“I’ve really discovered a passion for real estate and helping other families make the leap from city to suburban life… it’s so rewarding and powerful!”
Jenn and her family landed in South Orange about three years ago after an extensive suburban search. SOMA was the spot that most fit their requirements: a welcoming and diverse community, pretty neighborhoods, quaint downtowns and a quick train-ride to the City. Since arriving she’s also transitioned in her career, trading fashion design for brands like Theory, Faherty and Michael Kors, to becoming a local real estate agent. She really fell in love with the area and became passionate about helping other like-minded families make the transition from Brooklyn to the ‘burbs. I was eager to sit down with Jenn to talk about what she loves most about South Orange and Maplewood, and delve in a little into the current state of real estate.
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Name: Jennifer Marie Mueller
Place of birth: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Places lived: Philadelphia, London, Brooklyn, Jersey City
Current city: South Orange, NJ
Occupation: Realtor
Afield: Like many in the area, you made the move to South Orange after several years in New York. Why did you decide to make that change?
Jennifer Mueller: Having young active boys who need to run around more inspired us to seek a little patch of grass and a yard for the kids. We wanted to exchange the city setting for a quaint little neighborhood with pretty, tree-lined streets, so we researched and checked out a lot of different towns along the train line. SOMA was the first place we looked and the community we landed on in the end. I’m so happy we did…South Orange is such a great town!
A: What do you love about living in South Orange?
JM: Being a homeowner with more space and the quick commute to NYC and the proximity to beaches is great (I love Spring Lake and Cape May!). The hiking and running trails in South Mountain Reservation are such a bonus. I love the cultural diversity and open-mindedness of the community. And the old homes and picturesque neighborhoods really remind me of where I grew up… it just feels right. It’s really just the perfect blend of urban/suburban.
Afield Guide
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Regatta Playground and Turtleback Zoo
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Upstate New York. I love the Woodstock Way Hotel and Three Turtle Doves for the best vintage finds and SILVIA for dinner and cocktails.
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Sue Alexander, my personal trainer extraordinaire!
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Studio 509 in Maplewood! I am there every day, I do the dance fusion classes, but they have pilates & TRX too.
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SOMA Brewing Co, and I’m obsessed with Neighbors Wine Shop
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Hemlock Falls and Reeves Reed Arboretum
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Tulum, anywhere warm and tropical I’m missing right now! The coqui coqui perfume takes me back
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I can’t wait for Summer! I'm obsessed with all the summery, beachy things right now….
Ulla Johnson pretty printed dresses & tops
Cut out midi dresses & jumpsuits from Faithfull the Brand
Swimwear from Marysia, Bondi Born, & Zimmerman (and all the Aussie brands!)
The Chicest beach chairs ever by Sunflow
Those beautiful woven kaftans & dresses from LemLem
Stacking bracelets from Meus
Jewelry by Spring Lake designer Jemma Lulu Jewelry
A: Anything you miss about the City?
JM: We have some great restaurants around here, Arturo’s, Lorena’s, Common Lot and Fox & Falcon, to name a few. But we could use more, and bars too…there’s definitely enough demand for more cool places! And of course as a fashion lover I want more shops and boutiques. But in the end, SOMa is where I want to be and my goal is to get more of my Brooklyn friends out here!
A: Speaking of changes, you recently transitioned from a career in fashion to real estate. What led to that decision?
JM: It was mainly about flexibility. After having my second baby I knew I wanted to have more control over my time. I’ve really discovered a passion for real estate and helping other families make the leap from city to suburban life…it’s so rewarding and powerful! I still have a deep love for fashion, but working in real estate is like having my own business, with the dedication that comes along with that. And my design background has proven to be very useful. Calling on my creative skills and discerning eye helps to create an elevated aesthetic experience for my clients. Many of my Clients are Creatives or Professionals moving from the city or Brooklyn, just like we did, and I am so grateful to be able to help them find their happy place here in SOMA!
A:The real estate market in the New Jersey suburbs has been booming as of late, what is the current state of the industry?
Still booming! The inventory is low which indicates a scarcity of supply, which drives demand and increased sales prices. Young families are looking for more space, and work-from-home trends require households needing private spaces to use as home offices. A lot of sellers in the area are moving even further out of Metro NY and seeking more space, as their commute to NYC is no longer a factor. And we are still seeing multiple offers on houses, with really amazing listings going in one weekend! It’s still a great time to list your home if you have been thinking about it.
Jenn Mueller is a real estate agent in South Orange and Maplewood. She was recently awarded Rookie of the Year for 2021 by Keller Williams Midtown Direct.
