THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO …

Maplewood, NJ

Looking to move to Maplewood? You’re in good company! Our team is so proud to work in this gorgeous town.

OVERVIEW - FUN & FACTS - COMMUTE

‍ ‍SCHOOLS - PERFECT DAY - HISTORY

Welcome to Maplewood!

Maplewood is a charming and vibrant township in Essex County, known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and strong sense of community. Named for the maple trees that have long shaped its scenic landscape, Maplewood offers a beautiful blend of natural character, architectural charm, and welcoming neighborhoods that appeal to residents of all ages.

At the center of town, Maplewood’s lively downtown district brings the community together with its independent restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and cultural destinations. Local favorites, seasonal events, farmers markets, and beloved traditions like the Maplewoodstock Music and Arts Festival contribute to the town’s creative and connected atmosphere. Residents also enjoy access to Maplewood Memorial Park, as well as nearby parks, trails, and recreational amenities.

Maplewood offers the best of both worlds: small-town charm with easy access to everyday conveniences and New York City. With direct NJ Transit service, proximity to major highways, and access to the highly regarded South Orange-Maplewood School District, the township continues to attract homebuyers seeking a dynamic, community-oriented lifestyle in one of Essex County’s most desirable locations.

Around Town…

  • Arturo’s Osteria & Pizzeria is one of Maplewood’s most reliable Italian spots, serving up comforting classics in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. Their wood-fired pizzas and traditional pasta dishes make it a steady go-to for both casual nights out and easy dinners with friends.

    Right in Maplewood Village,The Able Baker has become a local favorite for its fresh-baked pastries, cookies, and coffee. It’s the kind of cozy café people drop into for a quick treat, morning pick-me-up, or a slow weekend bite.

    When you’re in the mood for something lighter, The Salad House offers a simple, fresh option with salads, bowls, and wraps you can fully customize. It’s quick, convenient, and a solid choice for a healthier lunch without feeling like you’re compromising on flavor.

  • Spend some time outdoors at Maplewood Memorial Park, the town’s central green space where locals come to walk, relax, or enjoy a casual afternoon picnic. It also hosts seasonal events and has open fields that are perfect for low-key sports or just unwinding outside.

    Catch a show or community performance at the St. Joseph’s Performing Arts Center, a well-known local venue that brings in concerts, theater productions, and cultural events throughout the year, adding a creative spark to the town’s calendar.

    For something more laid-back, explore the Ritzer Field area and surrounding recreation spaces, where you’ll often find kids’ sports leagues, pickup games, and families spending time outdoors - an easy snapshot of Maplewood’s active community vibe.

  • Maplewood has a really charming village-style shopping scene, where most of the stores are independently owned and easy to explore on foot.

    Right in Maplewood Village, Words Bookstore is a favorite independent bookstore that gives the town a classic, community-focused feel. It’s the kind of place where you can browse slowly and always find something unexpected.

    For curated gifts and home finds, Perch Home & Company stands out with its mix of stylish home décor, unique gifts, and even a café tucked inside. It’s a popular stop for both shopping and casual browsing, especially on weekends.

    Another well-loved boutique is MEUS, a thoughtfully curated shop filled with clothing, accessories, candles, and gifts. It has a really distinct, modern aesthetic that makes it a standout along Baker Street in the village.

  • Thinking about Maplewood? With its creative village feel, tree-lined streets, and easy NYC commute, it’s one of Essex County’s most charming places to call home.

    We’d love to show you around and help you get a feel for the neighborhood.

    Get in touch!

Quick Facts:

Check out some “Quick Facts” here, or scroll down for a deeper look at the ins and outs of Maplewood!

  • Approximately 25,000+ residents

  • Maplewood is part of the highly regarded South Orange-Maplewood School District, known for its strong academics, diversity, and wide range of extracurricular programs from early childhood through high school.

    • Preschool / Early Childhood

      • South Mountain Early Childhood Center

    • Elementary Schools

      • Seth Boyden Elementary School

      • Clinton Elementary School

      • Jefferson Elementary School

      • Marshall Elementary School

      • South Mountain Elementary School

    • Middle Schools

      • Maplewood Middle School

    • High School

      • Columbia High School

    • Vocational / Technical Options (Regional Access)

      • Essex County Schools of Technology (shared county-wide vocational programs and academies)

    Public Schools (Morris School District):

    • MSD Preschool Program

    • Hillcrest Elementary School (K–2)

    • Alfred Vail Elementary School (K–2)

    • Woodland Elementary School (K–2)

    • Normandy Park Elementary School (K–5)

    • Sussex Avenue Elementary School (3–5)

    • Thomas Jefferson Elementary School (3–5)

    • Alexander Hamilton Elementary School (3–5)

    • Frelinghuysen Middle School (6–8)

    • Morristown High School (9–12)

    Private / Independent Schools:

    • The Peck School (PreK–8)

    • The Red Oaks School (PreK–8)

    • Morristown Beard School (6–12)

    Higher Education Nearby:

    • Drew University (just minutes away, offering a small liberal arts college experience)

    • Maplewood Memorial Park offers fields, walking paths, playgrounds, and seasonal community events

    • Strong local recreation programs including youth sports, arts, and community activities

    • Close access to larger Essex County parks, nature preserves, and trail systems

Maplewood, New Jersey Fun Traditions + Annual Events:

  • Every fall, the Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest transforms Maplewood Village into an open-air celebration of local artists, live music, and street performances. It’s one of the town’s most anticipated events, where the streets are filled with creativity, food, and family-friendly activities.


