Living in West Orange 🌄 | Guide to Moving to West Orange NJ
West Orange Township is a vibrant community known for its rich history, diversity, and scenic parks. As a town, West Orange boasts local amenities and a strong community spirit, making it an ideal location to call home due to its proximity to New York City and Newark. Located at the top of the Watchung Mountains, the area around West Orange was originally home to the Native American Hackensack Tribe. West Orange was incorporated in 1863 and named after William III of England, who was known as the Prince of Orange.
Thomas Edison lived in West Orange, and his laboratory, where he developed the light bulb and many other inventions, is a National Historical Park. Thomas Edison’s movie studio, the Black Maria, was the first movie studio set up in the US, which is why West Orange is considered the birthplace of the movie industry.
West Orange was used as a location for various episodes of the HBO crime drama The Sopranos and the 2009 action-comedy film Paul Blart: Mall Cop. West Orange is home to the Jersey Rockhoppers hockey team of the Eastern Professional Hockey League.
Notable people having lived in or were born in West Orange include Thomas Edison, actor David Cassidy, Whoopi Goldberg, singer-songwriter Carole King, and astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly. You’ll love the history and diversity while living in West Orange.
Where Is West Orange, New Jersey?
Those moving to West Orange NJ will be surrounded by many big cities. West Orange is a township in Essex County. This is one of the cities in New Jersey closest to New York, located about 7 miles northeast of Newark, and is part of the New York metropolitan area. West Orange is approximately 12 miles west of Manhattan.
Map of West Orange, NJ
West Orange NJ Population and Demographics
West Orange takes pride in its diverse cultures, backgrounds, and traditions and shows that pride in community events. West Orange High School recently celebrated the World Languages Multilingual Celebration Ceremony. The Juneteenth Film Festival celebrates the cultural heritage and resilience of the Black community and promotes education and understanding through film. The Week of Love+Unity in July embraces diversity through music, art, poetry, and more.
Many residents participate in community events and activities such as the World Languages Multilingual Celebration Ceremony and the Juneteenth Film Festival.
Though it isn’t one of the largest cities in New Jersey, the West Orange population is 48,843. The racial and ethnic demographics of West Orange are White alone 47% (not Hispanic or Latino 42.8%.), Black or African American alone 27%, American Indian and Alaska Native alone 0.3%, Asian alone 6.0%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0%, two or more races 8.6%, and Hispanic or Latino 19.7%.
More of West Orange’s demographics:
- Population density: 4,069.2 per square mile
- Median age: 41.7
- Sex ratio: 48.5% males, 51.5% females
- Median household income: $127,931
- Educational attainment: 92.1% high school degree or higher, 52.9% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 28.2%
- Veteran population: 1,309
Safety is important to the West Orange Police Department, and they are committed to protecting and serving the residents of West Orange. West Orange is a safe place to live. The crime rate in West Orange is 2,560 per 100,000 people, which is 28% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in West Orange is 50% lower at 1,130 crimes per 100,000 people.
West Orange NJ Cost of Living
The cost of living in West Orange is 35% higher than the US average but only 12% higher than the New Jersey average. Housing is the most expensive factor to keep in mind when moving to West Orange. Housing costs in West Orange are not very affordable. If you’re buying a house in New Jersey, you may not like to hear that West Orange’s real estate market is 22% higher than the state average.
The median sale price of a home in West Orange is $621,000. Prices have come down 0.72% since last year. The cost per square foot for a home in West Orange is $351. Check out the many homes for sale in West Orange NJ. If you don’t want to buy one of the houses for sale in West Orange NJ, you can always choose to rent. Renting in West Orange is fairly expensive too.
According to Apartments.com, the average rent in West Orange is $2,219 for a 784-square-foot apartment. You can find apartments for rent West Orange NJ and homes for rent in West Orange NJ on Rent Cafe.
Typical West Orange Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $6.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $2.66
- Dozen eggs: $3.93
- 1 pound of chicken: $6.65
- Average West Orange monthly utility bill: $170.43
Source: Numbeo, Newark, NJ
The Best Neighborhoods in West Orange
West Orange is an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, with a wide range of housing types, including million-dollar mansions, colonials, split-levels, condominium complexes, townhouses, and new-construction neighborhoods. Public transportation options such as jitney shuttles, train stations, and various bus lines make commuting convenient. Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods in West Orange:
Llewellyn Park
Known as one of the country's first planned communities, offering beautiful, luxury million-dollar homes. Thomas Edison lived there. The neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes a beautiful community park and event space. Llewellyn Park is minutes from major highways, public transit, the Essex Green Shopping Center, and the Essex County Country Club.
Pleasantdale
A single-family-home neighborhood close to shopping, medical facilities, dining, and public schools. Large lots that back up to a wooded area. The community borders Crestmont Country Club. The community’s vibrant commercial district features many shops and restaurants.
St. Cloud
A quiet neighborhood with winding, tree-lined streets surrounded by parks and green space. The community features luxury, single-family homes. The Turtle Back Zoo and an indoor recreation complex are minutes away. Lots of shopping and dining opportunities can be found in the community.
West Orange NJ Weather & Climate
The climate in West Orange is humid continental that features warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is about 73°F. Summer highs are typically around 85°F. Winter temperatures average 37°F, with an average low of 19°F. Rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year, with an average of 4 inches per month. With four distinct seasons, West Orange residents enjoy the changing colors of fall foliage.
