● Laura ●

I happily lived in Nutley from 1991-2000, leaving only for a career opportunity that took me to PA and then NY.  I jumped at the chance to return in 2015, and introduce Nutley to my children.

Nutley has the rare combination of a bustling downtown business district and a small-town feel. I love bumping into friends and neighbors when I’m running errands, and having shopkeepers know my name.  A few weeks after moving here, imagine my surprise when I learned I had bought my pool from the Mayor! (And his surprise to learn that this new resident was starring in a show at Nutley Little Theatre.) 

Of course, the parks have always been, and continue to be a source of beauty and tranquility in a place that is only a few miles from NJ’s largest city, and where you can see the NYC skyline from many a front porch. 

When I returned to NJ in 2015, a high-quality school system was at the top of my priority list. I learned that Nutley still had well-prepared teachers, small class sizes, and outstanding programs in fine arts and athletics, but also had become more diverse and welcoming. I quickly became a “band mom” and I saw the way that my sons’ extracurricular opportunities widened their world. 

Treasured events such as festivals and concerts in the park, football games (and the tree lighting) on the Oval, plays sponsored by NLT, and the annual Boy Scout Food Drive at the Nutley Family Service Bureau, all help to give Nutley the community spirit that I love.  The friends I have made here will last a lifetime, and I am committed to helping Nutley preserve the best of what it is, and embrace all it can be in the future.  That’s why I am #LookingForward

● Andrea ●

There are many wonderful things about Nutley, and I am most grateful for our neighbors and the other residents.  There is the feeling from the townspeople of taking care of each other that I have not encountered before. From pulling together after the hurricane to PTO events to simple camaraderie, the town’s sense of unity has certainly made buying a house for the first time, navigating the pandemic, and being working parents that much easier. 

My son’s teachers and advisors at Spring Garden School have impressed me with their professionalism, knowledge and care. I like nothing better than when my son tells me about what he has learned that day or the interesting conversations he has had. 

Another favorite of mine about Nutley (you know what is coming) is the parks!  I love running in them for my sanity, strolling in them for pleasure and attending the town events for the social connection. 

On that same note, we have been able to take advantage of the various programs the town has to offer. My son has participated in tennis lessons, Camp Nutley and creative writing class.  My husband has become an active member of the Nutley Little Theater.  Walking to the farmer’s market with our beagle, Herbie, is one of my favorite weekend things to do.

The children and adults of this town are very fortunate to have activities and offerings that take a holistic view of the needs of the community. My family and I are also very fortunate to have become part of a town with such character and heart. I am #LookingFoward to being an even bigger part of its fabric and its future.