    📍 Morristown Green, Speedwell Avenue & surrounding downtown streets

  • As winter approaches, the village lights up for Dickens Village, a charming holiday tradition in Ricalton Square featuring miniature scenes inspired by A Christmas Carol. It’s a festive favorite that draws families back year after year to experience the detailed displays and seasonal atmosphere

  • One of the biggest community moments of the year is the Maplewood Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, where local organizations, schools, and residents come together in a town-wide procession that ends with a remembrance ceremony honoring veterans

  • During the warmer months, Maplewoodstock takes over Memorial Park with live music, food vendors, and a full weekend festival vibe, making it one of the most well-known summer traditions in town and a major highlight of the local event calendar.

Explore our interactive map to discover Maplewood’s key locations! Everything from City Hall to all of our schools, parks, clubs, and more!

Commuting Options

Maplewood is a well-connected commuter town with direct NJ Transit rail service to New York Penn Station, offering a smooth and reliable option for daily travel into Manhattan. With convenient access to major highways like I-78 and the Garden State Parkway, commuting across Northern New Jersey is also straightforward, making it an ideal location for both city professionals and regional travelers.

  • Closest station: Maplewood Station (Morris & Essex Line) offering direct NJ Transit service to New York Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal.

    • Average commute to NYC: ~35–45 minutes depending on train and time of day

    • Train service runs frequently during peak weekday hours with regular off-peak and weekend options

    • Easy regional connections available via Newark Broad Street or Hoboken Terminal, linking to PATH, additional NJ Transit lines, and other commuter routes

    • Route 78 (I-78) is the main highway access route, connecting directly toward the Holland Tunnel for travel into Manhattan

    • Quick access to the Garden State Parkway via nearby interchanges for north/south travel across New Jersey

    • Easy connections to Route 24 and Route 24 Spur for regional commuting into surrounding Essex and Morris County towns

    • Approx. 15–18 miles to Midtown Manhattan (traffic dependent), making Maplewood a convenient option for both city and suburban travel

    • Bus service is available via NJ Transit and local suburban commuter routes connecting Maplewood to nearby towns and major transit hubs like Newark and Newark Penn Station

    • Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 20–30 minutes away, offering convenient domestic and international travel options

    • Ride-share and local taxi services are widely available throughout the township for flexible, on-demand commuting needs

All About Maplewood Schools…

Spend a perfect day in Maplewood

9:30 AM – Arrive in Maplewood

  • Arrive via NJ Transit at Maplewood Station or by car through nearby routes like I-78 or the Garden State Parkway.

  • Start the morning in Maplewood Village with coffee and a light breakfast at The Able Baker, a local favorite known for fresh pastries, cookies, and a cozy neighborhood feel right in the heart of town.

11:00 AM – Explore Maplewood Village & Local Shops

Take a relaxed stroll through Maplewood Village, the town’s walkable downtown filled with independent boutiques, cafés, and creative local shops:

  • Maplewood Village (main downtown hub + community events)

  • Baker Street boutiques and specialty stores

  • Perch Home & Company (home décor, gifts, and café in one space)

  • Words Bookstore (beloved independent bookstore with a community feel)

12:30 PM – Lunch in Maplewood

Enjoy lunch at one of the village’s well-known local spots:

2:00 PM – Neighborhood Drive Tour

  • Take a short drive through Maplewood’s residential streets to get a feel for the community, known for its tree-lined blocks, charming older homes, and strong neighborhood character just minutes from downtown.

  • Explore nearby South Orange as well for a broader look at the area’s housing, schools, and suburban feel.

3:30 PM – Outdoor Break & Recreation

Enjoy Maplewood’s outdoor spaces and nearby nature:

5:30 PM – Wind Down Downtown

  • Head back into Maplewood Village for a relaxed pause before dinner. Grab a coffee or sweet treat, browse shops again, or simply enjoy the laid-back village atmosphere as the day slows down.

6:30 PM – Dinner in Maplewood

End the day at one of Maplewood’s standout dining spots:

Wrap up the day with the feeling of a true village lifestyle - walkable, creative, and community-driven, where everything you need is just steps away.

Let’s take a step back in time…

Maplewood’s history dates back to the late 1600s and early 1700s, when the area was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans. Early European settlers - primarily Dutch and English families - later established farms across the region, taking advantage of the fertile land and developing small rural communities that would eventually form present-day Maplewood.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Maplewood remained largely agricultural, with scattered homesteads, mills, and farmland defining the landscape. The area was part of larger townships before gradually forming its own identity as transportation routes expanded and nearby communities began to grow.

A major turning point came in the late 1800s with the arrival of the railroad, which made commuting to Newark and New York City possible. This shift transformed Maplewood from a quiet farming area into a desirable suburban community, attracting new residential development and shaping the village-style downtown that still exists today.

By the early 20th century, Maplewood had developed into a fully established suburban township, known for its tree-lined streets, early commuter homes, and growing civic life. Over time, it evolved into one of Essex County’s most sought-after communities, blending historic character with a walkable village center, cultural energy, and a strong connection to New York City.

Black and white photo of an old, multi-story house with a mansard roof and small dormer windows. Bare trees are in front.
take a historic walking tour of Maplewood!
An old black-and-white photograph of a three-story brick building with arched windows on the upper floors, named Brodway Hall, located on a street corner with some cars parked nearby.
Visit the Maplewood historical society website

Ready to move to Maplewood? Let’s talk!