Young families and Brooklynites alike feel right at home in South Orange, New Jersey, with its bustling downtown, charming streets shaded by old-growth trees, and easy commute to New York City. South Orange also happens to be a college town—Seton Hall University is here, bringing a youthful energy (and babysitters aplenty!) to the close-knit community. Colonials, Tudors, and Queen Anne–style homes abound, but there’s also an enclave of mid-century modern properties in the Newstead neighborhood to explore. South Orange is closely intertwined with its sister town next door, Maplewood—so much so, they share both a school system and a nickname: SOMA.
Quick Stats
- Total Land Area: 2.8 square miles
- Approximate Population: 16,743 (2018 Census)
- Distance to NYC: 17.2 miles
Where to Eat in South Orange, New Jersey
- When you’ve got a train to catch: Sonny’s Bagels. Named one of the best bagel shops in New Jersey by NJ.com, this S.O. landmark has been serving its hand-rolled delights—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside—since 1971.
- When you’ve got the kids in tow: The Pumphouse Beer Garden. In the summer, little ones can get their wiggles out on the expansive patio while you wait for your craft beers and parm pizza (instead of dough, the base is crispy chicken!). On colder days, challenge the family to one of the games scattered on the tables.
- When it’s date night: Bistro D’Azur. The prix fixe menu is the next best thing to an actual trip to Southern France, and it doesn’t feel like too much of a splurge when you factor in BYOB.
- When you need a pick-me-up: Three Daughters Baking Co. The scones, quiches, and other baked goods change daily, but if you see almond croissants in the display case, don’t think twice.
Insider Tip: Avoid driving South Orange Avenue at rush hour. Luckily, I moved to South Orange for how walkable it is! All of the young families were a big draw, too. —Amanda, one-year South Orange resident
Where to Shop in South Orange, New Jersey
- For a good bottle of pet-nat: Neighbors Wine Shop. There are liquor stores aplenty in the area, but for a stellar collection of small, independent labels, head here. You might just wander into a free tasting—or even a clothing pop-up.
- For gifts they’ll actually like: The Co-Lab at South Orange. Home to a rotating series of vendors, The Co-Lab is a one-stop shop for thoughtful presents, from essential oil–infused candles to culinary memoirs.
- For au naturel flower arrangements: Wildly Floral Co. Inspired by the innate beauty of the great outdoors, this florist’s bouquets and wreaths are a little wild in the best way. For the extra-special person in your life, ask about the weekly and monthly subscriptions.
- For any kitchen tool you could imagine: Kitchen a la Mode. Need a new stock pot? Your knives sharpened? A fresh set of tea towels? This is your place. Make sure your skills match your equipment, check out the cooking classes on evenings and weekends.
Where to Play in South Orange, New Jersey
- When you’re craving culture: South Orange Performing Arts Center. This is no stuffy old theater. SOPAC’s calendar runs the gamut from Shakespeare plays and classic concert series to comedy nights and drag shows.
- When you want to make something: Oh Canary! This hands-on art studio is beloved for its baby, toddler, and after-school classes, but don’t miss the adult workshops on paper mache, hand letterings, and more.
- When the kids are going stir-crazy: The Baird Community Center. There’s all manner of arts, sports, and STEM programs to sign up for, or simply challenge the kiddos to a game of pickleball during free open play. Reconvene at the board game–centric coffee shop, The Player Agency.
Insider Tip: Join the Facebook groups. It might sound cheesy, but this town loves its Facebook groups! They’re a great way to meet people, get inspired, or hear about local events. There really is something for everyone: dozens of parent-related groups, ones for gardening, dog lovers, Instapot lovers, sewing, pickleball—you name it! —Kaitlin, 3-year South Orange resident.
Events You Won’t Want to Miss in South Orange, New Jersey
- April: South Orange Downtown Food Stroll & Pub Crawl
- June: Under Cover Music Fest
- July & August: South Orange Summer Nights
- December: Old Year’s Eve at the South Orange Elks Lodge #1154
Insider Tip: The Maplewood Chili Cookoff is an amazing event that started in a Brooklyn apartment and then found its way to SOMA. Not only does it raise an impressive amount of money each year for MEND (Essex County’s hunger relief network) but it brings together the community plus dozens of local chefs—both professionals and amateurs—with live music, great beer, and more. It sells out fast every year, so stay vigilant and get tickets as soon as they’re on sale! —Allyson, 12-year South Orange 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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