24 / matters magazine / home&garden 2018 Liam, 19 months, Nolan, 4 months, and Winnie, 2-1/2, are bound to be good friends given that their families have all moved to the same street. home search played out on Gchat and text messages between the group throughout the last months of 2017. “There was a lot of texting in all-caps,” says Katy. “Living near each other in Hobo- ken, a block away from your friends is one thing, but to actually purchase our homes on the same street a month after each other is kind of crazy,” says Terry. Their enthusiasm for Maplewood also played a huge role in the decision. “I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and my mom had to drive me to my friends’ houses,” says Dan. “You can walk everywhere here. When we were looking at the neighborhood, it was 75 degrees and breezy. We walked by some kids who had set up a lemonade stand. This is the place that I wanted to grow up.” According to Heather, the DeMon- tes were house hunting at the perfect time. “When you’re in the height of spring market and all the flowers are out and people are sitting on the bench outside of the ice cream store, the town looks amazing” she explains. “All you do is take them to Able Baker and clients say, ‘Sign me up!’ Maple- wood really sells itself.” “Maplewood has the same feeling of Mt. Lebanon,” says Brian, referring to the Pittsburgh neighborhood where he grew up. “Even in Hoboken, we didn’t know half the neighbors in our building.” “It’s the sense of community,” adds John. “There are sidewalks everywhere and you can build relationships with your neighbors.” The three families are looking for- ward to getting settled into their new homes. Even during the process of transition, they saw evidence that Rut- gers Street was the right place for them. “Shannon and Kyle [O’Reilly, the previous owners] were super kind in giving us a tour of the house prior to us moving,” explains Kerrie. “They left their custom baby gates up for us, as well as some toys in the basement that Nolan will definitely love as he gets a little older.” The couples are looking forward to their kids growing up together. “We’re going to call it Rutgers Street daycare,” says Dan. “They’re all fabulous. We work with a lot of people, but I really love this little gang,” Heather says. So do these new Maplewood resi- dents have plans to recruit other friends to move to Rutgers Street? “Why stop now?” said John. “We’re only a few more houses away from forming our own colony.” Donny Levit is a journalist, music nerd, and, by odd coincidence, moved to Rut- gers Street in Maplewood just seven months ago. He is the author of Rock n’ Roll Lies, 10 Stories. Follow him on @donnyreports. OPEN HOUSE Friday, May 11 RSVP @ farbrook.org THE POWER OF AN INSPIRED EDUCATION CO-ED n NURSERY THROUGH GRADE 8 n SHORT HILLS, NJ P R O G R E S S I V E E D U C A T I O N S I N C E 1 9 4 8 Warranty up to 4 years Painting Since 1996 Carpentry and Deck Refinishing High Quality Preparation & Painting Follow Lead Safety Regulations (we use HEPA vacuums) Fully Insured and Licensed www.independentpainters.com