Verona NJ Real Estate & Information

The township of Verona, New Jersey is neatly tucked in between two of the Watchung Mountains with the Peckman River flowing near the bottom of its valley. This Essex County township has a population of slightly more than 13,000 according to the 2010 Census, making it a seemingly small place, but it is certainly far from sleepy. Verona is only a few miles away from America’s biggest metropolitan area, New York City, and has some outstanding recreational activities and businesses of its own. Verona real estate is made that much more desirable when considering it has received several awards and accolades for its livable qualities, including being named the #1 Best Place to Live in Essex County by New Jersey Monthly Magazine in 2008.

Shopping and Dining
Shopaholics will love the fact that New York’s world-class shops and boutiques are only a short drive from Verona, but there are other venues even closer to home that have everything one could want. Located just off Interstate 80 is The Willowbrook Mall in the town of Wayne. Willowbrook has over 200 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, J. Crew and Sephora.

While the Big Apple’s dining scene speaks for itself, Verona has its own lineup of restaurants that offer delectable dishes for reasonable prices. One of these is the Avenue Bistro Pub, which is informal but delivers great food. The signature dish at the Bistro is Scallops Tennessee, which are scallops served in a signature creamy Jack Daniel’s sauce. You are sure to get a unique meal and experience when dining out in Verona.

Parks and Recreation
Verona happens to also be known for its large parks that include plenty of fun activities and relaxing leisure. A standout of the Essex County Parks System, Verona Park covers 54 acres and features twin lakes, one of which is adjoined by a modernized boat house. This is a hot spot for fishing and boating, not to mention simply admiring the scenic lakes themselves while jogging the 1.2 mile course around them. The park also boasts tennis courts, playground bocce courts, a children’s garden and hosts an annual craft show. Other parks in Verona include Kip’s Castle Park, which has a replica turn-of-century castle mansion and the Hilltop Reservation, which is home to amazing hiking and biking trails.

Living
Verona real estate blends small town charm with big city sophistication with New York nearby. Many residents travel into the city for work, but enjoy the privacy and safety of Verona’s suburban neighborhoods in their home lives. Verona real estate is a mix of historic and modern homes, most of which are single-family units, as the township is mostly comprised of residential areas. The township also features one of the largest fully volunteer fire departments in Essex County. It is truly a community where neighbors help one another. Family-friendly areas including parks and quiet tree-lined streets complete the ideal picture for your next home.

Schools, Health, Transportation
Verona Public Schools have achieved some of the highest praise and top awards from local publications and across New Jersey. Three schools in the district have been named “Star Schools” by the New Jersey Department of Education and Verona High School has consistently appeared on New Jersey Monthly’s list of “Top Public High Schools” in the state. The graduation rate for the 2009-2010 school year at Verona High was over 99%, while the dropout rate was 0%. With a 14:1 student-teacher ratio, it’s easy to see why Verona schools have been so successful.

Verona has its own hospital within the township, Mountainside Hospital. Since opening in 1891, Mountainside has continued to grow along with the community. Over the last three years the hospital staff has increased by 40% and last year alone, was able to treat over 150,000 patients. With 600 doctors on staff, you are sure to receive exemplary care at Mountainside.

Transportation to other suburbs and towns is made easy by access to highways, such as the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 80 and the Garden State Parkway. These roadways directly connect Verona to larger cities, such as New York and Newark. Route 23 is also within the town. If residents want to get farther away, the Newark International Airport is only 14 miles from Verona.