South Orange, NJ

South Orange is a borough in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 25,827,[7][8] reflecting an increase of 1,564 (+10.4%) from the 24,971 counted in the 2000 Census.[9]

The borough was formed on March 11, 1898 by an act of the New Jersey Legislature from portions of Bloomfield Township and Montclair Township.[10] The name South Orange was chosen to reflect its location south of Newark and north of Morristown.[11][12] The area that became South Orange had been part of Newark since 1665 when Dutch settlers established a farm known as Pavonia. In 1853 landowner Abraham Kip purchased what became known as Kip's Hill from Newark for $20,000 and began developing it into a residential suburb. The first house in South Orange was built in 1854 by Nicholas Longworth III,[13] who also laid out much of what is now downtown South Orange.

In 1894 real estate developer George H. Waring purchased 2200 acres (910 ha) in southern Essex County and announced plans to build a new city there called "Waringstown." Although Waringstown never materialized, parts of it are now within South Orange.[14][15][16] A post office called Waringstown operated from 1895 to 1902.[17]

South Orange is located at 40°41′N 73°19′W (40.6900°N 73.3100°W). According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 3.6 square miles (9.2 km2), all land.[1][18]

As of the census[2]of 2010, there were 25,827 people residing in the borough; 72% were White non-Hispanic residents,[19] 15% were Hispanic or Latino residents,[20] 8% were black or African American residents[21], 1% were Asian residents[22], 0% Native American residents,[23], and 2% were some other race residents