NJ Transit's Midtown Direct service from South Orange station reaches New York Penn Station in approximately 30 minutes. Trains run frequently during weekday peak hours, making South Orange one of the more convenient suburban NJ communities for people who commute to Manhattan regularly.

South Orange is the home of Seton Hall University and is well-suited for off-campus students who value walkability, proximity to campus, and easy access to New York City via NJ Transit. Rents are moderate by northern New Jersey standards, and the downtown area offers enough dining and retail to meet daily needs.

Maplewood is directly adjacent to South Orange and has a similar suburban character with a lively downtown along Springfield Avenue. Many Seton Hall students consider Maplewood alongside South Orange because it is also served by NJ Transit's Midtown Direct line and offers a comparable range of rental housing options.

You can get by without a car if you live close to the South Orange train station and the Seton Hall campus, since transit, walking, and biking cover most daily needs in that area. However, a car becomes increasingly helpful for reaching destinations beyond the immediate township and for accessing services not served by the NJ Transit bus network.

The South Orange rental market is moderately competitive, driven by demand from Seton Hall students and Manhattan commuters. The best apartments near the train station and campus tend to rent quickly in early spring, so students are advised to start searching in January or February for fall occupancy.