Welcome to South Orange
South Orange is a charming and diverse community located in Essex County, about 17 miles from NYC, known for its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and convenient proximity to Manhattan. The town borders Maplewood, Orange, Livingston, West Orange, and Irvington. There is a train station with direct access to Penn Station through NJ Transit, about a 30-minute express train ride, offering a seamless commute for professionals and commuters. Additionally, NJ Transit bus services are available for those who prefer alternative transportation. Their downtown has many small shops and restaurants with commuter and shopper parking.
South Orange is served by excellent school systems, making it an attractive destination for families; South Orange has a joint school system with Maplewood, the South Orange-Maplewood School District, rated an A- on Niche. There are many elementary schools, a middle school for grades 6-8, South Orange Middle School, and a combined high school for South Orange and Maplewood for grades 9-12, Columbia High School. More school information can be found on niche.com. These schools are committed to academic excellence and offer a wide range of educational programs and extracurricular activities. Seton Hall University is also located in South Orange.
The utility companies serving South Orange ensure reliable access to essential services such as electricity, gas, and water. Providers like Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) and local water utilities ensure the efficient delivery of utilities to homes and businesses.
South Orange boasts several parks and recreational areas, providing residents with opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure, including Meadowland Park, Flood’s Hill, and Waterlands Park.The beautiful South Mountain Reservation has picturesque trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. It also features the renowned Turtleback Zoo, the Codey Arena ice skating rink, the Treetop Adventure Course, McLoone’s Boathouse Restaurant, Safari Mini Golf, swan paddle boats, and the Regatta Playground, for hours of family fun.
The town also maintains tennis courts that are open to the public, such as at Meadowland Park, providing opportunities for residents to enjoy friendly matches or take tennis lessons. There is a municipal swimming pool, the South Orange Community Pool, for all residents. The pristine private tennis club, Orange Lawn Tennis Club, is also located in South Orange.
The Baird Center in Meadowland Park is where the South Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs is located which has different activities, such as arts programs and a preschool. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 415-seat theater with a five-screen cinema. There is also a dance studio located within the complex. SOPAC has a variety of different programs including music, dance, theater, and comedy, hosting a variety of famous artists. Additionally, the South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race provides support for integration and racial equality.
