Living in Maplewood
Sorelle
A homebuyer's guide to Maplewood, New Jersey.
This page answers the questions prospective homebuyers most often ask about Maplewood, NJ: what the town looks like, what Maplewood Village offers, how the train gets you to New York City, where the parks are, and what to expect when buying a home here. It is a practical resource for anyone exploring Maplewood NJ real estate, written by Sorelle Crooks of Real Broker LLC.
Walkable village
Historic Maplewood Village beside the station
Midtown Direct
NJ Transit trains to NY Penn in about 35-40 minutes
Parks throughout
Town parks plus South Mountain Reservation
Essex County
A commuter-friendly township in northern New Jersey
Getting to know Maplewood
- 01
Where is Maplewood, New Jersey located?
- Maplewood is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, roughly 10 to 20 miles west of Manhattan. It grew around a mid-1800s railroad station and became the Township of Maplewood in 1922. Today it is known for its tree-lined residential streets, its historic downtown, its parks and its direct NJ Transit train service to New York City.
- 02
What does Maplewood look like?
- Maplewood is a leafy, established community with a mix of early-20th-century house styles, including Cape Cods, Colonials, Tudors and bungalows, set on tree-lined streets. At its center is a compact historic downtown, and a number of neighborhood parks and wooded spaces sit within the township and in the adjacent Essex County park system.
- 03
Is Maplewood walkable?
- Maplewood Village, the downtown at the center of town, is compact and walkable, with sidewalks, a shop-lined street and the train station at its edge. Many homes sit within walking distance of the village and the station, though walking distance varies by neighborhood, so it is best to check a specific home's location on a map.
Maplewood Village
- 01
What is Maplewood Village?
- Maplewood Village is the walkable downtown at the center of town, centered on Maplewood Avenue and Baker Street and set right beside the train station and Memorial Park. Its shopping strip is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places and is home to independent shops, restaurants, a movie theater and performing arts venues. The district is promoted by the Maplewood Village Alliance, which organizes events throughout the year.
- 02
What shops and services are in Maplewood Village?
- The village includes independent businesses such as Words Bookstore, Village Coffee, The Food Emporium, Hopscotch At Home, Jerry Rose, Kimaya Kama, Artie's and The Bread Stand, along with restaurants including Restaurant Lorena's, Osteria LK, St. James's Gate Publick House, Coda Kitchen and Bar and Village Trattoria. The Maplewood Village Alliance publishes a full business directory at maplewoodvillagenj.com.
- 03
Is there a farmers market in Maplewood?
- Yes. The Maplewood Farmers Market runs weekly on Mondays from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, roughly June through November, at 1662 Springfield Avenue near the Springfield Gazebo. It is run by the Township of Maplewood and accepts SNAP/EBT, WIC and Food Bucks.
- 04
What events are held in Maplewood Village?
- The village hosts a year-round calendar of events, including the Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest in October, the Maplewood Street Fair and Craft Show in May, Downtown After Sundown evening events, and Windows for Women in March, when storefronts become art galleries.
The train and the commute to New York
- 01
Where is the Maplewood train station?
- Maplewood Station is at 145 Dunnell Road, at the corner of Maplewood Avenue, right beside the village and Memorial Park.
- 02
What train service runs from Maplewood?
- Maplewood Station is on NJ Transit's Morris & Essex Lines, which include the Morristown Line and the Gladstone Branch. Midtown Direct trains run directly to New York Penn Station with no transfers, and the same line also connects to Hoboken Terminal.
- 03
How long is the commute to New York City?
- Midtown Direct peak rides to New York Penn Station typically take about 35 to 40 minutes. Off-peak and weekend service runs less frequently, so check the current NJ Transit schedule for the times that fit your day.
- 04
Is there parking at the Maplewood station?
- Yes. Commuter parking is available in an NJ Transit lot near the station as well as in municipal lots beside it, including a lot at Dunnell Road and Baker Street. Parking availability and permit requirements can change, so confirm current options before you rely on them.
Parks and recreation
- 01
What parks are in Maplewood?
- Maplecrest Park on Oakland Road offers playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, a skate park and picnic areas. Milo S. Borden Park on Orchard Road offers multi-purpose fields, tennis courts, a playground and walking paths, and was formally dedicated in 1954. Memorial Park on Valley Street is a 25-acre park beside the train station with playgrounds, playing fields, tennis and basketball courts, a pond and walking paths, and it hosts town events such as Maplewoodstock. Other township recreation includes DeHart Park, Orchard Park and the Maplewood Community Pool.
- 02
What Essex County parks are near Maplewood?
- South Mountain Reservation, part of the Essex County Park System, spans about 2,110 acres across Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, with miles of hiking trails including the Lenape Trail, the Washington Rock Lookout, picnic areas and the South Mountain Dog Park. Ivy Hill Park sits nearby on the border of Newark and South Orange.
Restaurants, coffee and local businesses
- 01
What are some of Maplewood's restaurants?
