Essex County – Live in One Of New Jersey's Most Welcoming Communities
Located in northeastern New Jersey, Essex County is home to a host of charming small towns and its crown jewel, Newark. With a population of 863,728, the county continues to attract potential homebuyers through its diverse neighborhoods, abundant parks, stunning attractions, and excellent educational and job opportunities. Typically, Essex County homes are known for the convenient access they offer to New York City.
If you are looking to relocate to a town closer to New York or Manhattan, neighborhoods in Essex County are worth considering.
Brief Overview of Essex County
Resting in the northeastern section of New Jersey, Essex County has been witnessing a huge population growth for several reasons. To begin with, the county is filled with flourishing and welcoming communities. In addition, every neighborhood in the region has a unique personality and style of its own–from quaint to bustling townships. Hence, homebuyers moving to Essex County will be spoiled for choices when it comes to housing options.
Montclair is a township on Bloomfield Avenue that is served by N.J. Transit buses and commuter rail lines, making it an ideal location for people who work in New York City. While Montclair’s proximity to New York City has increased the home value, most single-family homes in the region come at affordable prices, ranging from $300,000 to $600,000. Homebuyers with a smaller budget can even opt for condos that can be availed at a price range of between $100,000 and $350,000.
Verona is yet another township in Essex County that is nestled between the First and Second Watchung Mountains. With a population of less than 15,000, it is an ideal neighborhood for people who prefer a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Condos are minimal in the region, and the home value ranges between $500,000 and $700,000.
A few other towns to consider relocating to in Essex County include Short Hills, North Caldwell, Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange, and Glen Ridge. Nonetheless, remember that regardless of where you choose to live, you will be surrounded by green parks, a wide array of restaurants and unique shops, bakeries, art galleries, and more.
Homes for Sale
Education in Essex County
Essex County is home to 22 school districts comprising 250 schools that serve more than 150,000 students. So, you won’t have a hard time finding great education opportunities for your kids when you are in Essex County.
Notable school districts include Nutley School District (K-12), West Essex Regional School District (secondary), and South Orange-Maplewood School District (K-12). These three districts alone hold more than 40 high schools, 100 middle schools, and 200 elementary schools. Top-rated public schools in the county include West Essex High School, Henry B. Whitehorne Middle School, Riker Hill Elementary School, Livingston High School, and South Orange Middle School.
In addition, around 100 private schools operate in Essex County, including The Gramon School in Fairfield, The Pingry Lower School in Short Hills, and Horizon High School in Livingston. Higher education is offered by universities in the area, such as Essex County College, Bloomfield College, Caldwell University, Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Seton Hall University.
The Climate in Essex County
The unique atmosphere and excellent climate in Essex County are definitely a great draw for prospective homebuyers. Residents enjoy all four seasons, with an average of 205 sunny days per year.
The summer temperature averages 86 degrees, while winters can be as cold as 21 degrees. Outside the dry months, Essex County experience around 49 inches of annual rainfall. It also snows during the winters, with residents seeing 25 inches of snow per year.
Public Transportation in Essex County
Essex County is a commuter-friendly suburb. There are plenty of public transportation options that let residents get around within the county as well as to New York City.
N.J. Transit provides bus and rail services throughout Essex County and beyond. Residents can leverage one of the many bus routes and commuter rail lines passing through the county based on their needs. Typically, these services take residents to major transit hubs like Newark Penn Station, New York Penn Station, and even Newark Liberty International Airport.
Apart from these options, the New Jersey Department of Transportation has recently introduced the E.Z. Ride to help residents carpool, save money, and help nature.
Make Your Home in Essex County
If you are considering relocating to Essex County, you will be stunned by the region’s unique atmosphere, buoyant economy, diverse shopping and dining scene, a wide array of attractions, and plenty of things to do and see. Pair this with the overall safety of the county, easy commute options to New York City, and welcoming neighborhoods; it is easy to see why Essex County makes a brilliant place to call home.
