Glen Ridge Family Finds “Soft Landing” at Stonehill at West Orange 

When Cliff and Jeanne Molloy decided to sell their Glen Ridge home of 24 years, they knew it would be an emotional process, but they were also excited about the benefits of moving to an apartment. 

The Molloys wanted to reduce their home maintenance requirements and capitalize on a hot real estate market. After some diligent apartment hunting, they discovered a new community, Stonehill at West Orange, was the perfect fit. They sold their home and moved to Stonehill in August. Here are some tips they can offer from their experience: 

Tip #1: Search for the Right Fit 

The Molloys didn’t settle for the first apartment building they toured. They searched until they found a rental community with modern interior spaces, large floorplans, and a bright, welcoming atmosphere that made the whole family feel at home, including the dog. They discovered Stonehill at the end of a long drive home from their daughter Casey’s graduation from the University of Notre Dame and decided to check it out. 

Stonehill was the perfect fit. The grounds were beautiful and the front entrance had that “wow” factor. A corner unit with soaring ceilings, natural light, and hilltop views was available. Selling a home with so many memories was certainly emotional, but they were also excited to embrace luxury rental living. 

“It was difficult to let go of the home our children grew up in, but I would call moving to Stonehill a soft landing,” Ms. Molloy said. “It’s such a pleasant place. The whole lifestyle is easy and everything is brand new and beautiful. The amenities are wonderful. The staff is phenomenal. Just knowing I was coming somewhere as lovely as Stonehill made the whole transition so much easier.” 

Tip #2: Plan for Family and Furniture 

Moving from a house to an apartment doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be tight on living space. Take it from the Molloys. They say considering floorplans with flexible spaces, such as a den or a walk-in closet, can open a lot of options. 

Their apartment at Stonehill is a two-bedroom, two-bath residence with a modern kitchen, top-of-the-line appliances, open concept layout and a den. It’s enough space for their daughters Casey and Erin to live with them, as well as their 10-year-old goldendoodle, Rylee.  

The family had to pare down some belongings to make the move, but not nearly as much as they envisioned. Their apartment accommodates a lot of furniture.  

“We were able to keep the same couch, the same dining room table… I was amazed at what we could fit in,” Ms. Molloy said.  

Tip #3: Embrace “Ski Lodge” Living 

New Jersey’s upscale apartment buildings like to compare themselves to luxury resorts. Ms. Molloy thinks a ski lodge comparison is more appropriate.  

“I jokingly call this the ski lodge because the lobby is so beautiful,” Ms. Molloy said. “With the way the sunshine pours inside, I just feel like I am living in a ski lodge.” 

She says people moving to an apartment community like Stonehill can expect a vacation-like experience because of all of the amenities and services they offer, as well as special resident events. 

Ms. Molloy enjoys the fitness center, movie nights in the screening room, and hopping into the swimming pool during the summer. The co-working lounges with private offices are convenient for work-from-home days. There are also lounges and game rooms spread across the property, including two sports simulator lounges. When the Molloys hosted a 16-person Thanksgiving dinner last year they spent three hours playing together on one of the sports simulators, making for a memorable holiday.  

Stonehill’s resident shuttle to the train station is another key convenience. Casey and Erin use it frequently for easy access to Manhattan.  

Tip #4: Balance Familiar Territory with Expanding Horizons 

Deciding whether to stay in the same town you’ve lived in for years or expand your horizons can be a difficult choice. The Molloys found a happy medium.  

Stonehill is about five miles from their old home. It is enough of a change to expose them to new experiences, but still close to their favorite haunts. They are going new places and trying new restaurants, but can still easily visit friends in Upper Montclair and familiar destinations like the Commonwealth Club, where Ms. Molloy competes in a women’s bowling league. 

“It’s kind of fun living here because it is familiar territory, but we get exposed to new places that we never visited previously. We found some great places. There is a great steakhouse and a great pizza place.” Ms. Molloy said. “Having proximity to Montclair is important too because we are very rooted in that community. So, we hit the best of all worlds with this location.”  

Stonehill is a collection of 400+ residences and 44,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities at 1000 Executive Drive in West Orange. It is part of a vibrant new neighborhood near shopping, dining, and entertainment at Essex Green Town Center, as well as a new public library and dog park. One- and two-bedroom residences are currently available to lease at monthly rental rates starting from the $2,600s and the $3,500s, respectively. Some of the community’s largest residences – offering two bedrooms, a den, an open floorplan and private outdoor space – are still available. 

For more information or to schedule a private tour, please visit www.LiveAtStonehill.com or call 973-567-3553. Generous leasing specials are still available for a limited time.