A local’s guide from Perri K. Feldman, a lifelong Midtown Direct local and Realtor who has closed transactions in 24 New Jersey communities. Last updated October 2026.
Maplewood is a creative community with a lively Village, a strong arts scene and its own train station on the Midtown Direct line. Buyers who want a lively village center, character homes and real community energy often find it here. I know which Maplewood streets are closer to the train and which require more of a drive.
Still deciding between towns? Start with my guide to the best NJ towns for NYC commuters, the same conversation I have with every new buyer.
Maplewood at a glance
| Commute to NYC | Maplewood station on NJ Transit’s Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch, with Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn Station, typically 31–41 minutes. A town jitney serves neighborhoods farther from the station. |
|---|---|
| Schools | South Orange-Maplewood School District (SOMSD), shared with South Orange. Niche 2027: A. Columbia High School is #72 in New Jersey (U.S. News). The district is known for a wide-ranging curriculum, strong humanities and notable arts programs. |
| Typical price range | About $900K to $2M |
| Market snapshot | Maplewood, 2026 year to date (GSMLS): average sale price $1,250,042, 18 days on market, homes selling at 115% of list price. |
| Known for | Maplewood Village, the arts, South Mountain Reservation |
Neighborhoods
Most Maplewood homes were built in the first decades of the 20th century: Colonials, Tudors, Victorians and Arts and Crafts houses.
- Jefferson: one of the most sought-after sections, with many homes close to the Village and the train.
- South Mountain: an upscale mountainside area; most streets are a short drive from the Village, but jitney stops run throughout.
- Washington Park: a quiet enclave in the South Mountain area, off Ridgewood Road.
- Tuscan and Golf Island: east of Prospect Street; Golf Island surrounds the Maplewood Country Club course, a few blocks from the Village.
- Clinton: smaller homes, with some streets near the South Orange train station.
- Seth Boyden: the easternmost section, known for more moderately priced, smaller homes.
- Maplewood Gardens: garden apartments, including single-floor and townhouse units.
Life here
Maplewood Village has cafes, restaurants and shops. The town has seven parks, a municipal pool and Memorial Field, and South Mountain Reservation adds about 2,000 acres for hiking. My go-to restaurants in the corridor are Osteria LK and Restaurant Lorena’s. In the Boyden District, Porta Rossa Pasta & Provisions and Artie’s are a must.
Schools
How the South Orange-Maplewood School District stacks up in the latest rankings:
- Niche 2027: A overall, #54 of 244 school districts in New Jersey and #6 of 17 in Essex County. See the Niche rankings
- Columbia High School: #72 in New Jersey in U.S. News 2026–2027 Best High Schools, with a 89% graduation rate and a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. See the U.S. News profile
- Tuscan Elementary School in Maplewood: #103 of 1,386 elementary schools in New Jersey in U.S. News 2027 Best Elementary Schools. The district’s top-ranked elementary school, Marshall in South Orange, is #68. See U.S. News
How Maplewood compares
Maplewood and South Orange share a school district and are often shopped together. Buyers who assume Summit is “the one” sometimes discover Maplewood has the energy they were craving. For a similar arts-forward feel on a different train line, many also look at Montclair.
Maplewood FAQ
How long is the commute from Maplewood to New York City?
Maplewood station on NJ Transit’s Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch, with Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn Station, typically 31–41 minutes. A town jitney serves neighborhoods farther from the station.
How much do homes cost in Maplewood?
Typical prices: about $900K to $2M. Maplewood, 2026 year to date (GSMLS): average sale price $1,250,042, 18 days on market, homes selling at 115% of list price.
How are the schools in Maplewood?
South Orange-Maplewood School District (SOMSD), shared with South Orange. Niche 2027: A. Columbia High School is #72 in New Jersey (U.S. News). The district is known for a wide-ranging curriculum, strong humanities and notable arts programs.
What stands out about Maplewood?
Maplewood Village, the arts, South Mountain Reservation.
Who can help me buy or sell a home in Maplewood?
Perri K. Feldman, a lifelong local Realtor with Keller Williams Premier Properties, has offices in Short Hills and Summit and has closed transactions in 24 New Jersey communities. Call 973-650-4727 or email perri@midtowndirecthomes.com.
Local resources
Town, schools & library
- Township of Maplewood
- Maplewood recreation
- South Orange & Maplewood School District
- Maplewood Memorial Library
Culture & things to do
See what’s for sale
Not sure Maplewood is the one? Let’s talk.
Coffee, Zoom or a phone call. We’ll talk about your work, your commute and your priorities, and I’ll tell you honestly how Maplewood compares with the other towns on your list.
(973) 650-4727 · perri@midtowndirecthomes.com · Schedule a Consultation
Keep exploring
- Best NJ Towns for NYC Commuters: my guide to choosing your town
- South Orange guide
- Summit, NJ guide
- Montclair guide
- Free NJ Home Buyer’s Guide
- Thinking of selling? See how I market homes
Perri K. Feldman is a licensed real estate Sales Associate with Keller Williams Realty in Short Hills and Summit, New Jersey. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Sources: Niche, Columbia HS. Market data: Garden State MLS (GSMLS). Figures change monthly; call for the latest.
