A blog for The Bedroom Communities of New York City: Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn/Short Hills and Montclair, etc. for Area Residents, for future residents and for home buyers and sellers in New Jersey. Provides information on housing trends, tips for sellers and buyers, mortgage information events and happenings around town and the regional area. Local contributions are welcomed!
January 15 is National Hat Day, so to prepare we will be making some hats of our own at the Main Library! Join us for a quick story and a chance to make your very own hat out of a variety of materials
available. Be as creative as you can!
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
NEW Independent Film Festival Launches February 12-14
SOPAC to Host Three Days of International Films at SOMA Film Festival
Where: South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ 07079
Media Contact: Dee Billia, dee@sopacnow.org (973) 382-1031
(South Orange, December 11, 2015) The inaugural SOMA Film Festival, sponsored by Barnabas Health, will be held February 12-14, 2016 at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). Long and short form narrative and documentary films from around the world will be shown during the course of the three-day Festival. Weekend passes for the Festival are only $45-$55 and are on-sale now at www.SOPACnow.org/ soma-film-festival. An opening reception will take place Friday, February 12 where audiences will be able to mingle with their fellow film-lovers, as well as film industry professionals.
“Maplewood and South Orange have long been known by entertainment professionals as the ideal town to live, given its proximity to New York City, and its rich cultural tradition. Creating a film festival seemed like an organic next step for these communities” said SOMA Festival Founder, and Maplewood resident Matthew Smollon. “I am confident in the quality of innovative and exciting independent films that will be shown, and that our first year will prove successful and become a long standing tradition for years to come.”
Smollon assembled a committee of industry professionals to evaluate submissions, and the final list of selected films will be available in January. Two documentaries that were recently shown at the Tribeca Film Festival – Among the Believers and In Transit were selected early in the process and are scheduled for screening. Smollon is creating many exciting opportunities during the course of the Festival for discussion between film artists and audiences.
The films will be screened in the intimate 438 seat-theatre at SOPAC, noted for both its excellent sound design and comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. “SOPAC is proud to partner in this exciting new venture. Film is such an important part of artistic expression and we welcome this opportunity to be a cultural destination for not only the performing arts, but for cinematic art as well,” noted Mark Packer, SOPAC’s Executive Director.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SOPACnow.org or by calling (973) 313-2787. More information can be found at www.SOMAfilmfestival.com. The Festival is still taking submissions and filmmakers should visit www.filmfreeway.com for further information.
About SOMA Film Festival
The SOMA Film Festival is dedicated to presenting unique, and aspiring filmmaking from around the world.
SOMA is an acronym for South Orange and Maplewood, two towns that are a short train ride from New York City and that pride themselves on artistic expression. It is home to numerous actors, actresses, filmmakers, cinematic and theatrical professionals.
These two unique communities invite filmmakers into an environment where they can show their work to a highly receptive audience who both appreciate their creative endeavors and understand first-hand the immense effort it takes to make a dream come true.
In addition to Matthew Smollon an advisory committee of actor John Michael Higgins, writer/director Steven Kampmann, President of Grasshopper Films Ryan Krivoshey, documentary filmmaker Ben Niles, actress Christianne Noll and NY Latino Film Festival Director Elizabeth Gardner Potter have helped to shape the Film Festival in its inaugural year.
Dee Billia, Director of External Relations
SOPAC | South Orange Performing Arts Center
dee@sopacnow.org | (973) 382-1031 www.SOPACnow.org
South Orange Performing Arts Center
One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ 07079
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
Assistant Township Administrator Cesar Correa from Township of Maplewood reports:
DICKENS VILLAGE 2015
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5th
1pm - Santa and Mrs. Clau arrive escorted by the Maplewood Fire Department.
1-4pm - Dickens Village Houses open for viewing.
1-3pm - Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
1-4pm - Santa's Reindeer visit Ricalton Square.
3-4pm - Story Hour readings by Erin Lundstrom, Toymaster of Shenanigan's Toys.
4:30pm - Tree Lighting Program:
The Christmas Carol
Traditional Holiday Reading by Mayor Vic DeLuca
TREE LIGHTING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8th
6:15pm - Menorah Lighting in Ricalton Square.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12th
9:30 am - Breakfast with Santa at St. James Gate and the Village Trattoria.
1-4pm - Dickens Village Houses open for viewing.
1-4pm - Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
1-4pm - Horse & Wagon rides.
1:30 - 3:30pm - Jack's Petting Zoo.
2-2:45pm - Holiday reading for children at Words Bookstore.
STROLLERS CAROLING THROUGH THE VILLAGE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19th
12:30-3:30pm - Horse & Wagon rides.
