Why West Orange, NJ?
West Orange is 12.13 square miles of dramatic topography — from the valley floor where Thomas Edison built America's first movie studio to the 672-foot Eagle Rock overlook with panoramic Manhattan skyline views. Edison moved his laboratory and home to West Orange in 1886 and invented the motion picture camera, improved phonograph, and nickel-iron battery here. His Black Maria studio is recognized as the birthplace of Hollywood. More than half of Edison's 1,000-plus patents were developed in this township. Llewellyn Park (1853) is America's first planned residential community — 175 estates across 425 gated acres designed by Alexander Jackson Davis. The valley's 34 hat factories once made West Orange the hat-making capital of the country, now rebranded as the Valley Arts District. The Highlawn restaurant sits atop Eagle Rock Reservation offering fine dining with the entire NYC skyline as backdrop. Turtle Back Zoo draws families from across northern New Jersey. The Monkees hit Pleasant Valley Sunday (peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100) was inspired by the township's Pleasant Valley Way. At 37.7% White, 27.3% Black, 19% Hispanic, and 10.9% Asian, West Orange is one of the most racially diverse townships in Essex County. The price range — $300K condos to $2M estates — makes it accessible to nearly every budget.
West Orange Real Estate Market in 2026
West Orange homes sell in 22 days at a $535K median, appreciating at 6.4%. The widest price range in Essex County spans from $300K condos and townhomes in the valley to $2M estates in Llewellyn Park and St. Cloud. The township offers colonial, Tudor, Victorian, Jazz Age, and contemporary homes across dramatically varied terrain. Jitney shuttle service connects to Midtown Direct stations in South Orange and Orange. Essex Green Shopping Center (350,000 square feet, the largest in Essex County) anchors retail.
Best Neighborhoods in West Orange
7 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Llewellyn Park
$800,000 to $2,500,000+America's first planned residential community — 175 estates across 425 gated acres, founded in 1853 and designed by Alexander Jackson Davis. Private roads, security gate, and Thomas Edison's Glenmont estate (now a National Historic Park). Architecture spans Victorian, Tudor, and custom builds on heavily wooded lots. One of the most historically significant residential enclaves in the United States.
St. Cloud
$500,000 to $1,500,000Exclusively single-family detached homes on the Second Watchung Mountain. Ranges from $500K colonials to $1.5M custom estates. St. Cloud Elementary School serves the neighborhood. Wooded lots with elevation and privacy. One of the premium sections of West Orange without the gated exclusivity of Llewellyn Park.
Pleasant Valley / Pleasantdale
$550,000 to $900,000Post-World War II suburban development on the Watchung ridge. Home to a significant Orthodox Jewish community with synagogues, kosher restaurants, and day schools. The neighborhood that inspired the Monkees song Pleasant Valley Sunday. Mount Pleasant Elementary serves the area. Larger lots and quieter streets than the valley sections.
Eagle Rock
$475,000 to $750,000Northern section near Eagle Rock Reservation with Manhattan skyline views from the 672-foot overlook. The Highlawn restaurant sits at the summit. Home to the 9/11 Memorial at Eagle Rock. Diverse housing stock including colonials, split-levels, and newer construction. Eagle Rock Avenue is the commercial corridor with Kim's Sushi (Yelp top 50 North Jersey), Chit Chat Diner, and diverse dining.
Gregory / Redwood
$475,000 to $700,000Established residential section near South Mountain Reservation. Gregory Elementary and Redwood Elementary serve the area. Tree-lined streets with colonials and split-levels from the 1940s through 1960s. Walking distance to Turtle Back Zoo and the reservation's hiking trails. Family-oriented with strong school community.
South Mountain
$450,000 to $650,000Southern section bordering the 2,112-acre South Mountain Reservation. Direct access to hiking trails, Hemlock Falls, and Turtle Back Zoo. Washington Elementary serves the area. More affordable than the ridge sections while offering the same nature access.
The Valley / Downtown
$300,000 to $500,000The valley floor — the oldest and most densely populated section. Home to Thomas Edison National Historical Park (laboratory and Glenmont estate), the Valley Arts District (formerly 34 hat factories that made West Orange the hat capital of America), and Main Street's commercial corridor. Condos, townhomes, and multi-family properties offer the most affordable entry into West Orange. Luna Stage and the West Orange Arts Center anchor the creative community.
Commuting from West Orange to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in West Orange
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in West Orange?
West Orange Schools and Ratings
West Orange Public Schools serves 6,718 students across 12 schools. Seven elementary schools (K through 5): Gregory (454 students), Hazel Avenue (320), Kelly Elementary (455, renamed in 2016 to honor astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly), Mount Pleasant (353), Redwood (509), St. Cloud (356), and Washington (417). Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center serves Pre-K. Three middle schools: Thomas A. Edison Middle (516, grade 6), Liberty Middle (536, grades 7 through 8), and Roosevelt Middle (487, grades 7 through 8). West Orange High School (the Mountaineers, 2,098 students, grades 9 through 12). Private options include Seton Hall Preparatory School (Catholic all-boys, moved to West Orange in 1985) and Golda Och Academy (Jewish day school, Pre-K through 12).
