West Orange is located at the peak of the Watchung Mountains, making it a highly sought-after place for its views of the Manhattan skyline. And while it’s a suburb with these urban vistas, the neighborhood’s myriad outdoor green spaces are also a big draw for homebuyers. Indeed, many New Yorkers have moved to West Orange in recent years, searching out space and comparing home prices to more expensive North Jersey communities nearby, like the Caldwells. Most residents settle in West Orange after house hunting in more expensive nearby communities. Speaking of community, West Orange has that, too, despite its rather sprawling character. “There may not be an official town center here, but there are a lot of community events that people come out for,” says Realtor Daniel Buschbaum, who’s with Berkshire Hathaway and lives in neighboring Livingston. “You’ll see them at the Harrison Complex off Eagle Rock Avenue, which has two new pickleball courts and two new soccer fields.”
West Orange is a short drive from midtown New York City.
West Orange is the 4th largest town by area in Essex County, New Jersey.
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Condos begin at $250,000, while split-levels begin at $400,000
West Orange has a diverse housing stock, ranging from modest split-levels, condos and Cape Cods to expanded ranch-styles and estates. Housing prices reflect that range, starting at $250,000 for a two-bedroom condo and extending to $750,000 for a wooded estate. Of that wide range, however, many single-owner properties typically fall between the mid $400,000s to the mid $600,000s. West Orange is also home to several townhome communities, where units can be priced anywhere from the low $200,000s to the high $400,000s. Streetscapes can vary, too. It’s possible to find slender multi-story homes lined together along sidewalks, fronted by stoops and small ornamental yards. Other stretches feel more traditionally suburban, with towering mature trees, cul-de-sacs and houses pushed back on lots that roll out a carpet of grass.
Beautiful homes off Mt. Pleasant Ave were built in the 1920s.
Larger, and more contemporary colonials have become prominent in West Orange.
The Edison Lofts is a huge redevelopment project adding trendy, updated housing to Main St.
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College prep success at West Orange High
Local children can attend West Orange Public Schools, starting at Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center for preschool. The district then separates its youngest learners among seven elementary schools, including Central Elementary, which earns a C rating from Niche. Students are then brought together at Edison Middle for 6th grade. The school is rated B. They then attend Roosevelt Middle, which is rated B-plus, for 7th and 8th grade. Students matriculate to West Orange High, which is ranked by Niche as being one of the best college prep academies in New Jersey. The high school is rated A-minus overall, and also earns an A-plus in diversity, an A in sports and an A-minus in college preparation and clubs. For families who wish to send their children to private schools, West Orange is home to Seton Hall Preparatory School, a popular all-boys Catholic high school.
West Orange High School boasts 2100 students; one of the most diverse schools in the state.
Central Elementary School serves students grades 1-5.
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A zoo and a dog park at South Mountain Reservation
West Orange has many parks, including large sections of two popular county parks: South Mountain Reservation and Eagle Rock Reservations. South Mountain Reservation has numerous entertainment opportunities, from visiting the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo to spending time in the dog park. During winter, ice skating becomes a popular pastime. The park also has a fairy trail, so visitors can keep their eyes peeled for tiny decorative fairy houses. Eagle Rock Reservation is a prime destination for hiking and taking in views of the Manhattan skyline from an observation deck. Next to the park is one of the five golf courses in West Orange. While most courses are private and connected to country clubs, Rock Spring Golf Club is open to the public. When the weather turns hot, residents gather at Ginny Duenkel Pool – named after a local swimmer who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Amenities here include a large main pool, diving tank, spray park, snack bar and recreation center.
The Turtle Back Zoo is repeatedly ranked the #1 zoo in New Jersey.
Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange has breathtaking views of the scenery and New York City.
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Chit Chat Diner is a multi-sensory experience
The dining scene is as varied as the housing styles in West Orange. Nothing says New Jersey like a good diner, but breakfast at the Chit Chat Diner takes it to another level, surrounding patrons with an explosion of colors, patterns and even chandeliers. Plus, it’s open from morning to midnight. For some cosmopolitan flair, customers can pair a latte with a freshly made empanada at the Light Bulb Coffee Shop. For those special occasions, the Highlawn in Eagle Rock Reservation offers a high-end dining experience with sweeping views of New York City. The restaurant offers lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. For grocery shopping, residents have access to a Whole Foods and a ShopRite.
The Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center, an outdoor amphitheater, offers all kinds of performances, including stage productions, summer movie nights and jazz festivals. For history enthusiasts, there's Thomas Edison National Historical Park, which features the inventor's family home as well as various labs.
Free shuttle buses to South Orange station
While West Orange doesn't have a train station, residents still find their commutes into Manhattan manageable. They can take a free shuttle bus to train stations in nearby towns, including the South Orange station, which gets to Penn Station in about 35 to 45 minutes. Interstate 280 also runs through the township, which residents can take to begin the 20-mile trek into Midtown Manhattan. Sidewalks are commonly seen around the neighborhood, so the pedestrian way of life is embraced, too. Still, with how sprawling West Orange is, it pays to have a car, especially when running errands or traveling to the various parks.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