1-4pm - Dickens Village Houses open for viewing.
1-4pm - Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
1pm - Maplewood Community Music Holiday Concert - Burgdorff Center & Maplewood Concert Band, Silvertones Flute Choir, Swing Town Big Band
1:30-3:30pm - Jack's Petting Zoo.
2-2:45pm - Craft & Story Program for children of all ages at Maplewood Memorial Library, Bake Stree.
STROLLERS CAROLING THROUGH THE VILLAGE
Sponsored by the Maplewood Village Alliance
and supported by generous benefactors
in our wonderful community.
Some events are weather permitting.
Visit maplewooddickensvillage.com for updates.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
We Started with 24,000 schools across America. Fifty Schools were chosen from the 24,000 and our Columbia High School was one of them. Your help would be greatly appreciated in either attending the event Fundraiser on 12/4 or in using the link below to donate directly to help send our valued students to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, touted as the World's Largest Arts Festival on Earth!
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
pictures of Dickens Village, a little holiday tradition in Ricalton Square in the heart of Maplewood Village
Hi there! We moved from BK to Maplewood 2.5 years ago and are so happy with our decision, which was greatly influenced by this group. You'll love it.
My son is in Kindergarten at Clinton School and we adore it! The PTA is incredibly involved. The principal, who is retiring in January, has been phenomenal and is passing the torch to the assistant principal who is also excellent. I've heard only good things about every teacher there, and the media specialist, Ms. Latimer, just won the NJASL's 2015 Most Progressive School Library Media Program. She is really cool and gets the kids into all kinds of activities, including technology and coding - definitely not the type of librarian I grew up with! I've also met some really awesome parents there...clearly, I love this school!
...Everyone I know in this area absolutely loves their school, regardless of which one it is. You really can't go wrong.
PS: Aimee and her family were clients of mine and it gives me such joy to see how happy they are Living in Maplewood.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
Holiday gift bazaar within a wonderland of lights.
The whole zoo lights up with spectacular displays for a memorable evening outing for the whole family! Tour the enchanting Turtle Back Zoo, take photos with polar bears and penguins (last year there was a visit from Anna, Elsa, and a real reindeer, too!) and then pick up gifts for everyone on your list from a variety of vendors in the Education Building. Enchanted Forest Crafts will be there with a huge assortment of felt animal ornaments, supporting the Greater NJ AAZK Alliance in their local and global wildlife conservation efforts.
Starting This Saturday at 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, New Jersey 07052
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
#SOPianos – Playin’ Around South Orange Piano Project
featuredimage_12playinaroundsouthorange
Playin’ Around South Orange Piano Project
Playin’ Around South Orange is a public art project that highlights both the visual and the performing arts. Pianos transformed into works of art themselves by extraordinary local artists provide a unexpected and delightful encounters and encourage active arts engagement in our day to day lives through the spontaneous making of music.
The pianos are installed on the streets throughout South Orange for the public’s enjoyment. We hope that the keys of the pianos are ‘tickled’ every day and that they cause people to smile, or have a moment’s break from their daily routine, giving them an uplifting feeling, and ultimately moving them in some positive way.
Piano Locations & Visual Artists
Playin’ Around South Orange pianos are located throughout downtown South Orange and at Seton Hall University. This year’s piano locations and visual artists are:
BILL BILLEC
Irvington & West Fairview Avenues
LAWRENCE CIARALLO
The Gateway
MARIE ELENA GLYNN
Spiotta Park
LISA HIRKALER
Sloan Street Gazebo
ANJOLÉ KING
The Duck Pond in Cameron Park
SETON HALL UNIVERSITY PEER ADVISORS
Bishop Dougherty University Center at Seton Hall
Click here to download a PDF of the #SOPianos Map.
SOpiano_map-600wide
Piano Timetable
The opening weekend of Playin’ Around South Orange overlaps with the return of Seton Hall University students to our community, typically the last week of August. The project’s launch is celebrated with a kick-off event where musicians and artists gather at each of the pianos to perform for the public for one hour simultaneously. This year’s kick-off event will take place on Saturday, August 29 at noon.
The Playin’ Around South Orange program typically comes to a close after first weekend in October, coinciding with Seton Hall University Weekend.
Join us for Wednesday evening jam sessions at the Sloan Street gazebo. From 5PM-7PM each Wednesday enjoy live music and other activities.
WED, SEP 2 with Dawn Botti from New Day Dawn & Alex Silberman from Big Radio
WED, SEP 9 with Stephen Fuller & Clarence Conover
WED, SEP 16 with Ian Kenselaar & Friends
WED, SEP 23 with Bob McKay
WED, SEP 30 with Steven Teti
Piano Auction
To honor each year’s pianos as pieces of art, they are auctioned off at www.BiddingForGood.com to benefit SOPAC’s education programming.