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Mount Pleasant Elementary School
Liberty Middle School
West Orange High School
West Orange vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Orange | $535,000 | 2.89% | $12,345 | 42 min |
| Livingston | $750,000 | 2.23% | $16,789 | 45 min |
| South Orange | $775,000 | 2.78% | $17,234 | 35 min |
| Verona | $560,000 | 2.56% | $13,890 | 42 min |
Where to Eat in West Orange
Eagle Rock Avenue
The Highlawn (fine dining atop Eagle Rock Reservation with panoramic Manhattan skyline views, NJ Monthly Best Date Night, sushi bar and patio, seasonal al fresco with urban panorama), Kim's Sushi (456 Eagle Rock Ave, Yelp top 50 North Jersey, considered among the best sushi in NJ), Chit Chat Diner (410 Eagle Rock Ave, classic American), 460 Bistro, Primavera (Italian), Kinya Ramen Sushi Bar, Luigino's Parmigiana, Fandango Mexican Grill. Eagle Rock Avenue is the township's primary dining corridor.
Main Street and Valley Arts District
The valley's commercial corridor with delis, casual restaurants, and the emerging Valley Arts District. Luna Stage provides dinner-and-theater options. Essex Green Shopping Center (350,000 sq ft) adds AMC Fork and Screen (dine-in cinema), ShopRite, and chain dining.
Parks and Recreation in West Orange
Eagle Rock Reservation
672-foot overlook with panoramic Manhattan skyline views — one of the most photographed viewpoints in the NYC metro area. Home to the 9/11 Memorial at Eagle Rock and the Lenni Lenape Trail. The Highlawn restaurant sits at the summit. Site of the first uphill automobile test in America — the Eagle Rock Hill Climb of 1901.
South Mountain Reservation
2,112-acre Essex County nature reserve spanning West Orange, Maplewood, and Millburn. Hiking trails, Hemlock Falls waterfall, fishing and kayaking on the Rahway River, and nature areas. Crystal Lake in West Orange is where the West Branch Rahway River originates.
Turtle Back Zoo
Essex County Zoo with over 200 species, the Turtle Back Rock Picnic Area, and year-round family programming. One of the top family attractions in northern New Jersey. Located within South Mountain Reservation.
Richard J. Codey Arena
Ice arena that served as the New Jersey Devils practice facility from 1986 to 2007. Home to the New Jersey Daredevils special needs hockey team (formed 2002) and the annual Frankenfest — a Halloween-themed tournament for Special Hockey International teams held every October since 2009.
New Development and Growth in West Orange
Valley Arts District
The valley's 34 former hat factories that made West Orange the hat-making capital of America are being reimagined as the Valley Arts District. Luna Stage, West Orange Arts Center, and creative businesses are filling the industrial spaces. Edison Lofts converts factory space to luxury apartments.
Essex Green Evolution
The 350,000 square foot Essex Green Shopping Center (the largest in Essex County) continues to evolve with AMC Fork and Screen dine-in cinema, ShopRite, and mixed retail. Purchased in 2016 by Clarion Partners.
Main Street Mixed-Use
Transit-oriented mixed-use development along Main Street adding residential density near the valley's commercial corridor and Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
History of West Orange, NJ
Incorporated as a township on April 10, 1863 from Fairmount Township. Anthony Olive, a settler of Dutch origin, became the first European resident in 1678.
Thomas Edison moved his laboratory and home to West Orange in 1886. More than half of his 1,000-plus patents were developed here, including the motion picture camera, improved phonograph, sound recordings, and the nickel-iron alkaline battery. His laboratory expanded to a one-million square foot industrial complex employing 850 workers. When a fire tore through the lab in 1914, Edison reportedly watched calmly from a neighboring building.
Edison's Black Maria, built in West Orange, was America's first movie studio — the birthplace of Hollywood. The studio produced the earliest commercial motion pictures before the industry migrated to California.
Llewellyn Park was founded in 1853 by Alexander Jackson Davis as America's first planned residential community — 425 gated acres with 175 estates, private roads, and preserved natural landscape. It remains one of the most historically significant residential enclaves in the country.
The first uphill automobile test in America was held at Eagle Rock in 1901 — the Eagle Rock Hill Climb. The 672-foot overlook has been a scenic destination since the Revolutionary War era.
West Orange was the hat-making capital of the United States with 34 hat factories operating in the valley. The industrial heritage is being preserved through the Valley Arts District redevelopment.
The Monkees hit Pleasant Valley Sunday (peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100) was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and inspired by the township's Pleasant Valley Way. HBO's The Sopranos used West Orange locations including the Green Grove retirement home setting.
Safety in West Orange
West Orange safety varies by neighborhood. The mountain and ridge sections (Llewellyn Park, St. Cloud, Pleasantdale, Eagle Rock) are among the safest areas in Essex County. The valley sections have typical urban characteristics. The township's size and diversity create a wide range of neighborhood environments.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About West Orange, NJ
What is the median home price in West Orange, NJ?
The median home price is $535,000 as of 2026, with 6.4% year-over-year appreciation. Average $305/sqft, selling in 22 days.
How long is the commute from West Orange to NYC?
42 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Jitney to South Orange/Orange Midtown Direct stations. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in West Orange, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.89%. Average homeowner pays $12,345/year. At the median price of $535,000, expect about $15,462/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in West Orange?
Llewellyn Park ($800,000 to $2,500,000+). St. Cloud ($500,000 to $1,500,000). Pleasant Valley / Pleasantdale ($550,000 to $900,000). Eagle Rock ($475,000 to $750,000). Gregory / Redwood ($475,000 to $700,000). See the full guide above for all 7 neighborhoods.
Is West Orange safe?
West Orange safety varies by neighborhood. The mountain and ridge sections (Llewellyn Park, St. Cloud, Pleasantdale, Eagle Rock) are among the safest areas in Essex County. The valley sections have typical urban characteristics. The township's size and diversity create a wide range of neighborhood environments.
How walkable is West Orange, NJ?
Walk Score of 35, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $98,000, median age 40.6. 32% renter-occupied.
Homes for Sale in West Orange, NJ
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