About East Orange

The Crossroads of New Jersey

East Orange, New Jersey, nicknamed “The Crossroads of New Jersey,” is conveniently located at the intersection of the Garden State Parkway and Interstate 280, just several miles from Newark Liberty International Airport and less than 30 minutes from New York City.

With approximately 65,000 residents, the four square miles of East Orange are adjacent to the municipalities of Orange, West Orange, South Orange, Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield and Newark.

Origins

Originally founded as a township in 1863, East Orange became incorporated as a city on January 1, 1909. By the close of the 19th century, East Orange was an agriculturally rich area populated by oil tycoons and Newark industrialists. After World War II, it became a growing destination for the migration of black middle class from the South, as well as southern parts of the state.

Population Boom

Known for its spacious homes and wide tree-lined streets, East Orange experienced a huge population surge between 1940-1950, paving the way for the addition of luxury high-rise buildings and a boom of commercial businesses along Main Street and Central Avenue. Once called the “Fifth Avenue of New Jersey,” Central Avenue attracted shoppers from around the state. In 1945, East Orange was ranked the 20th best place to live in the country among cities of a similar size and named the “Cleanest City in America” three times before 1970.

Transit Village

Transportation continues to be one of East Orange’s greatest assets. At the peak of its industrial growth, East Orange had three train lines, three trolley lines and six stations within the 3.9 square miles of the city. Today, the city is one of 28 cities to be designated as a Transit Village and its Brick Church and East Orange Train Stations offer daily direct service to midtown Manhattan.

Best of Urban & Suburban Living

Currently home to a diverse cultural mecca of people representing countries from around the globe, East Orange combines the best of urban and suburban living. Spacious and affordable housing, a low crime rate, main commercial corridors, distinctive Caribbean and Southern cuisine, transit access and historic green spaces make East Orange a quintessential city for urban renewal.