EventPost600x250-spacer
To receive information about Playin’ Around South Orange as well as upcoming SOPAC shows and events, please sign-up for SOPAC E-News.
Thank you to all of this year’s Playin’ Around South Orange contributors:
HOME DEPOT – Bill Dalrymple
Vauxhall | (908) 686-9804
ITO DESIGNS – Ray Gonzalez
Somerville | (908) 243-0048
MOVE IT PIANO SERVICES – Daniel Paulsen
Montclair | (973) 568-6827
LAP OF LUXURY LAND CRUISES – Debra Goggins
Montclair | (732) 568-6827
MARK MURPHY MUSIC – Mark Murphy & Campbell Charshee
South Orange | (973) 378-2540
Special thanks to Richard and Meredith Bell, Elisa Kessler Caporale, Sheena Collum, Adam Loehner, Sandy Martiny, The McCrear Family, Glenn Paulsen, Rob Sandow and Joyce Isabelle, Regina Shaddad, South Orange Division of Public Works, and Karen Van Norman.
We should all be able to agree that between the NYT feature article and the ensuing Brooklyn West references and tours there is no doubt Maplewood is a much hyped choice suburb for NYC commuters and for people that enjoy Diversity at its finest and widest 3-dimensional spectrum. But what does it mean for our Real Estate Market?
For starters, average sale prices are up virtually 8%, trending at $562,009.
Days on Market--the length of time it takes to sell a home--are down almost 20% to 35 days.
Average Price Paid is up 38 basis points to 101.5% of asking vs 100.67 in 2014.
For more details, see the below charts:
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
new listing on 17 Colgate in the College Hills section of Maplewood
Testimonial:
"We moved to Maplewood 15 months ago with a 6 yo and a 2yo. It was our 2nd time looking at houses in the area. We were partial to the areas between Springfield Ave and the train tracks for the neighborhood feel and decent house and lot size. Also we wanted to be close to the train. The area between the train and South Mountain Reservation is amazing but was way out of our price range. We expected to end up east of Springfield Ave for our price range but got lucky and found a house in walking distance to the train and downtown."
"Nearly all of our parent friends live in the zone West of Springfield Ave and all their blocks have a nice family vibe with great house character. I don't know much about the other side of Springfield Ave beyond what we saw house hunting."
"The elementary schools in the SOMA school district are all great. I wouldn't worry about which one you are zoned for in your house hunt. We had heard that Tuscan was the prime school when we were first looking, but we love Clinton which is the ESL school and a little more diverse. I've never met anyone that doesn't love their zoned school.
There are plenty of full time preschools but none of them are public. We like the South Mountain YMCA and have heard good things about Village Babies. Neither one is any cheaper than Brooklyn daycare. We had googled several low cost options before moving but weren't comfortable with them after visiting."
"Good luck with your search! The quality of life for our kids is so far beyond what we could afford in Brooklyn."
Mark Simpson
Mark was not one of my clients, but agreed to allow re-posting of his testimonial.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
Always love knowing that Words brings us a continuous stream of authors to tell us about and read from their latest books!
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
If you are a parent to very young children, one of your top priorities when moving to a new community is choosing the best preschool for your individual child. This list is designed to help you narrow down your search. It is arranged in alphabetical order, and includes basic information: geographical location, contact information, the age of children served, the schedule, religious affiliation, the mission statement, and the educational focus. Once you have chosen a few schools that seem like a good fit, remember to schedule a tour. Just like buying a home, when choosing a school, you must walk through the space and feel it for yourself – don’t just rely on the pictures you see online. With the wide variety of quality preschools available, you are sure to find one in which your little ones will happily learn, play, and make friends.
South Orange Country Day School
461 Vose Avenue
South Orange NJ 07052
Phone: 973.762.6451
http://www.socds.com/
We want to support students as they explore and make sense of their world.
We strive to prepare students to leave SOCDS with:
an ability to clearly communicate their needs and to resolve conflct by articulating the facts
a respect for our environment and the choices that we make everyday
an ability to interact with and respect all people, regardless of learning style and preference, appearance, or experiences
a desire to explore new learning environments, and to have the skills to be self directed learners in any learning setting.
Tori Child Care 465 Valley Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
973-761-4309
Children’s Academy
37 Church Mall
Springfield, NJ 07081
973-379-3524
www.childrensacademy.net
Children’s Academy is a Montessori academic preschool and kindergarten, serving children ages 2½ through 6½. “Our ultimate goal is to provide quality education in a peaceful, nurturing environment.” They offer flexible scheduling with before and afterschool care available.
