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Primarily residential, South Orange is a 2.9 square-mile town which neighbors Maplewood, West Orange, Newark, and Orange. Approximately 17 miles from New York City, South Orange gives the 17,000 residents a sense of community, diversity and a flourishing downtown area that offers unique boutiques, chic restaurants and trendy pubs. Home to Seton Hall University and bordered by the scenic South Mountain Reservation, this historic, architecturally diverse town offers something everyone can enjoy.
South Orange consists of four sections: Historic Montrose where grand, nineteenth-century-style homes are located; Newstead which is secluded from the lively downtown area; Above Wyoming which offers schools and peaceful parks; and Tuxedo Park where residents can enjoy close proximity to the downtown, Seton Hall University and transportation to New York City.
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Transportation
Commuters to Manhattan enjoy New Jersey Transit Mid-Town Direct service from both Mountain and South Orange train stations, both which are located in town. The South Orange Jitney, which stops in several locations during the weekday rush hours, transports commuters to either station. For those who wish to commute by bus, several bus routes can be found throughout the town. Ample residential and public parking is available for the utmost convenience.
Schools
Students from Maplewood and South Orange belong to the South Orange-Maplewood School District. There are six elementary schools (two of which are located in South Orange), two middle schools (one school is based in South Orange and the other in Maplewood) and one high school (located in Maplewood). The elementary schools enjoy modern facilities with computer and internet access while programs for gifted children are offered to eligible fourth and fifth graders. South Orange Middle School involves students in community activities, athletics and emphasizes a strong academic base. Maplewood Middle School was named a “Top School” in 2009 by Johns Hopkins University Center for the Talented Youth Talent Search. Columbia High School is known for its intense college preparatory courses and its accessibility to elective courses and extracurricular activities. Many of Columbia’s graduates attend some of the most prestigious universities including Harvard and Yale.
- Elementary Schools: (K-5), Clinton Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, Marshall Elementary School, Seth Boyden Elementary School, South Mountain Elementary School and Annex, Tuscan Elementary School
- Middle Schools: (grades 6-8), Maplewood Middle School, South Orange Middle School
- High School: (grades 9-12), Columbia High School
Shopping/Restaurants
There is no shortage of fine restaurants in South Orange. Here are a few spots that are well-known for their cuisine and atmosphere:
- Above Restaurant and Bar: This beautiful restaurant, decorated with brick and polished hardwood, offers interesting dishes and cocktails like Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Ravioli and Pumpkin Martinis.
- Antonella’s Ristorante: An intimate Italian restaurant that serves traditional, lip-smacking Italian favorites including tortellini, gnocchi and fettuccini with crabmeat.
- Café Arugula: Located in the heart of South Orange, Café Arugula offers an array of American and Italian dishes in a casual, yet stylish atmosphere.
- Reservoir Restaurant: Famous for its delicious pizza, this family-owned restaurant has been serving the area for over 40 years with their old-world style cuisine.
- Ariyoshi Japanese Restaurant: This elegant Japanese restaurant offers a wide variety of appetizers, noodles, tempura and sushi, all at an attractive price.
- Harusame Japanese Cuisine: This BYOB restaurant serves quality Japanese cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
- Papillon 25 Restaurant and Martini Bar: Serving an eclectic mix of French, American, Asian, Italian, Caribbean and New Orleans cuisine, this hip restaurant offers a mind-blowing selection of 50 martinis, lounge, wine cellar for special events and live jazz every Thursday.
- Toro Loco: This authentic Mexican eatery is a great after-work hangout, offering an extensive menu and innovative cocktails.
- Gaslight Brewery and Restaurant: This award-winning family-run restaurant and brewery serves hand-crafted ales and lagers along with mouthwatering American dishes.
- Town Hall Delicatessen: The birthplace of the Sloppy Joe, this delicatessen is a one-stop shop for lunch and your catering needs.
- Sloan Street Shops: Peruse the Sloan Street Shops at the South Orange Train Station which include Kate and Abbey’s Daily Bread, Starbucks, Stone Cold Creamery, Blue Moon Diner, and Stony’s Restaurant.
Eclectic boutiques, markets and quaint shops are illuminated by gas-lit streets, creating a memorable shopping experience.
- Eden Gourmet: A full-service grocer that carries a multitude of fresh fruits, vegetables and gift baskets.
- Farmer’s Market: Each Wednesday afternoon between July and October, this market visits Sloan Street where customers can purchase fresh produce.
- Kitchen a la Mode: Named “Best Kitchenware Store in New Jersey” by New Jersey Monthly magazine, Kitchen a la Mode offers fantastic accessories for cooking and entertaining.
- Messy Artist: Fine art classes, vacation workshops, birthday parties and “Caregiver and Me” classes are offered at Messy Artist. Children are taught the basics of art and creativity using a fun, casual approach.
- Sparkhouse Kids: This fabulous toy and book store sells items geared toward infants to 11 years of age. A free music appreciation class is also offered as well as private parties and workshops.
- Cheeks Boutique: In addition to exquisite luxury house wares and personal accessories, Cheeks Boutique offers interior decorating services and image consulting.
- South Orange Frame Shop: This shop provides frames, prints, posters and oil paintings as well as quality framing services.
Places to Visit/Recreation
South Orange is a culturally diverse town where galleries, churches, synagogues and family entertainment are just around the corner. There are 12 parks in town which offer basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, ice skating, walking trails and picnic facilities. The most frequented destinations include the following:
- Baird Community Center: A recreation and cultural center where concerts, theatrical performances and camps for children are held.
- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC): An exceptional performing arts arena that offers theatrical, musical, dance and comedic performances to the general public.
- South Orange Community Pool: Three pools, snack bar and pool-deck seating is available to all South Orange residents for a nominal fee.
- The Dreamcatcher Repertory Theater: A non-profit ensemble of actors who produce a variety of performances throughout the year.
- South Mountain Reservation: This 2,047.14-acre park offers breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, hiking paths and a dog park complete with water fountains and an obstacle course.
Important Phone Numbers
Town Hall: 973-378-7715
South Orange/Maplewood Public Schools: 973-762-5600
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