Centered around a quaint, four-block downtown bordering a 25-acre park, Maplewood, New Jersey, has a small town feel, but its vibrant community and packed events calendar are more akin to city life. That rare combination—plus a quick commute to New York City—draws many Brooklyn expats and young families here. Colonials, Tudors, and Queen Anne–style houses, often still boasting their original architectural details, are typical of the area. Maplewood shares its school system (and, more often than not, its social scene!) with its sister town to the Northeast, South Orange. The two are so intertwined that you’ll often hear them referenced as SOMA.
Quick Stats
Total Land Area: 3.8 Sq Miles
Approximate Population: 25,232 (2018 Census)
Distance to NYC: 24.1 miles
Where to Eat in Maplewood, New Jersey
- When you’ve got the kids in tow: Artie’s. The pizzeria-slash-bakery is spacious enough to maneuver a stroller through, plus the pastas and wood-fired pies are easily shareable. Don’t sleep on the meatballs!
- When it’s date night: Lorena’s. Get your NYC fix without leaving town—think just-low-enough lighting, cool cocktails, and a fireplace in the corner. If you don’t snag a reservation, the restaurant’s bar seats are first come, first served.
- When you need a pick-me-up: Able Baker. Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, this local landmark’s classic chocolate chip scone is a must-try. But new flavors pop up weekly—and there’s always a gluten-free option.
- When only pasta will do: Porta Rossa Pasta & Provisions. Pick up handmade pasta in not-your-average shapes (think tomato radiatore and rye rigatoni) and a selection of premade sauces for dinner in minutes. If it’s lunchtime, though, do yourself a favor and order from their eat-in menu.
Insider Tip: Tucked inside Perch gift shop is a little café that’s my go-to work spot. I order an iced tea (and brunch if it’s Wednesday through Sunday) and enjoy the cozy quiet and free Wifi until it’s daycare pickup time. —Lindsey, two-year Maplewood resident
Where to Shop in Maplewood, New Jersey
- For flower arrangements with personality: Brave Floral. Come for the quirky-cool bouquets, stay to browse the mini jungle of houseplants. Even if you don’t stop in, though, stroll by regularly—the living storefront changes with the seasons.
- For future-heirloom jewelry: Meus. Delicate necklaces, earrings, and rings by independent artists mingle with handcrafted ceramics, naturally-dyed socks, and other little luxuries.
- For elevated pantry goods: Baker Street Market. Stock up on indie olive oils, Swedish candy, and all manner of condiments and cheese board accoutrements. They also make a mean sandwich on light-as-air pizza bianca.
- For a guaranteed good read: [Words] Bookstore. You can’t go wrong with anything in the Staff Picks section and the children’s book selection is unmatched. Not in the mood to browse? Order online and pick up your reads from a trolley outside the shop door.
Where to Play in Maplewood, New Jersey
- When your weekend is wide open: The Woodland. There’s always something happening at this Georgian Revival home–turned–venue space, from panel discussions and music festivals to the Maplewood Vintage Show.
- When it’s too dang hot out: Maplewood Community Pool. Memberships to cool off in the three pools and diving tank are open to both Maplewood and South Orange residents—and, on the last day of the season, their dogs.
- When you want a Maplewood history lesson: The Durand-Hedden House. Stop by this historic home on Sundays from June through September for interactive workshops and lectures that dig into 17th-century life in Maplewood. Think topics like weaving, open hearth cooking, and Black women and civil rights.
Insider Tip: When we moved here, a big incentive was that Maplewood had a new pilot program to have backyard chickens. We rented them to try it out. —Hollie, 10-year Maplewood resident
Events You Won’t Want to Miss in Maplewood, New Jersey
- May: South Mountain YMCA Duck Race
- June: North Jersey Pride Festival
- July: Maplewoodstock
- October: Halloween Parade
- December: Dickens Village
Insider Tip: One of my favorite events is Broadway in the Park, where New York City Broadway actors who live in SOMA perform a free ensemble show in Maplewood Memorial Park. The whole family loves it. —Ellen, 4-year Maplewood resident
Trains: NJ Transit
Morris-Essex Schedule
Jitney Service (Annual Jitney passes valid from January 1st to December 31st):
| 12 Month Jitney Pass | $300.00 only available in the parking office |
| Non-resident Riders Pass | $450.00 (that live in South Orange borders) |
| Single Ride | $2.00 cash each way (pay exact amount on bus; drivers do not make change) |
Attention: All Riders are required to show their Jitney passes Every time you are boarding the buses. No exceptions.
For Jitney Schedules, please click the following links:
For the Senior Bus Schedule, please contact the Baird Recreation Center Desk at (973) 378-7754 for the most recent information and schedules.
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