East Orange, New Jersey
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| East Orange, New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| Name | East Orange |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "EO" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Jersey |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Essssex |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Ted R. Green |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1680s |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (township) |
| Established date1 | November 27, 1860 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date2 | December 9, 1899 |
| Area total km2 | 10.17 |
| Area total sq mi | 3.93 |
| Area land km2 | 10.17 |
| Area land sq mi | 3.93 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 69612 |
| Population density km2 | 6844.8 |
| Population density sq mi | 17713.5 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −05:00 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −04:00 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 07017-07019 |
| Area code | 862/973 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 34-19390 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0885195 |
| Website | https://www.eastorange-nj.gov/ |
East Orange, New Jersey. A city in Essex County, New Jersey, it is a vibrant, densely populated urban community located directly west of Newark, New Jersey and part of the New York metropolitan area. Historically a streetcar suburb for New York City and Newark commuters, it transformed through the 20th century into a major center of African-American culture and achievement. The city is known for its architectural heritage, including numerous Victorian homes, and as the birthplace of notable figures in music, film, and sports.
History
The area was originally part of the New Netherland colony and later the Newark Township purchase from the Lenape. Settlement increased in the 1680s around the Second River. It was known as the "Orange" district, a name likely inspired by William of Orange, and was part of the larger Orange Township created in 1806. The arrival of the Morris and Essex Railroad in 1836 spurred growth as a residential suburb. Following civic disputes, it incorporated as a separate township in 1860 and later as a city in 1899. The 20th century saw significant demographic shifts, particularly during the Great Migration, as it became a destination for African Americans leaving the Southern United States. Mid-century, it was home to a thriving middle class community, exemplified by the landmark Gramercy Park neighborhood. The city faced challenges during the era of white flight and urban decay but has pursued ongoing revitalization efforts.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.93 square miles, all of it land. It is bordered by Newark to the east and south, South Orange to the southwest, Orange to the west, and Glen Ridge and Bloomfield to the north. The terrain is part of the Piedmont region, featuring a noticeable ridge along its northern sections. The city's layout is a largely grid-like street plan, with major thoroughfares including Interstate 280, Central Avenue, and Springfield Avenue. Key green spaces include Columbus Park and Elmwood Park.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 69,612, making it the state's 14th-largest municipality. The population density is among the highest in the nation. Demographically, the city is predominantly African American, with significant communities of Hispanic or Latino and West Indian ancestry. Historical census data shows a dramatic demographic transition from a majority-white population in the mid-20th century to its current composition, a change emblematic of broader patterns in North Jersey. The city has a high proportion of renters versus homeowners and a median household income below the state average.
Economy
The economy is primarily service-oriented, with healthcare, social assistance, and education being leading sectors. Major employers include the East Orange General Hospital and the VA New Jersey Health Care System at the East Orange VA Medical Center. The city is also a retail and commercial hub for the immediate area, with business districts along Central Avenue and Main Street. It has a significant stock of multi-family residential buildings, contributing to its economic base. Proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport and major highways like the Garden State Parkway provides logistical advantages.
Government and infrastructure
East Orange operates under the Mayor-Council system of municipal government. The current mayor is Ted R. Green. The city is part of New Jersey's 10th congressional district, represented by Donald Payne Jr., and lies within the 34th state legislative district. For law enforcement, the city is served by the East Orange Police Department. Critical infrastructure includes the East Orange Water Commission and the East Orange Fire Department. Public transportation is provided by NJ Transit, with bus routes throughout the city and service at the Brick Church station on the Morris & Essex Lines.
Education
The East Orange School District serves public school students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district includes several high schools, such as East Orange Campus High School, which is part of the Campus High Schools complex. The city is also home to private institutions like the St. Joseph of the Palisades High School. Higher education is represented by the presence of the University of Medicine and Dentistry's former campus, now part of Rutgers University. Libraries are operated by the East Orange Public Library system, with its main branch on South Arlington Avenue.
Notable people
The city has been the birthplace or home to many influential individuals. In music, it is the hometown of singers Whitney Houston and Queen Latifah, and the birthplace of Dionne Warwick. In sports, notable figures include Naomi Osaka, Shaquille O'Neal, and Rick Barry. Actors such as Michael B. Jordan, Zazie Beetz, and Ice-T have lived here. Other distinguished residents have included author and activist Amiri Baraka, astronaut Charles F. Bolden Jr., and politician Percy Sutton.
Category:Cities in New Jersey Category:Essex County, New Jersey Category:Populated places established in the 1860s