Far Brook School
52 Great Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
973-379-3442
www.farbrook.org
Farbrook is a pre-k through 8th grade private school, whose statement of purpose is “It is our desire to touch the lives of children so they may live life wisely and with great joy.” Pre-k, or Nursery, is for four year olds; with half day 8am-12pm, and full day 8am-3pm. Early morning drop off and extended care are available daily.
Hedwig Gruenewald Early Childhood Center
of Congregation B’nai Israel
160 Millburn Avenue
Millburn, NJ 07041
973-379-4040
www.cbi-nj.org
“A welcoming environment, open to the community, where Jewish customs, holidays, Shabbat and basic Jewish concepts are part of our daily life.” The Hedwig Gruenewald Early Childcare Center offers child/caregiver classes for toddlers 15-23 months, a transitional 2s program which starts with caregivers, and evolves into a drop-off class, and preschool classes for 2, 3, and 4 year-olds. Extended day available 8:30 – 2:45.
Hudson Way Immersion School
587 Springfield Avenue
Summit, NJ 07901
908-598-8088
www.hwis.org
Hudson Way Immersion School offers preschool starting at age 2, day school from kindergarten – 5th grade, and an afterschool language program. They provide language immersion instruction in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and English. “Our preschool program is academically focused and provides a strong foundation for our k-5 program for continued learning of math, science, language arts, and social studies in two languages.”
Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education
of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel
432 Scotland Road
South Orange, NJ 07079
973-763-4600
www.tsti.org/early-childhood-center
The Iris Family Center is a Jewish-focused school open to all members of the community. It offers child/caregiver programs from birth-24months, preschool classes for children ages 2-4, and a pre-k class for children who turn 5 after the school district’s October 1st deadline. Classes run from 9am-noon, with extended hours from 8am-3pm. “We focus on each child’s developmental needs and promote a positive, secure, and accepting environment, enabling each child to grow with a sense of joy and wonderment.”
JCC Metrowest Early Childhood
Leon & Toby Cooperman Building
Ross Family Campus
760 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
The JCC Metrowest Early Childhood center offers part-time and full-time preschool classes which include swimming (3s, 4s, and K) for children aged 2-4 years, and full day kindergarten for children who turn 5 by December 31st. They also offer programming and afterschool care for school-aged children. “We build self-awareness and self-esteem through a special ethics and values curriculum in an enriched environment full of language, reading, math, science, art, music, and fun.”
The Kinder Gan Preschool
120 Parker Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-763-7455
www.maplewoodjewishcenter.org
The Kinder Gan Preschool is affiliated with the Maplewood Jewish Center. “We are committed to maintaining the highest educational standards, in a warm, comfortable, stimulating and Jewish environment.” They offer classes to 2, 3, and 4 year-olds.
Kinderenrichment is a half-day kindergarten class located in, but unaffiliated with St. Georges’ church. It is for children who need an extra year of kindergarten or who miss the public school age cut-off, but who turn 5 on or before December 31. “My intention is to empower my students with the knowledge that they can see and think and feel for themselves and in so doing discover the marvelous natural and cultural world that they are heir to.”
Le Parc Place
195 Maplewood Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-616-1968 or 973-762-3077
www.leparcplace.com
“Appreciation for all of life’s experiences is encompassed into our philosophy and our approach to early childhood development. We enjoy creating innovative and unique ways for young ones to grow both academically, socially and artistically.” Le Parc Place offers preschool to children ages 2½-5 years. The also offer childcare from 7am-6pm.
Mickey Fried Nursery School
of Oheb Shalom Congregation
170 Scotland Road
South Orange, NJ 07079
www.ohebshalom.org/nursery-school/at-a-glance/
The Mickey Fried Nursery School offers child/caregiver classes for 1-2 year olds, and preschool classes for children ages 2-5 years old. Classes run from 9am-12pm with extended day offered from 8am-6pm. “Our school offers a warm, creative environment where each child’s unique style of living and learning is valued and nurtured.”
Millburn Co-Op Nursery School is a two-year program for 3 and 4 year olds. “Children learn through play in an atmosphere that is warm and supportive. We offer stimulating and varied activities designed to help each child grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially at his or her own pace.” Classes are offered for morning or afternoon.
