Essex County · New Jersey
West Orange
West Orange stretches from the historic Main Street and Valley areas across the Watchung ridge to large residential neighborhoods and some of Essex County's best-known cultural and recreational destinations.
Thomas Edison's laboratory and Glenmont estate, Turtle Back Zoo, Eagle Rock Reservation, the South Mountain Recreation Complex and Llewellyn Park give the township a combination of history, nature, family attractions and suburban community life that is unusual in northern New Jersey.
West Orange at a Glance
48,843population recorded in the 2020 U.S. Census
49,557U.S. Census Bureau population estimate for July 1, 2025
12.1 sq. mi.developed Essex County community spanning valleys and Watchung Mountain terrain
3 Rail Connectionsfree Township jitney service connects commuters with Orange, South Orange and Brick Church stations
Signature West Orange Experiences
Thomas Edison National Historical ParkExplore the Main Street laboratory complex where Edison and his teams developed inventions and industrial research systems, along with the Glenmont estate inside Llewellyn Park.
Essex County Turtle Back ZooThe county zoo at 560 Northfield Avenue anchors a major family recreation complex with wildlife exhibits, education programs and year-round activities.
Eagle Rock ReservationA 400-plus-acre Essex County reservation on the Watchung ridge with hiking, the Essex County September 11 Memorial and broad New York City skyline views.
South Mountain Recreation ComplexTurtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena, MiniGolf Safari, the Waterfront, paddle boating, Regatta Playground, TreeTop Adventure and a reservoir walking path are concentrated along Northfield Avenue and Cherry Lane.
Explore West Orange Neighborhoods & Districts
Historic & Civic CoreMain StreetTown Hall, the Edison laboratory complex, longstanding businesses and important historic resources line the eastern part of the township.
Arts & IndustryValley & Tory CornerThe Valley reflects West Orange's manufacturing and hat-making history and today includes arts activity, local businesses and redevelopment along the Orange border.
ResidentialGregoryAn established eastern neighborhood with early twentieth-century development and convenient connections toward South Orange and nearby rail service.
Historic ResidentialLlewellyn ParkThe private 1850s planned residential community is nationally significant for landscape design and contains Glenmont, the Thomas Edison family estate.
Central TownshipSt. Cloud & Hutton ParkResidential neighborhoods near schools, parks and the central township road network, with access toward Eagle Rock and Pleasant Valley Way.
Western TownshipPleasantdale & RedwoodWestern residential areas close to Pleasant Valley Way, recreation, shopping and routes toward Livingston and Roseland.
History & Innovation
West Orange developed from lands that were once part of Newark and later Orange Township. West Orange was created in 1863 after the brief formation of Fairmount Township and eventually returned to township classification in 1980.
Llewellyn ParkBegun in the 1850s by Llewellyn Haskell with design contributions from Alexander Jackson Davis and landscape professionals, the community is recognized for its important role in American suburban planning.
Thomas Edison in West OrangeEdison moved his research operations to a large laboratory complex on Main Street in the 1880s and lived at Glenmont in Llewellyn Park with his family.
The Invention FactoryThe West Orange laboratory became an influential model for organized industrial research and development. The National Park Service preserves the laboratory buildings, collections and related historic landscape.
Hat-Making & the ValleyWest Orange's Valley once contained a major concentration of hat factories and other industry, leaving a distinctive manufacturing landscape along the eastern edge of town.
West Orange and motion pictures: The Edison site includes a replica of the Black Maria, Edison's pioneering motion-picture studio, connecting West Orange directly with the earliest development of motion-picture production.
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
The National Park Service preserves two major Edison sites in West Orange: the laboratory complex at 211 Main Street and Glenmont, the Edison family home inside Llewellyn Park. Visitors begin at the laboratory complex before accessing Glenmont when tours and grounds passes are available.
Laboratory ComplexHistoric laboratories, machine shops, offices, manufacturing spaces and collections show how Edison organized large-scale invention and experimentation.
GlenmontThe Edison family estate includes the mansion, grounds, greenhouse and other historic features within the private Llewellyn Park community.
