. Its bustling downtown is full of shops and restaurants, but residents also have easy access to Memorial Park, a 25-acre oasis with baseball fields, picnic areas, tennis courts and a playground. The Park is also home to Maplewoodstock, a two-day music and arts festival held each July.

There are a number of excellent schools in the township, including six acclaimed elementary schools and Columbia High School, which is well-known for its academic excellence and was rated a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. The township also has a comprehensive middle school that puts a strong emphasis on social responsibility as the foundation for all learning endeavors and offers students a range of extracurricular activities.

Besides the town’s top-notch schools, Maplewood Maplewood NJ residents enjoy convenient transportation to and from Manhattan through the train station. Commuters can board the NJ Transit Midtown Direct line from either Maplewood or South Orange station and get into Manhattan in about 30 minutes. There are also numerous bus routes, both in Maplewood and South Orange.

A storied community with a deep respect for its traditions and heritage, Maplewood has a rich history that is reflected in its architecture. A large part of the township is a National Historic District, designated by the US Department of the Interior for its preservation.

Architecturally, Maplewood has an incredibly broad variety of styles and eras. There are Victorian, Edwardian, Mediterranean, Colonial and contemporary houses.

As a result, the neighborhood of Maplewood reflects the diversity of its inhabitants in both housing and streetscape design. It is a town that has maintained its historical integrity while adapting to modern living, according to the Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission.

The township’s unique civic identity was forged in 1922 when the Township hired Olmstead Brothers to design Memorial Park, a park that features natural plantings alternating with open spaces and play areas. The park is a focal point for the community and an iconic image of Maplewood.

It is also a place of refuge and relaxation for the residents who live there, with the park serving as a retreat from the pressures of city life. The park hosts the annual Maplewoodstock music and arts festival and other special events in July.

People from Maplewood, and the neighboring town of South Orange, are known for their commitment to their communities and civic engagement, and for being willing to work together for the common good. The towns are also known for their active arts and entertainment scene, with several theaters and music venues.