Verona is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, set in the valley between the Watchung ridges and bordered by Montclair, Cedar Grove, West Orange, Essex Fells, and North Caldwell. The area was known as Vernon Valley in the 1800s, but because that name was already in postal use, the community adopted the name Verona, drawn from the Italian city. The New Jersey Legislature incorporated Verona as a township in 1892. About 14,500 residents live in the township, which is known for its walkable, family-oriented character and its well-kept residential streets. The housing stock is compact and established, ranging from single-family homes on modest lots to some attached housing, and it serves first-time buyers, upsizers, and downsizers alike. Verona Park, part of the Essex County park system, is the community's centerpiece, offering a lake, walking paths, and green space in the heart of town. Recreation extends to Kip's Castle Park, Eden Wild, Everett Field, the Verona Community Pool, and tennis courts. Verona is served by Verona Public Schools, a full K-12 pathway that includes four elementary schools, H.B. Whitehorne Middle School, and Verona High School, along with private options such as Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School. The town has been recognized as one of New Jersey Monthly's "25 Great Towns." For commuters, NJ Transit bus routes connect Verona to Newark, where PATH and rail service reach New York, and DeCamp bus lines provide direct service toward Manhattan. The Garden State Parkway and Interstate 80 run nearby. Verona offers a classic Essex County suburban experience: a strong public school system, a beloved county park, and convenient access to both Newark and New York.