Black MariaA replica of the pioneering motion-picture studio helps interpret Edison's work in early film technology and production.
Plan Before VisitingThe park follows seasonal schedules and can have limited operating days. Check the National Park Service for current hours, tickets, tours and Glenmont access.
Parks, Nature & Family Recreation
Essex County Turtle Back ZooThe county zoo is one of West Orange's major attractions and offers wildlife exhibits, education programs, family activities and special events at 560 Northfield Avenue.
South Mountain Recreation ComplexThe larger complex includes Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena, MiniGolf Safari, TreeTop Adventure, Regatta Playground, paddle boating, the Waterfront and a 1.7-mile reservoir walking path.
Essex County Codey ArenaA two-sheet ice facility hosting public skating, lessons, figure skating, hockey and large off-ice events.
Eagle Rock ReservationMore than 400 acres of woodland, overlooks and trails on the Watchung ridge, including the Essex County September 11 Memorial and access to the Lenape Trail.
South Mountain ReservationA large county natural area along West Orange's southern edge with trails, picnic areas, scenic terrain and connections to the recreation complex.
Rock Spring Golf ClubThe municipally owned golf course offers public golf and expansive views from the western side of the township.
Arts, Culture & Community Life
West Orange Arts CouncilThe Township-supported Arts Council cultivates local arts through programming, education and outreach from the West Orange Arts Center at 551 Valley Road.
Luna StageThe professional theater company in the Valley Arts area contributes contemporary theater, education and cultural programming to West Orange.
Downtown & Community EventsStreet fairs, concerts, recreation programs, cultural celebrations and township events bring activity to Main Street and neighborhood parks throughout the year.
Historical ResourcesThe Township, local historians, the National Park Service and community organizations preserve material connected with Edison, Llewellyn Park, industry and neighborhood development.
Education
West Orange Public Schools serves the township from early childhood through grade 12. The current district directory lists two early-learning centers, seven elementary schools, three middle schools and West Orange High School.
Early LearningBetty Maddalena Early Learning Center and the West Orange Early Childhood Learning Center serve preschool-age students.
Elementary SchoolsGregory, Hazel Avenue, Kelly, Mount Pleasant, Redwood, St. Cloud and Washington elementary schools serve neighborhoods across the township.
Middle SchoolsEdison, Liberty and Roosevelt middle schools serve the district's middle-grade students.
West Orange High SchoolThe township's comprehensive public high school is located at 51 Conforti Avenue.
School information changes: Families should confirm current registration, grade configuration, school assignment, transportation, calendars and programs directly with West Orange Public Schools.
West Orange Public Library
The West Orange Public Library supports lifelong learning, literacy, technology access, research, community interaction and cultural programming. Library cards are available without charge to qualifying West Orange residents, property owners and students, with courtesy access available to people who work in the township under current library rules.
Books & Digital CollectionsPrint, e-books, audiobooks, databases and other digital resources support reading, research and lifelong learning.
Children, Teens & AdultsPrograms range from early literacy and summer reading to technology help, language learning, clubs and adult education.
Local InformationThe library maintains material connected with West Orange and provides links to Township and Board of Education calendars.
Transportation & Commuting
West Orange does not have its own passenger rail station, but the Township operates a free weekday commuter jitney system connecting neighborhoods with nearby NJ TRANSIT rail stations.
| Option | West Orange Information |
|---|---|
| Township Jitney | Free weekday shuttle service currently connects West Orange riders with Orange, South Orange and Brick Church stations. Routes serve multiple neighborhoods and operate during morning and evening commuter periods. |
| Real-Time Tracking | The Township uses Passio GO for current jitney tracking, route communication and service alerts. |
| NJ TRANSIT Bus | Bus routes provide regional connections toward Newark and other North Jersey destinations. Riders should verify current route numbers, stops and schedules directly with NJ TRANSIT. |
| Regional Highways | Interstate 280 crosses West Orange, with convenient access toward the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and surrounding Essex County communities. |
Current jitney schedules: West Orange updated several routes during summer 2026. Use the Township's Local Jitney/Shuttle page or Passio GO for the current timetable rather than relying on an older printed schedule.
