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.
West Orange has the widest range of housing in the corridor, from condos and townhomes to the historic gated enclave of Llewellyn Park, plus big parks and a jitney to three train stations. If your commute is occasional rather than daily, West Orange opens up a lot of options at a lower entry price.
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.
West Orange at a glance
| Commute to NYC | No train station in town. A weekday jitney runs to the Orange, South Orange and Brick Church stations, and commuter buses run to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. |
|---|---|
| Schools | West Orange Public Schools: seven elementary schools, Thomas A. Edison Central Six (grade 6), Liberty and Roosevelt middle schools (7–8) and West Orange High School. Niche 2027: A–. St. Cloud Elementary is #75 in New Jersey (U.S. News). |
| Typical price range | About $600K to $2M |
| Market snapshot | West Orange, 2026 year to date (GSMLS): average sale price $763,594, 30 days on market, homes selling at 108% of list price. |
| Known for | Housing range, Turtle Back Zoo, Eagle Rock Reservation, Thomas Edison National Historical Park |
Neighborhoods
Most West Orange neighborhoods are named for the elementary school that serves them:
- Gregory: Colonials on standard lots, with jitney service.
- St. Cloud: pre- and post-war homes on tree-lined streets, with jitney service.
- Redwood: Capes and split-levels plus new construction and luxury townhomes.
- Pleasantdale, Mt. Pleasant and Hazel: mostly post-war split-levels, Capes and ranches, with some pre-war Colonials.
- Washington: smaller homes on smaller lots near downtown.
- Llewellyn Park: a gated community founded in the 1850s, with large lots and grand homes, including Thomas Edison’s Glenmont estate.
Condo and townhome communities include Crystal Woods, Eagle Ridge, The Pointe, Crown View and Bel Air, good options for first-time buyers and downsizers.
Life here
About a fifth of West Orange is open space. Turtle Back Zoo, the Richard J. Codey Arena and South Mountain Reservation are in town, and the Eagle Rock Reservation lookout has views of the New York skyline.
Schools
How West Orange Public Schools stacks up in the latest rankings:
- Niche 2027: A– overall, #71 of 244 school districts in New Jersey and #8 of 17 in Essex County. See the Niche rankings
- West Orange High School: #142 in New Jersey in U.S. News 2026–2027 Best High Schools, with a 92% graduation rate and a 11:1 student-teacher ratio. See the U.S. News profile
- St. Cloud Elementary School: #75 of 1,386 elementary schools in New Jersey in U.S. News 2027 Best Elementary Schools. See U.S. News
How West Orange compares
West Orange is usually weighed against Livingston and South Orange. It has the lowest entry price of the three, and the jitney is a hidden gem most buyers don’t know about until I tell them.
West Orange FAQ
How long is the commute from West Orange to New York City?
No train station in town. A weekday jitney runs to the Orange, South Orange and Brick Church stations, and commuter buses run to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
How much do homes cost in West Orange?
Typical prices: about $600K to $2M. West Orange, 2026 year to date (GSMLS): average sale price $763,594, 30 days on market, homes selling at 108% of list price.
How are the schools in West Orange?
West Orange Public Schools: seven elementary schools, Thomas A. Edison Central Six (grade 6), Liberty and Roosevelt middle schools (7–8) and West Orange High School. Niche 2027: A–. St. Cloud Elementary is #75 in New Jersey (U.S. News).
What stands out about West Orange?
Housing range, Turtle Back Zoo, Eagle Rock Reservation, Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
Who can help me buy or sell a home in West Orange?
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 West Orange
- West Orange recreation
- West Orange Public Schools
- West Orange Public Library
Culture & things to do
See what’s for sale
Not sure West Orange 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 West Orange 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
- Livingston guide
- South Orange 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, West Orange HS; Wikipedia, West Orange. Market data: Garden State MLS (GSMLS). Figures change monthly; call for the latest.
