East Orange

East Orange

East Orange is on the upswing with a spate of luxury high-rise development near the train stations as well as redevelopment throughout the city. The muti-million-dollar investments in the past five years have reversed a three-decade long population decline and breathed new life into the city.

Amenity-filled high-rise developments along South Harrison Avenue have capitalized on its proximity to NJ Transit Brick Church Station, where express trains can get commuters to New York Penn Station in just over a half hour. The high-rises feature Manhattan and Newark views to the east and the Watchung Mountains to the west.

Just 12 miles from New York, East Orange owes to its revitalization to great transportation and housing options, and proximity to New York City. In addition to midtown-direct trains at Brick Church and the East Orange station, the city is intersected by the Garden State Parkway and I-280. And it’s just seven miles from Newark Liberty International Airport.

East Orange has a mix of quality housing – from expansive Victorians and 1920s-era homes on leafy streets to nicely appointed pre-war apartment buildings on Munn and Prospect streets.

The main commercial corridors are along Central Avenue and Main Street, and East Orange is a draw for those looking for Caribbean and Soul food – there are at least a dozen restaurants as well as a Caribbean supermarket. There is also a large Shop-Rite supermarket in the center of town.

While some areas have an urban feel, the city has several suburban, tree-lined neighborhoods like Doddtown and Presidential Estates. Quality homes can be found at prices more affordable than neighboring towns.

East Orange elementary schools are named for Dionne Warwick and Whitney Houston, who grew up in the city, as did Queen Latifah and members of the hip-hop group Naughty by Nature. East Orange has a specialized performing arts high school.

There is a surviving Carnegie library that dates from 1912 in the Elmwood section. There are two city pools and neighborhood parks. East Orange also borders Essex County’s 48-acre Olmstead-designed Monte Irvin Orange Park, which has a lake, tennis courts and summer concerts.

Fun fact: East Orange owns a municipal golf course – 20 minutes away in Short Hills.