South Orange stands out as one of only four villages in New Jersey, distinguished by its 1,400 original gas street lamps that have illuminated the tree-lined streets since the 1890s. Located just 30 minutes from New York City via direct train service, this Essex County community offers a perfect balance of small-town charm and metropolitan access. The village's distinctive architecture ranges from Victorian mansions in the Montrose neighborhood to English cottages and Colonial homes throughout its 2.85 square miles.

Renters in South Orange enjoy access to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), which hosts concerts, films, and performances year-round. The village features a mix of rental options, from boutique apartment buildings to townhomes and single-family houses, with average rents around $2,500 for one-bedroom units. The downtown area near the train station offers walkable access to restaurants, shops, and services, while neighborhoods like Wyoming and Newstead provide more residential settings with larger homes and generous lots.

South Orange shares an excellent school system with neighboring Maplewood and is home to Seton Hall University, adding to the community's cultural resources. The village maintains several parks, including Meadowland Park with its community pool and the South Orange River Greenway. Transportation options include two NJ Transit train stations offering Midtown Direct service to Manhattan, plus multiple bus routes connecting to Newark and New York City. Major employers in the area include the university, local businesses, and companies in nearby Newark, while many residents commute to Manhattan for work.