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Moving to South Orange, NJ

Thinking of making a move to South Orange, NJ? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Orange, NJ

Considering a move to South Orange, NJ? This welcoming community of 17,103 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $671,000 and average rents near $2,000. Commute times average 38 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore South Orange's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - South Orange, NJ

South Orange has a population of 17,103 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 62% White, 28% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
17,103
Density
6,200 per sq mi
Median Age
36.4
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
11.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
62.0%
Black
27.5%
Asian
4.8%
Others
5.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in South Orange, NJ?

The cost of living in South Orange is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 146.0. Median home values are around $671,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,000. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$671,000
Gross Rent
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges
$135
Auto Insurance
$1,780
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,200
State Taxes
Low: 1.4%| High: 10.75%
Cost Of Living Index
146.0
Grocery
126.0
Housing
185.0
Utilities
111.0
Transportation
132.0
Health Care
116.0
Miscellaneous
112.0

Crime

Is South Orange, NJ a safe place to live?

South Orange is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 98 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 79. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New Jersey.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
98
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,265
Crime Index
1,363
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 79

Weather

What is the weather like in South Orange, NJ year-round?

South Orange experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
26°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
50.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $163,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 74% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 38 minutes, and almost 29% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$61,000
Household Income
$163,000
Family Income
$184,500
Per Capita Income
$65,000
Income Male
$74,000
Income Female
$60,000
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Non English Speakers
11.5%
Rent
$2,000
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
29.2%
Commute Time
38.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
97.3%
Bachelors or More
73.8%

Education

How are the schools in South Orange, NJ?

South Orange offers quality education options, with public schools like South Orange Middle School and Marshall Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Seton Hall University and Kean University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
South Orange Middle School
Street
70 N Ridgewood Rd
Phone
973-378-2772
Students
780
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8
Name
Marshall Elementary School
Street
262 Grove Rd
Phone
973-378-7698
Students
500
Student Teacher Ratio
13.0

Private Schools

Name
Our Lady of Sorrows School
Street
172 Academy St
Phone
973-762-5169
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Seton Hall University
City
South Orange
State
NJ
Distance
0 miles
Students
9,800
Name
Kean University
City
Union
State
NJ
Distance
6 miles
Students
14,000

Healthcare

South Orange residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Saint Barnabas Medical Center and East Orange General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 94.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Address
94 Old Short Hills Rd, Livingston, NJ 07039
Phone
(973) 322-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
East Orange General Hospital
Address
300 Central Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018
Phone
(973) 672-8400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
94.6%
Health Care Index
77.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in South Orange, NJ?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $671,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 72%. The market has seen a 7.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.7%. South Orange offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$671,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate
71.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
7.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of South Orange handle vehicle services through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, conveniently located in Trenton. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New Jersey
Department
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone
1-609-292-6500

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to South Orange, NJ

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to South Orange, review the core fields on this page: population 17,103, median home value $671,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,000, commute time 38.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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