How to Make the Most of Your First Year in Roseland

If you’re thinking about living in Roseland or just closing on your new home, you might wonder how to get to know the community and your new neighbors. There are several ways to get involved with different organizations and groups in the Roseland area. You’ll also want to check out the best restaurants, shops, and attractions in town. This article will tell you everything you need to know about acclimating to Roseland and making the most of your first year in the city.

You’ll spend a lot of time in your new neighborhood, so you’ll want to get acquainted with all the area offers. Spend time walking around the streets closest to your home. Knock on your neighbors’ doors and introduce yourself. Ask them what they like about living in the area. Explore the parks, shops, and restaurants closest to your home. You’ll learn what you most enjoy about your new community as you try different things.

There are several ways to make connections when living in Roseland. You can sign up for a class at a local community center or college. Look for courses around topics you’re interested in or something you’ve always been curious about. Look for volunteer opportunities where you can give back to your community in a positive way while building relationships with others from the area. Maybe you can even find a networking group that will help you connect with others in a professional setting. 

Roseland citizens keep the town’s past alive through the Roseland Historical Society and the Landmarks & Historic District Commission. If you’re interested, the tale goes something like this: Initially settled as part of the Horseneck Tract and comprised of several municipalities, Centerville was renamed Roseland in 1874. 

The city has plenty of history for such a small area. The town first gained independence when citizens opened a new post office, and in 1907-08, citizens signed a petition demanding a new school — establishing the Borough of Roseland. Borough elections took place at a general store on Eagle Rock Ave., which today is the town’s main street. Roseland’s rural legacy lasted into the 1950s; the closure of Becker Farm paved the way for commercial Roseland, NJ, real estate.

You might be surprised at the prevalence of outdoor recreation in a New York City suburb just 12 miles west of Newark. Many homes for sale in Roseland, NJ, are close to land that remains more or less preserved from when the Lenape Native Americans lived there.

Becker Park is one of the signature destinations in Roseland. The Becker Tract formerly belonged to Becker Farm, the one-time site of Roseland’s most extensive farmland and a miniature railroad. While at Becker Park, you can stroll the grounds and check out the beautiful outdoor sculptures at Riker Hill Art Park.

Venture a few miles south in Essex County, and you’ll come across the South Mountain Reservation. At 2,112 acres of picturesque forest, the nature reserve evokes 19th-century landscape paintings by artists of the Hudson River School. To hike South Mountain is to encounter nature at its finest, including hardwood trees, streams, and ponds.

Roseland locals take equal pride in their city’s tight-knit community and central location in Essex County. Living in one of New York City’s most intimate suburbs, residents can enjoy their town’s serenity year-round while making the occasional day trip — Roseland, NJ, real estate is just 45 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan. You can reach Philadelphia in less than two hours, and nearby New England promises beautiful fall scenery, mountain hiking, and camping.

Homes for sale in Roseland, NJ, are near several excellent local restaurants. La Cucina Piccola serves delicious Italian food from its downtown location. The pasta is fantastic, whether you opt for Campagna, Ravioli, or Scampi. Its next-door neighbor, Marra’s Italian Specialties, serves grab-and-go prepared foods when you want a quick lunch or dinner. Marra’s makes its own mozzarella, and its sandwiches are fantastic (try the Prosciutto Di Parma, Parmigiana, or cold roast beef). And just off Essex Freeway, Jim Johnson’s Steak House offers tremendous sirloin and prime rib — a community staple since 1979. 

Several special events take place in Roseland throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Summer Concert Series, which takes place at the Harrison Field & Complex near the town center. The series typically runs through September, inviting local musicians to perform for the community.

The city’s Recreation Department operates youth sports programs throughout the year. Sign your children up for basketball, baseball, softball, t-ball, soccer, kickball, or annual competitions.

The city even celebrates Opening Day of the baseball/softball/t-ball season with a parade. Adult sports programming includes men’s softball, kickball, and men’s basketball. Additionally, seasonal events include the Easter Bunny Trail in spring and winter’s Hometown Holiday Celebration. 

When you move to a new city, there are plenty of unknowns. It may take you a few weeks or months to fully acclimate. If this happens, don’t get discouraged. Give yourself plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the area and become accustomed to your new home. Once you feel settled in, you will love calling Roseland home and see why so many people want to live there.

If you’re shopping for Roseland real estate, Ilona Berlaga would love to help you. Ilona is a trusted local real estate agent who takes pride in walking alongside her clients through the entire buying or selling process. Her knowledge of the local market and the best neighborhoods in town is second to none. Contact Ilona Berlaga when you’re looking for someone to help you navigate homebuying. She would be honored to have the opportunity to serve you.