- Maplewood has a varied restaurant scene, from refined dining at Restaurant Lorena's to neighborhood favorites like Osteria LK, St. James's Gate Publick House, Coda Kitchen and Bar, Village Trattoria and Artie's, plus classic diners such as the Spot Diner, Park Wood Diner and Maplewood Diner, and international options like Mt Fuji and Woulibam. Hours and menus change, so check each spot before you visit.
- 02
Where can I get coffee in Maplewood?
- Coffee options include Village Coffee, a village staple on Maplewood Avenue since 1994; The Bread Stand and Artie's for bakery and coffee; Perch Home, a bistro and lifestyle boutique; the General Store Shops & Cafe on Springfield Avenue; Yellow Rose Vegan Bakery & Cafe on Ridgewood Road; and Paper Plane Coffee Co., which opened a location near the train station.
- 03
Are there independent local businesses worth knowing about?
- Yes. Words Bookstore is a long-running independent bookstore in the village, The Food Emporium is a neighborhood grocery, and shops such as Hopscotch At Home, Jerry Rose and Kimaya Kama add to the mix, along with galleries, studios and service businesses. The Maplewood Village Alliance directory lists the current businesses in the district.
Buying a home in Maplewood
- 01
What should I know about property taxes in Maplewood?
- New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and Maplewood is no exception; the amount varies by property. For this listing, 12 Meadowbrook Place, the 2025 property taxes were $12,295.52. Factor property taxes into your monthly budget and verify the current amount for any property you are considering.
- 02
Should I get a home inspection in New Jersey?
- Yes, strongly recommended. A home inspection is not legally required in New Jersey, but buyers should hire a qualified, independent inspector to review the structure, roof, plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling systems, typically within a week or two of going under contract, and complete a final walkthrough before closing.
- 03
Do I need flood insurance to buy a home in Maplewood?
- It depends on the property and your lender's requirements. Lenders generally require flood insurance for homes in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. The current owners of 12 Meadowbrook Place carry flood insurance with an annual premium of $804; buyer-specific premiums and lender requirements may differ, so check the property against FEMA's flood maps and confirm with your lender.
- 04
Are there first-time homebuyer programs?
- Yes. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) offers a first-time homebuyer mortgage paired with down payment assistance for eligible buyers. Income and purchase price limits apply and program terms change, so confirm current details with NJHMFA or a qualified lender. For this listing, a Community Advantage financing document supplied by the lender is available on the Documents page.
- 05
How does buying a home in New Jersey work?
- In short: get pre-approved, make an offer through your agent, sign a contract, arrange the inspection and financing, complete a final walkthrough and close. Sorelle can walk you through each step, explain the local market and help you compare homes. Timelines and the exact documents vary by transaction.
Living here
- 01
Where can I find out about town events and news?
- The Township of Maplewood publishes an events calendar and news at maplewoodnj.gov, the Maplewood Village Alliance maintains the village business directory and event listings at maplewoodvillagenj.com, and local news outlets such as The Village Green cover town happenings. The Maplewood Memorial Library and Maplewood Arts & Culture also publish event programming.
- 02
What is the Maplewood Memorial Library like?
- The Maplewood Memorial Library at 51 Baker Street is the public library in the village. It operates from a rebuilt, expanded and LEED-certified building and hosts public programs and events throughout the year.
Local Favorites
A taste of Maplewood.
A selection of real local restaurants, coffee shops and cafes in Maplewood, each with its own website and official social links, verified as of November 2026. Hours and menus change, so check before you visit.
Source: Business website
Source: Business website
Source: Business website
Source: Business website
Source: Business website
Source: Business website
Source: Business website
Source: Business website
Source: Business website
Business details, websites and social links were verified against each business's own website and official social profiles as of November 2026. This page shares observable, publicly reported information only.
Go a little deeper.
Neighborhood Guide
Explore Maplewood in depth
The village, the train, the parks and local businesses in one place.
Blog
Guides on Maplewood living
Things to do, the village and parks, and the commute to the city.
Events
Happenings across the three towns
Events and town news in Maplewood, South Orange and Millburn, each with its source.
What's Happening
Maplewood news and events
Recent local news, happenings and where to find town information.
On sorellesellsnj.com
Sorelle Sells NJ
Sorelle's main site, with her blog, local favorites and contact options.
The Listing
12 Meadowbrook Place
The 3-bedroom Cape Cod for sale in Maplewood, NJ.
Questions
Ask about Maplewood or the home.
Every neighborhood is different, and the details matter. Sorelle is happy to answer questions about 12 Meadowbrook Place, the walk to the village and station, the parks, or what buying in Maplewood looks like for your situation.
Ask a Question About Maplewood
Tell Sorelle what you'd like to know about living in Maplewood, NJ, or request a private showing of 12 Meadowbrook Place.
Real Broker LLC · 165 Passaic Ave., Suite 205, Fairfield, NJ 07004 · 855-450-0442. Equal Housing Opportunity. Sorelle Crooks, Realtor® Associate, licensed in New Jersey.