Maplewood, New Jersey
An artistic, warm, and progressive suburban community famous for its pedestrian-friendly 'Village' downtown, strong schools, and spectacular direct midtown rail.
Artistic & progressive – award-winning pedestrian Village downtown, independent shops, and a deeply creative community.
Direct midtown rail – Maplewood Station on the Morristown Line, 35–40 min to Penn Station.
Shared SOMSD schools – collaborative district with South Orange, anchored by Columbia High School's strong arts and athletics.
Ideal for – creative professionals, families wanting diverse progressive community, and NYC relocators seeking walkability. See our Maplewood selling guide for sellers, or get a home value estimate.
The Artistic & Warm Spirit of Maplewood, NJ
Widely recognized as one of the most culturally vibrant and welcoming suburbs in New Jersey, the Township of Maplewood has drawn creative professionals, educators, and NYC relocators for decades. Maplewood is characterized by a strong sense of community, highly progressive values, and a deep appreciation for the arts. Its central landmark, **Maplewood Village**, is a gorgeous, award-winning pedestrian commercial hub that replaces typical suburban strip malls with historic brick storefronts, local bookstores, bakeries, and independently owned cafes.
Architecturally, Maplewood is stunning and diverse. The tree-canopied avenues are lined with immaculately preserved historic homes–ranging from craftsman-style bungalows and stately center-hall colonials to breathtaking English Tudors. It represents the perfect option for buyers seeking a sophisticated, slow-paced yet connected suburban lifestyle.
Commuter Logistics: Direct Midtown Trains from Maplewood Station
Maplewood's transit infrastructure is incredibly simple and highly efficient, centered directly around **Maplewood Station** on NJ Transit's **Morristown and Gladstone Lines**:
- Midtown Direct Rail: Commuters board trains at Maplewood Station (conveniently sitting right inside Maplewood Village) and enjoy a direct, non-stop ride to New York Penn Station in just 35-40 minutes on weekday mornings.
- Hassle-Free Boarding: With frequent departures during typical peak morning and evening hours, the commute is exceptionally reliable and comfortable, leaving you plenty of time to grab a coffee from a local merchant before catching your train.
- Highway Convenience: For those who commute by car, Maplewood offers easy access to State Route 124, Interstate 78, and the Garden State Parkway, connecting you smoothly to Newark Liberty International Airport and regional corporate campuses.
A Highly Collaborative South Orange-Maplewood School District (SOMSD)
Maplewood shares its highly regarded public school district with neighboring South Orange (known together as the **South Orange-Maplewood School District** or *SOMSD*). This unique system creates a wonderful, collaborative partnership between the sister towns.
The district is celebrated for its deep commitment to academic excellence, progressive programming, and a strong athletic and arts curriculum, capped by Columbia High School–a highly esteemed secondary school known for its wide array of AP courses, award-winning music and theater ensembles, and highly competitive sports programs.
community-oriented Events
Maplewood hosts a spectacular lineup of community events, highlighted by Maplewoodstock–a free, two-day music and arts festival featuring national, regional, and local musicians alongside local food trucks and art vendors.
Local Village Spots
The culinary and hospitality spots are legendary. Grab some craft cocktails and modern American dining at Coda Kitchen and Bar, enjoy fresh local sushi at Mt Fuji, or visit the historic Maplewood Diner.
What Homes Actually Sell For
List prices are a strategy, not a ceiling. Per Redfin's 07040 ZIP market data, the median sale price in Maplewood sits around $830K (Zillow's average home value reads higher at ~$977K, up roughly 6% year over year), with a sale-to-list ratio near 114% and homes going under contract in roughly 16–17 days. Homes routinely sell above asking – especially updated colonials and Tudors near the Village and train station. The shared SOMSD school district with South Orange adds strong demand from families. Condos and townhomes offer a more accessible entry point, with county-wide medians around $385K. Budget well above list price.
