Essex County · New Jersey
Maplewood
Maplewood blends an established residential community with two distinctive business districts, a strong arts identity, historic architecture, extensive parkland and direct rail access to the New York metropolitan area.
Explore Maplewood Village, Springfield Avenue, Memorial Park, local history, schools, recreation, community organizations, restaurants, businesses and the nearby natural landscape of South Mountain Reservation.
Maplewood at a Glance
25,689Population recorded in the 2020 U.S. Census.
10 Public ParksMaplewood's municipal open-space network includes parks, fields, playgrounds and recreational facilities.
Two Major DistrictsMaplewood Village and Springfield Avenue each offer their own mix of shopping, dining, services and events.
Rail ConnectedMaplewood Station serves NJ TRANSIT's Morris & Essex corridor, including Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch service.
Community character: Maplewood is known for tree-lined residential neighborhoods, early twentieth-century architecture, an active civic and arts community, walkable commercial districts and convenient access to both Newark and New York City.
Explore Maplewood's Main Areas
DowntownMaplewood VillageA compact, walkable district centered around Maplewood Avenue, Baker Street and the rail station, with independent shops, restaurants, services, events and community gathering spaces.
Commercial CorridorSpringfield AvenueA roughly 1.5-mile business district running through the eastern side of Maplewood with neighborhood businesses, destination shops, dining, services, new development and community events.
NeighborhoodHilton AreaOne of Maplewood's historic settlement areas, closely associated with Springfield Avenue and the eastern side of the township.
Civic & RecreationValley Street & Memorial ParkTown Hall, Memorial Park, recreation facilities, civic functions and connections toward Maplewood Village make this an important community spine.
History & Historic Character
Maplewood's story reaches back to the seventeenth century, when settlement from the Newark Colony extended west into the area. Farming, small mills and early roads shaped several settlements that eventually developed into the modern township.
The eastern settlement was historically known as North Farms and later Hilton, while the western side included Jefferson Village. During the nineteenth century the railroad helped transform the area, and the twentieth century brought rapid suburban development. Maplewood adopted its present township name in 1922.
Durand-Hedden House & GardenThe house at 523 Ridgewood Road incorporates an eighteenth-century farmhouse and serves as a center for Maplewood history, exhibitions and educational programs.
Maplewood Village Historic DistrictThe Village's historic commercial core reflects more than a century of community, transportation and business development and is recognized on state and national historic registers.
Memorial ParkCommunity planning for the park began in the early 1920s, with the Olmsted Brothers involved in its design. Its landscape remains one of Maplewood's defining public spaces.
Asher B. DurandThe influential American artist and Hudson River School figure was born in the area in 1796 and remains part of Maplewood's cultural history.
Historic resources: Maplewood also contains early houses and locally recognized historic resources throughout the township. Property owners planning exterior work should consult current Township historic-preservation and land-use guidance when applicable.
Parks, Recreation & Open Space
Maplewood's parks are woven throughout its neighborhoods, with recreation ranging from sports fields and courts to gardens, playgrounds, walking paths and community gathering spaces.
Memorial ParkApproximately 23 acres along Valley Street with fields, courts, playground areas, an amphitheater and an Olmsted-influenced landscape near Maplewood Village.
Maplecrest ParkA major neighborhood recreation area with athletic fields, tennis, a playground, volleyball, a skate area and community facilities.
DeHart ParkA neighborhood park with athletic fields, recreation facilities, paths and playground space. The Township has an active rehabilitation project for the park.
Grasmere ParkHome to the Durand-Hedden House & Garden, walking paths and landscaped historic grounds.
Orchard & Borden ParksNeighborhood green spaces offering combinations of playgrounds, courts, shelter areas and recreation.
South Mountain ReservationEssex County's more than 2,100-acre nature reserve extends into Maplewood and offers hiking, carriage roads, picnic areas, scenic features and regional recreation.
Arts, Culture & Community Life
Maplewood supports a wide range of visual art, music, theater, classes, performances and public programming. The Township's Division of Arts & Culture works with local organizations to expand cultural opportunities throughout the community.
Burgdorff Center for the Performing ArtsA Township cultural venue at 10 Durand Road with a theater and community room, located just steps from Maplewood Village.
1978 Maplewood Arts CenterA community arts venue and exhibition space associated with Maplewood's active visual-arts scene.
The WoodlandA multipurpose civic and cultural facility used for performances, gatherings and community programming.
MaplewoodstockAn annual free two-day music and arts festival held in Memorial Park with live music, art vendors, food and family activities.
Community TheaterLocal performing-arts groups and productions contribute to year-round cultural activity in Maplewood.
Public EventsConcerts, outdoor programs, markets, cultural events and seasonal activities occur across the Village, Springfield Avenue and Township venues.
Education
Maplewood shares a public-school system with neighboring South Orange through the South Orange & Maplewood School District. The district includes elementary schools, middle schools and Columbia High School.
