Whether for commuters or for people who just desire easy access to New York City, South Orange is one of a handful of communities sophisticated neighborhoods only thirty minutes out of Manhattan by train. There are a diverse selection of homes for sale in South Orange in various styles and sizes. Combining the best of metropolitan sophistication and small town charm, South Orange offers a warm welcome in a stimulating environment. Its 17,000 residents are part of the Maplewood South Orange school system and the village is home to Seton Hall University. The Board of Education has stated that the School District is committed to academic excellence and maintains high expectations for the achievement of all children; it regards principles of equity and diversity as essential in support of quality education.  Neighboring communities include West Orange and Maplewood.

Interactive Map of Maplewood and South Orange

View Maplewood/South Orange in a larger map

Transportation & Commuting

South Orange is convenient to all means of transportation such as buses, train, and highways. The M&E Train Line is a quick 30 minute ride from South Orange into Penn Station. NJ Transit

South Orange, NJ Education

South Orange schools are part of the unified South Orange-Maplewood School District, together with the neighborhood community of South Orange. Schools in the district (with 2005-06 school enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics) are six K-5 elementary schools :

• Clinton Elementary School (K-5, 467 students)
• Jefferson Elementary School (3-5, 351 students)
• Marshall Elementary School (K-2, 422 students)
• Charter School Seth Boyden Elementary School (K-5, 500 students)
• South Mountain Elementary (2-5) / South Mountain Elementary Annex (K-1; 513 students combined)
• Tuscan Elementary School (K-5, 594 students)
• Maplewood Middle School (703 students) and South Orange Middle School (700 students) for grades 6-8.
• The combined district features one public high school, Columbia High School, with 1,999 students.

Private schools

Our Lady of Sorrows School is a K-8 elementary school operated by the Roman Catholic     Archdiocese of Newark.[28]

Marylawn of the Oranges High School is an all-girl, private, Roman Catholic high school.  It is operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.

Higher Education

Seton Hall University is located in South Orange. The University was founded in 1856 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark and named after Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American saint. South Orange has a college feel with this Division I university located along the east side of South Orange Avenue, the community’s main boulevard. The school serves approximately 9,700 students.

Our favorite South Orange Restaurants

Stony’s – The best fish tacos around!!  Be sure to sit on the back patio and try to catch a night with live music.  Also,if you like hotdogs, go no further.  They grill them till they crack, the bun is even toasted, and you can put as many toppings as you want on for free. Yum—my mouth is watering just thinking of it.  Oh, you also have to order the sweet potato fries.  To die for!!

Village Diner- Best place for brunch – I love the whole wheat french toast with crispy bacon.  Yum!

Coldstone Creamery – Walk to town and enjoy an ice crea – and get the kids size – its very affordable and a great treat.

Giovanni’s - Fancy Italian done by Italians.

Toro Loco - Great Mexican food and even better margaritas.

Haru Sushi - Super fresh and a great lunch menu.

Café Arugula - This restaurant is situated where the old Grunings used to be (remember Grunings??) and is a delicious Italian restaurant.  When it opened almost 15 years ago, the owner, Carlo, was only 21 years old!!  His know-how of food and restaurants was way beyond his years, and this wonderful BYOB place is delicious and consistent.  Don’t forget to try the Prince Edward mussels in Fra diavlo sauce.  And dip!!

Above Restaurant – this new addition to S.Orange is “above” the new Eden Gourmet market (get it?) and is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant/bar with inside/terrace seating.  The atmosphere is beautiful and this is a real special occasion restaurant, or a great place to go for a drink after getting off the train.

Antonella’s – this husband/wife team came to South Orange around 10 years ago and made it clear they were not going anywhere. They have expanded the restaurant to 2 rooms, and if you are lucky, the chef (husband) comes out and talks to the customers. Antonella(wife) is the hostess.  Very warm, inviting atmosphere and the food is delicious to boot!

Our favorite South Orange Grocery Stores

Eden Gourmet:  A new, upscale specialty market that is chock full of goodies and fresh food.  Pricey but a fabulous addition to the town
Pathmark:  For big shoppings and lots of deals.  24 hours