The Maplewood reality: At ~$830K median with a ~114% sale-to-list ratio, homes sell fast and above asking. With roughly 103 active listings and 13 new listings city-wide (per Movoto), inventory stays tight. The walkable Village, direct Midtown rail, and progressive community make this one of the most sought-after towns in Essex County. Come pre-approved and ready to move.
Data: Redfin 07040 ZIP & Maplewood township housing market, Zillow home value index, Movoto market trends (2026) · Last updated September 2026
Commute & Transit
Everything NYC relocators need to know
- Morris & Essex Lines (Morristown / Gladstone Lines)
- Maplewood Station – ~3–8 min walk from Maplewood Village
- NJ Transit Bus 107 nearby
Maplewood Station has a commuter lot with permit required. Free municipal parking available in Maplewood Village. Arrive early during peak – the lot fills up quickly on weekday mornings.
Trains run Midtown Direct – no transfer at Newark required. Service is frequent during peak morning and evening hours.
Maplewood Spotlight
| County | Essex |
| School District | SOMSD (Shared) |
| Train Station | Maplewood Station |
| Lines Served | Morristown / Gladstone |
| Commute Run | ~35-40 min to Penn St. |
| Vibe | Artistic & Family-Centric |
Sorelle's Maplewood Tip
"If you are commuting daily to NYC, being in close proximity to the Maplewood Village train station is a huge plus. The town is highly walkable, meaning many residents can leave their cars at home entirely! At ~$830K median with a ~114% sale-to-list ratio, homes move quickly – typically in about 16–17 days. The walkable Village, direct Midtown rail, and progressive community make this one of the most sought-after towns in Essex County. Every situation is different – let's talk through what makes sense for yours."
Related Reading
A practical comparison of Northern NJ suburbs with the best NYC commute options – including Maplewood and nearby towns.
Read the GuideEverything NYC buyers need to know about moving to Maplewood and South Orange NJ: commute, SOMA schools, historic homes, and real pricing.
Read the Guide"Every situation is different, and my goal is to make sure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way without pressure."
Exploring Houses in Maplewood, NJ?
From evaluating local school rankings and commute logistics to finding the perfect street near Maplewood Village, let me guide you with clear, honest market analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maplewood
Per Redfin's 07040 ZIP data, the median sale price in Maplewood sits around $830K, with a sale-to-list ratio near 114% and homes going under contract in roughly 16–17 days. Updated colonials and Tudors near the Village and train station command the strongest prices.
Maplewood Station on the Morristown Line offers Midtown Direct service trains run non-stop to Penn Station in approximately 35–40 minutes during peak hours. The station is right in Maplewood Village, walkable from most of town.
Maplewood is served by NJ Transit's Morristown and Gladstone Lines (Morris & Essex) with one station: Maplewood Station, conveniently located in Maplewood Village. Midtown Direct trains run non-stop to Penn Station during peak hours.
Property taxes in Maplewood vary by assessed home value. New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country, and Maplewood's rates reflect its shared SOMSD school district. I'll help you understand the full monthly cost before you make an offer.
Yes Maplewood is highly walkable, especially around Maplewood Village, an award-winning pedestrian commercial hub with local bookstores, bakeries, and independent cafes. Many residents can leave their cars at home for daily errands.
Maplewood features craftsman bungalows, center-hall colonials, English Tudors, and Victorian homes on tree-canopied streets. Architectural styles are diverse and well-preserved, reflecting the town's long history as a commuter destination.
Maplewood's market is highly competitive. At ~$830K median with a ~114% sale-to-list ratio and roughly 16–17 days on market, homes sell fast and above asking. The walkable Village, direct Midtown rail, and progressive community make it one of the most sought-after towns in Essex County.
Maplewood shares the South Orange-Maplewood School District (SOMSD) with South Orange. The district is known for progressive programming and strong academics, anchored by Columbia High School's arts, athletics, and AP offerings.
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