Montrose Early Learning Center
of the South Orange Maplewood School District
525 Academy Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-762-5600 x.1748 or x1840
www.somsd.k12.nj.us
The Montrose Early Learning Center is affiliated with the SOM school district, and follows the public school calendar. Classes are offered to 3 and 4 year-olds, half day mornings or afternoons, and full day from 9am-3pm. Extended day available. “Our vision is to create a model of early childhood education by offering preschool programs to the community which are accessible for all learners, using a variety of techniques and centered on best practices of early childhood education.”
Morrow is a cooperative preschool “With a Christian foundation, the primary goal at Morrow is to welcome each child into a happy, safe, nurturing environment that lays the foundation for life-long learning by promoting the core values of love, patience, kindness, curiosity and self-esteem.” Offers classes morning and afternoon for children ages 2½-4 years old, and a pre-k 5 year-old class 8:45am – 1:30pm.
Neighborhood House Nursery School
12 Taylor Street
Millburn, NJ 07041
973-376-0739
www.neighborhoodhousenursery.org
“A home away from home environment where children learn to love the process of learning and discovery. Out staff works diligently to prepare each child for the transition to elementary school through fostering confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to connect all learning to the world in which we live.” Programs available for 2½ through 5 year olds. Scheduling is flexible, offering classes morning, afternoon, or full day (8:30am - 3:30pm).
Open Door Nursery School
432 Wyoming Avenue
Millburn, NJ 07041
973-376-9303
www.opendoornurseryschool.com
Open Door Nursery School a not-for-profit preschool affiliated with Wyoming Presbyterian Church. “The school strives to foster cognitive growth and curiosity, nurture social confidence, and help children strengthen their emotional independence and personal skills through interaction with their friends and teachers.” Classes are offered for children ages 2½-4. Morning and afternoon classes are offered, with an optional “lunch bunch” to extend the day.
Playhouse
88 Franklin Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-736-9451
www.PlayhouseOnline.org
Playhouse is a cooperative preschool emphasizing learning through play for children ages 2½-6. “Playhouse is a place where people can be heard and feel comfortable, where process takes precedence over product.” The Playhouse mission is to “provide an environment conducive to different learning styles, with structured activities and also free play.” They offer a variety of schedules including extended day options 7:30am-5:30pm.
Prospect Cooperative Nursery School
646 Prospect Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-763-8955
www.prospectpreschool.org
Prospect is a cooperative, non-sectarian nursery school located in Prospect Presbyterian Church. “Through the combination of a thoughtfully conceived program and specially-selected classroom materials, our staff seeks to foster each student’s self-esteem, individuality, creativity, social, physical, and cognitive skills through the use of music, movement, art, creative play, and language.” They offer morning and afternoon classes and an optional lunch program for children ages 2½ through 5.
The Red Oaks School
21 Cutler Street
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-539-7853
www.RedOaksSchool.org
The Red Oaks School is a private school educating children aged 3 through 8th grade. Their early childhood program and kindergarten follow a Montessori curriculum and are for children ages 3 to 6. “The Red Oaks School provides life-changing educational experiences for young people, inspiring personal and intellectual growth, encouraging deep engagement with learning, and promoting global citizenship.”
The South Mountain YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center
10 W. Parker Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-762-0860
www.smountainymca.org
www.facebook.com/southmountainy
The South Mountain YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center offers 7am to 7pm childcare programs, preschool, and enrichment classes to children from the age of 6 weeks through preschool. The South Mountain YMCA also provides summer camp, afterschool care, and enrichment programming for school aged children and teens. “As the largest childcare provider in Maplewood, the Y offers a childcare program with families in mind and creates an environment where your child will thrive.”
Thelma K. Reisman Preschool
of Beth El
222 Irvington Avenue
South Orange, NJ 07079
973-763-0113
www.bethelnj.org
“The mission of the Thelma K. Reisman Preschool of Beth El is to provide a warm and nurturing Jewish environment for young children.” They offer programs for children ages 18 months through 5 years old, including child/caregiver programs and kindergarten. They also offer early drop-off as early as 8am, and extended day.
Weekday Cooperative preschool is a multicultural, cooperative preschool, offering classes to children ages 2½, 3, and 4 from 9am-12pm. “The academic curriculum is woven into the fabric of the everyday schedule, providing opportunities for social interaction and discovery of new things through a hands-on approach.”
Early Childhood Educational Consultant
Overwhelmed with so many choices? Nicole Van Giesen can help you determine which preschool or childcare option is right for your child based on your educational philosophy, income, and work schedule.
917-231-6471
www.nicolechildcare.com
Do you need help finding a nanny? Dr. Nanny Referral Agency
www.drnanny.org
drnanny.sr@gmail.com
“We are an elite nanny referral service.” They can provide parents with full-time, part-time, on-call, and temporary nanny assistance.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059 Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