Government & Municipal Services
West Orange operates under the Faulkner Act Mayor-Council form of government. The Township provides administration, planning, construction, public works, recreation, public safety, health, tax, transportation, senior and other municipal services.
West Orange Town Hall66 Main Street
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-325-4100
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-325-4100
Mayor & Township CouncilThe elected Mayor leads the executive branch while the Township Council serves as the legislative body under the Mayor-Council structure.
Public SafetyCall 911 for emergencies. West Orange Police non-emergency services and other municipal department contacts are available through the Township directory.
Online Municipal ServicesTownship agendas, current legal notices, permits, codes, jobs, transportation, recreation, tax information and department contacts are available online.
Shopping, Dining & Local Business Areas
Main Street & DowntownLocal shops, services, restaurants and civic institutions line the historic eastern corridor near Town Hall and the Edison site.
Valley Arts & Tory CornerRestaurants, arts activity, neighborhood businesses and redevelopment connect West Orange with the adjoining Orange Valley corridor.
Prospect AvenueShopping centers, restaurants, personal services, fitness and professional businesses form an important central commercial corridor.
Pleasant Valley Way & Northfield AvenueWestern and central commercial areas serve residential neighborhoods and major recreation destinations.
Looking for individual businesses? Use NJTGO's dedicated West Orange Business & Shopping and Food & Drink pages. Basic business listings do not include direct external business website links; website links and enhanced visibility are paid features.
Official & Community Resources
Township of West OrangeGovernment, departments, news, legal notices, forms, events and resident services.
West Orange HistoryTownship history, neighborhoods, industry, Llewellyn Park and local historical context.
Thomas Edison National Historical ParkCurrent hours, tours, fees, Glenmont access and visitor information.
Essex County Turtle Back ZooZoo admission, hours, exhibits, events and education programs.
South Mountain Recreation ComplexTurtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena, MiniGolf Safari, Waterfront, TreeTop Adventure and recreation information.
Eagle Rock ReservationHiking, scenic overlooks, September 11 Memorial and county park information.
West Orange JitneyCurrent routes, schedules, commuter rail connections and Passio GO information.
West Orange Public SchoolsSchools, district contacts and current education information.
West Orange Public LibraryCatalog, services, events, digital resources and community programs.
West Orange RecreationTownship parks, programs, sports, special events and recreation registration.
West Orange GolfTownship information for municipally owned Rock Spring Golf Club and golf programs.
West Orange Arts CouncilArts Council meetings, mission and West Orange Arts Center information.
Nearby Communities
Montclair North and northeast of West Orange with restaurants, arts, shopping, rail service and a large downtown community.
Verona North of West Orange near Eagle Rock Reservation, with a compact downtown, parks and suburban neighborhoods.
Livingston West of West Orange with major shopping, healthcare, offices and residential neighborhoods.
Maplewood South of the South Mountain Reservation with a walkable Village, rail station, parks and restaurants.
Millburn & Short Hills Southwest of West Orange with Paper Mill Playhouse, rail service, major shopping and extensive park access.
South Orange Southeast of West Orange with two rail stations, Seton Hall University, SOPAC and a walkable downtown.
Orange East of West Orange with NJ TRANSIT rail connections, the Valley corridor and close ties to Main Street and Tory Corner.
Roseland Northwest of West Orange with suburban neighborhoods, offices and access toward western Essex County.
Explore More of West Orange on NJTGO
Business & ShoppingLocal shops, services, professional offices, shopping centers and business districts.
Food & DrinkRestaurants, cafés, bakeries, markets and dining throughout West Orange.
Real EstateNeighborhoods, buying, selling, rentals, taxes, zoning and property resources.
Visiting & LodgingEdison, Turtle Back Zoo, Eagle Rock, South Mountain, itineraries and accommodations.
ClassifiedsCommunity notices, local postings, items for sale and neighborhood opportunities.
Jobs & EmploymentLocal employers, official career resources and regional job-search guidance.
Promote Your West Orange Business or Organization
Reach residents and visitors through NJTGO's West Orange page set. Basic directory listings may 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.
View Advertising Information Contact NJTGO