Columbia High School17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood. The district's high school serves students from Maplewood and South Orange.
Maplewood Middle School7 Burnet Street, Maplewood, serving middle-grade students in the district.
Maplewood Elementary SchoolsPublic elementary facilities in Maplewood include Clinton, Seth Boyden and other district schools serving local neighborhoods.
Shared DistrictSome schools and programs serving Maplewood families are located in South Orange, reflecting the two-town district structure.
School information can change: Families should confirm current attendance zones, grade configurations, enrollment requirements, calendars and program information directly with the South Orange & Maplewood School District.
Maplewood Library
Maplewood Memorial LibraryThe community's primary library provides collections, technology, programs, study space and public services.
Hilton BranchThe Springfield Avenue-area branch extends library access and programming to the eastern side of Maplewood.
Local History ResourcesMaplewood's historical collections and research resources are supported by the library and Durand-Hedden's local-history work.
Transportation & Getting Around
Maplewood StationLocated between Dunnell Road and Maplewood Avenue in the Village. NJ TRANSIT lists Morris & Essex service, including the Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch.
Village Rail AccessThe station's location directly beside the downtown business district makes shopping, dining and community events accessible by train.
ParkingThe Township manages commuter, residential and overnight parking programs. Rules, permit availability and fees should be checked before parking.
Regional RoadsSpringfield Avenue, Valley Street, South Orange Avenue and nearby Route 78 connect Maplewood with surrounding Essex and Union County communities.
Government & Municipal Services
Maplewood is governed under New Jersey's Township form of government by a five-member Township Committee. Municipal offices are based at Town Hall on Valley Street.
Maplewood Town Hall574 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Main phone: 973-762-8120
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Main phone: 973-762-8120
Township ServicesMunicipal departments cover administration, building and construction, planning, health, public works, recreation, parking, public safety and other resident services.
Applications & PermitsMany common forms and applications—including construction, parking, garage sale and event-related resources—are available through the Township website.
Public NoticesThe Township maintains an online public-notice portal for meeting notices, ordinances, land-use matters, bids and other legally required notices.
Community Organizations & Local Connections
Maplewood Village AllianceThe district management organization supporting the preservation, promotion and vitality of Maplewood Village.
Springfield Avenue PartnershipThe district management organization supporting businesses, beautification, events and economic activity along Springfield Avenue.
Durand-Hedden House & Garden AssociationPreserves and interprets Maplewood history through the historic house, exhibitions, collections and community programs.
South Mountain YMCAA long-established community organization serving Maplewood and surrounding communities with programs and activities.
SOMA Community OrganizationsMaplewood shares many civic, cultural and nonprofit connections with neighboring South Orange.
Local Volunteer OpportunitiesResidents can participate through Township boards and committees as well as independent community and nonprofit organizations.
Official & Community Resources
These links provide direct access to key public, educational, cultural and community organizations serving Maplewood.
Township of MaplewoodGovernment, departments, permits, public notices, recreation and resident services.
South Orange & Maplewood School DistrictSchools, district programs, calendars, enrollment and education information.
Maplewood LibraryLibrary locations, hours, programs, collections and services.
Maplewood NJ TRANSIT StationStation information, rail service, parking and transportation updates.
Maplewood Village AllianceVillage events, district information and local community resources.
Springfield Avenue MaplewoodDistrict information, events and Springfield Avenue community resources.
Maplewood Arts & CultureTownship cultural venues, events, programs and arts information.
Durand-Hedden House & GardenLocal history, exhibitions, research and historic-house programs.
South Mountain ReservationOfficial Essex County park information, trails, recreation and visitor guidance.
Nearby Communities
Millburn - Southwest of Maplewood with downtown shopping, rail service and access to South Mountain Reservation.
South Orange - Maplewood's closest civic and school-district partner, immediately to the north.
West Orange - Northwest of Maplewood and home to additional South Mountain Reservation attractions.
Union - South and southeast of Maplewood with major commercial corridors and regional connections.
Explore More of Maplewood on NJTGO
Business & ShoppingLocal merchants, professional services, shopping districts and business resources.
Food & DrinkRestaurants, cafés, bakeries, markets and dining throughout Maplewood.
Real EstateHousing, neighborhoods, buying, selling, property resources and real-estate services.
Visiting & LodgingTrip planning, transportation, attractions, nearby accommodations and visitor resources.
ClassifiedsCommunity notices, items for sale and other local postings.
Jobs & EmploymentLocal and regional employment resources plus NJTGO employer listings.
Promote Your Maplewood Business or Organization
Reach residents and visitors through NJTGO's Maplewood pages. Basic directory listings can include a business or organization name, category, address and phone number. Website links, expanded descriptions, logos, photos, featured placement and broader promotional visibility are available through paid advertising options.
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