Your Local Town Guide to Nutley, NJ
Are you considering moving to Nutley, NJ? Nestled between Montclair and Clifton, Nutley is a charming small town located 10 miles from Manhattan. Nutley Township is in Essex County and is considered one of the best places to live in New Jersey.
The history of Nutley, NJ
Local Town Guide to Nutley, NJ
The town of Nutley was originally incorporated as Franklin Township. However, Nutley replaced the township of Franklin on March 5, 1902. Nutley was one of seven municipalities in Essex County to pass a referendum and became a township in 1981. The estate of the Satterthwaite Family is where Nutley received its’ name. The Satterthwaite estate was established in 1844 and ran along the Passaic River and an artist colony in the area.
The first brownstone quarry is located in Nutley and was the town’s first major industry. It is believed to be in operation since the 18th century. This quarry provided jobs for many Irish and Italian immigrants. The second major industry founded in Nutley was Mills. They were situated along what is now known as Memorial Park. Since the 1800s John and Thomas Speer, Joseph Kingsland, and Henry Duncan all operated mills. Some of the streets today are named after these men. Henry Duncan constructed several mills and small businesses around Nutley. This later went on to become Nutley’s town center. One of the buildings now serves as Town Hall.
LOCAL DINING AND SHOPPING
Nutley has so many places to shop and dine right in town. From Downtown shops to places to eat, you will never have to leave town! Nutley’s downtown shops and town center give a small-town feel. With unique boutique shops. These shops have been in business for years and are a big part of the charm of the town.
Nutley, NJ. Downtown Nutley looking northeast on Franklin Avenue past the high school with pear trees in bloom
TRANSPORTATION
If you work in New York City Nutley is a great commuter town! NJ Transit provides a bus service from Nutley to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan via the 74 then 190 route.
The Parks and Recreation Department provides a shuttle bus “the Jitney” to help ease commuting and reduce traffic. It costs $2 a trip and takes you to Delawanna Train Station. The Delawanna Train Station is part of NJ Transit.
If you’d rather drive you can jump on the Garden State Parkway. Additional highways close to Nutley include the New Jersey Turnpike, Route 3, Route 21, Route 46 and Route 80.
EDUCATION
Nutley has a highly rated school system and is one reason families move there. Nutley’s Public School district is comprised of seven schools providing pre-K through Twelfth Grade. There are five elementary schools. Four of the elementary schools serve K-sixth, while one elementary school serves pre-k-sixth. One middle school serving seventh and eighth grade. Finally, the high school for ninth through twelfth grade.
The middle school was originally named Franklin Middle School was renamed in 2009 to honor longtime educator and principal John H. Walker.
Asides from public school, The Community School in Nutley is a co-ed Christian daycare/preschool. They are a part of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The NAEYC promotes high-quality learning by connecting practice, policy, and research.
Good Shepherd Academy is a private Catholic school. Good Shepard Academy has Pre-K through eighth grade.
Abundant Life Academy is a private non-denominational Christian School founded in 1986. Abundant Life Academy is a co-ed school and starts from pre-K through 12th.
The Phoenix Center is a private non-profit Special Education School. They offer grades K-12. They provide state-approved educational and therapeutic services to children with autism, multiple disabilities, and behavioral disabilities.
Nutley has a wide variety of educational choices.
ARTS & CULTURE
Nutley Little Theatre has been in operation for 85 years. In 1934, Nutley Little Theatre has been providing the town and surrounding with high-quality performances. The non-profit organization has organized five mainstage shows per year thanks to their volunteers. It also houses Readers’ Theatre performances, special events, and creative workshops. They also host benefits for local charities.
Kingsland Park, Nutley NJ
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
If you love the great outdoors take a trip to Nutley and visit one of their nine parks. All parks are equipped with walking paths, update playgrounds, bridges, bleachers, and drinking fountains.
To touch on a few, Yanticaw Park was completed in 1914 and encompasses 28.75 acres and is traversed by the Third River. In 1911 Essex County purchased the land that Yanticaw Park is on. The wetland area in the park were drained and a lake was created.
Yanticaw Park is divided in two sections by Park Drive, the sports complex/activity section with a playground and the other side is the park section. The park is also a joggers paradise! It is completely paved with no major incline or decline. In addition, it is well light so you can feel safe walking through at any hour of the day.
Kingsland Park is nestled in a quiet neighborhood. There are multiple points of entry and offers outdoor recreation and preservation of nature. Kingsland Park has a beautiful manmade. waterfalls which are used as the backdrop for many photos. Residents like to also fish the dam hydraulics and search for crayfish. Besides the beautiful waterfall, Kingsland Park also has a handicap accessible playground, baseball/softball field, volleyball court, wonderful walking/biking trails, and a picnic area!
The nine parks in Nutley are considered to be the “crown jewels” of Essex County.
In addition, to the parks Nutley also has 12 baseball fields, four soccer fields, and two tennis courts. You can use them as a resident or apart of a league. They also provide tennis lessons for ages 5 through adults.
Parks and fields are service and maintained by the Nutley Park and Recreation Department. They make sure all the facilities are updated, safe, and clean.