This is your chance to live in a charming, updated cape in the heart of the desirable Hilton neighborhood of Maplewood! A strong sense of community, convenient access to both Springfield Ave and downtown Maplewood, and being home of the Porchfest music festival are hallmarks of this special neighborhood. With a roof that’s only two years old, 5 year furnace, newer windows, freshly painted interior and refinished wood floors – this home is ready for its next, happy chapter. The large picture window in the front of the house brings loads of natural light into the living room. Two well-proportioned bedrooms and a full bath with double vanity make first floor living easy. The recently renovated eat-in kitchen flows seamlessly to the backyard with two car garage. Upstairs you’ll find a spacious bedroom with custom built-in bunks and brand-new carpet. Adding to the living space in this home is the incredible finished basement with newer full bath featuring modern finishes. The fun surprise moment is the retro-chic bar room just begging to be transformed into your very own speakeasy.

166 Franklin Home Improvements

2013:

• 2nd floor finished with 3 built in beds

2015:

• Solar panels installed on roof

2017:

• 1st floor bathroom remodeled

2019:

• Basement finished
• Basement full bath installed
• Basement waterproofed
• New Hot Water Heater
• New Furnace/forced hot air system installed

2022:

• Kitchen remodeled
• Roof and gutters replaced

2024:

• Hardwood floors remodeled
• New carpet on 2nd floor
• Egress window added to 2nd floor
• Interior painted
• Exterior painted

Dear Future Homeowner,

Congratulations, you hit the jackpot! You are moving in to one of the most welcoming, beautiful, tranquil, places in Maplewood. 166 Franklin Avenue has been our home for the last 15 years and during that time we have made so many friends, made so many memories, and had so many adventures. We raised our three boys here, watched them grow, learn to ride bikes, sent them off to school. We celebrated Christmases, Thanksgivings, 4th of July, and Halloweens. We experienced highs and lows, but we always had our sanctuary to come back to, that place of safety and security where we put down our roots. Our home.

Over the years, we watched that home grow and change in fantastic ways. We updated the electrical service, replaced windows and doors, finished the attic (including three built-in beds for our kids), redid the bathroom, finished the basement, renovated the kitchen, replaced the roof, fixed up the garage, and built garden boxes. Our house grew with us, and now it is time for it to grow with you. We hope you love it as much as we did, and that you are able to make great memories as well.

Now, before I go, I have some advice for you:
1) Say hi to your neighbors! Everyone here is welcoming, respectful, and laid back. We look out for each other and are always willing to lend a hand. I ran a monthly beer club in the basement for a couple of years (fantastic use of the dry bar!) and just invited whoever wanted to come from the neighborhood. It was a great way to meet people, and no need to drive or Uber home!

2) Walk around the neighborhood! Explore DeHeart and Maplecrest Park, visit the Hilton Library, try out HLS, NYC Bagels, and the Sandwicheria. Sign yourself or the kids up for karate at Blue Life. Visit The Avenue Pub. Our neighborhood has so much to offer, explore it!

3) Take advantage of the events in the area: Mayfest is a celebration of neighborhood businesses and food, and it happens only two blocks away from the house (so no need to find parking!) Porchfest celebrates local musicians right on peoples’ lawns! There are concerts and events at the gazebo at the Hilton Library. There’s even a weekly farmer’s market right on Springfield avenue (a lifesaver if you forgot to pick up that key ingredient for dinner!) It’s a fun neighborhood!

4) Drive down (or take the 20 minute walk) to Maplewood Village. There are always events going on, as well as quaint shops and restaurants, from the earthy St. James Gate Pub to the posh Lorena’s, and everything in between. Don’t miss Dickens Village around Christmas time!

5) Take a moment every now and then to just sit back and appreciate what you have. Listen to the Mourning Doves, the woodpeckers, the squirrels and sparrows. Look out the windows while it snows. Enjoy the peace, tranquility, convenience, and community of your new home. Make it yours, and make memories.

We wish you all the best in your new home.

Sincerely,
Damian Thomas