Rainfall is about 50 inches a year, above the national average. It snows in West Orange around 28 inches annually. The township sees an average of 205 sunny days per year. The best time of year to visit West Orange is from mid-June to mid-September to take advantage of the warm weather.
Things to Do in West Orange NJ
West Orange has many attractions, such as museums, a zoo, golf, public pools, an outdoor amphitheater, a skate park, and much more. There is also convenient shopping at Essex Green Shopping Center. You can get your regular shopping done at CVS, Shoprite and Target. Here are some of the best things to do in West Orange:
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
A tour of Thomas Edison's home and laboratory takes you back to where he lived and worked from 1886 until his death in 1931. This is where he developed his many inventions, including the phonograph, storage battery, and motion picture camera. Explore the 20,000 square feet of additional exhibit space in his main laboratory building.
211 Main St, West Orange, NJ 07052, (973) 736-0550
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Voted the #1 zoo in New Jersey, Turtle Back Zoo covers 20 acres and features animal species from every continent except Antarctica, housing about 1400 animals. Fun activities at the zoo include the Endangered Species Carousel, pony rides, a train ride, and a playground for kids.
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, (973) 731-5800
South Mountain Reservation
The South Mountain Reservation is a 2,112-acre nature reserve in the Watchung Mountains that features part of the 36-mile Lenape Trail that connects 18 parks and 11 municipalities in Essex County. The pristine reservation contains woodlands, streams, creeks, and ponds, as well as a 25-foot waterfall and scenic views of New York, Staten Island, and Newark.
Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, (973) 268-3500
Additional Attractions in West Orange, NJ:
West Orange Township operates 8 parks, including Boland Park and Jenkins Park. Activities offered include basketball courts, playgrounds, baseball fields, softball fields, futsal courts, horseshoe pits, field houses, fishing, tennis courts, and more.
Restaurants in West Orange NJ
West Orange has over 100 restaurants, offering a wide selection of cuisines from fine dining to fast food and everything in between. You’ll find something for every taste in West Orange. Enjoy delicious dishes at some of the most popular restaurants West Orange NJ has to offer, including:
Highlawn Pavilion
The Highlawn is a fine dining restaurant located atop Eagle Rock Reservation and one of the best fine dining establishments in the region. This award-winning restaurant earned an OpenTable's Diners' Choice Award for the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants for its stunning views of New York City. if you're going to Eagle Rock Reservation, don't miss this.
1 Crest Dr, West Orange, NJ 07052, (973) 731-3463
Kim's Sushi
Kim’s Sushi is a very popular eatery in West Orange, featuring excellently prepared sushi. The quality and presentation of the dishes is always first-rate and stunning, and the service is friendly. Popular items include eel, squid, red snapper, and flying fish roe, accompanied by a small green salad and a bowl of white miso soup.
456 Eagle Rock Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, (973) 669-2800
Crabbae West Orange NJ
Crabbae is a popular restaurant in West Orange, NJ, renowned for its fresh seafood dishes and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a wide range of crab-based specialties, drawing seafood lovers from all over the region. With its friendly service and cozy setting, Crabbae has become a favorite dining spot for both locals and visitors.
643 Eagle Rock Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052, (973) 731-5309
Jobs West Orange NJ
West Orange provides job opportunities in fields such as architecture and engineering, arts, entertainment, sports, and media, building and grounds maintenance, and finances. Its proximity to downtown Newark and New York City offers additional employment opportunities.
One of the major employers in Essex County, NJ is RWJBarnabas Health, the largest integrated health care delivery system in not only Essex County but New Jersey as a whole. They serve over 5 million patients each year and employing 41,000 people. Other major employers in the county include Prudential Financial, United Airlines, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Whether you’re looking for the part time jobs West Orange NJ has to offer or for full time employment, check out Indeed and the West Orange Human Resources page.
Schools in West Orange NJ
The West Orange Public Schools serves West Orange. The district has 1 early learning center (Pre-K), 7 elementary schools, 3 middle schools (including Liberty Middle School), and one high school: West Orange High School NJ. With a diverse student body of 7,000 that speaks more than 48 languages in the home, the district provides for a melting pot of cultures, socio-economic, and religious groups.
The district views this diversity as a strength, embracing the culturally diverse student body. Their goal is to assist all students, regardless of background, to reach their full potential by promoting quality intellectual, social, and emotional development. The schools are equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art technology to prepare students for a variety of 21st- century opportunities.
Private school options in West Orange include Seton Hall Preparatory School, Golda Och Academy, and Mount Carmel Guild Academy.
For those interested in further education near West Orange, options include Seton Hall University, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, Caldwell University, and Essex County College.
If you’re looking for a fun day, check out the West Orange Public Library where you can check out books, magazines, digital media, music, and more.
West Orange NJ Statistics & Information
- County: Essex County
- Area: 12.13 square miles
- West Orange NJ zip code: 07052
- Area code: 973
- Elevation: 512 feet
- Time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport: Newark Liberty International Airport, 15 miles
There's so much to love about living in West Orange New Jersey. Before relocating permanently, you'll need the best West Orange movers to get you there. At Harrington Moving & Storage, we're here to help you and your children get into your new home quickly. Contact us at 973-313-2246 or fill out a form to get a free quote.
Request Your Free Quote
"*" indicates required fields