Maplewood vs New Brunswick: Which Is More Family Friendly?

Background Information on Maplewood, NJ

Maplewood, NJ, is a suburban town in Essex County, New Jersey, with a population of around 25,000. The town covers an area of approximately 3.8 square miles, with easy access to highways and public transportation. Maplewood’s demographics are diverse, with most of the population being White, followed by African American and Asian. One of the premier moving companies Maplewood NJ offers helped diversify the town’s population, having moved numerous people to it.

The town’s history dates back to the 18th century when it was a small farming community. It became a resort town in the 19th century, attracting visitors with its natural springs and scenic beauty. The railroad’s arrival in the mid-1800s spurred the town’s growth, and by the early 20th century, it had become a famous commuter town for New York City.

Today, Maplewood is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and excellent schools. The town has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries and cultural events throughout the year. With a rich history and a strong community spirit, Maplewood proves an ideal location for families looking for a peaceful suburban lifestyle.

Background Information on New Brunswick, NJ

New Brunswick, NJ, is a vibrant city in Middlesex County, boasting a population of around 57,000. The city covers an area of approximately 5.8 square miles, with easy access to major highways and public transportation. Much like Maplewood, New Brunswick has a diverse population, with a significant Latino presence, followed by White, African American, and Asian.

Dutch settlers founded the town back in the 17th century. It was regarded as an important transportation hub in the 18th century, with the Raritan River providing a route for shipping goods to New York City. Furthermore, the arrival of Rutgers University in the mid-1800s and Johnson & Johnson’s headquarters in the 1880s made New Brunswick a center for education, healthcare, and industry.

Nowadays, New Brunswick is famous for its cultural diversity, lively entertainment scene, and excellent dining options. The city offers a unique blend of urban living and a small-town feel, with many parks and green spaces for residents to enjoy. Our movers New Brunswick NJ can help you settle in this exciting city, which has something for everyone.

Educational Opportunities in Maplewood vs. New Brunswick

If you are deciding between Maplewood vs. New Brunswick, know they offer abundant educational opportunities. Maplewood has highly rated public schools like Columbia High School and Tuscan Elementary School, as well as private schools like Montrose School and Seth Boyden Demonstration School. Students can engage in various extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and tutoring services.

New Brunswick, on the other hand, is home to Rutgers University, a top public university with various undergraduate and graduate programs. Private schools such as St. Peter’s University Hospital School of Nursing and New Brunswick Theological Seminary are available as well, and so are extracurricular activities and educational programs like the Rutgers Youth Sports Programs and the New Brunswick Tutoring Cooperative.

Safety and Crime Rates in Maplewood vs New Brunswick

Safety is a top concern for families considering a move, and both Maplewood and New Brunswick are relatively safe. Maplewood has a low crime rate, with violent and property crimes below the national average. The town has a strong community policing program, and officers are committed to building relationships with residents and business owners. Additionally, Maplewood has active neighborhood watch programs, which further enhance safety.

New Brunswick’s crime rate is slightly higher than Maplewood’s, with a higher rate of property crimes. However, the city has made significant strides in improving safety in recent years by implementing community policing and other crime prevention programs. New Brunswick also has a strong neighborhood watch program, encouraging residents to report suspicious activity. Despite the slightly higher crime rate, many residents of New Brunswick report feeling safe in their neighborhoods.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Activities in Maplewood and New Brunswick

Maplewood and New Brunswick offer plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor recreation and community activities. Maplewood has a variety of parks and playgrounds, including Memorial Park, which features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a skate park. The town also has several community centers, such as The Woodland, which hosts family-oriented events like concerts and movie screenings.

New Brunswick also has many parks and recreational facilities. One of the notable ones is Buccleuch Park, which has a playground and picnic areas. The city also has several community centers, such as the Paul Robeson Community Center, which offers after-school programs and other family-oriented events. And lastly, New Brunswick has a range of sports leagues and extracurricular activities for children, including the Rutgers Youth Sports Programs and the New Brunswick Little League.

Healthcare and Wellness in Maplewood and New Brunswick

Healthcare and wellness are crucial factors in selecting a new home. Luckily, Maplewood and New Brunswick offer a variety of healthcare facilities, meaning you’ll be well-cared of if you end up moving to New Jersey. Maplewood has the Overlook Medical Center, several pediatricians, family doctors, and specialists. Similarly, New Brunswick has top-tier hospitals, some of which include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Both towns also provide numerous wellness resources like gyms, yoga studios, and fitness classes. When it comes to fitness programs, Maplewood offers them through the South Mountain YMCA and the Maplewood Community Pool. On the other hand, New Brunswick has the Rutgers Fitness Center and YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge, and South Amboy.

Maplewood vs New Brunswick: The Verdict

Maplewood vs New Brunswick, which is more family-friendly? Well, that depends on several factors, including safety, schools, parks, and healthcare. Both towns offer excellent options in each category. Still, the final verdict is that Maplewood may be more suitable for families looking for a quiet suburban lifestyle. At the same time, New Brunswick may be more suitable for families looking for an urban environment with cultural diversity. Either way, families considering moving to one town or the other can rest assured that they will find a welcoming community, top-notch schools, and plenty of outdoor and indoor activities opportunities. Both towns have a strong sense of community and offer a range of resources for families, making them excellent places to call home.

 

References:

Maplewood Demographics – Get Current Census Data for Maplewood, NJ. (n.d.). https://www.newjersey-demographics.com/maplewood-demographics

United States Census Bureau QuickFacts. (n.d.-b). U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: New Brunswick city, New Jersey. Census Bureau QuickFacts. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/newbrunswickcitynewjersey

Schiller, A. (2023). Maplewood, NJ Crime Rates. NeighborhoodScout. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/nj/maplewood/crime

Schiller, A. (2023b). New Brunswick, NJ Crime Rates. NeighborhoodScout. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/nj/new-brunswick/crime#:~:text=The%20chance%20of%20becoming%20a,and%20towns%20of%20all%20sizes.