West Orange is a community of diverse neighborhoods, ranging from recently built condominium communities to Llewellyn Park, a 400+ acre residential planned community built in 1853 and the former home of Thomas Edison, arguably its most famous citizen. West Orange, with its approximately 44,000 residents, spans 12.1 square miles over two ridges and valleys of the Watchung Mountains. Its hilly terrain provides many stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Approximately 20 percent of land in West Orange is open space, consisting of parks, playgrounds, golf courses and undeveloped acreage. Hiking trails, bridle paths and picnic areas are available in the South Mountain and Eagle Rock Reservations. West Orange is also home to the South Mountain Skating Arena and the Turtleback Zoo.
West Orange has a thriving business district on Main Street, known as “Historic Downtown”, with a variety of restaurants, retail establishments and the Edison National Historic Site. In addition, there are many other shopping enclaves throughout the town, including the Essex Green Shopping Center, a traditional suburban mall.
In April 2008, work began on the first phase Edison Village redevelopment project. 620 residences and 18,000 square feet of retail space are planned on Main Street, in an area bordering Llewellyn Park. The redevelopment project includes the conversion of a 95-year old battery factory.
Route 280 traverses West Orange, providing easy access to Newark, New York and other NJ roadways. For commuters, the township provides jitney service from the Gregory section
to the Orange and South Orange train stations during the morning and evening commute. Bus service is also available to Newark and New York City.
West Orange’s school system is comprised of 7 elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school; kindergarten is a full-day program. West Orange High School has been recognized for its Advanced Placement program and innovative curriculum. In 2003, over 84% of its graduates went on to post-secondary education.
West Orange continues to be more affordable than some of its neighbors; the median sale price of single family homes (including condominiums and co-ops) in 2009 was $340,000, down from $380,000 in 2008. It was $418,000 in 2007, $407,500 in 2006, $410,000 in 2005, $362,000 in 2004, and $335,000 in 2003.
Request my Free Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Montclair, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, West Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley, The Caldwells and Verona New Jersey area. It will include a Town Information Guide and an area map. Don't move here without it! Remember: I'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and I will send it right out...
It's my job to know EVERYTHING about West Orange and the surrounding communities. Ask me any question. Or request a FREE information package. There's no obligation, and I promise to get back to you quickly...
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
